Metabolomics investigation of cutaneous T cell lymphoma based on UHPLC-QTOF/MS.

OBJECTIVES The identification of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) biomarkers may serve as a predictor of disease progression and treatment response. The aim of this study was to map potential biomarkers in CTCL plasma. DESIGN AND METHODS Plasma metabolic perturbations between CTCL cases and healthy individuals were investigated using metabolomics and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS). RESULTS Principal component analysis (PCA) of the spectra showed clear metabolic changes between the two groups. Thirty six potential biomarkers associated with CTCL were found. CONCLUSIONS Based on PCA, several biomarkers were determined and further identified by LC/MS/MS analysis. All of these could be potential early markers of CTCL. In addition, we established that heparin as anticoagulant has better pre-treatment results than EDTA with the UHPLC-QTOF/MS approach.