Hair is a good medium for metabolomics because it contains a variety of metabolites that can provide information about a person's health and lifestyle. When hair grows, it incorporates metabolites from the blood and other body fluids, making it a useful tool. Here are some reasons why hair is a good medium for metabolomics:
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Non-invasive sampling: Hair can be easily collected in a non-invasive manner, by simply cutting or brushing a small amount of hair. This makes it a convenient and practical medium for metabolomic analysis, especially in large-scale studies.
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Long-term exposure: Hair grows slowly and continuously, and each strand of hair represents a chronological record of a person's exposure to various compounds over time. This average expression of small molecules over time means hair is a stable sample compared to blood where small molecules may fluctuate by time of day.
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Stability of metabolites: Hair is relatively stable and resistant to degradation, which means that metabolites present in hair samples are less likely to be affected by environmental factors or changes in storage conditions. This makes hair a reliable medium for metabolomic analysis.
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Sample size: Hair samples are relatively abundant, and a single lock can provide enough material for multiple analyses. This makes hair a cost-effective and efficient medium for metabolomic studies.
Overall, hair is a promising medium for metabolomic analysis, and has the potential to provide important insights into the long-term effects of various compounds on animal health.
