Volatile Organic Compounds Expression in Different Cell Types: An In Vitro Approach

Abstract: The relationship between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath and local or general pathologies is a most interesting field of research. Different chemical signatures have been observed in breath from patients with lung, cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal, liver, renal or mental diseases, diabetes, different types of cancer or physiological conditions such as pregnancy. Important classes of volatile compounds are hydrocarbons, ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, organic acids, sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds, aromatics, esters and terpenes. Current data suggests that depending on the affected tissue or organ, volatiles can have a specific profile. However, to date, information on the biochemical origin of these volatiles is rare. Prominent exceptions are isoprene or acetone, where biochemical background information can be given, and the exhalation kinetics has been determined (in part) by real-time analysis of exhaled breath. One possible approach for elucidating the biochemical background of other volatile biomarkers specific to a certain biological process is the in vitro headspace investigation of cell lines, looking at normal proliferation but also on necrosis and apoptosis and at the influence of various biologically active compounds added to the cell culture medium. The present work reviews the current advances in VOCs research in relation with in vitro cell cultures