NMR Metabolomics for Medical Applications

Salus aegroti suprema lex - Das Wohl des Kranken sei höchstes Gesetz (Foto: Rüdiger Labahn / Universität zu Lübeck)

Many years after its inception, metabolomics is still in search of a clear role in medical applications. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) has an advantage due to its high reproducibility and platform independence. However, it has been considerably hindered by its limited sensitivity compared to mass spectrometry. Despite this, NMR can now detect and partially quantify over 40 metabolites, approximately 100 lipoprotein parameters, and several inflammation markers from blood serum or plasma.

In this talk, I will present the latest advancements in converting NMR-metabolomics into a platform for practical medical applications. To this end, we have meticulously evaluated the reproducibility of NMR results obtained from blood samples in large cohorts, in collaboration with three clinical universities in Northern Germany. Additionally, we have developed new methods to derive detailed parameters for acute-phase protein glycosylations. Glycosylation analysis by NMR shows significant promise, potentially outperforming other methods due to its rapid measurements and focus on key blood proteins, which are crucial markers for inflammatory diseases and cancer. As an example, we detect a specific fucosylation in samples from hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

In summary, this talk will highlight the transformative potential of NMR-metabolomics in clinical settings, offering new diagnostic and prognostic tools for various diseases.

• Dr. Alvaro Mallagaray de Benito, Institut für Chemie und Metabolomics der Universität zu Lübeck, schließt mit der Antrittsvorlesung seine Habilitation an der Universität ab.