Potential of Osmolytes as Diagnostic Biomarkers in Various Diseases

Osmolytes are low-molecular-weight organic compounds that protect cells from extreme stress conditions by regulating osmotic pressure and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Moreover, accumulation of osmolytes in the cells have been implicated in cellular proteostasis through regulating the protein–protein interactions, protein folding, and modulating protein aggregation. Dysregulation/imbalance to the vital osmolytes in the cell may lead to various protein-conformational diseases. In this context, this chapter delves into the implications of osmolytes in various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neuropathies, and cancer. It explores how osmolytes regulate cellular processes like protein folding and membrane stabilization and how their irregularity can lead to disease pathology. Additionally, the chapter discusses the potential of osmolytes as diagnostic biomarkers for different diseases, underscoring their worth as a noninvasive and cost-effective approach to detecting and monitoring disease progression. In conclusion, this chapter sheds light on the role of osmolytes in disease research and their potential as diagnostic biomarkers.