Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry for clinical diagnosis

Background: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is known as an extremely sensitive analytical tool for characterizing different types of biological compounds including proteins, peptides and lipids. Since MALDI-TOF analysis requires very simple sample pretreatment, the technique can be used for rapidly detecting biochemical compounds serving as disease biomarkers. Results: This mini-review focuses on the applications of MALDI-TOF in the detection of potential disease biomarkers in various biological samples. Conclusions: The potential disease biomarkers are mostly abundant proteins, peptides, or lipids including: albumin; hemoglobin; alpha-defensins; trimethylamine; phospholipids; and glycated alpha- and beta-globin, which are indicators of albuminuria; fecal occult blood and ischemic stroke; dry eye disease and/or aging; trimethylaniuria; breast cancer; and diabetes, respectively. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.