Isotope Internal Standards Research Articles

Determination of 30 organochlorine pesticides in animal-originated food products using combined purification by gel permeation chromatography and solid-phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A new analytical method was developed for the determination of 30 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in animal-originated food, including pork, chicken, fish and shrimp. The combined purification by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) were established by optimizing different fraction collection times. The detection conditions can be achieved by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using selective ion monitoring (SIM). Isotopic internal standards were used for the quantitative determination of the 30 OCPs. The sample pretreatment procedure was based on acetonitrile extraction and combined purification of GPC and Florisil SPE cartridge. The experimental results showed that the linear ranges for 30 OCPs were 5.0 - 500.0 microg/L, the correlation coefficients were better than 0.996, and the method detection limits (MDLs) of the 30 OCPs were 0.2 - 2.7 microg/kg. The spiked recoveries at three levels of 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 microg/kg using pork, chicken, fish and shrimp samples as blank matrices were in the range of 55.0% - 119.1%, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were in the range of 0.4% - 15.0%. The method has the advantages of wide linear range, high sensitivity and efficient clean-up procedure, and consistent with the demand of pesticide routine analysis.

Method and validation for the analysis of perfluorinated compounds in water by pre-sampling isotope dilution-direct injection-LC/MS/MS

A pre-sampling isotope dilution-direct injection-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (DI-LC/MS/MS) analytical method for the analysis of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in water is presented. This pre-sampling isotope dilution method incorporates stable isotope internal standards (ISs) and surrogate recovery standards (SRSs) added to sample bottles prior to sample collection. Pre-sampling isotope dilution corrects for PFC adsorption losses and enables a simple quantitative DI-LC/MS/MS water method with a 28 day sample holding time. Method analytes include perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) (C4–C12), perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs) (C4, C6, and C8), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), and four SRSs ([2,3,4-13C3]PFBA, [1,2,3,4-13C4]PFOA, [1,2,3,4-13C4]PFOS, and [1,2-13C2]PFUnA). At 28 day sample holding times, mean recoveries of laboratory reagent water samples (Milli-Q™ water containing hardness at 165 mg equivalent CaCO3 L−1) fortified with the PFC method analytes at 0.2–40 ng mL−1 (0.1–1 ng mL−1 SRSs) are 94.9–115% with relative standard deviations of 0.97–7.9%. At 28 day sample holding times in fortified laboratory reagent water samples, single laboratory lowest concentration minimum reporting levels of 0.010–0.020 ng mL−1 (0.075 ng mL−1 PFBA) are demonstrated for method analytes and SRSs. Method applications to synthetic chlorinated drinking water samples and three environmental sample matrices are presented that demonstrate method ruggedness. Mean recoveries of synthetic chlorinated drinking water samples fortified with the PFC method analytes at 0.1–10 ng mL−1 and SRSs at 0.1–1 ng mL−1 are 97.8–113% with relative standard deviations of 2.0–18%. Mean recoveries and relative standard deviations in environmental groundwater samples, production facility non-contact cooling water effluent samples, and production facility wastewater treatment effluent samples fortified with the PFC method analytes at 0.25–2.5 ng mL−1, 0.25–10 ng mL−1, 0.25–50 ng mL−1 respectively and SRSs at 0.1 ng mL−1 are 100 ± 7.7% (RSD ± 12%, PFBA ± 23%), 100 ± 5.5% (RSD ± 11%), 100 ± 5.2% (RSD ± 11%) respectively. Excellent method correlation was obtained with USEPA Method 537 in a comparative analysis of synthetic chlorinated drinking water samples aged 7 days and fortified with C6–C12 PFCAs and C4, C6, and C8 PFSAs, and three SRSs [13C4]PFOA, [13C2]PFUnA, and [13C4]PFOS at 0.1 ng mL−1. The average absolute difference between the EPA Method 537 and DI-LC/MS/MS measurements for the method analytes and SRSs was 8%.

An improved candidate reference method for serum potassium measurement by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

BackgroundIn 2002, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) established a reference method for serum potassium based on inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The aim of this study was to develop an inexpensive and improved candidate reference method for accurate and precise determination of serum potassium. MethodsSerum samples were diluted with 1% HNO3 supplemented with 59Cobalt as isotope internal standard, and potassium was measured by ICP-MS. The new method was evaluated with NIST standard reference materials (SRMs), according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute's evaluation protocols. ResultsAt 4.300 and 4.678mmol/l levels, the present method demonstrated analytical imprecision of 0.09% and 0.14%, and recoveries of 99.67% to 99.88%, respectively. The bias between the target values of SRMs were −0.02% to +0.28%, respectively. This method was linear between 0.0000 and 6.87mmol/l (R2=1.000). The method had an uncertainty (U95%) of 0.76%. ConclusionsThe proposed ICP-MS method to measure serum potassium is precise and accurate, with high sensitivity and specificity. It may be considered as a candidate reference method for the determination of serum potassium.

Performance characteristics of an LC–MS/MS method for the determination of plasma metanephrines

BackgroundCatecholamines and their metabolites, metanephrines, are produced excessively in pheochromocytoma tumors of the chromaffin cells. Increased concentrations of these compounds produce symptoms and allow for clinical evaluation of disease. Historically, screening for such tumors by determination of catecholamines and metabolites in urine yielded false negative results in individuals with a genetic predisposition for the disease and those with paroxysmal hypertension. Analysis of metanephrines in plasma, however, is of decisive diagnostic importance. This test exhibits high sensitivity and specificity for the analytes produced by tumors. MethodsPlasma proteins are removed by solid phase extraction. Chromatographic isolation of the analytes and stable isotope internal standards is achieved by elution on a HILIC column connected to a UPLC MS/MS system. Metanephrines are measured using multiple reaction monitoring with an electrospray source operating in positive ion mode. ResultsThe method was validated for linearity, limit of quantification, accuracy, and precision. The method was accurate and correlated well to a comparison HPLC method. Potential interferences were evaluated. ConclusionsResults from this LC-MS/MS assay enable clinical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and aid in monitoring treatment outcomes.

A Comparative Study of the Ionization Modes in GC–MS Multi-residue Method for the Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Crayfish

A gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) multi-residue method with different ionization modes has been developed for the determination of 23 organochlorine pesticides and ten polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in crayfish. The approach was based on an extraction with acetonitrile saturated by hexane (containing 0.1 % acetic acid), followed by a dispersed solid-phase extraction cleanup with primary secondary amine and octadecylsilane, and finally analyzed by GC–MS/MS operated in electron impact (EI) and positive chemical ionization (PCI), and GC–MS in negative chemical ionization (NCI), respectively. An isotope internal standard, DDT-D8, was used for quantification. These three GC–MS procedures were validated and compared using crayfish samples fortified at three levels (5, 10 and 20 ng/g). Good linearity, accuracy, precision and sensitivity were achieved by all three ionization modes with recoveries in the range of 70 to 112 %, relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 10 % and limits of detection (LODs) in the range of 0.002 to 8 ng/g. Extremely high selectivity was obtained by both EI- and PCI-MS/MS, while PCI was more sensitive to compounds containing nitro and carbonyl groups, and EI was a better choice for dieldrin, endosulfan, and its metabolites. NCI-MS had the highest sensitivity but lower anti-interference ability and was not suitable for the determination of DDTs and PCBs. These three ionization modes can be used as complementary and alternative in routine GC–MS analysis of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in food.

A stable-isotope HPLC–MS/MS method to simplify storage of human whole blood samples for glutathione assay

BackgroundGlutathione is the principal non-protein tripeptide thiol present in most mammalian cells and plays an important role in the redox status of biological systems. The accurate assessment of reduced glutathione (GSH) status as a reliable index of oxidative stress is of research and clinical significance. GSH undergoes rapid oxidation after sample collection and this presents a challenge. MethodsValidation of an HPLC–MS/MS assay is reported. Storage stability using four variants of a methanolic precipitation with addition of stable isotope internal standard at collection is compared to l-serine borate/EDTA with perchloric acid precipitation (SBPE). ResultsPrecipitation with methanol and addition of stable isotope on sample collection, combined with storage in solution at −70°C showed superior storage stability to SBPE and other variants of the methanolic precipitation method up to 99 days. ConclusionsThe combination of stable isotope with methanolic precipitation at collection, with assay by HPLC–MS/MS provides superior results after storage of whole blood samples for at least 99 days.

Distribution and migration study of pesticides between peel and pulp in grape by online gel permeation chromatography–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Abstract A multi-residue method for the analysis of 175 pesticides was developed by online gel permeation chromatography–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GPC–GC/MS) to study pesticide distribution and migration between peel and pulp in grape. The separated peel and pulp samples were extracted by acetonitrile after fortified with chlorpyrifos-d10 isotope internal standard. The extract was first purified by solid phase distribution sorbent of primary secondary amine (PSA) and then detected by online GPC–GC/MS. At the spiking levels of 10, 50 and 200 μg kg−1, 73.7%, 94.3% and 98.9% of the pesticides, respectively, presented recoveries between 70% and 120%. The ratios were 91.4%, 94.9% and 92.0%, respectively, for the relative standard deviations (RSDs) bellow 15%. Limits of detection (LODs) for the pesticides in pulp were below 10 μg kg−1. Pesticides were separated to four groups according to the distribution ratios (peel/whole grape) of 100%, 80–99.9%, 50–80% and 0–50% in peel. Relationship between the pesticide distribution and corresponding regulation of EU maximum residue level (MRL) was discussed. Six factors influencing the pesticides distribution and migration between peel and pulp were discussed. Weak linear correlation between the pesticide solubility in water (20 °C) and the distribution ratios (lowest and average) in peel was found for most of the detected pesticides with solubility less than 200 mg L−1.

The use of a membrane filtration device to form dried plasma spots for the quantitative determination of guanfacine in whole blood

A two-layered polymeric membrane is employed for the formation of separated dried plasma spots from whole blood as an alternative to the direct analysis of whole dried blood spots (DBS). This dried plasma spot (DPS) analysis procedure precludes potential issues of hematocrit differences in whole blood samples while providing pharmokinetic data from plasma rather than whole blood. The described procedure is also semi-automated thus providing a simpler work flow for LC/MS/MS bioanalysis procedures. Molecular filtration of red blood cells (RBC) from applied microsamples of whole blood fortified with guanfacine and its stable isotope internal standard was accomplished with a two-layer polymeric membrane substrate. The lower membrane surface containing the separated plasma spot was physically separated from the upper membrane followed by semi-automated direct elution of the sample to an online solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). A two-layer membrane sample preparation substrate produced plasma from whole blood without centrifugation which could be directly eluted for semi-automated LC/MS/MS bioanalysis. Standard curves were constructed by plotting peak area ratios between the analyte and the stable isotope labeled internal standard (SIL-IS) versus the nominal concentration in whole blood. A weighted 1/x(2) linear regression was applied to the data from DPS samples. Standard curves were linear over the range 0.25-250 ng/mL human whole blood. The representative regression equation was y = 0.0142x + 0.00248 (R(2) = 0.995) for the described DPS assay. The described work demonstrates proof-of-principle using membrane sample preparation techniques to form DPS samples from whole blood for subsequent bioanalysis by LC/MS/MS. This approach has the potential to eliminate the hematocrit issues from the current controversy surrounding validation of DBS assays.

Quantitation of melatonin and n‐acetylserotonin in human plasma by nanoflow LC‐MS/MS and electrospray LC‐MS/MS

Melatonin (MEL) and its chemical precursor N-acetylserotonin (NAS) are believed to be potential biomarkers for sleep-related disorders. Measurement of these compounds, however, has proven to be difficult due to their low circulating levels, especially that of NAS. Few methods offer the sensitivity, specificity and dynamic range needed to monitor MEL and its precursors and metabolites in small blood samples, such as those obtained from pediatric patients. In support of our ongoing study to determine the safety, tolerability and PK dosing strategies for MEL in treating insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder, two highly sensitive LC-MS/MS assays were developed for the quantitation of MEL and precursor NAS at pg/mL levels in small volumes of human plasma. A validated electrospray ionization (ESI) method was used to quantitate high levels of MEL in PK studies, and a validated nanospray (nESI) method was developed for quantitation of MEL and NAS at endogenous levels. In both assays, plasma samples were processed by centrifugal membrane dialysis after addition of stable isotopic internal standards, and the components were separated by either conventional LC using a Waters SymmetryShield RP18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 3.5 µm) or on a polyimide-coated, fused-silica capillary self-packed with 17 cm AquaC18 (3 µm, 125 Å). Quantitation was done using the SRM transitions m/z 233 → 174 and m/z 219 → 160 for MEL and NAS, respectively. The analytical response ratio versus concentration curves were linear for MEL (nanoflow LC: 11.7-1165 pg/mL, LC: 1165-116,500 pg/mL) and for NAS (nanoflow LC: 11.0-1095 pg/mL).

Direct Analysis of 5-Methylcytosine and 5-Methyl-2′-deoxycytidine in Human Urine by Isotope Dilution LC-MS/MS: Correlations with N-Methylated Purines and Oxidized DNA Lesions

Recent evidence suggests that active DNA demethylation involves base excision repair (BER) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways. We hypothesized that the resulting excision products could be further excreted and present in urine. A highly specific and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method was first developed for simultaneously measuring urinary 5-methylcytosine (5-meC) and 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5-medC). With the use of isotope internal standards and online solid-phase extraction (SPE), the detection limits of 5-meC and 5-medC were estimated to be 1.2 and 0.3 pg, respectively. This method was applied to measure urinary samples of 376 healthy males. Urinary samples were also measured for methylated and oxidized DNA lesions, namely, N7-methylguanine (N7-meG), N3-methyladenine (N3-meA), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua), and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), using reported online SPE LC-MS/MS methods. Results showed that mean urinary levels of 5-meC and 5-medC were 28.4 ± 14.3 and 7.04 ± 7.2 ng/mg creatinine, respectively, supporting the possible presence of DNA demethylation through BER and NER mechanisms. Urinary levels of 5-meC were significantly positively correlated with N7-meG, N3-meA, and 8-oxodG. Good correlations between 5-meC and methylated and oxidized DNA lesions may have implied the underlying linkage between genetic (DNA lesions) and epigenetic (DNA methylation) alterations derived from exogenous exposure and/or from endogenous cellular processes in human and require further investigation.

Quantitative analysis of amino acids in physiological fluids by UPLC-MS/MS with stable isotope internal standards

Amino acid analysis is an essential service for the diagnosis and management of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). For over 50 years the gold standard technique has been lithium ion exchange chromatography (IEC) with post-column ninhydrin derivatisation and photometric detection. This technique is laborious and expensive with typical run times over 120 minutes and requires dedicated instrumentation. Reverse phase chromatography with pre-column derivatisation and either fluorimetric or photometric detection reduces runs times but can suffer from interference. Many biochemical genetics laboratories already have tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) equipment which can be linked to ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The combination of these two techniques gives the opportunity to produce highly specific quantitative assays with high throughput and we report on our experience with a UPLC-MS/MS system for amino acid analysis in physiological fluids. Twenty-three physiological amino acids and 13 stable isotope internal standards, using 34 mass pairs are analysed within a 20 minute run utilising a simple acetonitrile/water gradient with tridecafluoroheptanoic acid ion pairing reagent. Sample preparation is limited to ultrafiltration to remove protein and dilution with internal standard mixture in mobile phase. The method correlates well with IEC results and gives comparable precision and external QAP performance.

SILEC: a protocol for generating and using isotopically labeled coenzyme A mass spectrometry standards

Stable isotope labeling by essential nutrients in cell culture (SILEC) was recently developed to generate isotopically labeled coenzyme A (CoA) and short-chain acyl-CoA thioesters. This was accomplished by modifying the widely used technique of stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture to include [(13)C(3)(15)N]-pantothenate (vitamin B(5)), a CoA precursor, instead of the isotopically labeled amino acids. The lack of a de novo pantothenate synthesis pathway allowed for efficient and near-complete labeling of the measured CoA species. This protocol provides a step-by-step approach for generating stable isotope-labeled short-chain acyl-CoA internal standards in mammalian and insect cells as well as instructions on how to use them in stable isotope dilution mass spectrometric-based analyses. Troubleshooting guidelines, as well as a list of unlabeled and labeled CoA species, are also included. This protocol represents a prototype for generating stable isotope internal standards from labeled essential nutrients such as pantothenate. The generation and use of SILEC standards takes approximately 2-3 weeks.

Simultaneous quantification of methylated purines in DNA by isotope dilution LC-MS/MS coupled with automated solid-phase extraction

Since methylation at the N-7 and O(6) positions of guanine and the N-3 position of adenine in DNA are the predominant reaction sites, N(7)-methylguanine (N(7)-MeG), O(6)-methylguanine (O(6)-MeG), and N(3)-methyladenine (N(3)-MeA) have been suggested as good biomarkers for assessing exposure to methylating agents. Here, we report the development of a sensitive and selective assay based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to simultaneously measure N(7)-MeG, O(6)-MeG, and N(3)-MeA in DNA hydrolysates. With the use of isotope internal standards ((15)N(5)-N(7)-MeG, d(3)-O(6)-MeG, and d(3)-N(3)-MeA) and online solid-phase extraction, DNA hydrolysates can be directly analyzed within 12 min without prior sample purification. The limits of detection were 0.02, 0.002, and 0.01 ng/mL on-column (6.1, 0.6, and 3.4 fmol) for N(7)-MeG, O(6)-MeG, and N(3)-MeA, respectively. Inter- and intraday imprecision (CV) were 3.6-9.6% and 2.7-13.6%, respectively. Mean recoveries were 96-109%. This method was then applied to quantitate the amounts of methylated purines in calf thymus DNA treated with methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). The levels of N(7)-MeG, O(6)-MeG, and N(3)-MeA in calf thymus DNA increase with MMS concentration and incubation time. The ratio of relative yields of N(7)-MeG, O(6)-MeG, and N(3)-MeA in MMS-treated DNA was found to be 1.00:0.0032:0.119, respectively. This LC-MS/MS assay provides the sensitivity and high throughput required to evaluate the extent of methylated lesions in DNA induced by methylating agents.

Cellular Lipid Extraction for Targeted Stable Isotope Dilution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis

The metabolism of fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA), results in the formation of oxidized bioactive lipids, including numerous stereoisomers(1,2). These metabolites can be formed from free or esterified fatty acids. Many of these oxidized metabolites have biological activity and have been implicated in various diseases including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, asthma, and cancer(3-7). Oxidized bioactive lipids can be formed enzymatically or by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Enzymes that metabolize fatty acids include cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LO), and cytochromes P450 (CYPs)(1,8). Enzymatic metabolism results in enantioselective formation whereas ROS oxidation results in the racemic formation of products. While this protocol focuses primarily on the analysis of AA- and some LA-derived bioactive metabolites; it could be easily applied to metabolites of other fatty acids. Bioactive lipids are extracted from cell lysate or media using liquid-liquid (l-l) extraction. At the beginning of the l-l extraction process, stable isotope internal standards are added to account for errors during sample preparation. Stable isotope dilution (SID) also accounts for any differences, such as ion suppression, that metabolites may experience during the mass spectrometry (MS) analysis(9). After the extraction, derivatization with an electron capture (EC) reagent, pentafluorylbenzyl bromide (PFB) is employed to increase detection sensitivity(10,11). Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) is used to increase the selectivity of the MS analysis. Before MS analysis, lipids are separated using chiral normal phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC conditions are optimized to separate the enantiomers and various stereoisomers of the monitored lipids(12). This specific LC-MS method monitors prostaglandins (PGs), isoprostanes (isoPs), hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs), hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (HODEs), oxoeicosatetraenoic acids (oxoETEs) and oxooctadecadienoic acids (oxoODEs); however, the HPLC and MS parameters can be optimized to include any fatty acid metabolites(13). Most of the currently available bioanalytical methods do not take into account the separate quantification of enantiomers. This is extremely important when trying to deduce whether or not the metabolites were formed enzymatically or by ROS. Additionally, the ratios of the enantiomers may provide evidence for a specific enzymatic pathway of formation. The use of SID allows for accurate quantification of metabolites and accounts for any sample loss during preparation as well as the differences experienced during ionization. Using the PFB electron capture reagent increases the sensitivity of detection by two orders of magnitude over conventional APCI methods. Overall, this method, SID-LC-EC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization APCI-MRM/MS, is one of the most sensitive, selective, and accurate methods of quantification for bioactive lipids.

Cellular Lipid Extraction for Targeted Stable Isotope Dilution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis

The metabolism of fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA), results in the formation of oxidized bioactive lipids, including numerous stereoisomers1,2. These metabolites can be formed from free or esterified fatty acids. Many of these oxidized metabolites have biological activity and have been implicated in various diseases including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, asthma, and cancer3-7. Oxidized bioactive lipids can be formed enzymatically or by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Enzymes that metabolize fatty acids include cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LO), and cytochromes P450 (CYPs)1,8. Enzymatic metabolism results in enantioselective formation whereas ROS oxidation results in the racemic formation of products. While this protocol focuses primarily on the analysis of AA- and some LA-derived bioactive metabolites; it could be easily applied to metabolites of other fatty acids. Bioactive lipids are extracted from cell lysate or media using liquid-liquid (l-l) extraction. At the beginning of the l-l extraction process, stable isotope internal standards are added to account for errors during sample preparation. Stable isotope dilution (SID) also accounts for any differences, such as ion suppression, that metabolites may experience during the mass spectrometry (MS) analysis9. After the extraction, derivatization with an electron capture (EC) reagent, pentafluorylbenzyl bromide (PFB) is employed to increase detection sensitivity10,11. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) is used to increase the selectivity of the MS analysis. Before MS analysis, lipids are separated using chiral normal phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC conditions are optimized to separate the enantiomers and various stereoisomers of the monitored lipids12. This specific LC-MS method monitors prostaglandins (PGs), isoprostanes (isoPs), hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs), hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (HODEs), oxoeicosatetraenoic acids (oxoETEs) and oxooctadecadienoic acids (oxoODEs); however, the HPLC and MS parameters can be optimized to include any fatty acid metabolites13. Most of the currently available bioanalytical methods do not take into account the separate quantification of enantiomers. This is extremely important when trying to deduce whether or not the metabolites were formed enzymatically or by ROS. Additionally, the ratios of the enantiomers may provide evidence for a specific enzymatic pathway of formation. The use of SID allows for accurate quantification of metabolites and accounts for any sample loss during preparation as well as the differences experienced during ionization. Using the PFB electron capture reagent increases the sensitivity of detection by two orders of magnitude over conventional APCI methods. Overall, this method, SID-LC-EC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization APCI-MRM/MS, is one of the most sensitive, selective, and accurate methods of quantification for bioactive lipids.

Rapid detection of chloramphenicol in animal products without clean-up using LC–high resolution mass spectrometry

A rapid confirmatory and quantitative method using liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) was developed to determine sub-µg/kg levels of chloramphenicol (CAP) in meat products. The sample plus deuterated chloramphenicol internal standard was homogenised, extracted with ethyl acetate, centrifuged and the supernatant evaporated to dryness. The residue was re-dissolved in methanol/5% ammonium acetate solution (20:80, v/v), defatted with hexane and directly injected into the LC–MS. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column using methanol/water (60:40, v/v) as the mobile phase. CAP was detected using selected ion monitoring of the high accurate mass of the molecular ion [M–H]− of CAP using a LTQ–Orbitrap mass spectrometer in negative electrospray ionisation mode (ESI−). The limit of quantification of the method was 0.1 µg/kg using isotope internal standard. Recoveries of CAP spiked at levels of 0.1–1.0 µg/kg ranged from 73 to 99%, and the relative standard deviation ranged 3.9–8.1%.

Measurement of 1- and 3-methylhistidine in human urine by ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

BackgroundDetermination of 1-methylhistidine (1-MH) and 3-methylhistidine (3-MH) is important to monitor muscle protein catabolism. Here, an ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for quantification of 1-MH and 3-MH in human urine is described. MethodsUrine samples were prepared by dilution with water after addition of isotopic internal standard. The samples were chromatographed on a SB-aq (2.1×50mm, 1.8μm) column with acetonitrile −0.1% formic acid in water (2:98, v/v) as mobile phase. Mass spectrometric detection was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer using positive electrospray ionization (ESI). 1-MH and 3-MH were monitored by the following transitions: 1-MH, m/z 170.1→ m/z 126.1; 3-MH, m/z 170.1→ m/z 124.1. ResultsFor 1-MH and 3-MH, calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 5–500nmol/ml. The lower limit of quantification was 5nmol/ml. The accuracy was within 85%–115% and precision was <15%. 1-MH and 3-MH were proved to be stable under different storage and processing conditions. In addition, the detection was independent of matrix effect. ConclusionThis rapid and specific UPLC/MS-MS method is suitable for the determination of urinary 1-MH and 3-MH.

Method development and validation of the simultaneous determination of a novel topoisomerase 1 inhibitor, the prodrug, and the active metabolite in human plasma using column-switching LC–MS/MS, and its application in a clinical trial

A robust and sensitive method using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of a novel topoisomerase 1 inhibitor CH0793076 (3076), the prodrug CH4556300 (TP300), and the active metabolite CH0793011 (3011) in human plasma. All plasma analyzed with this method was acidified with 1 M HCl and 46% citric acid solution in a ratio of 100:10:1 (v:v:v) to avoid the pH-based degradation of TP300 and to shift the equilibria of 3076 and 3011 between the lactone and carboxylate forms towards the lactone forms. After the plasma proteins were precipitated with methanol:acetonitrile:HCl 1 M (50:50:1, v:v:v) containing stable isotopic internal standards, the analytes were trapped on an Xterra MS C18 column (10 × 2.1 mm i.d., 5 μm) and separated on a Gemini C18 column (50 × 2.0 mm i.d., 5 μm) using column-switching liquid chromatography. Electrospray ionization in the positive-ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring were used to quantify the analytes with transitions m/ z 587.2 > 441.2 for TP300, 459.1 > 415.2 for 3076, and 475.1 > 361.1 for 3011. The inter- and intra-day precisions were below 12%, and the accuracy was between −16% and 16% at the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) and between −11% and 14% at the other quality controls. The LLOQs of TP300, 3076, and 3011 were 0.8, 0.04, and 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to clinical sample analysis and incurred sample reanalysis was also conducted.

Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to LC-ESI-MS/MS: Evaluation and Correction for Matrix-Induced Ionization Suppression/Enhancement for Pharmaceutical Analysis in Biological and Environmental Samples

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) has been widely used to analyze biological fluids, tissues, and environmental matrixes for a variety of organic compounds including pharmaceuticals. However, effects of the sample matrix coextracted by SPME on tandem mass spectrometry analysis have not been systematically investigated. In this study, we characterized the complexity of matrix effects (ME) by analyzing SPME extracts of fish muscle and brain tissue, blood, and bile, as well as tap water, surface water, and the influent and effluent from a wastewater treatment plant. Significant enhancement or suppression of ionization (>15%) was observed with all biological and environmental samples. Intrasample ME variability was assessed through comparison of multiple samples from the same sample matrix, while intersample variability between different experimental subjects or varying sample treatment, storage, and sampling conditions were evaluated. To correct for ME, an isotopic internal standard (IIS) method was developed, with the strengths and limitations of the approach discussed. This study provides a framework for applying SPME within complex sample systems where the influences of ME are inevitable, thus ensuring more accurate quantitation of analytes during biological and environmental analysis.

An improved ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of alloisoleucine and branched chain amino acids in dried blood samples

Branched chain amino acid (BCAA) analysis is needed for the diagnosis and management of patients with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). We report an improved ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of BCAAs and Allo-Ile in dried blood spot (DBS) samples. BCAAs were extracted from a 3 mm blood spot into methanol/water containing stable isotope internal standards. Eluents were dried and reconstituted in the mobile phase. Gradient elution was performed on an Acquity™ BEH C(18) (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column. BCAAs were detected and quantified in the multiple reaction monitoring mode in a five-minute analysis. The assay was calibrated to give best possible alignment with plasma results. Retrospective analysis of newborn DBSs from six classic MSUD patients showed elevated alloisoleucine (Allo-Ile) in all cases. Two of four patients with mild disease had normal values; the other two had significant elevations in Allo-Ile. Analysis of BCAA in DBS by UPLC-MS/MS is a useful second tier newborn screening test to identify classical MSUD and for monitoring of remote patients.