An overview of fecal sample preparation for global metabolic profiling

Nutrimetabolomics: An Integrative Action for Metabolomic Analyses in Human Nutritional Studies

The life sciences are currently being transformed by an unprecedented wave of developments in molecular analysis, which include important advances in instrumental analysis as well as biocomputing. In light of the central role played by metabolism in nutrition, metabolomics is rapidly being established as a key analytical tool in human nutritional studies. Consequently, an increasing number of nutritionists integrate metabolomics into their study designs. Within this dynamic landscape, the potential of nutritional metabolomics (nutrimetabolomics) to be translated into a science, which can impact on health policies, still needs to be realized. A key element to reach this goal is the ability of the research community to join, to collectively make the best use of the potential offered by nutritional metabolomics. This article, therefore, provides a methodological description of nutritional metabolomics that reflects on the state-of-the-art techniques used in the laboratories of the Food Biomarker Alliance (funded by the European Joint Programming Initiative "A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life" (JPI HDHL)) as well as points of reflections to harmonize this field. It is not intended to be exhaustive but rather to present a pragmatic guidance on metabolomic methodologies, providing readers with useful "tips and tricks" along the analytical workflow.

Proteomics and the microbiome: pitfalls and potential

Introduction: Human symbiotic microbiota are now known to play important roles in human health and disease. Significant progress in our understanding of the human microbiome has been driven by recent technological advances in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. As a complementary method to metagenomics, proteomics is enabling detailed protein profiling of the microbiome to decipher its structure and function and to analyze its relationship with the human body. Fecal proteomics is being increasingly applied to discover and validate potential health and disease biomarkers, and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved instrumentation and a range of clinical assays are being developed that will collectively play key roles in advancing personalized medicine. Areas covered: This review will introduce the complexity of the microbiome and its role in health and disease (in particular the gastrointestinal tract or gut microbiome), discuss current genomic and proteomic methods for studying this system, including the discovery of potential biomarkers, and outline the development of clinically accepted protocols leading to personalized medicine. Expert commentary: Recognition of the important role the microbiome plays in both health and disease is driving current research in this key area. A proteogenomics approach will be essential to unravel the biologies underlying this complex network.

Metabolome analysis for investigating host-gut microbiota interactions

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is associated with host health conditions. Many diseases have shown to have correlations with imbalanced microbiota, including obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and even neurodegeneration disorders. Metabolomics studies targeting small molecule metabolites that impact the host metabolome and their biochemical functions have shown promise for studying host-gut microbiota interactions. Metabolome analysis determines the metabolites being discussed for their biological implications in host-gut microbiota interactions. To facilitate understanding the critical aspects of metabolome analysis, this article reviewed (1) the sample types used in host-gut microbiome studies; (2) mass spectrometry (MS)-based analytical methods and (3) useful tools for MS-based data processing/analysis. In addition to the most frequently used sample type, feces, we also discussed others biosamples, such as urine, plasma/serum, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, exhaled breaths, and tissues, to better understand gut metabolite systemic effects on the whole organism. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS), three powerful tools that can be utilized to study host-gut microbiota interactions, are included with examples of their applications. After obtaining big data from MS-based instruments, noise removal, peak detection, missing value imputation, and data analysis are all important steps for acquiring valid results in host-gut microbiome research. The information provided in this review will help new researchers aiming to join this field by providing a global view of the analytical aspects involved in gut microbiota-related metabolomics studies.

Investigating the Campylobacter jejuni Transcriptional Response to Host Intestinal Extracts Reveals the Involvement of a Widely Conserved Iron Uptake System

Campylobacter jejuni is a pathogenic bacterium that causes gastroenteritis in humans yet is a widespread commensal in wild and domestic animals, particularly poultry. Using RNA sequencing, we assessed C. jejuni transcriptional responses to medium supplemented with human fecal versus chicken cecal extracts and in extract-supplemented medium versus medium alone. C. jejuni exposed to extracts had altered expression of 40 genes related to iron uptake, metabolism, chemotaxis, energy production, and osmotic stress response. In human fecal versus chicken cecal extracts, C. jejuni displayed higher expression of genes involved in respiration (fdhTU) and in known or putative iron uptake systems (cfbpA, ceuB, chuC, and CJJ81176_1649-1655 [here designated 1649-1655]). The 1649-1655 genes and downstream overlapping gene 1656 were investigated further. Uncharacterized homologues of this system were identified in 33 diverse bacterial species representing 6 different phyla, 21 of which are associated with human disease. The 1649 and 1650 (p19) genes encode an iron transporter and a periplasmic iron binding protein, respectively; however, the role of the downstream 1651-1656 genes was unknown. A Δ1651-1656 deletion strain had an iron-sensitive phenotype, consistent with a previously characterized Δp19 mutant, and showed reduced growth in acidic medium, increased sensitivity to streptomycin, and higher resistance to H2O2 stress. In iron-restricted medium, the 1651-1656 and p19 genes were required for optimal growth when using human fecal extracts as an iron source. Collectively, this implicates a function for the 1649-1656 gene cluster in C. jejuni iron scavenging and stress survival in the human intestinal environment.IMPORTANCE Direct comparative studies of C. jejuni infection of a zoonotic commensal host and a disease-susceptible host are crucial to understanding the causes of infection outcome in humans. These studies are hampered by the lack of a disease-susceptible animal model reliably displaying a similar pathology to human campylobacteriosis. In this work, we compared the phenotypic and transcriptional responses of C. jejuni to intestinal compositions of humans (disease-susceptible host) and chickens (zoonotic host) by using human fecal and chicken cecal extracts. The mammalian gut is a complex and dynamic system containing thousands of metabolites that contribute to host health and modulate pathogen activity. We identified C. jejuni genes more highly expressed during exposure to human fecal extracts in comparison to chicken cecal extracts and differentially expressed in extracts compared with medium alone, and targeted one specific iron uptake system for further molecular, genetic, and phenotypic study.

Synergy between nanomaterials and volatile organic compounds for non-invasive medical evaluation

This article is an overview of the present and ongoing developments in the field of nanomaterial-based sensors for enabling fast, relatively inexpensive and minimally (or non-) invasive diagnostics of health conditions with follow-up by detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) excreted from one or combination of human body fluids and tissues (e.g., blood, urine, breath, skin). Part of the review provides a didactic examination of the concepts and approaches related to emerging sensing materials and transduction techniques linked with the VOC-based non-invasive medical evaluations. We also present and discuss diverse characteristics of these innovative sensors, such as their mode of operation, sensitivity, selectivity and response time, as well as the major approaches proposed for enhancing their ability as hybrid sensors to afford multidimensional sensing and information-based sensing. The other parts of the review give an updated compilation of the past and currently available VOC-based sensors for disease diagnostics. This compilation summarizes all VOCs identified in relation to sickness and sampling origin that links these data with advanced nanomaterial-based sensing technologies. Both strength and pitfalls are discussed and criticized, particularly from the perspective of the information and communication era. Further ideas regarding improvement of sensors, sensor arrays, sensing devices and the proposed workflow are also included.

Preanalytical Processing and Biobanking Procedures of Biological Samples for Metabolomics Research: A White Paper, Community Perspective (for "Precision Medicine and Pharmacometabolomics Task Group"-The Metabolomics Society Initiative)

BACKGROUND

The metabolome of any given biological system contains a diverse range of low molecular weight molecules (metabolites), whose abundances can be affected by the timing and method of sample collection, storage, and handling. Thus, it is necessary to consider the requirements for preanalytical processes and biobanking in metabolomics research. Poor practice can create bias and have deleterious effects on the robustness and reproducibility of acquired data.

CONTENT

This review presents both current practice and latest evidence on preanalytical processes and biobanking of samples intended for metabolomics measurement of common biofluids and tissues. It highlights areas requiring more validation and research and provides some evidence-based guidelines on best practices.

SUMMARY

Although many researchers and biobanking personnel are familiar with the necessity of standardizing sample collection procedures at the axiomatic level (e.g., fasting status, time of day, "time to freezer," sample volume), other less obvious factors can also negatively affect the validity of a study, such as vial size, material and batch, centrifuge speeds, storage temperature, time and conditions, and even environmental changes in the collection room. Any biobank or research study should establish and follow a well-defined and validated protocol for the collection of samples for metabolomics research. This protocol should be fully documented in any resulting study and should involve all stakeholders in its design. The use of samples that have been collected using standardized and validated protocols is a prerequisite to enable robust biological interpretation unhindered by unnecessary preanalytical factors that may complicate data analysis and interpretation.

Gut metabolome meets microbiome: A methodological perspective to understand the relationship between host and microbe

It is well established that gut microbes and their metabolic products regulate host metabolism. The interactions between the host and its gut microbiota are highly dynamic and complex. In this review we present and discuss the metabolomic strategies to study the gut microbial ecosystem. We highlight the metabolic profiling approaches to study faecal samples aimed at deciphering the metabolic product derived from gut microbiota. We also discuss how metabolomics data can be integrated with metagenomics data derived from gut microbiota and how such approaches may lead to better understanding of the microbial functions. Finally, the emerging approaches of genome-scale metabolic modelling to study microbial co-metabolism and host-microbe interactions are highlighted.

The Association of Gut Microbiota with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Thais

Objectives

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can progress to advanced fibrosis; the link between intestinal bacterial overgrowth and NASH has been proposed. Gut microbiota may promote inflammation and provoke disease progression. We evaluated gut microbiota pattern in NASH and its influencing factors.

Methods

A case-controlled study with sixteen NASH and eight control subjects was done. We performed DNA extraction from stool samples and bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing using MiSeq™. The sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units using Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology software. We calculated relative abundances, determined alpha diversity, obtained beta diversity by principal coordinate analysis, and conducted the partial least-squares regression model.

Results

The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes tended to be higher in NASH group. The Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes (B/F) ratio was significantly elevated in NASH patients. The pattern of gut microbiota in NASH was clearly separated from that of control subjects. Factors influencing the separation of NASH from control subjects were age, diabetes, body mass index, Bacteroidetes phylum, metformin, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Thermotogae, and Caldithrix and Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio.

Conclusions

Bacteroidetes phylum (Bacteroides and Prevotella genus) is abundant in NASH subjects, who exhibited an elevated B/F ratio. NASH patients showed a specific pattern of gut microbiota independent of diabetes or metformin use.

Rat Fecal Metabolomics-Based Analysis

Fecal metabolomics-based analysis indisputably constitutes a very useful tool for elucidating the biochemistry of digestion and absorption of the gastrointestinal system. Fecal samples represent the most suitable, non-invasive, specimen for the study of the symbiotic relationship between the host and the intestinal microbiota.It is well established that the balance of the intestinal microbiota changes in response to some stimuli, physiological such as gender, age, diet, exercise and pathological such as gastrointestinal and hepatic disease. Fecal samples have been analyzed using the most widespread analytical techniques, namely, NMR spectroscopy, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS. Rat fecal sample is a frequently used and particularly useful substrate for metabolomics-based studies in related fields. The complexity and diversity of the nature of fecal samples require careful and skillful handling for the effective quantitative extraction of the metabolites while avoiding their deterioration. Parameters such as the fecal sample weight to extraction solvent volume, the nature and the pH value of the extraction solvent, and the homogenization process are some important factors for the optimal extraction of samples, in order to obtain high-quality metabolic fingerprints, using either untargeted or targeted metabolomics.

NMR Analysis of Fecal Samples

Fecal analysis can generate data that is relevant for the exploration of gut microbiota and their relationship with the host. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an excellent tool for the profiling of fecal extracts as it enables the simultaneous detection of various metabolites from a broad range of chemical classes including, among others, short-chain fatty acids, organic acids, amino acids, bile acids, carbohydrates, amines, and alcohols. Compounds present at low μM concentrations can be detected and quantified with a single measurement. Moreover, NMR-based profiling requires a relatively simple sample preparation. Here we describe the three main steps of the general workflow for the NMR-based profiling of feces: sample preparation, NMR data acquisition, and data analysis.

Two-Phase Extraction for Comprehensive Analysis of the Plant Metabolome by NMR

Metabolomics is the area of research, which strives to obtain complete metabolic fingerprints, to detect differences between them, and to provide hypothesis to explain those differences [1]. But obtaining complete metabolic fingerprints is not an easy task. Metabolite extraction is a key step during this process, and much research has been devoted to finding the best solvent mixture to extract as much metabolites as possible.Here a procedure is described for analysis of both polar and apolar metabolites using a two-phase extraction system. D₂O and CDCl₃ are the solvents of choice, and their major advantage is that, for the identification of the compounds, standard databases can be used because D₂O and CDCl₃ are the solvents most commonly used for pure compound NMR spectra. The procedure enables the absolute quantification of components via the addition of suitable internal standards. The extracts are also suitable for further analysis with other systems like LC-MS or GC-MS.

A comparison of sample preparation methods for extracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from equine faeces using HS-SPME

INTRODUCTION

Disturbance to the hindgut microbiota can be detrimental to equine health. Metabolomics provides a robust approach to studying the functional aspect of hindgut microorganisms. Sample preparation is an important step towards achieving optimal results in the later stages of analysis. The preparation of samples is unique depending on the technique employed and the sample matrix to be analysed. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) is one of the most widely used platforms for the study of metabolomics and until now an optimised method has not been developed for equine faeces.

OBJECTIVES

To compare a sample preparation method for extracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from equine faeces.

METHODS

Volatile organic compounds were determined by headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GCMS). Factors investigated were the mass of equine faeces, type of SPME fibre coating, vial volume and storage conditions.

RESULTS

The resultant method was unique to those developed for other species. Aliquots of 1000 or 2000 mg in 10 ml or 20 ml SPME headspace were optimal. From those tested, the extraction of VOCs should ideally be performed using a divinylbenzene-carboxen-polydimethysiloxane (DVB-CAR-PDMS) SPME fibre. Storage of faeces for up to 12 months at - 80 °C shared a greater percentage of VOCs with a fresh sample than the equivalent stored at - 20 °C.

CONCLUSIONS

An optimised method for extracting VOCs from equine faeces using HS-SPME-GCMS has been developed and will act as a standard to enable comparisons between studies. This work has also highlighted storage conditions as an important factor to consider in experimental design for faecal metabolomics studies.

Metabolomic analysis-Addressing NMR and LC-MS related problems in human feces sample preparation

Metabolomics is a well-established field in fundamental clinical research with applications in different human body fluids. However, metabolomic investigations in feces are currently an emerging field. Fecal sample preparation is a demanding task due to high complexity and heterogeneity of the matrix. To gain access to the information enclosed in human feces it is necessary to extract the metabolites and make them accessible to analytical platforms like NMR or LC-MS. In this study different pre-analytical parameters and factors were investigated i.e. water content, different extraction solvents, influence of freeze-drying and homogenization, ratios of sample weight to extraction solvent, and their respective impact on metabolite profiles acquired by NMR and LC-MS. The results indicate that profiles are strongly biased by selection of extraction solvent or drying of samples, which causes different metabolites to be lost, under- or overstated. Additionally signal intensity and reproducibility of the measurement were found to be strongly dependent on sample pre-treatment steps: freeze-drying and homogenization lead to improved release of metabolites and thus increased signals, but at the same time induced variations and thus deteriorated reproducibility. We established the first protocol for extraction of human fecal samples and subsequent measurement with both complementary techniques NMR and LC-MS.

Exploring the human microbiome from multiple perspectives: factors altering its composition and function

Our microbiota presents peculiarities and characteristics that may be altered by multiple factors. The degree and consequences of these alterations depend on the nature, strength and duration of the perturbations as well as the structure and stability of each microbiota. The aim of this review is to sketch a very broad picture of the factors commonly influencing different body sites, and which have been associated with alterations in the human microbiota in terms of composition and function. To do so, first, a graphical representation of bacterial, fungal and archaeal genera reveals possible associations among genera affected by different factors. Then, the revision of sequence-based predictions provides associations with functions that become part of the active metabolism. Finally, examination of microbial metabolite contents and fluxes reveals whether metabolic alterations are a reflection of the differences observed at the level of population structure, and in the last step, link microorganisms to functions under perturbations that differ in nature and aetiology. The utilisation of complementary technologies and methods, with a special focus on metabolomics research, is thoroughly discussed to obtain a global picture of microbiota composition and microbiome function and to convey the urgent need for the standardisation of protocols.

LC-Mass Spectrometry for Metabolomics

The field of metabolomics is greatly being refined by the addition of new technologies. LC-MS has allowed researchers to explore additional metabolites which were not originally captured through GC-MS. Through the customizability of the LC columns and mass spectrometer, it is now easier to tailor the instrument to your research needs. Herein, we describe a protocol for sample preparation and data acquisition for a global metabolomic analysis of tissues or feces.

1H-NMR analysis of feces: new possibilities in the helminthes infections research

Background

Analysis of the stool samples is an essential part of routine diagnostics of the helminthes infections. However, the standard methods such Kato and Kato-Katz utilize only a fraction of the information available. Here we present a method based on the nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) which could be auxiliary to the standard procedures by evaluating the complex metabolic profiles (or phenotypes) of the samples.

Method

The samples were collected over the period of June-July 2015, frozen at −20 °C at the site of collection and transferred within four hours for the permanent storage at −80 °C. Fecal metabolites were extracted by mixing aliquots of about 100 mg thawed stool material with 0.5 mL phosphate buffer saline, followed by the homogenization and centrifugations steps. All NMR data were recorded using a Bruker 600 MHz AVANCE II spectrometer equipped with a 5 mm triple resonance inverse cryoprobe and a z-gradient system.

Results

Here we report an optimized method for NMR based metabolic profiling/phenotyping of the stools samples. Overall, 62 metabolites were annotated in the pool sample using the 2D NMR spectra and the Bruker Biorefcode database. The compounds cover a wide range of the metabolome including amino acids and their derivatives, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, carbohydrates, purines, alcohols and others. An exploratory analysis of the metabolic profiles reveals no strong trends associated with the infection status of the patients. However, using the penalized regression as a variable selection method we succeeded in finding a subset of eleven variables which enables to discriminate the patients on basis of their infections status.

Conclusions

A simple method for metabolic profiling/phenotyping of the stools samples is reported and tested on a pilot opisthorchiasis cohort. To our knowledge this is the first report of a NMR-based feces analysis in the context of the helminthic infections.

The Recent Developments in Sample Preparation for Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics

Metabolomics is a critical member in systems biology. Although great progress has been achieved in metabolomics, there are still some problems in sample preparation, data processing and data interpretation. In this review, we intend to explore the roles, challenges and trends in sample preparation for mass spectrometry- (MS-) based metabolomics. The newly emerged sample preparation methods were also critically examined, including laser microdissection, in vivo sampling, dried blood spot, microwave, ultrasound and enzyme-assisted extraction, as well as microextraction techniques. Finally, we provide some conclusions and perspectives for sample preparation in MS-based metabolomics.

Impact of exercise on fecal and cecal metabolome over aging: a longitudinal study in rats

Aim: Physical exercise can reduce adverse conditions during aging, while both exercise and aging act as metabolism modifiers. The present study investigates rat fecal and cecal metabolome alterations derived from exercise during rats’ lifespan. Methods & results: Groups of rats trained life-long or for a specific period of time were under study. The training protocol consisted of swimming, 15–18 min per day, 3–5 days per week, with load of 4–0% of rat's weight. Fecal samples and cecal extracts were analyzed by targeted and untargeted metabolic profiling methods (GC–MS and LC–MS/MS). Effects of exercise and aging on the rats’ fecal and cecal metabolome were observed. Conclusion: Fecal and cecal metabolomics are a promising field to investigate exercise biochemistry and age-related alterations.

Effects of Sampling Conditions and Environmental Factors on Fecal Volatile Organic Compound Analysis by an Electronic Nose Device

Prior to implementation of volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis in clinical practice, substantial challenges, including methodological, biological and analytical difficulties are faced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of several sampling conditions and environmental factors on fecal VOC profiles, analyzed by an electronic nose (eNose). Effects of fecal sample mass, water content, duration of storage at room temperature, fecal sample temperature, number of freeze-thaw cycles and effect of sampling method (rectal swabs vs. fecal samples) on VOC profiles were assessed by analysis of totally 725 fecal samples by means of an eNose (Cyranose320®). Furthermore, fecal VOC profiles of totally 1285 fecal samples from 71 infants born at three different hospitals were compared to assess the influence of center of origin on VOC outcome. We observed that all analyzed variables significantly influenced fecal VOC composition. It was feasible to capture a VOC profile using rectal swabs, although this differed significantly from fecal VOC profiles of similar subjects. In addition, 1285 fecal VOC-profiles could significantly be discriminated based on center of birth. In conclusion, standardization of methodology is necessary before fecal VOC analysis can live up to its potential as diagnostic tool in clinical practice.

Sample preparation optimization in fecal metabolic profiling

Metabolomic analysis of feces can provide useful insight on the metabolic status, the health/disease state of the human/animal and the symbiosis with the gut microbiome. As a result, recently there is increased interest on the application of holistic analysis of feces for biomarker discovery. For metabolomics applications, the sample preparation process used prior to the analysis of fecal samples is of high importance, as it greatly affects the obtained metabolic profile, especially since feces, as matrix are diversifying in their physicochemical characteristics and molecular content. However there is still little information in the literature and lack of a universal approach on sample treatment for fecal metabolic profiling. The scope of the present work was to study the conditions for sample preparation of rat feces with the ultimate goal of the acquisition of comprehensive metabolic profiles either untargeted by NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS or targeted by HILIC-MS/MS. A fecal sample pooled from male and female Wistar rats was extracted under various conditions by modifying the pH value, the nature of the organic solvent and the sample weight to solvent volume ratio. It was found that the 1/2 (w_f/v_s) ratio provided the highest number of metabolites under neutral and basic conditions in both untargeted profiling techniques. Concerning LC-MS profiles, neutral acetonitrile and propanol provided higher signals and wide metabolite coverage, though extraction efficiency is metabolite dependent.

Challenges of metabolomics in human gut microbiota research

The review highlights the role of metabolomics in studying human gut microbial metabolism. Microbial communities in our gut exert a multitude of functions with huge impact on human health and disease. Within the meta-omics discipline, gut microbiome is studied by (meta)genomics, (meta)transcriptomics, (meta)proteomics and metabolomics. The goal of metabolomics research applied to fecal samples is to perform their metabolic profiling, to quantify compounds and classes of interest, to characterize small molecules produced by gut microbes. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry are main technologies that are applied in fecal metabolomics. Metabolomics studies have been increasingly used in gut microbiota related research regarding health and disease with main focus on understanding inflammatory bowel diseases. The elucidated metabolites in this field are summarized in this review. We also addressed the main challenges of metabolomics in current and future gut microbiota research. The first challenge reflects the need of adequate analytical tools and pipelines, including sample handling, selection of appropriate equipment, and statistical evaluation to enable meaningful biological interpretation. The second challenge is related to the choice of the right animal model for studies on gut microbiota. We exemplified this using NMR spectroscopy for the investigation of cross-species comparison of fecal metabolite profiles. Finally, we present the problem of variability of human gut microbiota and metabolome that has important consequences on the concepts of personalized nutrition and medicine.