[Laboratory tests of serum lipid molecules using mass spectrometry]

Serum lipids have a variety of molecular frameworks and fatty acid side chains, and these molecules include various metabolites and derivatives. Lipid molecules influence the physicochemical properties of the plasma membrane and intracellular transport, and their metabolites are often bioactive substances. Fatty acid molecules are also precursors of lipid mediators, and are involved in the regulation of inflammatory reactions. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is used in various fields in the clinical laboratory. Serum phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysoPCGSphingomyelin, triglycerides, cholesterol ester, sulfatide, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol can be analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. We devised an analytical procedure for serum ceramide and glycolipids from partially purified serum lipids. Investigation of lipid molecular species is used for the characterization of disorders of lipid metabolism. MS methods for use in routine laboratory tests require both precise and accurate measurement, and sample preparation procedures should be both simple and quick. (Review).