Aim: Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) have been identified as biomarkers for several peroxisomal disorders necessitating the need for reliable biomarker assays in particular C20, C22, C24, C26 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Until now no absolute quantitation assay for total VLCFAs in CSF has been successfully developed and qualified for clinical use. Methodology: A quantitative LC-MS/MS assay for total VLCFA in human CSF was developed. Derivatization tag and coupling chemistry were optimized for sensitivity. CSF contamination by blood, non-specific binding of VLCFA to surfaces and exogenous VLCFA contamination was minimized. Discussion/conclusion: This fit for purpose biomarker assay was used to measure baseline healthy human VLCFA levels across multiple subjects to establish an understanding of concentration ranges and feasibility.
Keywords: CSF; LC–MS/MS; VLCFA; biomarker; contamination; derivatization; fit for purpose; nonspecific binding; quantitation.