The Clinical Biomarkers Discovery Laboratory is actively involved in using the newly emerged field of metabolomics, which is capable of providing biological end-point markers of the cellular processes that occur as a result of the disease. Metabolomics has rapidly evolved during recent years and is complementary to different? omics? technologies, such as transcriptomics and proteomics. We focus on the use of metabolomics for comprehensive identification of disease biomarkers and understanding of the pathogenic mechanism underlying complex human diseases. We have extensively used the metabolomics approach to investigate Women?s health with an emphasis on pregnancy-related complications. Early-stage biomarkers specific to Stage I and Stage II endometriosis have been successfully identified and validated. The design of a biochemical sensor based on these findings is underway. Biomarkers for gestational hypertension, recurrent miscarriage, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and female dormant genital tuberculosis are also being explored. Recently, our team has initiated work in the area of Respiratory health. We are using metabolomics for the identification of unique metabolic fingerprints in exhaled breath condensates and serum for differentiating the various endotypes/sub-types of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism intermediates and amino acid changes between the sub-types have been identified. We are also profiling other respiratory disorders including interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer with an aim to enhance the scope for novel point of care device development.
