Comparative serum imidazole propionate profiling in colorectal adenoma and cancer by UPLC-MS/MS.

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing with colorectal adenomas recognized as key precancerous lesions. Emerging evidence suggests that Imidazole propionate (ImP), a metabolite of gut microbiota, is elevated in patients, indicating a potential role in tumorigenesis of CRC.

Objectives: This study aimed to validate a novel method for detecting serum ImP using 3-piperazin-1-yl-propionic acid as an internal standard (IS), and to compare ImP levels between patients with colorectal adenomas and colorectal cancer.

Methods: Serum ImP were measured using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) with 3-piperazin-1-yl-propionic acid as the IS. Four distinct patient groups were analyzed.

Results: The use of 3-piperazin-1-yl-propionic acid as an IS was successfully validated for the quantification of ImP. Serum ImP differed significantly among the groups, showing a stepwise increase from healthy controls to patients with colorectal adenomas and CRC. Notably, ImP concentrations were significantly higher in CRC patients than in other groups.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the successful application of 3-piperazin-1-yl-propionic acid as an IS provides a viable method for measuring serum ImP concentrations. The results suggest a potential link between ImP and colorectal cancer development.