Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Applications of Mass Spectrometry
in Analyses of Steroid Hormones
Zimeng Yan , Chang Cheng , and Shaorong Liu
Abstract
Steroid hormones are endogenous chemicals controlling many endocrinology
functions. Mass spectrometry technologies have been applied for analyses of ste-
roid hormones as biomarkers in endocrinology and pathology diagnoses, doping
drugs in athletes and racing horses, residuals in food safety concerns, and environ-
mental pollutants in water and sediments. Both liquid chromatography mass spec-
trometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry
(GC-MS or GC-MS/MS) are broadly used in research, clinical, pharmaceutical
industry, competition sports, food safety, and environmental testing laboratories.
Sample preparation techniques, such as deconjugation and extraction, are critical
procedures for isolating steroid hormone from sample matrices, including biologi-
cal fluids, tissues, environmental water and sediments. Chemical derivatization
modifies the physicochemical properties of steroid hormone molecules to improve
their chromatographic performances and to enhance their sensitivities to mass
detection. Chromatographic techniques such as HPLC, UPLC, and GC have direct
impact on separation of analytes, MS interface, and analysis throughput. The method
sensitivity and specificity of LC-MS and GC-MS depend largely on the analyte
status, i.e., easiness of ionization, derivatization, sample matrix, and MS detection
mode, e.g., ESI, APCI, APPI, MAILDI, or EI. LC-MS and GC-MS methodologies
should be developed and validated following scientific and regulatory guidelines,
and the steroid hormones analyses should be standardized.
Z. Yan , Ph.D. (
*
)
Research Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., 520 Virginia Drive , Fort Washington , PA 19034 , USA
e-mail: zyan@rpsweb.com
C. Cheng , Ph.D.
Analytical Development , Albany Molecular Research, Inc. 33 Riverside Avenue ,
Rensselaer , NY 12144 , USA
e-mail: Chang.Cheng@amriglobal.com
S. Liu , Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Oklahoma , Norman , OK 73019 , USA
e-mail: shaorong.liu@ou.edu
