Lipid biomarker profiling of adult Brugia malayi using mass spectrometry detection

Abstract

In this article, we first reported the lipid profile of adult Brugia malayi using ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI–MS) to provide a promising drug target for lymphatic filariasis (LF). The MS and MS/MS data analysis indicated that there were target lipids, phosphatidylcholines (PC), at m/z 769.5612 and 831.5767, which were found only in adult males, while at m/z 811.6072, they were found only in females, which is interesting for use as a biomarker in LF disease. In addition, the lipid profile showed that three membrane lipid classes, glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids and sphingolipids, were discovered. Glycerophospholipids were the main components in adult parasites, especially phosphatidylcholine (60%) and phosphatidylethanolamine (27%). Phosphatidylglycerol (5%), phosphatidylserine (4%), phosphatidylinositol (4%) and phosphatidic acid (3%). Consequently, the lipid profile of adult B. malayi is significant and not only provides a promising drug target for LF but also assists in a better understanding of the biological process and mechanism by which parasites interfere with LF disease in the future.