Liquid Chromatography-high Resolution Mass Spectrometry Research Articles

Discrepancies between the stated contents and analytical findings for electronic cigarette liquid products: Identification of the new cannabinoid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabihexol acetate.

A number of synthetic cannabinoids have been appearing in the recreational drug market for more than a decade. Recent additions are so-called semi-synthetic cannabinoids, and they structurally closely resemble the main psychoactive component of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Knowledge of new (semi-)synthetic cannabinoids is essential to help identify them in authentic forensic case samples. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine two commercially available electronic cigarette liquid products claiming to contain cannabinoids and characterize the structures of the main compounds. The liquid products were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), GC-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS), and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). In product A, typical cannabinoids (cannabidiol, cannabigerol, and cannabinol) and terpenes (α-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene) were identified by comparison with reference materials. An unknown peak was isolated by semi-preparative high-performance LC, analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and identified to be Δ9-tetrahydrocannabihexol acetate (Δ9-THCH-O). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the identification of Δ9-THCH-O in commercially available products. Another compound estimated as cannabihexol acetate was also detected. In product B, cannabidiol, cannabinol, α-caryophyllene, and β-caryophyllene were identified, while two unknown peaks were estimated as tetrahydrocannabidiol isomers. Despite products A and B being labeled to contain "60% HHCPM" and "80% 10-OH-HHC," respectively, no such compounds were detected. The findings of this study could help detect Δ9-THCH-O in case samples and highlight the need to keep monitoring commercial products to identify new drugs, while warning that the package labels cannot be trusted.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Thai medicinal plants: in vitro screening and in silico docking of phytoconstituents for novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents

BackgroundThe high virulence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has triggered global health and economic concerns. The absence of specific antiviral treatments and the side effects of repurposed drugs present persistent challenges. This study explored a promising antiviral herbal extract against SARS-CoV-2 from selected Thai medicinal plants based on in vitro efficacy and evaluated its antiviral lead compounds by molecular docking.MethodsTwenty-two different ethanolic-aqueous crude extracts (CEs) were rapidly screened for their potential activity against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) as a surrogate using a plaque reduction assay. Extracts achieving ≥ 70% anti-PEDV efficacy proceeded to the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity test using a 50% tissue culture infectious dose method in Vero E6 cells. Molnupiravir and extract-free media served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Potent CEs underwent water/ethyl acetate fractionation to enhance antiviral efficacy, and the fractions were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 performance. The fraction with the highest antiviral potency was identified using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS). Molecular docking analyses of these compounds against the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 (6LU7) were performed to identify antiviral lead molecules. The top three hits were further evaluated for their conformational stability in the docked complex using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.ResultsThe water fraction of mulberry (Morus alba Linn.) leaf CE (WF-MLCE) exhibited the most potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy with low cytotoxicity profile (CC50 of ~ 0.7 mg/mL), achieving 99.92% in pre-entry mode and 99.88% in postinfection treatment mode at 0.25 mg/mL. Flavonoids and conjugates were the predominant compounds identified in WF-MLCE. Molecular docking scores of several flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro demonstrated their superior antiviral potency compared to molnupiravir. Remarkably, myricetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside, maragrol B, and quercetin 3-O-robinobioside exhibited binding energies of ~ − 9 kcal/mol. The stability of each ligand–protein complex of these compounds with the Mpro system showed stability during MD simulation. These three molecules were pronounced as antiviral leads of WF-MLCE. Given the low cytotoxicity and high antiviral potency of WF-MLCE, it holds promise as a candidate for future therapeutic development for COVID-19 treatment, especially considering its economic and pharmacological advantages.

Elucidating the antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic potential of methanolic and water extracts of edible Tragopogon coelesyriacus Boiss.

Tragopogon coelesyriacus is a pharmacotherapeutic herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and consumed as a vegetable. Here, the methanolic and water extracts of T. coelesyriacus were obtained from its aboveground parts (stem, leaves, and flowers), and the phytochemical potentials were investigated by LC-HRMS (liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry) analysis for the first time. The antibacterial, antifungal, and anticarcinogenic activities of T. coelesyriacus extracts were investigated using experimental and in silico methods. T. coelesyriacus methanol extract revealed remarkable inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia (MICs = 0.83, 1.67, and 1.67 mg/mL, respectively) compared to Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes (MIC = 53.3 mg/mL). Inhibitory effects of T. coelesyriacus methanolic extracts were also observed in all Candida species tested, with the highest inhibition on Candida krusei (MIC = 0.83 mg/mL), whereas no inhibitory effect was identified from the water extract. Additionally, both T. coelesyriacus methanolic (IC50 = 86 μg/mL) and water (IC50 = 92 μg/mL) extracts revealed significant selective anticarcinogenic effects on AR42J pancreatic cancer cells. HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells were, however, more resilient to methanol and water extract, respectively. In silico analyses further elucidated the noteworthy antibacterial potential of keracyanin chloride on S. aureus MurB enzyme and the remarkable inhibitory potential of naringin on FYN kinase specific for pancreatic cancer (AR42J) development. In conclusion, T. coelesyriacus phytochemicals with antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties were revealed for the first time, and molecular docking studies on potential targets confirmed good agreement with experimental findings. Therefore, the current studies on T. coelesyriacus provide the basis for investigating new pharmaceutical potentials of other Tragopogon members.

Unraveling Grewia bilamellata Gagnep. Role in cerebral ischemia: Comprehensive in vivo and in silico studies.

The present study investigated the neuroprotective properties of whole plants of Grewia bilamellata Gagnep. extract (GBEE) against cerebral ischemia by harnessing both In vivo studies in a rat model and In silico studies focusing on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition. High-resolution liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (HR LC‒MS) analysis identified 32 phytochemicals in the GBEE, 15 of which adhered to Lipinski's rule of five. These compounds exhibited diverse physicochemical properties and high binding affinity to NOS, with cleomiscosin D showing the greatest potential. In vivo, GBEE had significant neuroprotective effects on bilateral common carotid artery occlusion/reperfusion (BCCAO/R) in rats, especially at doses of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight. GBEE treatment improved brain function, as evidenced by EEG normalization, substantial reductions in cerebral infarction size, mitigated neuronal loss, and the restoration of regular histological arrangement in the CA1 hippocampal area of the brain. Furthermore, GBEE enhanced antioxidant defenses by augmenting the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and restoring reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) levels, indicative of attenuated oxidative and nitrosative stress. Collectively, our findings suggest that GBEE is a promising natural therapeutic agent that may prevent or alleviate ischemic brain injury through a multifaceted mechanism involving NOS inhibition and attenuation of the oxidative stress response. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of GBEE and warrants further research into its mechanism of action and possible clinical applications.

Metabolomics Panel Associated with Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes toward Biomarker Discovery.

The most prevalent comorbidity among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). CFRD has been linked to one of the worse clinical outcomes and a higher mortality. Improved clinical results have been related to earlier diagnosis and treatment of CFRD. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the metabolome of human serum of patients with CFRD. This might aid in identifying novel biomarkers linked with the pathophysiology of CFRD and its diagnosis. The liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) metabolomics approach was utilized for serum samples from patients with CF (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 36). Nine patients in the CF group had CFRD, and 27 were non-CFRD patients (nCFRD). A total of 2328 metabolites were significantly altered in CF compared with the healthy control. Among those, 799 significantly dysregulated metabolites were identified between CFRD and nCFRD. Arachidonic acid (AA), ascorbate, and aldarate metabolism were the most common metabolic pathways dysregulated in CF. l-Homocysteic acid (l-HCA) levels were significantly reduced in CF and CFRD compared to the control and nCFRD, respectively. In addition, gamma-glutamylglycine and l-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) had the highest discrimination between CFRD and nCFRD with AUC (0.716 and 0.683, respectively). These biomarkers might serve as diagnostic biomarkers and aid in understanding potential metabolic changes linked to CF and CFRD.

Detection of the GH analog somatrogon in sports drug testing: Immunological approaches and LC-HRMS/MS.

Due to the presumed lipolytic and anabolic properties, the misuse of human growth hormone (hGH) and its synthetic analogs in sports is prohibited both in- and out-of-competition. Within this research project, the detectability of somatrogon, a recombinant fusion glycoprotein of 22 kDa hGH and the C-terminal peptide (CTP) of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) β-subunit, with current WADA-approved doping control assays for hGH and hCG was investigated. For that purpose, cross-reactivity tests and a somatrogon administration study were conducted, and only "Kit 2" of the GH isoform differential immunoassays proved applicable to the detection of somatrogon administration in serum. In urine, the immunoassay specific for total hCG yielded presumptively positive findings for several post-administration samples, which can probably be attributed to the presence of an immunoreactive fragment of the hCG β-subunit. As the detectability of somatrogon with these approaches was found to be limited, a highly specific detection assay (LOD: 10ng/mL) for the drug in serum samples was developed by using affinity purification with GH receptor (GHR)-conjugated magnetic beads, proteolytic digestion, and liquid chromatography high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS). Following optimization, the approach was comprehensively characterized, and authentic post-administration serum samples were successfully analyzed as proof-of-concept, indicating a detection window of at least 96 h. Consequently, the presented method can be employed to confirm the presence of somatrogon in serum samples, where only "Kit 2" of the currently used immunoassay kits yielded an abnormally high Rec/Pit ratio.

Detection of the selective androgen receptor modulator S-23 and its metabolites in equine urine and plasma following oral administration.

S-23 is an arylpropionamide selective androgen receptor modulator that has been investigated in animal models for use as a male hormonal contraceptive but is not yet available therapeutically. S-23 is available alongside other selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) to purchase online via uncontrolled sites, sold as supplement products. It has been detected in several human doping cases, highlighting the importance of identifying the best analytical targets for equine doping control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the detection of S-23 and its phase I metabolites in equine urine and plasma following a multiple dose oral administration to two Thoroughbred racehorses. Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry was used for metabolite identification, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used for full sample analysis and generation of urine and plasma profiles. S-23 and seven phase I metabolites were observed in urine following enzyme hydrolysis and solvolysis. The most abundant analyte detected was the hydroxylated 4-amino-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile metabolite, which also allowed the longest duration of detection in urine from both horses, for up to 360 h following administration. The data suggest that this metabolite was likely to be highly conjugated with both sulphate and glucuronide moieties. In plasma, S-23 and two phase I metabolites were observed. S-23 was the most abundant analyte detected for both horses, allowing detection for up to 143 h post-administration. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of S-23 and metabolites in equine urine and plasma samples.

Deciphering Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Wood Responses to Grapevine Trunk Disease-Associated Fungi

Esca is one of the main grapevine trunk diseases affecting vineyards worldwide. Phaeoacremonium minimum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora are thought to be two of the main causal agents of this disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense responses in the grapevine trunk against esca-associated pathogens are poorly understood. To provide a first glimpse at the trunk responses to P. minimum and P. chlamydospora, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to compare and contrast host responses to these pathogens. Transcriptomic analysis revealed different gene expression reprogramming in the trunk in response to each fungus. The main significant differences were found among genes associated with secondary metabolism, signaling, and hormone signaling. An untargeted liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry metabolomic approach performed 3 weeks after inoculation was used, and dereplication mainly highlighted flavonoids and stilbenes as plant defense metabolites in the infected trunk. Some metabolites were overproduced with both fungi, but specific responses were also observed. Particularly, a lipophilic flavonoid cluster was emphasized after P. minimum inoculation. The assessment of fungal infection 6 weeks postinfection showed more copies of P. minimum than P. chlamydospora. This dissimilarity in the level of colonization could be linked to the metabolomic responses observed. Our results reveal both different gene expression reprogramming and metabolomic-specific signatures depending on the wood pathogen. Altogether, these observations suggest that grapevine trunks can differently perceive and respond to P. minimum and P. chlamydospora. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Non-target liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry screening to prioritize unregulated micropollutants that persist through domestic wastewater treatment

Efforts to regulate and monitor emerging contaminants are insufficient because new chemicals are continually brought to market, and many are unregulated and potentially harmful. Domestic wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove micropollutants and are important sources of emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment. In this study, non-target screening, an unbiased method for analyzing compounds without prior information, was used to identify compounds that may be emitted in wastewater treatment plant effluent and should be monitored. Nine wastewater treatment plants using different treatment methods were studied, and a non-target screening data-processing method was used. The frequencies at which the contaminants were detected and contaminant persistence through the treatment processes were considered, and then the contaminants were prioritized. The predicted no-effect concentration of each prioritized contaminant was used to determine whether further analysis and monitoring of the contaminant was necessary. Quantitative analyses of five compounds (amantadine, atenolol, benzotriazole, diphenhydramine, and sulpiride) were performed using reference standards. Probable molecular formulae and structures were proposed for 17 contaminants, and the risks posed by the contaminants were estimated using predicted no-effect concentrations. The results provide valuable insights into how unregulated micropollutants can be identified and prioritized for monitoring in future studies.

Enhancing Molecular Characterization of Dissolved Organic Matter by Integrative Direct Infusion and Liquid Chromatography Nontargeted Workflows.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic systems is a highly heterogeneous mixture of water-soluble organic compounds, acting as a major carbon reservoir driving biogeochemical cycles. Understanding DOM molecular composition is thus of vital interest for the health assessment of aquatic ecosystems, yet its characterization poses challenges due to its complex and dynamic chemical profile. Here, we performed a comprehensive chemical analysis of DOM from highly urbanized river and seawater sources and compared it to drinking water. Extensive analyses by nontargeted direct infusion (DI) and liquid chromatography (LC) high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) through Orbitrap were integrated with novel computational workflows to allow molecular- and structural-level characterization of DOM. Across all water samples, over 7000 molecular formulas were calculated using both methods (∼4200 in DI and ∼3600 in LC). While the DI approach was limited to molecular formula calculation, the downstream data processing of MS2 spectral information combining library matching and in silico predictions enabled a comprehensive structural-level characterization of 16% of the molecular space detected by LC-HRMS across all water samples. Both analytical methods proved complementary, covering a broad chemical space that includes more highly polar compounds with DI and more less polar ones with LC. The innovative integration of diverse analytical techniques and computational workflow introduces a robust and largely available framework in the field, providing a widely applicable approach that significantly contributes to understanding the complex molecular composition of DOM.

Plasma metabolomic and lipidomic profiles accurately classify mothers of children with congenital heart disease: an observational study

IntroductionCongenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital anomaly, representing a significant global disease burden. Limitations exist in our understanding of aetiology, diagnostic methodology and screening, with metabolomics offering promise in addressing these.ObjectiveTo evaluate maternal metabolomics and lipidomics in prediction and risk factor identification for childhood CHD.MethodsWe performed an observational study in mothers of children with CHD following pregnancy, using untargeted plasma metabolomics and lipidomics by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). 190 cases (157 mothers of children with structural CHD (sCHD); 33 mothers of children with genetic CHD (gCHD)) from the children OMACp cohort and 162 controls from the ALSPAC cohort were analysed. CHD diagnoses were stratified by severity and clinical classifications. Univariate, exploratory and supervised chemometric methods were used to identify metabolites and lipids distinguishing cases and controls, alongside predictive modelling.Results499 metabolites and lipids were annotated and used to build PLS-DA and SO-CovSel-LDA predictive models to accurately distinguish sCHD and control groups. The best performing model had an sCHD test set mean accuracy of 94.74% (sCHD test group sensitivity 93.33%; specificity 96.00%) utilising only 11 analytes. Similar test performances were seen for gCHD. Across best performing models, 37 analytes contributed to performance including amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides.ConclusionsHere, maternal metabolomic and lipidomic analysis has facilitated the development of sensitive risk prediction models classifying mothers of children with CHD. Metabolites and lipids identified offer promise for maternal risk factor profiling, and understanding of CHD pathogenesis in the future.

Optimisation of corn silk tea production, and its antioxidant profile

Following COVID-19 pandemic, functional foods and beverages continue to develop, especially those with high antioxidant activity. The functional beverage from corn silk can be processed into brewed tea. The critical points in the making process of corn silk tea are the drying equipment, drying temperature, and drying time. With efficient method, corn silk tea can produce high antioxidant activity. The present work optimised the temperature and drying method based on antioxidant activity. The results of the present work are expected to be used in micro/small/medium enterprises (MSMEs) to produce corn silk herbal tea. The present work used Randomised Block Design (RBD) with two factors; drying temperatures (45, 55, and 65°C) and drying equipment (cabinet and oven) for 5 h. The analysis carried out was antioxidant activity and profiling using LC-HRMS (liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry) that ran in a positive (+) mode. The processing of corn silk tea using cabinet drying at 65°C for 5 h produced antioxidant activity of 82.00 ± 0.75%. This was higher than commercial black tea (81.71 ± 0.15%) and commercial green tea (78.37 ± 0.43%). The analysis using LC-HRMS showed that the corn silk tea contained betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) (RT 0.928), 6-methylquinoline (RT 4.741), hesperidin (3’,5,7-trihydroxy-4’-methoxyflavanone) (RT 302.07817), luvangetin (10-methoxy-2,2-dimethylpyrano[3,2-g]chromen-8-one) (RT 258.08837), embelin (2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-1,4-benzoquinone) (RT 13.074), and eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) (RT 13.325).

Acacia saligna extract alleviates quetiapine-induced sexual toxicity in male albino rats: Insights from UPLC-MS/MS metabolite profiling, structural and PI3K/NF-κB pathway assessments

BackgroundQuetiapine (QET) abuse has increased due to its anxiolytic and hedonic effects, necessitating protective adjunct treatments. Acacia saligna (A. saligna) flowers, used in traditional medicine, have potential health benefits. AimTo investigate the protective role of A. saligna flower extract against QET-induced sexual toxicity, and to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms through metabolomic and physiological studies. MethodsA. saligna extract was subjected to metabolite profiling via High-Resolution Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-ESI–qTOF-MS). Forty-eight adult male albino rats were assigned into six groups for 30 days. The intracavernosal pressure (ICP), semen, biochemical, hormonal, histological, genetic and Western blot (WB) analyses were determined. ResultsA. saligna extract is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and unsaturated fatty acids. QET significantly decreased ICP and negatively affected semen parameters. A. saligna mitigated decreased sperm motility and ameliorated overexpressed proinflammatory genes in QET-55 group. A. saligna ameliorated the reduction of the antioxidant biomarkers, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), concurrent with downregulation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) protein. A. saligna counteracted the disrupted testicular and prostatic structures revealed by histological examination. ConclusionThe extract from A. saligna, which contains a high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory chemicals, effectively mitigates sexual toxicity caused by QET. This study provided the first known explanation of the hypothesized processes behind the protective properties of A. saligna through biological, biochemical, and histological parameters. The results emphasize the potential of A. saligna as a safeguarding agent against drug-induced sexual toxicity.

Evaluation and comparison of liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms for the separation and characterization of ginsenosides from the leaves of Panax ginseng.

The measurement of data repeatability in small-molecule metabolites acquired within and among different liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platforms is crucial for data sharing or data transfer in natural products research. This work was designed to investigate and evaluate the separation and detection performance of three commercial high-resolution LC-MS platforms (e.g., Agilent 6550 QTOF, Waters Vion IM-QTOF, and Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 120) using 68 ginsenoside references and the extract of Panax ginseng leaf. The retention time (tR), measured on these three platforms (under the same chromatography condition), showed good stability in different concentration tests, and within/among different instruments for both intra-day and inter-day precision examinations. Correlation in tR of ginsenosides was also highly determined on these three platforms. In spite of the different mass analyzers involved, these three platforms gave the accurate mass determination ability, especially enhanced resolution gained because of the ion mobility (IM) separation facilitated by IM-quadrupole time-of-flight. The current study has systematically evaluated the separation and MS detection performance enabled by three high-resolution LC-MS platforms taking ginsenosides as the template, and the reported findings can benefit the researchers for the selection of analytical platforms and the purpose of data sharing or data transfer.

Broad‐spectrum and sensitive screening of more than 1000 compounds in equine urine using liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry

RationaleTo uphold the integrity of horseracing and equestrian sports, it is critical for an equine doping control laboratory to develop a comprehensive screening method to cover a wide range of target substances at the required detection levels in equine urine.MethodsThe procedure involved the enzymatic hydrolysis of 3 mL urine samples followed by solid‐phase extraction using HF Bond Elut C18 cartridge. The resulting extracts were then separated on a C18 reversed‐phase column and analyzed using liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) in both electrospray ionization positive and negative modes in two separate injections. The analytical data were obtained in full scan and product ion scan (PIS) modes in an 11 min LC run.ResultsThe method can detect 1011 compounds (in both positive and negative ion modes). Over 95% of the target compounds have limits of detections (LODs) ≤10 ng/mL, and more than 50% of the LODs are ≤0.5 ng/mL. The lowest LOD can reach down to 0.01 ng/mL. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by the successful detection of prohibited substances in overseas and domestic equine urine samples.ConclusionsWe have successfully developed a regular screening method for equine urine samples that can detect more than 1000 compounds at sub‐ppb levels in both positive and negative ion modes with full scan and PIS using LC/HRMS. Furthermore, this method can theoretically be expanded to accommodate an unlimited number of prohibited substances in full‐scan mode.

Rats exposed to Alternaria toxins in vivo exhibit altered liver activity highlighted by disruptions in riboflavin and acylcarnitine metabolism

Natural toxins produced by Alternaria fungi include the mycotoxins alternariol, tenuazonic acid and altertoxins I and II. Several of these toxins have shown high toxicity even at low levels including genotoxic, mutagenic, and estrogenic effects. However, the metabolic effects of toxin exposure from Alternaria are understudied, especially in the liver as a key target. To gain insight into the impact of Alternaria toxin exposure on the liver metabolome, rats (n = 21) were exposed to either (1) a complex culture extract with defined toxin profiles from Alternaria alternata (50 mg/kg body weight), (2) the isolated, highly genotoxic altertoxin-II (ATX-II) (0.7 mg/kg of body weight) or (3) a solvent control. The complex mixture contained a spectrum of Alternaria toxins including a controlled dose of ATX-II, matching the concentration of the isolated ATX-II. Liver samples were collected after 24 h and analyzed via liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Authentic reference standards (> 100) were used to identify endogenous metabolites and exogenous compounds from the administered exposures in tandem with SWATH-acquired MS/MS data which was used for non-targeted analysis/screening. Screening for metabolites produced by Alternaria revealed several compounds solely isolated in the liver of rats exposed to the complex culture, confirming results from a previously performed targeted biomonitoring study. This included the altersetin and altercrasin A that were tentatively identified. An untargeted metabolomics analysis found upregulation of acylcarnitines in rats receiving the complex Alternaria extract as well as downregulation of riboflavin in rats exposed to both ATX-II and the complex mixture. Taken together, this work provides a mechanistic view of Alternari toxin exposure and new suspect screening insights into hardly characterized Alternaria toxins.

Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics study of nicotine exposure in THP-1 monocytes

The tobacco alkaloid nicotine is known for its activation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Nicotine is consumed in different ways such as through conventional smoking, e-cigarettes, snuff or nicotine pouches. The use of snuff has been associated with several adverse health effects, such as inflammatory reactions of the oral mucosa and oral cavity cancer. We performed a metabolomic analysis of nicotine-exposed THP-1 human monocytes. Cells were exposed to 5 mM of the alkaloid for up to 4 h, and cell extracts and medium subjected to untargeted liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Raw data processing revealed 17 nicotine biotransformation products. Among these, cotinine and nornicotine were identified as the two major cellular biotransformation products. The application of multi- and univariate statistical analyses resulted in the annotation, up to a certain level of identification, of 12 compounds in the cell extracts and 13 compounds in the medium that were altered by nicotine exposure. Of these, four were verified as methylthioadenosine, cytosine, uric acid, and l-glutamate. Methylthioadenosine levels were affected in both cells and the medium, while cytosine, uric acid, and l-glutamate levels were affected in the medium only. The effects of smoking on the pathways involving these metabolites have been previously demonstrated in humans. Most of the other discriminating compounds, which were merely tentatively or not fully identified, were amino acids or amino acid derivatives. In conclusion, our preliminary data suggest that some of the potentially adverse effects related to smoking may also be expected when nicotine is consumed via snuff or nicotine pouches.

Determination and Identification of Antibiotic Residues in Fruits Using Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS).

Antibiotic residues may be present in fruit products from trees that were treated to combat bacterial diseases such as citrus greening or blight. A liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination and identification of streptomycin, kasugamycin, penicillin, and oxytetracycline residues in fruit. Samples were extracted with acidic methanol and separation was optimized for a hydrophilic interaction LC column. A Q-Exactive HRMS instrument was used to obtain product ion spectra for analyte identification. Quantitation was performed with matrix-extracted calibration curves and internal standard correction. The method was tested on many different types of fruit. In general, fortified samples demonstrated acceptable recoveries (82-116%) and reproducibility (<15% RSD). Method detection limits for these analytes were well below the established US EPA tolerance levels. It was also possible to analyze the fruit extracts prepared using this method for additional chemical contaminants using LC-HRMS.

Synthesis and analytical characterization of 1‐(2‐thienoyl)‐6‐allyl‐nor‐d‐lysergic acid diethylamide (1T‐AL‐LAD)

AbstractLysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogs have emerged as new psychoactive substances (NPS) since the mid‐2010s, and new compounds continue to emerge for recreational use. Since the end of 2023, “1D‐AL‐LAD” appeared on X (formerly Twitter) and other websites. As for the compound “1D‐LSD” (which also has “1D” in the name), several studies show that the ingredient of seized blotter paper printed “1D‐LSD” was actually 1‐(2‐thienoyl)‐LSD (1T‐LSD). However, there are no reports of seizures of 1‐(1,2‐dimethylcyclobutanecarbonyl)‐LSD (1D‐LSD). Accordingly, it was considered that all or at least a certain percentage of “1D‐AL‐LAD (1‐(1,2‐dimethylcyclobutanecarbonyl)‐6‐allyl‐nor‐LSD)” is actually 1‐(2‐thienoyl)‐6‐allyl‐nor‐LSD (1T‐AL‐LAD). This compound is handled by a number of distributors as of April 2024; therefore, it should be characterized in advance if seized. In this study, 1T‐AL‐LAD was synthesized and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) and gas chromatography/MS (GC/MS). This compound was easily distinguished from previously reported lysergamides. There were some differences in the detectability of 1T‐AL‐LAD compared with other lysergamides using GC/MS and the fragmentation patterns in LC/HRMS. These differences can be reasonably explained. This information will be of help to determine this substance in seized materials should it emerge on the market.

Antiviral and cytotoxic activities and chemical profiles of two species of Abies nordmanniana from Türkiye.

Abies is an important genus of the family Pinaceae, with about 50 species found in the highlands of Asia, Europe, North Africa, and North and Central America. The principal aim of the present work was to investigate the chemical content and biological potential of the resin and cone from Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana and Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani, respectively. The flavonoid and phenolic contents of the resin and cones were evaluated using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Additionally, the essential oil and fatty acid compositions were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), respectively. Cytotoxicity of the extracts and essential oils were screened against certain cancer cell lines, namely, human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line (PC3), human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549), human pancreatic cancer cell line (PANC-1), human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2), human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB231), and normal human lung fibroblast cell line (CCD-34-LU), with MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] assay. According to the MTT results, hexane extracts of both cone (CH) and resin (RH), ethanol-water (CEW), dichloromethane (CD), and acetone (CA) extracts of the cone mostly inflict cytotoxicity in HepG2 cell line. Antiviral activities of Abies nordmanniana subsp. extracts at doses of 5 μg/g and 10 μg/g were also evaluated in ovo for their virucidal activity against avian coronavirus. Abies nordmanniana subsp. extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antiviral activity on specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs. Significantly, cone acetone extract (CA), cone ethanol extract (CE), and cone dichloromethane extract (CD) of Abies nordmanniana subsp. exhibited strong inhibition of the virus at a concentration of 10 μg/g. The most potent virucidal activity was observed with ethanol-water extract of conifer form (CEW). According to these results, it was proved that Abies nordmanniana species could be a potential, sustainable, and renewable drug source, especially considering the impressive antiviral and significant cytotoxic activity potentials.