Exploring the potential relationship between serum biomarkers in obese individuals and cancer using FTIR, metabolomics, and lipidomics.

INTRODUCTION

Robust evidence endorsed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer demonstrates that excess body fat represents a risk for the development of at least 13 types of cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the serum of individuals with obesity who had no history of cancer (either personal or familial) to identify biomarkers.

METHODS

45 individuals were included in this study; they did not show significant differences regarding age, sex, or physical activity. A quality-of-life questionnaire was administered to all participants, revealing that the obese group self-reported difficulties in functional capacity and a greater association with comorbidities, notably hypertension. FTIR, metabolomic, and lipidomic analyses were performed to identify spectral peaks, metabolic, and lipids differentiating between the NO (non-obese) and OB (obese) groups.

RESULTS

The identified peaks are predominantly associated with profiles of lipids, carbohydrates, and nitrogenous compounds. A total of six metabolites and lipids were identified at different levels in the serum of the OB group that have a direct relationship with the development or metabolism of cancer cells (three metabolites and three lipids). Among these, some suggest a reduced likelihood of cancer development, while others indicate an increased potential for cancer development. In this context, we can highlight two substances: the metabolite 4-Hydroxyphenylglyoxylate, which is reduced in the serum of individuals with obesity, and the lipid Glycidyl palmitate, which is elevated in individuals with obesity.

CONCLUSION

4-Hydroxyphenylglyoxylate and Glycidyl palmitate can be used as biomarkers for cancer and obesity correlation. New experiments manipulating these substances may contribute to a better understanding of their interactions with cancer cells.