Abstract
This paper described an improved method for high-throughput and sensitive determination of zearalenone and its five metabolites (zearalanone, α-zearalenol, β-zearalenol, α-zearalanol and β-zearalanol) in human serum. Serum samples were measured both before and after enzyme hydrolysis to assess the free and total amount of each compound by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) in multi reaction monitoring (MRM) mode following off-line 96-well μElution solid-phase extraction (SPE). All the analytes were completely separated on a C18 column within 6 min. It enabled multi-sample preparation at the same time eliminating tedious evaporation and reconstitution steps, allowing 96 (one plate) samples to be processed and analyzed within 24 h. Using an isotope labelled internal standard (13C-ZEN), high recoveries were achieved for all the compounds in the range 91.6%–119.5%, with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 8%. The limits of detection (LOD) and the limits of quantification (LOQ) were 0.02–0.06 ng mL−1 (0.6–2 fmol) and 0.1–0.2 ng mL−1 (3–6 fmol), respectively, demonstrating a notable enhancement in sensitivity compared to the existing methods. The validated method was applied to the analysis of paired urine and serum samples collected from 125 healthy individuals in Henan Province, locating in the middle area of China. ZEN metabolites in human serum were significantly lower than those in urine. Only one serum sample was positive for ZEN after enzyme digestion, whereas at least one of ZEN biomarkers was detected in 75.2% of the paired urine samples. Some comparison and discussion were also included in this paper.
Highlights
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium molds [1,2]
To obtain the most intensive response of precursor ions, ionization mode, cone gas flow, desolvation gas flow and temperature, source temperature, capillary voltage and cone voltage were manually optimized in steps
The developed method significantly improved sensitivity and selectivity and reduced the labor-intensity, time consumption and waste generated at the same time
Summary
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium molds [1,2]. Many crops can be infested by these molds and thereby contaminated by ZEN. Humans and animals could be at high risk of being exposed to ZEN through the intake of contaminated food or feed. ZEN showed adverse effects on reproductive systems of mammalian species [2,3,4,5], despite its relatively low acute toxicity. According to some reports regarding blood parameters, ZEN was evidenced to be haematotoxic and hepatotoxic [3,6,7].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
