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LC-MS/MS-based method for long-term steroid profiling in human scalp hair
Gerard Noppe1,2, Yolanda B de Rijke1,3, Kristien Dorst1
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Clinical Endocrinology
|April 1, 2015
Summary
This study developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for long-term steroid profiling in human hair. The validated method accurately quantifies multiple steroids, offering new insights into endocrinology.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the gold standard for steroid quantification.
- Human scalp hair offers a unique matrix for retrospective steroid analysis, ideal for hormones with fluctuating levels like cortisol.
- This method is particularly valuable for long-term monitoring of steroid concentrations, overcoming challenges of short-term fluctuations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate an LC-MS/MS method for comprehensive, long-term steroid profiling in human scalp hair.
- To quantify key steroids including cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), and 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP).
- To assess the method's performance characteristics for reliable steroid analysis over extended periods.
Main Methods:
- Hair samples were collected from healthy volunteers and subjected to rigorous washing and extraction procedures.
- Steroids were extracted using methanol and purified via solid-phase extraction prior to LC-MS/MS analysis.
- Key performance metrics including lower limit of quantification, precision, matrix interference, and intra-individual variation were meticulously determined.
Main Results:
- The method achieved high sensitivity, with functional sensitivities below 15.9 pg/mg for all targeted steroids.
- Excellent precision was demonstrated, with inter-run coefficients of variation (CVs) below 16% for all measured steroids over a 9-month period.
- High intra-individual precision was observed, with CVs below 15% for most steroids, indicating method reliability for long-term monitoring.
Conclusions:
- A robust LC-MS/MS method for long-term steroid profiling in human scalp hair has been successfully developed and validated.
- This method holds significant potential for advancing endocrinology research and clinical applications by providing retrospective steroid data.
- The validated assay enables novel insights into hormonal dynamics through analysis of hair steroid concentrations.
