A2 Refereed review article in a scientific journal

Intra- and inter-individual variation of the human lipidome




AuthorsAnh, Nguyen Hoang; Beyene, Habtamu B.; Mocciaro, Gabriele; Hahnefeld, Lisa; Lamichhane, Santosh; Fabritius, Mikael; Avela, Henri; Wang, Yuqin; Dickens, Alex M.; Gurke, Robert; Yang, Baoru; Griffiths, William J.; Hyötyläinen, Tuulia; Meikle, Peter J.; Orešič, Matej

PublisherElsevier BV

Publication year2025

JournalTrends in Analytical Chemistry

Journal name in sourceTrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry

Article number118368

Volume191

ISSN0165-9936

eISSN1879-3142

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2025.118368

Web address https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2025.118368

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/499491192


Abstract
Lipids play essential roles in cellular functions such as membrane structure, signaling, and energy storage. Lipidomics—global study of lipids in cells and tissues—seeks to identify biomarkers and uncover underlying metabolic pathways. Human lipid concentrations in cells and biofluids can fluctuate at multiple temporal scales, reflecting normal biochemical and physiological variation, or responses to various internal and external stimuli. Understanding both intra- and inter-individual lipid variability is crucial for accurate lipidomics study design and interpretation. This knowledge also supports personalized healthcare, moving beyond static reference ranges. Here, we review key drivers of intra-individual variation, including diet, circadian rhythms, sleep, environmental exposures, and physiological states. We also examine inter-individual factors such as genetics, age, sex, microbiome composition, and medications. Finally, we discuss how these variables interact and influence lipidomics outcomes, aiming to enhance reproducibility and guide future research.

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Funding information in the publication
This publication is based upon work from COST Action EpiLipidNET, Pan-European Network in Lipidomics and Epilipidomics (CA19105; https://www.epilipid.net), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).


Last updated on 2025-26-08 at 09:08