Serum maternal hepcidin levels 3 days after delivery are higher compared to those measured at parturition.

Aim: Our aim was to investigate the levels of hepcidin at parturition and 3 days after delivery and to relate hepcidin levels to parameters of iron homeostasis.

Materials And Methods: We measured hepcidin levels with mass spectrometry in serum samples of 38 term pregnant women taken just prior to and 3 days after vaginal delivery (n = 23) or cesarean section (CS) (n = 15). Hepcidin levels were related to iron homeostasis parameters and interleukin (IL)-6 levels.

[Increased hepcidin levels three days after gynecological interventions].

Unlabelled: Hepcidin is an endogenous substance that inhibits iron absorption and plasma iron levels. Due to technical reasons its levels are not routinely assessed and data regarding its clinical relevance are limited. We analyzed the alteration of hepcidin levels following gynecological interventions.

Analysis of biological fluids by direct combination of solid phase extraction and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

A novel, solid phase extraction (SPE)-based sample preparation method was developed for desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry. Conventional SPE sample preparation was followed by a custom elution procedure. The eluate was evaporated from the closing frit of the cartridge using a gas jet.

Selective detection of specific protein-ligand complexes by electrosonic spray-precursor ion scan tandem mass spectrometry.

A novel mass spectrometric method for the selective detection of specific protein-ligand complexes is presented. The new method is based on electrosonic spray ionization of samples containing protein and ligand molecules, and mass spectrometric detection using the precursor ion scanning function on a triple quadrupole instrument. Mass-selected intact protein-ligand complex ions are subjected to fragmentation by means of collision-induced dissociation in the collision cell of the instrument, while the second mass analyzer is set to the m/z of protonated ligand ions or their alkali metal adducts.