LAUSR

Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF in humans, Mydgf in mice) is a secreted protein with previously unknown biological functions. In a recent study, Mydgf was shown to mediate cardiac repair after acute myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. Lack of a sensitive assay to measure MYDGF in the circulation has hampered its further investigation. Here, we developed a liquid chromatography/multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry MYDGF assay, employing SDS-PAGE-based protein fractionation to deplete high-abundant proteins and a stable isotope-labeled synthetic standard peptide for quantification. The assay had a lower limit of quantification of 0.8 ng/mL and a linear range up to 190 ng/mL. Within-run and total imprecision ranged from 8 to 17% and 11 to 20%, respectively. MYDGF plasma concentrations were not affected by either storage at room temperature for 4 h or up to three freeze-thaw cycles. Apparently healthy adults presented with a median (range) MYDGF concentration of 3.3 (1.3-6.7) ng/mL ( n = 120). MYDGF concentrations were elevated 2.7-fold ( P < 0.001) in patients with acute MI ( n = 101) and were associated with inflammatory biomarkers, renal dysfunction, and long-term cardiovascular mortality. The new assay and the favorable preanalytic characteristics of the analyte will facilitate studies into the pathophysiology of MYDGF and its potential use as a biomarker or protein therapeutic in patients with acute MI or other disease states.