Multi-Omics Approach to Elucidate Cerebrospinal Fluid Changes in Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Herniation

Herniation of the intervertebral disc (IVDH) is the most common cause of neurological and intervertebral disc degeneration-related diseases. Since the disc starts to degenerate before it can be observed by currently available diagnostic methods, there is an urgent need for novel diagnostic approaches. To identify molecular networks and pathways which may play important roles in intervertebral disc herniation, as well as to reveal the potential features which could be useful for monitoring disease progression and prognosis, multi-omics profiling including high-resolution LC-MS-based metabolomics and proteomics was performed. Furthermore, multi-omics data were integrated to decipher a complex interaction between individual omic layers leading to improved prediction model. Together with metabolic pathways related to amino acids and lipid metabolism, and coagulation cascades, our integromics prediction model identified the key features in IVDH, namely the proteins FSTL1, SCG5, NUCB1 and CRSP2 and the metabolites N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and adenine, involved in neuropathic pain, myelination, neurotransmission and inflammatory response, respectively. Their clinical application is to be further investigated. The utilization of novel integrative interdisciplinary strategy may provide opportunities to apply the innovative diagnostic and monitoring methods for degenerative spinal disorders.