Quantitative proteomic analysis on serum in patients with chronic benzene poisoning using 8-plex iTRAQ labeling coupled with 2D LC-MS/MS

Objective To compare the expression of serum proteins between patients with chronic benzene poisoning and healthy controls,and to screen the differentially expressed proteins for the study of molecular mechanisms and the development of biomarkers for treatment and prevention. Methods 14 kinds of high abundant proteins in the serum were removed by immunochromatography assay.Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation(iTRAQ) coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(2D LC-MS/MS) were used to analyze and identify the proteins expression of serum. Results 159 proteins were successfully identified from 18 samples of 9 patients and 9 controls.Statistic differences were observed in 3 proteins including plasminogen(PLG),apolipoprotein B-100(APOB100) and platelet basic protein(PBP).The 3 proteins can be functionally categorised into binding,catalytic activity,enzyme regulator activity and transporter activity,as well as involving in biological processes of immunity,metabolism,stress,transportation and apoptosis. Conclusion PLG,APOB100 and PBP could serve as potential target molecules for the mechanism study on chronic benzene poisoning.