Detection of novel truncated forms of human serum amyloid A protein in human plasma

Serum amyloid A protein (SAA) is a human plasma protein that has been recognized as potential biomarker of multiple ailments including myocardial infarction, inflammatory disease and amyloiosis. Presented here is the application of a novel immunoassay technique, termed mass spectrometric immunoassay for the detection and identification of SAA present in human plasma. Results demonstrate the ability to readily detect known SAA isotypes, and to identify novel truncated forms of SAA, in the plasma of healthy individuals and those suffering from acute and chronic inflammation. The approach represents a rapid and sensitive means for the routine structural characterization of known SAA isotypes and the discovery of associated post-translational modifications. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies.