Quantification of bile acids directly from plasma by MALDI-TOF-MS

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Bile acids are crucial for digestion and metabolic regulation.
• Accurate quantification of bile acids in plasma is essential for diagnosing liver diseases and metabolic disorders.
• Existing methods for bile acid quantification can be complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, rapid, and accurate method for quantifying six specific bile acids in human plasma.
• To validate the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) for this purpose.
• To assess the efficacy of solid-phase extraction (SPE) in sample preparation for MALDI-MS analysis.

Main Methods:

• Plasma samples were preconcentrated and purified using solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns.
• Six cholic acid derivatives (taurocholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, taurolithocholic acid, glycocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, and glycolithocholic acid) were analyzed.
• Quantification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS).
• Calibration curves were generated and validated for accuracy in single-measurement concentration determination.

Main Results:

• A straightforward and rapid method for bile acid quantification in plasma was successfully established.
• The developed method demonstrated accuracy in determining bile acid concentrations from single measurements.
• Solid-phase extraction effectively prepared plasma samples for subsequent MALDI-MS analysis.

Conclusions:

• MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS), coupled with SPE, provides a robust platform for plasma bile acid quantification.
• This method offers a significant advancement for clinical diagnostics and research involving bile acid metabolism.
• The developed technique is suitable for rapid and accurate assessment of key bile acid profiles in patient samples.