Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of eicosanoids and related lipids in human biological matrices: A review

Today, there is an increasing number of liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) methods for the analysis of eicosanoids and related lipids in biological matrices. An overview of currently applied LC–MS/MS methods is given with attention to sample preparation strategies, chromatographic separation including ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and chiral separation, as well as to mass spectrometric detection using multiple reacting monitoring (MRM). Further, the application in recent clinical research is reviewed with focus on preanalytical aspects prior to LC–MS/MS analysis as well as applications in major diseases of Western civilization including respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer, liver diseases, atherosclerosis, and neurovascular diseases.