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

J Lipid Res. 2012 Jul;53(7):1399-409. doi: 10.1194/jlr.D022285. Epub 2012 Apr 19.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Secosteroids / blood*
  • Secosteroids / chemistry
  • Secosteroids / isolation & purification*
  • Sterols / blood*
  • Sterols / chemistry
  • Sterols / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Secosteroids
  • Sterols