Advances in quantifying apolipoproteins using LC-MS/MS technology: implications for the clinic.

Area of Science:

• Biomarker Discovery and Validation
• Analytical Chemistry
• Cardiovascular Disease Research

Background:

• Apolipoproteins are critical circulating biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction.
• Current immunoassays lack multiplexing capacity and availability for most apolipoproteins.
• Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) enables simultaneous, specific, and precise quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review LC-MS/MS methods for apolipoprotein quantification in the literature.
• To highlight key requirements for clinical implementation of LC-MS/MS.
• To discuss advances in proteoform analysis and dried blood collection for LC-MS/MS.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of LC-MS/MS methods for apolipoprotein quantification.
• Discussion of sample preparation, LC-MS/MS technology, and proteoform analysis.
• Exploration of dried blood/plasma collection for remote monitoring applications.

Main Results:

• Standardized LC-MS/MS quantification is demonstrated for apolipoprotein A-I and B.
• LC-MS/MS offers potential for personalized CVD risk assessment through multiplexed apolipoprotein quantification.
• Advances support simultaneous genotyping and remote monitoring via dried blood samples.

Conclusions:

• LC-MS/MS has demonstrated standardized quantification for key apolipoproteins.
• Clinical implementation requires demonstrating added value over existing assays.
• LC-MS/MS holds significant potential for personalized CVD risk profiling and remote patient monitoring.