Optimization of Sample Preparation for Metabolomics Exploration of Urine, Feces, Blood and Saliva in Humans Using Combined NMR and UHPLC-HRMS Platforms

Molecules. 2021 Jul 6;26(14):4111. doi: 10.3390/molecules26144111.

Abstract

Currently, most clinical studies in metabolomics only consider a single type of sample such as urine, plasma, or feces and use a single analytical platform, either NMR or MS. Although some studies have already investigated metabolomics data from multiple fluids, the information is limited to a unique analytical platform. On the other hand, clinical studies investigating the human metabolome that combine multi-analytical platforms have focused on a single biofluid. Combining data from multiple sample types for one patient using a multimodal analytical approach (NMR and MS) should extend the metabolome coverage. Pre-analytical and analytical phases are time consuming. These steps need to be improved in order to move into clinical studies that deal with a large number of patient samples. Our study describes a standard operating procedure for biological specimens (urine, blood, saliva, and feces) using multiple platforms (1H-NMR, RP-UHPLC-MS, and HILIC-UHPLC-MS). Each sample type follows a unique sample preparation procedure for analysis on a multi-platform basis. Our method was evaluated for its robustness and was able to generate a representative metabolic map.

Keywords: 1H-NMR; UHPLC-HRMS; biological fluids; extraction protocol; metabolomic card.

MeSH terms

  • Blood / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods
  • Metabolome*
  • Saliva / chemistry*
  • Specimen Handling / standards*
  • Urine / chemistry*