Metabolomic profiling: what does the body tell us?
In recent years, the metabolomics has allowed us to analyse with great precision the metabolites present in the blood, urine and other body fluids of obese people. These analyses revealed the presence of alterations specific metabolic profiles compared to normal weight subjects. In particular, abnormal levels of branched-chain amino acids, lipids And fatty acids which appear to be associated with an increased risk of developing complications metabolomics, such as diabetes of type 2. These biomarkers can become valuable tools for identify early subjects at risk and personalize interventions therapeutic.
Metabolomics as a guide for personalized treatments
A very promising area of research is the use of metabolomics For monitor the effectiveness of the diets and of the anti-obesity drugs. Several studies have shown that by analyzing changes in metabolomic profiles during a diet or drug treatment, it is possible to evaluate in real time how the body responds. This allows us to customize the intervention, choosing the most suitable approach for each person. For example, some molecules Metabolic factors can indicate whether an individual responds better to a high-fiber or low-fiber diet. fats, thus optimizing the results and reducing the risk of side effects.
The future of prevention: towards precision medicine
The applications of the metabolomics are paving the way for a preventive medicine increasingly precise. The integration of the metabolomics with other approaches, such as the genomics and the microbiomics, is creating comprehensive profiles of individual health. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to predict the development of obesity even before symptoms appear, thus providing the opportunity to intervene with targeted strategies. In the future, it will be possible to have tools diagnostics rapid and non-invasive which, thanks to the analysis metabolomics, will help doctors and patients to prevent and manage obesity more effectively and sustainably.
For further information:
- Newgard CB. Metabolomics and Metabolic Diseases: Where Do We Stand? Cell Metab. 2017 Jan 10;25(1):43–56. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.09.018 (This article provides a clear overview of how metabolomics is being used to understand the mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases, including obesity, and discusses key biomarkers that have emerged in recent years.)
- Payab M, Tayanloo-Beik A, Falahzadeh K, Mousavi M, Salehi S, Djalalinia S, Ebrahimpur M, Rezaei N, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Larijani B, Arjmand B, Gilany K. Metabolomics perspective of obesity and metabolic syndrome; a systematic review. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2021 Nov 26;21(1):889–917. doi: 10.1007/s40200-021-00917-w (A systematic review useful for those seeking an overview of metabolomics findings in the diagnosis and management of obesity and metabolic syndrome).
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