Metabolism as a common origin of diseases
The complex chronic diseases – like Alzheimer, depression, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases And tumors – they share a multifactorial origin linked to the interaction between genetics, environment And microbiome. For years, research has focused on genomics, proteomics And microbiomics, but these disciplines alone cannot explain the evolution of the disease or predict its course. The global increase in these conditions, despite enormous scientific investments, requires a change of perspective based on the role of metabolism as a triggering factor, rather than as a simple consequence of pathological processes.
The decisive contribution of metabolomics
There metabolomics represents the missing key element to truly understanding these diseases. metabolomics study the metabolites, molecules that reflect the interaction between diet, microbiome And genetics, offering a direct image of the state of health. In particular, the Western-style diet (WSD), theobesity and metabolic disorders profoundly alter the balance of metabolites produced by the intestine, favoring underlying inflammatory conditions that can “prepare the ground” for the development of chronic diseases. metabolomics It therefore allows us to identify new biomarkers, to understand the disease progression and to identify therapeutic targets earlier and more effective.
From diet to microbiome: an integrated disease model
Innovative models connect the nutrients introduced with the diet, the effects on microbiome, the production of microbial metabolites and the changes observed in the metabolic profiles of patients. This approach confirms the critical role of microbiome as a regulator of inflammation and as a possible therapeutic target. The results suggest that only by integrating the metabolic perspective will it be possible to advance the precision medicine, improve prevention and identify new strategies against complex chronic diseases, overcoming the limitations of approaches based exclusively on genetics.
For further information:
Brydges CR, et al. Metabolomic and inflammatory signatures of symptom dimensions in major depression. Brain Behav Immun. 2022 May;102:42-52. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.02.003.