An international team of nearly 100 researchers from over 70 institutions has developed standardized guidelines for analyzing oxylipins using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oxylipins, bioactive lipids derived from fatty acids, play central roles in physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation, immunity, cancer, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The work was published in the journal Science Signaling.

The development of the guidelines was led by Valerie O’Donnell, from Cardiff University, in the United Kingdom, and Nils Helge Schebb, from the University of Wuppertal, in Germany, in collaboration with experts from academia, industry, and clinical laboratories. In Brazil, the research group led by Sayuri Miyamoto, from the Instituto de Química, at Universidade de São Paulo (USP) and a member of the Research Center for Redox Processes in Biomedicine (RIDC Redoxoma), participated in the initiative, contributing to the definition of the detailed recommendations presented in the work.

“This guideline is essential for advancing robust quantitative studies aimed not only at basic research but mainly at clinical studies,” said Miyamoto. She also highlighted the importance of the guide for standardizing analyses, enabling greater reproducibility between laboratories, and facilitating the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice.

First identified in the 1930s, oxylipins continue to draw scientific attention due to their roles in various biological processes. Widely used anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, act precisely by inhibiting the formation of some of these molecules. However, quantifying them accurately in biological samples represents a considerable technical challenge, which requires sensitive, selective, and rigorous methodologies.

In recent decades, technological advances such as targeted liquid chromatography (LC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) have made it possible to analyze up to 200 oxylipin species in a single analytical run. Despite this, the lack of standardization between methods and platforms has made it difficult to compare data and consolidate results among different research groups.

According to Miyamoto, the new guideline marks a milestone for redox lipidomics, “offering an essential guide for experienced researchers and especially for those starting in the field.” The recommendations are expected to drive significant advances in understanding the role of oxylipins in different human diseases, with potential applications in diagnostics and therapies.

In a press release, lead author Valerie O’Donnell said: “In response to a recognized need for expert guidance for oxylipin analysis, we were delighted with the input and feedback we had from such a large number of our colleagues worldwide.“

Co-leader Nils Helge Schebb added: “These recommendations now represent the benchmark for the field, which we hope will lead to reproducible studies improving our understanding of the role of oxylipins in health and disease.“

The article Technical recommendations for analyzing oxylipins by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry can be accessed here.