Exploration of metabolomic markers for esophageal squamous cancer based on the Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trial population

According to the 2018 global cancer statistics, China accounts for more than 50% of the new cases and mortality of esophageal cancer worldwide. Esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant subtype in China, and early diagnosis of ESCC is important because of its poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Metabolomics has become an important approach for exploring biomarkers because of the advantages of easy sampling, dynamic real-time detection and low bias of results.

Depending on the population of the Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trial (NIT), we conducted a nested case-control study to obtain differential metabolites by metabolomics to explore possible biomarkers prior to the development of esophageal squamous carcinoma.This study was based on the cohort of Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trial conducted in 1985, and we selected 30 patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma who developed the disease after 2001,This study was based on the cohort of Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trial conducted in 1985, and we selected 30 patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma who developed the disease after 2001,and we also matched 30 healthy controls who are still alive today according to age (±3 years ) and sex.During the follow-up survey from autumn 1999 to spring 2000, we obtained plasma specimens from the above-mentioned study subjects. Metabolomic assays were performed using the LC-MS method and the metabolomic features obtained were analyzed. Metabolic pathways were acquired by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database. There were no differences in baseline demographic information between esophageal squamous carcinoma group and control groups, but there were differences in dietary preferences. The metabolome assay data were stable, and there were significant differences in metabolite distribution between the two groups, with nine differential metabolites obtained, including glutamate, choline, lysophosphatidylcholine, and ornithine. Patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma have metabolic abnormalities prior to the onset of the disease. Certain substances with volatile levels may be potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of esophageal squamous carcinoma. Choline metabolism may be a potential biological indicator for the progression of ESCC.

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