Reduced Plasma Levels of Very-Long-Chain Dicarboxylic Acid 28:4 in Italian and Brazilian Colorectal Cancer Patient Cohorts

• Main Authors: Paul L. Wood, Michelle M. Donohue, John E. Cebak, Taylor G. Beckmann, Márcia Cristina Fernandes Messias, Laura Credidio, Cláudio Saddy Rodrigues Coy, Patrícia de Oliveira Carvalho, Sara Crotti, Sara D’Aronco, Emanuele D.L. Urso, Marco Agostini
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-12-01
• Series: Metabolites
• Subjects: colorectal cancer; inflammation; very-long-chain dicarboxylic acid 28:4; familial adenomatous polyposis; high-resolution mass spectrometry; cancer biomarker
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/8/4/91

Background: There are currently no blood-based biomarkers for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Previous research has suggested that very-long-chain dicarboxylic acid (VLCDCA) 28:4 might be such a biomarker. Methods: Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we analyzed VLCDCA 28:4 in the plasma of colorectal cancer patients in Italian [<i>n</i> = 62] and Brazilian [<i>n</i> = 52] cohorts. Additionally, we investigated individuals diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP; <i>n</i> = 27), one of the most important clinical forms of inherited susceptibility to colorectal cancer. <i>Results:</i> Decrements in plasma levels of VLCDCA 28:4 were monitored in colorectal cancer patients. These decreases were independent of the stage of tumor development and the individual&#8217;s age. However, no decrements in VLCDCA 28:4 were monitored in FAP patients. Conclusions: The plasma levels of VLCDCA 28:4 represent a potential biomarker of sporadic colorectal cancer. In addition, it is possible that resupply of this anti-inflammatory lipid may represent a new therapeutic strategy for CRC and inflammatory disorders.