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Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))
Published on: May 4, 2020
Improved quantification for non-transferrin-bound iron measurement using high-performance liquid chromatography by
Katsunori Sasaki1, Katsuya Ikuta, Hiroki Tanaka
1Department of Gastrointestinal Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan.
Molecular Medicine Reports
|July 2, 2011
Summary
This study improved the measurement of non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI), a marker of iron toxicity. Reduced contamination allowed detection of NTBI in healthy individuals, enhancing clinical relevance.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Analytical Biochemistry
- Trace Element Analysis
Background:
- Non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) is linked to iron toxicity but current assays lack sensitivity.
- Potential reagent contamination with background iron has hindered accurate NTBI measurement.
- Previous NTBI assays yielded insufficient values in some patient and healthy populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate and improve analytical procedures for NTBI quantification.
- To identify and mitigate sources of iron contamination in NTBI assays.
- To enhance the sensitivity and clinical relevance of NTBI measurement.
Main Methods:
- Modified assay procedures to remove iron contamination from NTA and tris carbonatocobaltate (III) solutions.
- Utilized high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for NTBI quantification.
- Applied the modified method to measure NTBI levels in healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- Successfully reduced background iron contamination, improving HPLC-based NTBI method sensitivity.
- Detected NTBI in healthy volunteers at average concentrations of 0.206 µM (males) and 0.212 µM (females).
- Demonstrated the presence of NTBI even at extremely low concentrations in a healthy population.
Conclusions:
- The modified NTBI assay shows improved sensitivity and clinical relevance.
- Reduced background iron contamination is crucial for accurate NTBI detection.
- This enhanced assay may aid in understanding the clinical significance of low NTBI levels in various diseases.

