High-throughput assay for detection of keto-steroid hormones at low concentration levels with improved accuracy.

Circulating androgen 5a-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a major indicator of benign prostatic hyperplasia, which affects over three million men each year in the United States and can lead to prostate cancer. Additionally, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which affects 8-10 percent of women, is caused by elevated androgen concentrations. Free testosterone concentration is used as a biomarker of PCOS in women. PCOS causes conditions ranging from type 2 diabetes to obesity and heart disease. Immunoassays for DHT, free testosterone, and other androgens, however, are often inaccurate due to analytical interference.

A simple, high-throughput assay uses specific derivitizing agents to improve detection of keto-steroids, such as DHT and testosterone. This method has enhanced ionization efficiency and can detect analytes at low concentration levels.

Clinical Validation

• Enables high sensitivity analysis of free testosterone.
• Improves ionization efficiency of keto-steroids.
• Results in more specific fragmentation.
• Enhances sensitivity of detection.
• Demonstrates potential application for analysis of any keto-steroids.

Mark M Kushnir, [...], A Wayne Meikle, Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay for Androstenedione, Dehydroepiandrosterone, and Testosterone with Pediatric and Adult Reference Intervals, Clinical Chemistry, Volume 56, Issue 7, 1 July 2010, Pages 1138–1147, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.143222

Publication Number: US-2012-0126107-A1
Patent Title: Enhanced Sensitivity for Analysis of Carbonyl Containing Compounds Using Mass Spectrometry
Jurisdiction/Country: United States
Application Type: Non-Provisional

Aaron Duffy
(801) 585-1377
aaron.duffy@utah.edu