Optimization of Retinoid Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Introduction Retinoids are bioactive vitamin A derivatives that regulate cellular differentiation and gene expression, yet their reliable quantification remains challenging due to low abundance, structural isomerism, and sensitivity to ionization conditions while handling. Objectives In this study, we performed a systematic optimization of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based detection of retinoids across tissues and biofluids. Methods Chromatographic separation, adduct formation, ionization parameters, fragmentation behavior, and extraction procedures were evaluated in an integrated workflow. Results Chromatographic conditions influenced not only retention time but also the ionic species detected, affecting precursor selection for MS² analysis. Retinoids exhibited compound-dependent responses to electrospray ionization and collision energy, requiring tailored acquisition parameters. Extraction experiments demonstrated differential recovery among retinoid classes and revealed matrix-dependent behavior, indicating that protocols used for tissues cannot be directly transferred to low-abundance biofluids. Using optimized conditions, retinoids were detected in mouse cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at concentrations approaching the analytical detection limit, where MS² confirmation was necessary for reliable identification. Conclusion Together, our results provide a framework for reproducible retinoid profiling across biological matrices and enables comparative studies of retinoid biology in low-volume and low-abundance biofluids.
Subfield: Spectroscopy
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7141900664
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: