Abstract
Distinct changes can be observed in the odor of human excretions during health and disease. Identifying underlying volatile metabolites responsible for these odorous changes can be correlated with the pathological process within the body. Advances in the technology have enabled us to interpret the volatile signature of these changes in the odor. This has opened a promising area to lay the foundations of a rapid, noninvasive and point of care diagnostic tool. This review explores the diagnostic potential of volatile organic metabolites as novel biomarkers and extends the discussion on the clinical applications of these biomarkers in gastrointestinal disorders.
Author's contribution
I Ahmed: wrote the main manuscript from introduction to conclusion and carried out the main literature search. Z Niaz: contributed in literature search and discussion. F Ewbank & D Akarca: contributed in literature search and proof reading. R Felwick: contributed in proof reading and discussion. M Furnari: contributed in literature search and discussion.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.