metabolomika

Metabolomika, also known as metabolomics, is the scientific study of small molecules called metabolites within cells, tissues, biofluids, or organisms. These molecules are the end products of cellular processes, and their comprehensive analysis provides insights into the physiological state of a biological system.

The primary aim of metabolomika is to identify and quantify the metabolites in a given sample, enabling researchers to understand metabolic pathways, discover biomarkers for diseases, and investigate the effects of environmental or genetic factors. This field complements genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics by offering a direct snapshot of biochemical activity at a specific point in time.

Analytical techniques central to metabolomika include mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and chromatography methods such as gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC). These techniques enable high-throughput analysis and high sensitivity detection of a wide range of metabolites.

Applications of metabolomika span various disciplines, including medicine, nutrition, pharmacology, and environmental sciences. In medicine, it is used for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized therapy development. In nutrition, it helps in understanding the metabolic impacts of dietary interventions, while in pharmacology, it aids in drug development and toxicity studies.

Overall, metabolomika provides a valuable window into the biochemical state of biological systems, contributing to advancements in health, disease understanding, and biotechnological innovations. It continues to evolve with advancements in analytical technology and data analysis, offering increasingly detailed and comprehensive metabolic profiles.