Assessment by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry of the Effects of Preanalytical Variables on Serum Peptidome Profiles Following Long-Term Sample Storage

Purpose: Human serum and plasma are often used as clinical specimens in proteomics analyses, and peptidome profiling of human serum is a promising tool for identifying novel disease-associated biomarkers. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is widely used for peptidomic biomarker discovery. Careful sample collection and handling are required as either can have a profound impact on serum peptidome patterns, yet the effects of preanalytical variables on serum peptidome profiles have not been completely elucidated. The present study investigated the effects of preanalytical variables, including storage temperature, duration (up to 12 months), and thawing methods, on MALDI-TOF MS-based serum peptidome patterns. Experimental design: Aliquots of serum samples were pretreated with weak cation exchanger magnetic beads using an automated ClinProtRobot system and then analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. Results: A number of significant differences in peak intensities were observed depending on sample processing variables. Conclusions and clinical relevance: These peaks can be used as sample quality markers to assess the effects of long-term storage on serum peptidome profiles using MALDI-TOF MS.