Simultaneous Determination of Selected Steroids with Neuroactive Effects in Human Serum by Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The study developed and validated a method using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) for the simultaneous analysis of nine neuroactive steroids in human serum. This method is precise, accurate, and efficient, with recovery rates ranging from 66% to 102%, and it meets European Medicine Agency requirements. It allows for the rapid profiling of steroids like pregnenolone, progesterone, and testosterone, which are crucial for understanding nervous system pathologies. The study involved 16 participants and demonstrated that the method could measure steroid levels consistent with those in healthy individuals. This technique is less invasive than cerebrospinal fluid collection and holds potential for discovering new biomarkers, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, and developing new therapeutic approaches. Its reliability and simplicity make it suitable for widespread clinical and research applications.