Direct Assessment of Plasma/Serum Sample Quality for Proteomics Biomarker Investigation

Abstract

Blood proteome analysis for biomarker discovery represents one of the most challenging tasks to be achieved through clinical proteomics due to the sample complexity, such as the extreme heterogeneity of proteins in very dynamic concentrations, and to the observation of proper sampling and storage conditions. Quantitative and qualitative proteomics profiling of plasma and serum could be useful both for the early detection of diseases and for the evaluation of pathological status. Two main sources of variability can affect the precision and accuracy of the quantitative experiments designed for biomarker discovery and validation. These sources are divided into two categories, pre-analytical and analytical, and are often ignored; however, they can contribute to consistent errors and misunderstanding in biomarker research. In this chapter, we review critical pre-analytical and analytical variables that can influence quantitative proteomics. According to guidelines accepted by proteomics community, we propose some recommendations and strategies for a proper proteomics analysis addressed to biomarker studies.

Metalloproteins and apolipoprotein C: candidate plasma biomarkers of T2DM screened by comparative proteomics and lipidomics in ZDF rats

“…Multi-omics study helps to profoundly understand the molecular mechanisms and explores the possible directions in diagnosis and treatment of it. Screening of plasma biomarkers has unparalleled advantages, as the plasma is more stable and more readily available compared to urine and tissues, respectively [53,54]. We screened the potential biomarkers of T2DM by comparing the plasma proteins and lipids expression levels in ZDF rats (fa/fa) and their basic diet-fed littermate wild-type controls (fa/+).…”

Comparing Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) in Serum and Plasma Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults

“…In most subgroups, the correlations between GFAP and age were modestly larger in serum than in plasma. One possible explanation is that fibrinogen and other clotting factors in plasma influence the correlation between GFAP and age (42). Interestingly, there was no correlation between GFAP levels and age in the subgroup with abnormal head CT scans.…”

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: recent advances in protein biomarkers and the clinical application

“…Serum is prepared without additives through removal of the fibrin clot and blood cells, whereas plasma is prepared by addition of anticoagulants like EDTA, heparin, or sodium citrate. The preparation procedures influence the sample composition in terms of the total protein concentration, the volume, presence of additives, and stability [133]. To overcome this limitation and increase the statistical power of the studies, strategies have been designed for multi-cohort and concurrent serum and plasma analysis [36].…”