This work was supported by German Research Foundation STE 1765/3-1 (A.S.) and German Ministry for Education and Research 03IPT614A (C.G.). We thank Reinhard Lommel and Petra Bu&#223;e for their excellent technical support as well as Karin Johansson and Christina Hentzschel for help with organization and execution of anthropometric measurements

The protocol was approved by the local ethics committee for human research (protocol number EA1/114/10).
1. Blood Processing
<ol>
	<li>Collect venous blood between 07:00 and 08:00 am after an overnight fast from a forearm vein and process according to standard procedure or the RAPID method. Instruct the subjects to not exercise or smoke before blood withdrawal.</li>
	<li>For standard processing, collect blood in chilled EDTA-containing tubes and centrifuge within 10 min at 3,000 x g for 10 min at 4 &#176;C. Coll...

<ol>
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P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+epidemiology+of+obesity:+the+size+of+the+problem.">The epidemiology of obesity: the size of the problem.</a> J Intern Med. 263 (4), 336-352 (2008).</li><li>Stengel, A., Tach&#233;, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gastric+peptides+and+their+regulation+of+hunger+and+satiety.">Gastric peptides and their regulation of hunger and satiety.</a> Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 14 (6), 480-488 (2012).</li><li>Hussain, S. S., Bloom, S. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+regulation+of+food+intake+by+the+gut-brain+axis:+implications+for+obesity.">The regulation of food intake by the gut-brain axis: implications for obesity.</a> Int J Obes (Lond). 37 (5), 625-633 (2013).</li><li>Hosoda, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optimum+collection+and+storage+conditions+for+ghrelin+measurements:+octanoyl+modification+of+ghrelin+is+rapidly+hydrolyzed+to+desacyl+ghrelin+in+blood+samples).">Optimum collection and storage conditions for ghrelin measurements: octanoyl modification of ghrelin is rapidly hydrolyzed to desacyl ghrelin in blood samples).</a> Clin Chem. 50 (6), 1077-1080 (2004).</li><li>Stengel, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+RAPID+method+for+blood+processing+yields+new+insight+in+plasma+concentrations+and+molecular+forms+of+circulating+gut+peptides.">The RAPID method for blood processing yields new insight in plasma concentrations and molecular forms of circulating gut peptides.</a> Endocrinology. 150 (11), 5113-5118 (2009).</li><li>Stengel, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lipopolysaccharide+differentially+decreases+plasma+acyl+and+desacyl+ghrelin+levels+in+rats:+Potential+role+of+the+circulating+ghrelin-acylating+enzyme+GOAT.">Lipopolysaccharide differentially decreases plasma acyl and desacyl ghrelin levels in rats: Potential role of the circulating ghrelin-acylating enzyme GOAT.</a> Peptides. 31 (9), 1689-1696 (2010).</li><li>Stengel, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cold+ambient+temperature+reverses+abdominal+surgery-induced+delayed+gastric+emptying+and+decreased+plasma+ghrelin+levels+in+rats.">Cold ambient temperature reverses abdominal surgery-induced delayed gastric emptying and decreased plasma ghrelin levels in rats.</a> Peptides. 31, 2229-2235 (2010).</li><li>Stengel, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Central+administration+of+pan-somatostatin+agonist+ODT8-SST+prevents+abdominal+surgery-induced+inhibition+of+circulating+ghrelin,+food+intake+and+gastric+emptying+in+rats.">Central administration of pan-somatostatin agonist ODT8-SST prevents abdominal surgery-induced inhibition of circulating ghrelin, food intake and gastric emptying in rats.</a> Neurogastroenterol Motil. 23 (7), e294-e308 (2011).</li><li>Stengel, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Abdominal+surgery+inhibits+circulating+acyl+ghrelin+and+ghrelin-O-acyltransferase+levels+in+rats:+role+of+the+somatostatin+receptor+subtype+2.">Abdominal surgery inhibits circulating acyl ghrelin and ghrelin-O-acyltransferase levels in rats: role of the somatostatin receptor subtype 2.</a> Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 301, G239-G248 (2011).</li><li>Wang, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intravenous+injection+of+urocortin+1+induces+a+CRF2+mediated+increase+in+circulating+ghrelin+and+glucose+levels+through+distinct+mechanisms+in+rats.">Intravenous injection of urocortin 1 induces a CRF2 mediated increase in circulating ghrelin and glucose levels through distinct mechanisms in rats.</a> Peptides. 39, 164-170 (2013).</li><li>Goebel-Stengel, M., Stengel, A., Wang, L., Tach&#233;, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Orexigenic+response+to+tail+pinch:+role+of+brain+NPY(1)+and+corticotropin+releasing+factor+receptors.">Orexigenic response to tail pinch: role of brain NPY(1) and corticotropin releasing factor receptors.</a> Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 306 (3), R164-R174 (2014).</li><li>Goebel, M., Stengel, A., Wang, L., Reeve, J., Tach&#233;, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lipopolysaccharide+increases+plasma+levels+of+corticotropin-releasing+hormone+in+rats.">Lipopolysaccharide increases plasma levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone in rats.</a> Neuroendocrinology. 93 (3), 165-173 (2011).</li><li>Banfi, G., Salvagno, G. L., Lippi, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+ethylenediamine+tetraacetic+acid+(EDTA)+as+in+vitro+anticoagulant+for+diagnostic+purposes.">The role of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as in vitro anticoagulant for diagnostic purposes.</a> Clin Chem Lab Med. 45 (5), 565-576 (2007).</li><li>Stengel, A., Wang, L., Goebel-Stengel, M., Tach&#233;, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Centrally+injected+kisspeptin+reduces+food+intake+by+increasing+meal+intervals+in+mice.">Centrally injected kisspeptin reduces food intake by increasing meal intervals in mice.</a> Neuroreport. 22 (5), 253-257 (2011).</li><li>De Bond, J. A., Smith, J. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Kisspeptin+and+energy+balance+in+reproduction.">Kisspeptin and energy balance in reproduction.</a> Reproduction. 147 (3), R53-R63 (2014).</li><li>Wren, A. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ghrelin+enhances+appetite+and+increases+food+intake+in+humans.">Ghrelin enhances appetite and increases food intake in humans.</a> J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 86 (12), 5992 (2001).</li><li>Schulman, J. L., Carleton, J. L., Whitney, G., Whitehorn, J. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+glucagon+on+food+intake+and+body+weight+in+man.">Effect of glucagon on food intake and body weight in man.</a> J Appl Physiol. 11 (3), 419-421 (1957).</li><li>Steinert, R. E., Poller, B., Castelli, M. C., Drewe, J., Beglinger, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oral+administration+of+glucagon-like+peptide+1+or+peptide+YY+3-36+affects+food+intake+in+healthy+male+subjects.">Oral administration of glucagon-like peptide 1 or peptide YY 3-36 affects food intake in healthy male subjects.</a> Am J Clin Nutr. 92 (4), 810-817 (2010).</li><li>Dewan, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+insulin-induced+hypoglycaemia+on+energy+intake+and+food+choice+at+a+subsequent+test+meal.">Effects of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia on energy intake and food choice at a subsequent test meal.</a> Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 20 (5), 405-410 (2004).</li><li>Schlogl, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Increased+24-hour+ad+libitum+food+intake+is+associated+with+lower+plasma+irisin+concentrations+the+following+morning+in+adult+humans.">Increased 24-hour ad libitum food intake is associated with lower plasma irisin concentrations the following morning in adult humans.</a> Appetite. 90, 154-159 (2015).</li><li>Heymsfield, S. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Recombinant+leptin+for+weight+loss+in+obese+and+lean+adults:+a+randomized,+controlled,+dose-escalation+trial.">Recombinant leptin for weight loss in obese and lean adults: a randomized, controlled, dose-escalation trial.</a> JAMA. 282 (16), 1568-1575 (1999).</li><li>Shimizu, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Peripheral+administration+of+nesfatin-1+reduces+food+intake+in+mice:+the+leptin-independent+mechanism.">Peripheral administration of nesfatin-1 reduces food intake in mice: the leptin-independent mechanism.</a> Endocrinology. 150, 662-671 (2009).</li><li>Batterham, R. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inhibition+of+food+intake+in+obese+subjects+by+peptide+YY3-36.">Inhibition of food intake in obese subjects by peptide YY3-36.</a> N Engl J Med. 349 (10), 941-948 (2003).</li><li>Shibasaki, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antagonistic+effect+of+somatostatin+on+corticotropin-releasing+factor-induced+anorexia+in+the+rat.">Antagonistic effect of somatostatin on corticotropin-releasing factor-induced anorexia in the rat.</a> Life Sci. 42 (3), 329-334 (1988).</li><li>Goebel-Stengel, M., Stengel, A., Tach&#233;, Y., Reeve, J. 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M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Decreased+plasma+levels+of+metastin+in+early+pregnancy+are+associated+with+small+for+gestational+age+neonates.">Decreased plasma levels of metastin in early pregnancy are associated with small for gestational age neonates.</a> Prenat Diagn. 28 (4), 299-303 (2008).</li><li>Kojima, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ghrelin+is+a+growth-hormone-releasing+acylated+peptide+from+stomach.">Ghrelin is a growth-hormone-releasing acylated peptide from stomach.</a> Nature. 402 (6762), 656-660 (1999).</li><li>Stengel, A., Yin Tach&#233;, Y., Yang, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=the+Gastric+X/A-like+Cell+as+Possible+Dual+Regulator+of+Food+Intake.">the Gastric X/A-like Cell as Possible Dual Regulator of Food Intake.</a> J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 18 (2), 138-149 (2012).</li><li>Inhoff, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Desacyl+ghrelin+inhibits+the+orexigenic+effect+of+peripherally+injected+ghrelin+in+rats.">Desacyl ghrelin inhibits the orexigenic effect of peripherally injected ghrelin in rats.</a> Peptides. 29, 2159-2168 (2008).</li><li>Hirayama, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contrasting+effects+of+ghrelin+and+des-acyl+ghrelin+on+the+lumbo-sacral+defecation+center+and+regulation+of+colorectal+motility+in+rats.">Contrasting effects of ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin on the lumbo-sacral defecation center and regulation of colorectal motility in rats.</a> Neurogastroenterol Motil. 22 (10), 1124-1131 (2011).</li><li>Horikoshi, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dramatic+elevation+of+plasma+metastin+concentrations+in+human+pregnancy:+metastin+as+a+novel+placenta-derived+hormone+in+humans.">Dramatic elevation of plasma metastin concentrations in human pregnancy: metastin as a novel placenta-derived hormone in humans.</a> J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 88 (2), 914-919 (2003).</li><li>Yang, Y. 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L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Principles of Biochemistry. , (1973).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

We reported before that the RAPID method for blood processing improved the recovery for 11/12 peptides compared to standard blood processing in rats6. In the present study we have shown that this method is also suited for the use in humans. Following RAPID processing, the recovery for 9 of 9 125I-labeled peptides tested was improved compared to standard blood processing (EDTA blood on ice). The observed improvement ranged from 19-39% which is likely to be relevant, especially under conditions when o...

In light of the worldwide increasing prevalence of obesity1,2, research in the field of food intake regulation is gaining importance. While so far only one peptide is known that is peripherally produced and centrally acting to stimulate food intake, namely ghrelin3, within the past decades, a broad range of peptides has been identified that reduce food intake, e.g. leptin, peptide YY (PYY) and also glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and insulin4, Therefore, in studies investigating the regulatory mechanisms of hunger and satiety peptide levels are often assessed and at the same time, it is assumed that the peptide studied is stable and recovered at high yields during plasma formation. However, very often this is not the case due to rapid endogenous breakdown as shown before for e.g. ghrelin which is degraded from acyl to desacyl ghrelin5. Therefore, we recently described the RAPID method for blood processing in rats employing Reduced temperatures, Acidification, Protease inhibition, Isotopic exogenous controls and Dilution6. This method improved the recovery for 11 of 12 peptides tested and allowed for the determination of the correct circulating molecular form compared to standard blood processing (EDTA blood on ice)6. This method has been used in several subsequent studies7-12 for the detection of circulating ghrelin as well as corticotropin-releasing factor13. Therefore, the method has proven useful for peptide research in rodents. However, since rodent studies are not always translatable to another species, the method should be established for the use in human blood as well.
The aim of the present study was to test the RAPID method for blood processing in humans compared to standard blood processing, EDTA blood on ice, which is widely recommended14 and frequently used in the clinical as well as research setting. We tested the recovery of a selection of 125I-labeled peptides involved in the regulation of food intake including established peptides as well as new candidates recently suggested to play a role in feeding regulation (effects on food intake are shown in Table 1) following processing with both methods. Hormones were also chosen to represent peptides of different length and charge (Table 2). Moreover, for ghrelin we investigated the molecular form(s) following the standard and RAPID method. Lastly, we assessed endogenous ghrelin (acyl and desacyl ghrelin) as well as kisspeptin levels, a peptide also recently suggested to play a role in the regulation of food intake15,16 following RAPID or standard processing. In addition, we also investigated these peptide levels in a population of subjects with a wide range of body mass index (ranging from 10.2-67.6 kg/m2) to study possible differences related to chronically altered body weight.
<img alt="Table 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/53959/53959table1.jpg" />
<img alt="Table 2" src="/files/ftp_upload/53959/53959table2.jpg" />
Diagnosis, Assessment, and Plan: 
Study participants 
All study participants were newly hospitalized patients (inclusion was within two days of admission to the hospital) of the Division of Psychosomatic Medicine at Charit&#233;-Universit&#228;tsmedizin Berlin and gave written informed consent. To avoid any impact of gender only female patients were included. A total of 42 subjects participated in this study and were divided into three groups: normal weight (BMI 18.5-25 kg/m2, n = 12), anorexia nervosa (BMI &#60;17.5 kg/m2, n = 15) and obesity (BMI &#62;30 kg/m2, n = 15). Anorexic and obese patients were diagnosed according to the International Classification of Diseases-10 and hospitalized for weight gain (anorexia nervosa) or weight reduction (obesity), respectively. All normal weight patients were hospitalized exclusively due to somatoform symptoms without relevant somatic disorders. Patients with gastrointestinal somatoform symptoms or a history of gastrointestinal surgery were excluded. Exclusion criteria also encompassed an age &#60;18 years, current pregnancy and untreated psychotic diseases. Blood collection was performed on day 2 or 3 after hospital admission before receiving dietary treatment in order to increase or reduce body weight, respectively. Anthropometric parameters were assessed on the same day.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1268">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:343px;">diprotin A</td>
			<td style="width:351px;">Peptides International, Louisville, KY, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">IDP-4132</td>
			<td style="width:456px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">E-64-d</td>
			<td>Peptides International, Louisville, KY, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">IED-4321-v</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">antipain</td>
			<td>Peptides International, Louisville, KY, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">IAP-4062</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">leupeptin</td>
			<td>Peptides International, Louisville, KY, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">ILP-4041</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">chymostatin</td>
			<td>Peptides International, Louisville, KY, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">ICY-4063</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Sep-Pak C18 cartridges</td>
			<td>Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, USA</td>
			<td>WAT051910</td>
			<td>360 mg, 55-105 &#181;m</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">acyl-ghrelin</td>
			<td>Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">9088-HK</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">GLP-1</td>
			<td>Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">9035-HK</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">glucagon</td>
			<td>Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">9030</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">insulin</td>
			<td>Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">9011S</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">leptin</td>
			<td>Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">9081-HK</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">kisspeptin-10</td>
			<td>Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, Burlingame, CA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">T-048-56</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">nesfatin-1</td>
			<td>Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, Burlingame, CA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">T-003-26</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="26">
			<td height="26" style="height:26px;">PYY3-36</td>
			<td>Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, Burlingame, CA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">T-059-02&#160;</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">somatostatin-28</td>
			<td>Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, Burlingame, CA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">T-060-16&#160;</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">ZORBAX Rapid Resolution HT SB-C18 column</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">822700-902</td>
			<td>2.1 x 50 mm, 1.8 &#181;m</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Agilent 1200 LC&#160;</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td>HPLC, several components, therefore no single catalog number</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Kisspeptin&#160; RIA</td>
			<td>Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, Burlingame, CA, USA</td>
			<td># RK-048-56</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:343px;">Total ghrelin RIA</td>
			<td>Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA</td>
			<td># GHRT-89HK&#160;</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:343px;">Active ghrelin RIA</td>
			<td>Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA</td>
			<td># GHRA-88HK</td>
			<td>Radioactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="24">
			<td height="24" style="height:24px;width:343px;">SigmaStat 3.1</td>
			<td>Systat Software, San Jose, CA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">online download</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a rapid method for blood processing to increase the yield of plasma peptide levels in human blood

Research in the field of food intake regulation is gaining importance. This often includes the measurement of peptides regulating food intake. For the correct determination of a peptide&#39;s concentration, it should be stable during blood processing. However, this is not the case for several peptides which are quickly degraded by endogenous peptidases. Recently, we developed a blood processing method employing Reduced temperatures, Acidification, Protease inhibition, Isotopic exogenous controls and Dilution (RAPID) for the use in rats. Here, we have established this technique for the use in humans and investigated recovery, molecular form and circulating concentration of food intake regulatory hormones. The RAPID method significantly improved the recovery for 125I-labeled somatostatin-28 (+39%), glucagon-like peptide-1 (+35%), acyl ghrelin and glucagon (+32%), insulin and kisspeptin (+29%), nesfatin-1 (+28%), leptin (+21%) and peptide YY3-36 (+19%) compared to standard processing (EDTA blood on ice, p&#160;&#60;0.001). High performance liquid chromatography showed the elution of endogenous acyl ghrelin at the expected position after RAPID processing, while after standard processing 62% of acyl ghrelin were degraded resulting in an earlier peak likely representing desacyl ghrelin. After RAPID processing the acyl/desacyl ghrelin ratio in blood of normal weight subjects was 1:3 compared to 1:23 following standard processing (p&#160;= 0.03). Also endogenous kisspeptin levels were higher after RAPID compared to standard processing (+99%, p&#160;= 0.02). The RAPID blood processing method can be used in humans, yields higher peptide levels and allows for assessment of the correct molecular form.

RAPID blood processing increases the yield of 125I-radiolabeled peptides in human blood compared to standard blood processing. 
After standard blood processing (EDTA blood on ice), the recovery of radiolabeled peptides was ~60% in 9/9 peptides (ranging from 48-68%, Figure 1A-K). RAPID processing improved the yield in all 125I-labeled peptides, namely in somatostatin-28 (+39%, Figure 1A), glucagon-like peptide-1 ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood at JoVE.com

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood

The RAPID blood processing method can be used in humans and yields higher peptide levels as well as allows for assessment of the correct molecular form. Therefore, this method will be a valuable tool in peptide research.

Research in the field of food intake regulation is gaining importance. This often includes the measurement of peptides regulating food intake. For the ...

The overall goal of this RAPID method is to improve the yield of endogenous peptide hormones to be measured in human blood. The RAPID method was recently established for the use in rats, and is also suited for the use in human blood. The RAPID method improves the yield, and allows detection of the correct molecular form of endogenous peptide.The RAPID method is easy to use. However, the RAPID method is more time consuming and more expensive compared to standard blood sampling. So it might be more applicable in the research setting.Visual demonstration of this method is critical, as the timely dilution of the samples as well as the elution of great importance to ensure a proper peptide level. Collect venous blood at a standardized time after an overnight fast from a forearm vein. And process according to standard procedures, or the RAPID method.Instruct the subjects not to exercise or smoke before blood withdrawal. For standard processing, collect blood in chilled EDTA containing tubes and centrifuge within 10 minutes at 3000 Gs for 10 minutes at four degrees Celsius. Collect the supernatant, and keep it minus 80 degrees Celsius until further processing by radioimmunoassay.For RAPID processing, immediately dilute blood one to 10, in ice cold RAPID buffer. PH three point six, containing zero point one molar amoniumasitate. Zero point five molar sodium chloride, and enzyme inhibitors.Within 10 minutes, centrifuge the RAPID sample at 3000 Gs for 10 minutes at four degrees Celsius, and collect the supernatant, using a pipette. Next, charge chromatography cartridges with 100%actitonitrile, at 10 milliliters per minute. Following equilibration with 0.1%trifluoroacetic, or TFA.Load with the RAPID sample supernatant, at a constant rate of one milliliter per minute, using a syringe pump. After washing the cartridges with three milliliters of 0.1%TFA, at 10 milliliters per minute, slowly elute the RAPID sample with two milliliters of 70%acetonitrile containing 0.1%TFA, at two milliliters per minute. Dry the eluted samples using vacuum centrifugation, and store at minus 80 degrees Celsius, until further processing by radioimmunoassay.Obtain iodine 125 radio labeled human peptides. Keep the peptides in powder form until the experiment. Then freshly dilute in 0.1%acetic acid.For standard processing, directly after blood withdrawal, into chilled EDTA containing tubes, transfer one milliliter of blood in a tube with 50 microliters of radiolabel, containing 3000 to 6000 CPM. For RAPID processing, transfer one milliliter of EDTA containing blood into a tube holding nine milliliters of RAPID buffer, and 500 microliters of radiolabel contain 30, 000 to 60, 000 CPM. Due to the one to 10 dilution, use a 10 times higher volume of radiolabel for RAPID processing.Directly after applying the different steps of the RAPID method, assess the recovery of radioactively labeled peptides by using a gamma counter. Do not dry the samples by vacuum centrifugation, and do note store at minus 80 degrees Celsius. For measurement, transfer the supernatant to tubes fitting into the gamma counter.And assess the counts per minute. Measure the whole supernatant in standard samples. In RAPID samples, analyze one tenth of the total volume to achieve a comparable amount of radiolabel used.As a 100%standard, use two samples with 50 microliters of iodine 125 radiolabeled peptide that do not undergo processing. Measure the radioactivity of all of the samples at the same time. Withdraw blood, in chilled EDTA containing tubes, and transfer one milliliter to tubes holding 200 microliters of radiolabeled acyl ghrelin, containing 15, 000 to 20, 000 CPM, for standard processing.For RAPID processing, transfer one milliliter of blood into a tube holding nine milliliters of rapid buffer, and 200 microliters of radiolabeled acyl ghrelin containing 15, 000 to 20, 000 CPM. Afterwards, process samples as before. For further analysis by reversed phase HPLC, directly load the samples onto a stable bond C18 column equilibrated in 17%acetonitrile in water supplemented with 0.1%TFA.After five minutes of equilibration, use a gradient from 17 to 40%acetonitrile, to elute the sample in 40 minutes, at one milliliter per minute. Collect fractions of one milliliter every minute, and analyze radioactivity using a gamma counter. In a separate experiment, load 200 microliters of radiolabeled acyl ghrelin containing 15, 000 to 20, 000 CPM onto the column directly and perform HPLC as before.For radioimmunoassay, thaw frozen supernatants and vacuum dried powder at room temperature. Immediately before radioimmunoassay, re suspend dry RAPID samples in double distilled water, according to the original volume of plasma. Assess kisspeptin and total ghrelin as well as acyl ghrelin, using commercial radioimunoassays according to the manufacturer's protocols.Use borosilicate tubes that allow stable palette formation. On day one, incubate the samples with assay buffer, and primary atibody, in the dilution provided by the manufacturer for a period of 24 hours. On day two, add the iodine 125 tracer, vortex, and incubate for a period of 24 hours.On day three, add the percipitating reagent, vortex, and incubate as recommended by the manufacturer. Then, centrifuge the tubes at 3, 000 Gs for 20 minutes at four degrees Celsius. Remove the supernatants and count the radioactivity in the palettes, using a gamma counter.Calculate the desacyl ghrelin, as the difference of the total ghrelin minus acyl ghrelin. Asses the acyl, desacyl ghrelin ratio, by diving acyl by desacyl ghrelin for each individual sample. If possible, process all samples in one batch, to avoid inter assay variability.RAPID blood processing increases the yield of iodine 125 radiolabeled peptides in human blood, as compared to standard blood processing. After standard blood processing, the recovery of radiolabeled peptides ranged from 48%to 68%in nine peptides. RAPID processing improved the yield in all iodine 125 labeled peptides, with a recovery ranging from 71%to 98%Shown here is the elution profile of iodine 125 labeled acyl ghrelin in human blood following standard or RAPID blood processing.After RAPID processing, iodine 125 labeled ghrelin eluded at the expected position. While after the standard procedure, an earlier peak was observed. Likely corresponding to desacyl ghrelin.This represented a 62%degradation of the peptide. RAPID blood processing improves the acyl, desacyl ghrelin ratio as compared to standard processing. After RAPID processing, the acyl, desacyl ghrelin ratio in blood of normal weight subjects was one to three.As compared to one to 23 following standard blood processing. Similar results were observed under anorexic and obese conditions. RAPID blood processing results in increased endogenous kisspeptin blood levels as compared to standard processing.In both anorexic and normal weight subjects, circulating endogenous kisspeptin levels were significantly higher following RAPID as compared to standard processing. The difference did not reach significance under conditions of obesity. Once mastered, and performed properly, this technique can be done in less than one hour.This method is especially important when the expected concentration of the peptide is low, or the differences between the groups are small. A general recommendation for peptides cannot be given. The potential benefit for each peptide should be tested once at the beginning.This technique paves the way for researchers in different fields to explore the yield and more importantly, the correct molecular form of endogenous peptide hormones. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to apply RAPID method for blood processing in humans.

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Immunology and Infection

8.3K visualizações.  Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin. The overall goal of this RAPID method is to improve the yield of endogenous peptide hormones to be measured in human blood. The RAPID method was recently established for the use in rats, and is also suited for the use in human blood. The RAPID method improves the yield, and allows detection of the correct molecular form of endogenous peptide.The RAPID method is easy to use. However, the RAPID method is more time consuming and more expensive compared to standard blood sampling. So it mi...