Detection of metals and metalloproteins in the plasma of stroke patients by mass spectrometry methods

摘要

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults world-wide. Well-recognized environmental risk factors for stroke include hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis. Ischemic stroke, which accounts for ~85% of all stroke, is mainly caused by either intracranial thrombosis or extracranial embolism; hemorrhagic stroke can be classified as either intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Metalloproteins and metals play key roles in epigenetic events in living organisms, including hypertension, the most important modifiable risk factor for stroke. For example, Zinc (Zn) is located in the catalytic site of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a component of the renin-angiotensin system which is important for blood pressure regulation., Cadmium, lead, selenium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and other metals are well recognized to be associated with stroke risk and prognosis. Concentrations of metalloproteins in the blood plasma are important factors in a number of diseases including iron overload (hemochromatosis) and copper overload (Wilson’s disease). Exposure to toxic metals and pollutants in the air, water or food can lead to altered metabolism, which may alter levels of metalloproteins in plasma. Metalloproteins may be important for disease diagnosis. Thus, this study sought to develop a method of detecting metals and metalloproteins levels for distinguishing stroke types. In search of these, different analytical techniques such as affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESIMS) were used.