title: Metabolomics explained to perinatologists and pediatricians.
abstract: Metabolomics is a new approach based on the systematic study of the full complement of low-molecular weight compounds (e.g. sugars, lipids, hormones, vitamins, secondary metabolites), both endogenous and exogenous, found within a cell, tissue, biofluid or organism. In order to avoid false expectation by using a metabolomics approach, it is important to have: (i) a properly planned design of the study based on a clear question to be answered, (ii) an appropriate knowledge of the equipments available; (iii) a proper statistical analysis and support and (iv) a validation of the results obtained. In the present short-review, these topics will be briefly described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy. latzori@unica.it
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Atzori
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Barberini
authors.forename: Maria Laura
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Santoru
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Antonucci
authors.forename: Vassilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fanos
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D055432:Metabolomics / Q000379:methods; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods; D010500:Perinatology / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design