Differential estimation of isomeric 2- and 4-methoxylated estrogens in serum by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

As a simple and rapid method for small-molecule analysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization coupled with linear ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-LTQ-MS/MS) was used to differentially quantify 2- and 4-methoxyestrogens in spiked serum samples. Both 2- and 4-methoxyestrogens were consistently identified using distinct analyte-matrix adduct [M+H+CHCA](+) precursor ions when a mixture of 10 mg mL(-1) α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) in 0.2% trifluoroacetic acid/70% acetonitrile was used as the MALDI matrix. Especially, unusual isomeric product ions from each precursor ion were characterized during MALDI-MS/MS analysis, which permitted differential estimations of isomeric 2- and 4-methoxylated estrone and 17β-estradiol. The calibration linearity was higher than 0.99 in the dynamic range, while the inter-day precision and accuracy ranged from 6.8 to 30.6%, and from 91.4 to 108.5%, respectively. The present technique could be used as a screening assay for 2- and 4-methoxyestrogens without the need for prior chromatographic separation, opening up possible applications in large-scale pharmacokinetic studies.