Nocturomics: Biomarkers and Future Prospects

What is it about?

This study conducted a systematic review of studies investigating different biomarkers of nocturia, including omics-driven biomarkers or 'Nocturomics'. A total of 13 studies with 18,881 patients were included, of which eight focused on classical biomarkers such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), aldosterone, and melatonin. Five studies were 'Nocturomics', including one that assessed the microbiome and identified 27 faecal and eight urinary bacteria correlated with nocturia; and four studies that identified candidate metabolomic biomarkers, including fatty acid metabolites, serotonin, glycerol, lauric acid, thiaproline, and imidazolelactic acid among others. To date, no biomarker is recommended in clinical practice. Nocturomics are in an embryonic phase of conception but are developing quickly. Further research is needed to validate biomarkers for nocturia within the framework of a diagnostic and therapeutic precision medicine perspective.

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Why is it important?

The research is important because it systematically reviews studies that investigate different biomarkers of nocturia, including omics-driven biomarkers. Nocturia is a symptom associated with various pathologies that may or may not be directly related to the urinary tract, and it has a significant impact on quality of life. The identification of biomarkers for nocturia within the framework of a diagnostic and therapeutic precision medicine perspective is crucial for the development of improved applications of chronotherapeutic approaches. Key Takeaways: 1. The study is the first in the literature to describe the different biomarkers studied for nocturia, termed 'nocturomics.' 2. Metabolomics and the microbiome have possible clinical translations and correlations to an already established pathophysiological base. 3. Specific taxa and their modified or microbiome-derived metabolites are correlated with nocturia, which may be a component of metabolic derangement and circadian dysregulation. 4. Further research is needed to validate biomarkers for nocturia within the framework of a diagnostic and therapeutic precision medicine perspective.