Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced in the colon by the gut microbiota. They are the end products of anaerobic fermentation of dietary fibers and protein/peptides in the small intestine. Their formation is the result of a complex interaction between diet, gut microbiota, and host. SCFAs influence the physiology of the colon serving as energy sources for host cells and the intestinal microbiota as well as participating in different host-signaling mechanisms. Eating high-fiber foods increases the production of SFCAs. Increased SFCAs may help treat inflammatory bowel disease and may decrease the risk of colon cancer.
Metabolomics reveals biological insights otherwise unseen. For a successful metabolomics study, both small molecule discovery and the ability to dig deeper into specific biomarkers of interest are needed to uncover actionable insights that propel new therapeutic developments. A specific combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology and expertise is required to identify these biomarkers of interest and develop assays that are sensitive enough to explore them fully.
At Metabolon, we understand the crucial role SFCAs play in gastrointestinal disorders, and we’ve established best-in-class expertise. This panel focuses on specific SFCAs and their metabolic pathways and can be used to track biomarkers and enhance biological understanding across preclinical and clinical research.
(Scroll left/right to see full table)
| LLOQa | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolite | Plasma/Serumb | Fecesb | Feces in OMNImet™·GUT tubec (µg/g dry feces) |
| Acetic Acid (C2) | 1000 ng/mL | 50.0 µg/g | 1000 µg/g |
| Propionic Acid (C3) | 100 ng/mL | 25.0 µg/g | 50 µg/g |
| Butyric Acid (C4) | 25.0 ng/mL | 25.0 µg/g | 60 µg/g |
| Isobutyric Acid (C4) | 25.0 ng/mL | 5.00 µg/g | 6.0 µg/g |
| Valeric Acid (C5) | 25.0 ng/mL | 5.00 µg/g | 6.0 µg/g |
| Isovaleric Acid (C5) | 25.0 ng/mL | 5.00 µg/g | 6.0 µg/g |
| 2-Methylbutyric Acid (C5) | 25.0 ng/mL | 5.00 ug/g | 5.0 µg/g |
| Caproic Acid (C6) | 50.0 ng/mL | 1.00 µg/g | 2.0 µg/g |
| Lactic Acid | (upon request)d | 6.0 µg/g | |
aLower Limit of Quantitation (LLOQ) varies for each sample type.
bAssays with this sample type are for non-GxP testing and are not for diagnostic use.
cGood Clinical Practice (GCP) Assays. Lower Limit of Quantitation (LLOQ) stated is based on normalization using an average dry weight of feces. The actual measurement of the assay is the concentration of analyte in the OMNImet™·GUT tube containing human feces. Analyte concentrations in the OMNImet™·GUT tubes will be normalized by measured dry weight of feces unless otherwise requested.
dAvailable in select sample types only.
LC-MS/MS: LC-MS/MS (Agilent 1290 UHPLC/Sciex QTrap 5500)
(Scroll left/right to see full table)
| Sample Type | Sample Requirements |
|---|---|
| Feces (wet/frozen) human | 200 to 500 mg |
| Plasma/Serum | ≥ 150 µl |
| Feces in OMNImet™ GUT tube | Entire sample collection tube |
Others on request
Disclaimer: This panel is for Research Use Only and is not to be used for diagnostic purposes.
Our readily available or custom developed quantitative assays help you achieve your research and biomarker validation objectives with precise and fully validated methods. Our targeted assays and panels cover more than 1,000 metabolites and lipids across a wide range of biochemical classes, metabolic pathways, and physiological processes, and they can be customized to best fit any application.
It is well-established that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet (KD) can help treat refractory epilepsy, which affects more than a third of epileptic patients who don’t respond to existing anticonvulsive drugs. What scientists haven’t understood until recently is how this kind of diet translates to brain activity. The answer for this aspect of epilepsy lies in the gut microbiome. There are many other neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and more. While so much remains to be understood about brain science, we do know that metabolomics is uniquely poised to understand the brain because of the ability of metabolites, small molecules, to cross the blood-brain barrier providing unique insights.
Much about digestive diseases remains a mystery. Digestive disease includes a broad range of gastrointestinal-related health issues, ranging from chronic constipation to gastrointestinal infections to viral hepatitis. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is estimated to impact between 25 and 45 million Americans and about 10 to 15 percent of the population worldwide. Although the exact cause of IBS is unknown, diet and microbiome are recurring influences. The unique ability for metabolomics to illuminate function, including those of microorganisms inhabiting the digestive tract, makes the technology a valuable tool for understanding IBS and other digestive conditions.
Recognized for our cutting-edge approach to metabolomics, Metabolon has been a valued resource for COVID-19 researchers worldwide. Our actionable metabolomic insights have fueled pivotal and high-profile studies like the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) IMPACC study research to improve understanding of high-risk patients and the Institute for Systems Biology research to improve understanding of high-risk patients. These and other metabolomics projects with actionable insights at Metabolon are helping get closer to the phenotype and pressing forward on COVID-19 answers.
Once you see the full value of metabolomics, the only remaining question is: who does it best? While many laboratories have metabolite profiling or analytical chemistry capabilities, comprehensive metabolomics technologies are extremely rare.
Accurate, unbiased metabolite identification across the entire metabolome introduces signal-to-noise challenges that very few labs are equipped to handle. Also, translating massive quantities of data into actionable information is slow, if not impossible, for most because proper interpretation takes two things that are in short supply: experience and a comprehensive database.
Using our robust platform and visualization tools, our experts are uniquely able to tell you more about your molecule and develop assay panels to help you zero in on the results you need.
Coverage
Ability to interrogate thousands of metabolites across diverse biochemical space, revealing new insights and opportunities
Comparability
Ability to integrate the data from different studies into the same dataset, in different geographies, among different patients over time
Competency
Ability to inform on proper study design, generate high‐quality data, derive biological insights, and make actionable recommendations
Capacity
Ability to process hundreds of thousands of samples quickly and cost‐efficiently to service rapidly growing demand
Request a quote for our services, get more information on sample types and handling procedures, request a letter of support, or submit a question about how metabolomics can advance your research.
Corporate Headquarters
617 Davis Drive, Suite 100
Morrisville, NC 27560
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 110407
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone
+1 (919) 572-1711
Fax
+1 (919) 572-1721
International Headquarters
Metabolon GmbH
Zeppelinstraße 3
85399 Hallbergmoos
Germany
