Mass spectrometry-based methods for biofluid biomarkers for progressive diseases: amyloid peptides and dystrophins

Using two diseases, Alzheimer's disease and muscular dystrophy as examples, in which many resources have been invested, trends in bioanalytical techniques for detection of peptide or protein biomarkers using mass spectrometry are reviewed using Web of Science database. Amyloid beta peptides have been used to detect Alzheimer's disease, and peptides obtained by tryptic digestion of dystrophin have been used to detect muscular dystrophy. Based on the recent interest in peripheral blood analysis, literature review was focused on biofluid analysis.

Both electrospray or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry were employed for amyloid beta peptides, and high-resolution or ion mobility techniques had been introduced to enhance selectivity. Immunoprecipitation techniques were often used for pretreatment; however, emergence of combined use of different solid-phase extraction mode was observed. Regarding tryptic peptides obtained from dystrophin, there are few reported applications in biofluids, and typically electrospray ionization-selected reaction monitoring with pretreatment using solid-phase extraction were employed.

Validity of blood biomarkers propelled development of bioanalytical methods by attracting research interest. The analytical methodologies was built on proven methods in the field of peptide analysis, and current interests were in techniques increasing selectivity and sensitivity, such as differential mobility spectrometry or parallel reaction monitoring.