What Is Cholestero
Cholesterol, also known as cholesterin, is a derivative of cyclopentane polyhydrophenanthrene, displaying lipid-like solubility, insolubility in water, and ease of solubility in solvents such as acetaldehyde and chloroform. Abundant within the human body, cholesterol is a significant sterol compound involved in cellular membrane formation, synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D, and precursor to steroid hormones.
Total cholesterol (TCHO)
Total cholesterol (TCHO) refers to the cholesterol content present in various lipoproteins within the serum, encompassing both cholesterol esters and free cholesterol. It is primarily synthesized and stored in the liver. Cholesterol serves as a pivotal substrate for synthesizing physiologically active substances like adrenal cortex hormones, sex hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D. Additionally, it is a crucial constituent of cellular membranes, with its concentration serving as an indicator of lipid metabolism.
Free cholesterol
Free cholesterol, also termed non-esterified cholesterol, is a form of cholesterol found within cellular membranes. Constituting around 25% to 30% of total cholesterol content, free cholesterol is integral to the composition of cell membranes. It interacts within the lipid bilayer structure of cell membranes, contributing to stability and fluidity maintenance. Differing from cholesterol ester forms, which usually bind with fatty acids to form lipid particles, free cholesterol can dynamically distribute across various locations on the cell membrane.
The presence of free cholesterol on cell membranes aids in regulating their fluidity and permeability, influencing cellular signal transduction and interaction with the surrounding environment. Intracellular and intercellular levels of free cholesterol are to some extent controlled by cholesterol metabolism. Excessive accumulation of free cholesterol within cell membranes may impede membrane functionality and associate with the development of certain conditions like cardiovascular diseases. Thus, maintaining appropriate levels of free cholesterol is crucial for normal cell membrane function and overall health.
Cholesterol Detection Methods
Traditional quantitative analysis methods for cholesterol include colorimetric and enzymatic assays. The colorimetric method involves complex procedures, especially in sample pretreatment and lipid extraction, and requires multiple reagents, leading to deviations in colorimetric results and complicated calculations. Enzymatic methods have a higher level of technical expertise and strong specificity. However, it's important to note that cholesterol's structural similarity to plant sterols can present limitations in traditional colorimetric and enzymatic assays for related detections.
Development of LC-MS/MS for Cholesterol Quantification
In contrast to clinical enzymatic testing, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) combines the strengths of both techniques. It employs high-performance liquid chromatography for separation and mass spectrometry for identification and quantification, integrated through appropriate interfaces into a complete instrument. Using triple quadrupole LC/MS and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) technology in positive ion mode MS, steroid compounds can be analyzed.
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis can simultaneously detect multiple components. By exploiting the differences in physicochemical properties of individual components in a mixture (such as adsorption strength, molecular shape and size, molecular polarity, molecular affinity, distribution coefficient, etc.), each component is selectively concentrated on different portions of the support material, achieving separation. Subsequently, the samples enter the mass spectrometer for determination.
Our LC-MS/MS Platform for Cholesterol Quantification
Creative Proteomics employs a combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and biochemical methods to efficiently and accurately detect changes in total cholesterol content. For the enzymatic substances required in the process of fatty acid metabolism, Creative Proteomics offers customized testing or employs biochemical methods in conjunction with assay kits for detection. Additionally, We utilize high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) or diode array detection (DAD) to efficiently and accurately detect variations in free cholesterol content within samples. Moreover, we also provide a variety of other sterol detection services to cater to your diverse needs.
Advantages of Cholesterol Quantification Platform
Enhanced Sensitivity: Mass spectrometry instruments exhibit remarkable sensitivity, enabling the detection of molecules at exceedingly low concentrations. This attribute proves invaluable in identifying rare or minute compounds. Notably, it assumes pivotal significance in the scrutiny of scant concentrations of cholesterol and its distinct variants (e.g., LDL-C, HDL-C) within the bloodstream.
Heightened Specificity: Mass spectrometry technology, distinguished by its discerning prowess, proficiently analyzes intricate samples by selectively pinpointing specific ion signals. This selectivity diminishes background interference, amplifying the precision of analysis.
Structural Insight: Mass spectrometry not only furnishes compositional mass details of compounds but also offers intricate insights into molecular structures. This facet acquires particular relevance in deciphering the precise architectures of cholesterol and its metabolites.
Multifaceted Component Analysis: The capability of mass spectrometry to concurrently scrutinize multiple molecules bestows a distinct advantage. This asset facilitates the comprehensive examination of diverse cholesterol forms within samples and other allied molecules.
Diverse Applications: Mass spectrometry technology transcends the confines of biomedicine, finding extensive utility across domains such as environmental assessment, food quality analysis, and pharmaceutical exploration. This adaptability underscores its broad applicability.
Quantitative and Qualitative Proficiency: Mass spectrometry serves a dual purpose, excelling both in quantitative analysis—enabling the measurement of molecular concentrations—and in qualitative analysis—enabling the identification of molecular types and structures.
The laboratory boasts an array of comprehensive facilities staffed by seasoned testing personnel. Leveraging specialized instruments including chromatography and mass spectrometry, our platform extends a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored for partners within the biopharmaceutical sector. This suite encompasses evaluative reports, method development, validation, and sample testing, addressing potential impurities that may manifest during the production of partner products.