Volatile Organic Compounds as Diagnostic Biomarkers in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases
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Chris SJ Probert1*, Iftikhar Ahmed1*, Tanzeela Khalid1, Emmanuel Johnson1, Stephen Smith2, Norman Ratcliffe2
1) Clinical Science at South Bristol, University of Bristol, UK BS2 8HW;
2) Centre for Research in Analytical, Materials and Sensor Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK BS16 1QY, United Kingdom
Abstract
The assessment of disease activity in various conditions may be performed using a range of different techniques. These include the use of non-invasive tests, such as acute phase inflammatory markers and simple radiological techniques, to more advanced invasive and complex modalities. Over the past two decades the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in biological specimens has attracted a considerable amount of clinical interest. The investigation of VOCs, using a variety of analytical techniques, has shown a significant correlation between the pattern and concentration of VOCs and the occurrence of various diseases. This provides a potentially non-invasive means of diagnosis, monitoring of pathological processes and assessment of pharmacological response. It may be rapid, simple and acceptable to patients. In this paper we review the medical literature and research efforts that have been carried out over the past decades, and try to summarize the clinical implications of VOC analysis of various biological emanations including stool, breath and blood samples and their correlation with gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
Key words
Volatile organic compounds - solid phase microextraction - gas chromatography/mass spectrometer - oxidative stress - inflammation - cirrhosis - encephalopathy - faecal microbiota.
