Metabolic pathways in anal fistula: paving the way for innovative treatments

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Anal fistula, particularly in its cryptoglandular form, is a common yet challenging condition to treat, often resulting in poor healing and recurrent infections. Investigating the metabolic changes associated with anal fistula may offer valuable insights into its underlying mechanisms and assist in the development of more effective treatments. Methods This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of serum samples from patients with various types of anal fistula and healthy controls. Metabolomic profiling was performed to identify differences in metabolic pathways between the groups. Results The analysis revealed significant metabolic alterations in patients with anal fistula, particularly in fatty acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Notably, metabolites such as adrenic acid, LysoPC (22:5n6), and PC (18:0/22:4) were significantly associated with the progression of anal fistula. These metabolites could serve as biomarkers for the condition, with particular relevance in differentiating between acute and chronic stages. Conclusion The study provides new insight into the metabolic basis of anal fistula, identifying specific metabolic pathways and metabolites that may play crucial roles in its progression. These findings may contribute to the development of targeted therapies for more effective treatment.

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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