Using tandem mass spectrometry to quantify site-specific chlorination and nitration of proteins: model system studies...

Protein oxidation is implicated in atherogenesis and other inflammatory conditions. Measuring levels of chlorinated and nitrated proteins in biological matrices serves as a quantitative index of oxidative stress in vivo. One potential mechanism for oxidative stress involves myeloperoxidase, a heme protein expressed by neutrophils, monocytes, and some populations of macrophages. The enzyme uses hydrogen peroxide to generate an array of cytotoxic oxidants, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a potent chlorinating intermediate, and nitrogen dioxide radical, a reactive nitrogen species (RNS). One important target may be high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is implicated in atherogenesis. This chapter describes liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric methods for quantifying site-specific modifications of proteins that have been oxidized by HOCl or RNS. Our studies center on apolipoprotein A-I, the major HDL protein, which provides an excellent model system for investigating factors that target specific residues for oxidative damage. Our approach is sensitive and rapid, applicable to a wide array of posttranslational modifications, and does not require peptides to be derivatized or labeled with an isotope.