A comprehensive method for extraction and quantitative analysis of sterols and secosteroids from human plasma

• Main Authors: Jeffrey G. McDonald, Daniel D. Smith, Ashlee R. Stiles, David W. Russell
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2012-07-01
• Series: Journal of Lipid Research
• Subjects: cholesterol/biosynthesis; cholesterol/metabolism; lipidomics; mass spectrometry; oxysterols; steroid hormones
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002222752034517X

We describe the development of a method for the extraction and analysis of 62 sterols, oxysterols, and secosteroids from human plasma using a combination of HPLC-MS and GC-MS. Deuterated standards are added to 200 μl of human plasma. Bulk lipids are extracted with methanol:dichloromethane, the sample is hydrolyzed using a novel procedure, and sterols and secosteroids are isolated using solid-phase extraction (SPE). Compounds are resolved on C18 core-shell HPLC columns and by GC. Sterols and oxysterols are measured using triple quadrupole mass spectrometers, and lathosterol is measured using GC-MS. Detection for each compound measured by HPLC-MS was ∪ 1 ng/ml of plasma. Extraction efficiency was between 85 and 110%; day-to-day variability showed a relative standard error of <10%. Numerous oxysterols were detected, including the side chain oxysterols 22-, 24-, 25-, and 27-hydroxycholesterol, as well as ring-structure oxysterols 7α- and 4β-hydroxycholesterol. Intermediates from the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway were also detected, including zymosterol, desmosterol, and lanosterol. This method also allowed the quantification of six secosteroids, including the 25-hydroxylated species of vitamins D2 and D3. Application of this method to plasma samples revealed that at least 50 samples could be extracted in a routine day.