Proteomics analysis of serous fluids and effusions: Pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal

Serous body fluids are normally present in small amounts in the cavities lined by serous membranes, and effusions are the term usually used to represent an excess of these fluids. Thus, any changes in the effusions may accurately reflect various pathological processes. In this review, we will introduce the present status of effusion analysis. Proteomics allows the global study of protein expression and offers a comprehensive view to analyze effusion proteins at a system level. It deals with the study of proteins, their structures, localizations, PTM, functions, and interactions with other proteins. This paper reviews the variety of analytical methods that have been used for the analysis of effusions. The proteins expressed in effusions, which have been identified by proteomics methods are discussed.