LC-MS/MS Analysis of Sphingophospholipids Using a Metal-free Column

Sphingolipids are major components forming biological membranes, and they serve as intracellular signalling molecules. It is important to measure the amount of these molecules in biological samples because they have massive influence on various metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, in LC analyses of sphingophospholipids, such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), a phosphate group in these molecules causes significant peak tailing, and therefore loss of sensitivity and reproducibility. Recently, an improved method using a YMC-Triart C18 metal-free column was reported by Dr. Gowda et al. 1)