Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes of human blood. Upon activation, neutrophils are highly effective at generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) by a process known as respiratory burst, providing rapid defense against invading pathogens. They may be categorized in 3 distinct states of activation according to their metabolic condition: naive, primed and activated.

       The generation of a human neutrophil proteomic map is highly desirable in order to compare protein expression and PTMs (post-translational modifications) among different conditions. For these proteins to be considered as candidates for drug targets or diagnostic molecular markers, the population variability must be considered.

       In the present study, the neutrophil proteomic map of 14 healthy individuals was compared to estimate the protein variability amongst samples. Computational analysis was performed on the previously obtained gel images, using the software ImageMaster Platinum and statistical tools.

       Data covered in 14 matched gels in this experiment reveals, until the present moment, a matching efficiency around 60%. The number of matched spots increase inversely proportional to the number of gels, and its distribution curve behavior, which resembles the exponential distribution, represents the global efficiency.

       Matches were distributed in homogeneous classes, suggesting a Gaussian Distribution plot, that represents the abundance of matches per number of gels. Six classes of match groups were represented: 7.46% (2 and 3 gels), 20.1% (4 and 5 gels), 22.25% (6, 7 and 8 gels), 19.22% (9 and 10), 17.95% (11 and 12 gels) and 13.02% (13 and 14 gels).

       The standard deviation (SD) of volume percentage is a good measure of data spread, representing protein variability. Standard deviation percentage (SD%) data report the volume behavior related to protein abundance. In our study, more than 85% of the match groups have low SD and SD% analysis indicates a restrict range of classes to encompass the majority of groups, indicating the range and abundance of possible targets of resting human neutrophil proteomic map.