A comprehensive analytical technique utilized in clinical endocrinology to quantify and structurally identify hundreds of lipid species and their metabolites within biological samples. This detailed assessment moves beyond standard cholesterol panels, providing a functional snapshot of cellular membrane health, energy substrate utilization, and inflammatory signaling cascades. Understanding the lipid signature is crucial for evaluating cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome in the context of hormonal balance.
Origin
The term arises from the convergence of analytical chemistry, specifically mass spectrometry, with the ‘omics’ revolution in biology, following genomics and proteomics. It is rooted in the study of lipids (lipos, Greek for fat) and their systemic role in human physiology and pathology. Its clinical application has grown significantly with advancements in high-throughput screening technologies, offering a more nuanced view of metabolic health.
Mechanism
The process involves extracting lipids from a sample, separating them based on physical and chemical properties, and then identifying each species using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The resulting profile is interpreted to determine imbalances in key lipid classes, such as sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and cholesterol esters. These imbalances directly influence hormone synthesis, cellular signaling, and inflammatory status, guiding targeted nutritional or pharmacological interventions.
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