Identification of Key Metabolic Pathways in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Mass Spectrometry, NMR and Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy

摘要

Our ability to overcome human disease is based on understanding causation. Such enlightenment generates therapeutic designs and diagnostic approaches for prevention and treatment. Complex diseases, however, do not follow such first order causes and effect. They are not limited to specific genes, pathogens, toxicoses, or environmenta influences. We applied three technologies (MS, NMR and cavity ring-down spectroscopy) to analyze plasma and breath samples in order to identify key pathways of individuals diagnosed with the complex disease polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Time-dependent concentration changes were examined in the context of known metabolic pathways. These concepts were applied for the first time in humans to identify metabolites that can 1) serve as early diagnostic indicators of PCOS, 2) provide a better understanding of the metabolic pathways affected by PCOS and 3) suggest therapeutic interventions.