Steroid profiling in nails using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Endogenous steroid hormones play crucial roles in physiological processes.
• Monitoring steroid hormone levels is vital for diagnosing and managing endocrine disorders.
• Nails offer a unique matrix for retrospective analysis of cumulative hormone exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of 12 steroid hormones in human fingernails.
• To assess the suitability of nail clippings as a matrix for retrospective steroid hormone monitoring.
• To investigate steroid hormone profiles in mothers and infants.

Main Methods:

• Steroid hormones were extracted from pulverized nail clippings using methanolic and liquid-liquid extraction techniques.
• Analysis was performed using LC-MS/MS in electrospray ionization positive mode.
• The method underwent comprehensive validation, including linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision, accuracy, matrix effect, recovery, and robustness.

Main Results:

• The validated LC-MS/MS method successfully identified and quantified 12 steroid hormones in human fingernails.
• Cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, progesterone, androstenedione, and 11-deoxycorticosterone were detected in nail samples from mothers and infants.
• No significant differences in cortisol, cortisone, and progesterone concentrations were observed between left and right hand nails, and a positive linear correlation was found between cortisol and cortisone.

Conclusions:

• Nails serve as a suitable matrix for the retrospective monitoring of cumulative steroid hormone levels.
• The developed LC-MS/MS method provides a reliable tool for steroid profiling in nail clippings.
• This approach can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine diseases.