Biomarkers matrix effects

LC-MS/MS has dramatically changed the way bionalysis is conducted. Accurate and precise quantitation in the pg ml scale is nowadays possible however one has to be aware of certain issues which are specific to mass spectrometric detection such as matrix effects and metabolite crosstalk. With the current growing interest in the analysis of endogenous biomarkers in biological matrices, quantitative bioanalysis with MS has certainly the potential to contribute further in this field with the development of multicomponent assays. Modern triple quadrupole instruments have the feature to use very short dwell times (5-10 ms), allowing the simultaneous determination of more than 100 analytes within the timescale of an HPLC peak. Due to the selectivity of the MS detection the various analytes... 

For a majority of biomarker assays, standard calibrators are prepared in an analyte-free alternative matrix instead of the de facto sample matrix of patient samples. For such methods, it is crucial to demonstrate that the concentration response relationship in the sample matrix is similar to that of the alternate matrix. Spike-recovery experiments with the reference standard may be inadequate to evaluate the matrix effect, as the reference standard may not fully represent the endogenous analyte. Instead, parallelism experiments are performed through serial dilutions of a high-concentration sample with the calibrator matrix. Multiple individual matrix lots (>3 lots) should be tested to compare lot-to-lot consistency. In the instance that the limited amounts of sample are available, apooled matrix strategy can be used with caution as discussed by Lee et al. [15]. The samples can be serially diluted with the standard matrix (standard... 

High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) is a powerful analytical technique widely used in recent years for the analysis of biomarkers and metabolites. Biomarker determination and quantification, whether metabolic or adducted biomolecules, are commonly used to evaluate exposure and support biomonitoring research, especially in the area of occupational exposure and health. Some of the common problems and strategies of HPLC-MS biomarker analysis involve matrix effects, the use of isotope-labeled internal standard compounds, and sample cleanup usually all of these factors must be evaluated within the development phase of an analysis procedure. Specific examples of biomarker analysis using HPLC-MS include acrylamide, aromatic compounds, and 1-bromopropane, and these examples are discussed in detail. 

The activities of two enzymes have been used as biomarkers of effects for OPs, namely acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase, sometimes known as pseudocholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8). The structure and function of these enzymes has been reviewed. " In humans the former is present in red blood cells and the latter in plasma, but such distribution is not true of all species. In dogs, both enzymes are present in plasma with a ratio of butyrylcholinesterase to acetylcholinesterase of 7 1, while in the rat, plasma cholinesterase activity comprises more acetylcholinesterase with a butyrylcholinesterase to acetylcholinesterase activity of 1 3 in males and 2 1 in females in neither blood compartment are the functions of the enzymes fully understood.Because of the possibility of confusion, the terms plasma cholinesterase and erythrocyte cholinesterase as synonyms for butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase are to be deprecated, especially when used of enzymes in animals where serious confusion may result. It is often necessary to look in detail at animal studies to see what activity has been measured in each matrix. In particular, it is necessary to look at the substrate(s) used in the assay together with any inhibitors used. Methods for measuring acetylcholinesterase have been reviewed and acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities can be measured separately. In almost all cases it is the enzyme activity, rather than protein concentration, that is measured and many of the procedures used are variants of the Ellman method. Correct storage of blood samples is important as reactivation of inhibited enzymes ex vivo can occur. 

Methods for Determining Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect. As noted in Section 6.1, methods are available for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of 2-hexanone after it is separated from its sample matrix (Anderson and Harland 1980 Fedtke and Bolt 1986 Nomeir and Abdou-Donia 1985 White et al. 1979). High-resolution gas chromatography for 2-hexanone analysis has been developed to the point that the instrumental capability to separate volatile analytes by HRGC is, for the most part, no longer the limiting factor in their analysis. Flame ionization detection has enabled detection at very low levels and MS has assured specificity in measurement. 

Methods for Determining Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect. Excellent sensitive and selective methods are available for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of the parent compound, chlorobenzene after it is separated from its sample matrix. Methods need to be validated for chlorobenzene. 

Methods for Determining Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect. Sensitive and selective methods are available for the detection and quantitative measurement of tin after the sample matrix in which it is contained has been properly treated. Atomic spectrometric techniques provide methods for the determination of tin that have low detection limits, are highly specific, and are readily available (Angererand Schaller 1988 AOAC 1984b Kneip and Crable 1988 NIOSH 1984a). Methods for the determination of specific compounds that contain tin are more difficult and less well developed than are methods for the determination of total tin, but this is an important concern because of the widespread use of organotin compounds as preservatives in industry and in other applications. 

Careful understauding of the effects of each preanalytical variable on the biomarker data is complex and necessitates a staged approach conceptually similar to the fit-for-purpose analytical validation of a biomarker assay (see Chapter 41). In the early exploratory phase of biomarker investigation, standardization of procedures with a defined protocol for sample collection and handling will permit comparative interpretation and analysis of the data within study and/or between studies. Minimally, variables that should be experimentally evaluated to optimize sample collection for a specific biomarker will include matrix type, preservation... 

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