Metabolomics Analysis

Comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analyses of both endogenous and exogenous metabolites to examine altered physiopathological processes. Our analysis covers up to 500 polar metabolites, such as amino acids, acylcarnitines, sugars, and organic acids, aiming to identify metabolic disorders in human, animal, and cellular models.
We handle all types of biological samples including biofluids (plasma, saliva, blood), suspended cells, adherent cells, exosomes, organoids, and tissue samples (from clinical biopsies or in vivo models).
We employ both univariate and multivariate statistical methods to ensure precise interpretation of complex datasets. Our data analysis capabilities are integral to all our services.

The instrumentation employed for metabolomic analysis is a hybrid quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometer Exploris 120 (Thermo Fisher Scientific) interfaced by a front-end UHPLC system Vanquish Flex.

📍The metabolomics analysis services are provided by University of Salerno.

Biomarker Identification

Identifying and quantifying prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for different diseases, including oncological and viral pathologies, for clinical trials support.
Perform targeted or untargeted analysis of endogenous and exogenous metabolites with applications in:

  • Therapy evaluation: monitoring the effectiveness of therapies and deciphering drug mechanisms, safety profiles, or toxicity.
  • Patient response analysis: identifying responder and non-responder patients to tailor personalized treatment approaches.
  • Drug action mechanisms: supporting the development of new drugs by understanding their mechanisms of action.

Pharmacokinetic Studies

Assisting pharmaceutical chemists in the transition of compounds from initial hits to lead candidates. Our services include:

  • In vitro and in vivo ADMET simulation: using immobilized artificial membranes, hepatic microsomes from various species, and plasma protein binding assays.
  • Metabolite identification: detecting unknown metabolites, assessing drug metabolization levels, and conducting in vivo biodistribution studies using animal plasma.
  • Stability tests: evaluating drug stability under various stress conditions such as chemical stress, UV light, and temperature changes.

Nutraceuticals and Food-omics

Explore how lifestyle factors like diet and the use of dietary supplements can impact health by understanding the interactions between food components and biological systems, particularly focusing on metabolism disorders.
Analyse the effect of natural products by isolating and testing natural molecules with potential health benefits for both human and animal health. Our techniques include advanced extraction methods, employing environmentally friendly techniques such as microwave-assisted extraction, eutectic solvents, and ionic liquids, and in vitro and in vivo assays to test health-promoting properties, including evaluation of antioxidant capacity

Selected Publications

  • “Metabolomics-assisted discovery of a new anticancer GLS-1 inhibitor chemotype from a nortopsentin-inspired library: From phenotype screening to target identification”
    D. Carbone et al., European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2022, 234, 114233
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114233
  • “Multi-omics analysis reveals attenuation of cellular stress by empagliflozin in high glucose-treated human cardiomyocytes”
    L. Scisciola et al., Journal of Translational Medicine, 2023, 21, 662
    DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04537-1
  • “Integrated plasma metabolomics and lipidomics profiling highlights distinctive signature of hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV patients”
    V. Caponigro et al., Journal of Translational Medicine, 2023, 21, 918
    DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04801-4
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