Impact of experimental and demographic variables in serum peptide profiling based on magnetic bead and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

BackgroundSerum peptidome profile is a promising tool to identify physiologic or pathologic conditions. Stable serum peptidome profiles with high quality are essential for serum peptidome research. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of experimental and demographic variables in serum peptide profiling.MethodsMagnetic bead combined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was performed to evaluate the efficacy of various variables including the treatment of blood, the pretreatment of serum (magnetic beads and ultrafiltrate centrifugal filters), the mass spectrometry and the data handling. The influence of age and gender on serum peptidome was also analyzed in 123 healthy volunteers.ResultsThe results showed that the sampling processing procedures were crucial for the serum peptidome profiles. There were obvious differences on the serum peptidome profiles between the age groups younger and older than 30. There was no difference between gender groups.ConclusionsA number of optimized and standardized variables should be defined in serum peptidome research based on magnetic beads and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. An extremely strict standard procedure and considerate arrangement should be applied.