Plasma Lysophosphatidylcholine Levels: Potential Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

A B S T R A C T PurposePlasma levels of lysophospholipids were evaluated as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC), where a highly reliable and minimally invasive blood test is lacking. Patients and MethodsPatients with CRC (n ϭ 133) and control subjects (n ϭ 125) were recruited through the Cleveland Clinic. Preoperative plasma samples were analyzed for lysophospholipid levels using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry in a blinded fashion. Participants were randomly divided in a 2:1 ratio into a "training set" (TS) and a "validation set" (VS). Logistic regression models were used in the TS to identify markers that best discriminated between CRC and controls. A cutoff point for the final discriminating model was developed using the receiver operating characteristic curve to achieve 95% specificity. All analyses were then independently validated in the VS. ResultsPlasma levels of several lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), including 18:1-and 18:2-LPC, were significantly decreased in CRC patients compared with controls (P Ͻ .001). A model based on total saturated LPC and the difference between the proportional amounts of 18:2-LPC and 18:1-LPC in the unsaturated LPC fraction was derived from the TS. This model achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 93%, respectively, in the VS. Overall, 118 (94%) of 125 control subjects and 113 (85%) of 133 CRC cases were correctly identified, including eight (89%) of nine CRC cases with stage T1 disease. ConclusionPercentage of 18:1-LPC or 18:2-LPC plasma levels compared with total saturated LPC levels, either individually or in combination, may represent potential biomarkers for CRC.

Lipid profiling of FPLC-separated lipoprotein fractions by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

“…Recently, a variety of lipid species were discovered as novel biomarkers in different diseases (9)(10)(11). So far, most studies used unseparated plasma or serum samples.…”

“…Additionally, there is a relationship between HDL mediated cellular cholesterol efflux, phospholipid acyl chain length, and degree of unsaturation (8). Recently, LPC plasma levels were discussed as a biomarker in ovarian (9) and colorectal (10) cancer as well as sepsis (11). A diseasespecific species pattern was also observed for CER (11) in sepsis patients.…”

Studies on Preparation of Lysophospholipids from Soybean Phospholipids Using Lipozyme TL IM Immobilized Enzyme

“…LPLs exhibit a broad range of biological activities in their own right which is applied for the prevention of growing number of diseases, such as neuropathic pain, atherosclerosis, inflammation, cancer and obesity [7][8][9][10] . SBLPLs have potential role as important ingredients in food for long term storage which are used to prevent unwanted colorization of food or any microbial contamination.…”

Metabolomic analysis and identification of a role for the orphan human cytochrome P450 2W1 in selective oxidation of lysophospholipids

“…In particular, LPCs are endogenous proinfl ammatory lipids that stimulate chemotaxis of T lymphocytes ( 48 ) and macrophages ( 49 ). Decreased concentrations of LPCs have been identifi ed in the plasma of colorectal cancer and lung cancer patients ( 39,50 ). Thus, decreased LPC levels may be an important contributing factor for tumor development.…”