Determination of Veterinary Drug Residues in Animal-derived Foods by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

[Objectives]This study was conducted to establish a rapid and effective method for simultaneous extraction of 54 kinds of veterinary drug residues in animal-derived food, including sulfonamides, quinolones, tetracyclines, malachite greens, penicillins, nitroimidazoles, tranquilizers and macrolides, by HPLC-MS. [Methods] The samples were extracted with 80% acetonitrile water(containing 0.1% formic acid), combined with QuEChERS extraction technology and C18 and PSA purification, analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and quantified by external standard method. The target substances were analyzed on ZORBAX Eclipse C18 chromatographic column using 0.2% formic acid water and 0.2% methanol as mobile phases. The gradient elution mode was used for chromatographic separation and multiple reaction detection. [Results] In the linear range of 0.5-50.0 ng/ml, the linear relationship of the 54 kinds of veterinary drug residues was good, with correlation coefficients(r~2) greater than 0.995, and the detection limits ranged from 0.30 to 1.00 μg/kg. The results showed that the recovery ranged from 75.4% to 118.2% when different matrixes were added for recovery. [Conclusions] This method is simple, efficient, accurate, stable, and highly operable. It is applicable to simultaneous batch screening of veterinary drug residues in animal-derived food, and has high practical application value.

Polarity-regulated derivatization-assisted LC-MS method for amino-containing metabolites profiling in gastric cancer

Amino-containing compounds,including amino acids,aliphatic amines,aromatic amines,small peptides and catecholamines,are involved in various biological processes and play vital roles in multiple metabolic pathways.Previous studies indicated that some amino-containing metabolites are significant diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of gastric cancer.However,the discovery of precise biomarkers for the preoperative diagnosis of gastric cancer is still in an urgent need.Herein,we established a polarityregulated derivatization method coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)for amino-containing metabolites profiling in the serum samples of patients with gastric cancer and healthy controls,based on our newly designed and synthesized derivatization reagent(S)-3-(1-(diisopropoxyphosphoryl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester(3-DP-NHS).Enhanced separation efficiency and detection sensitivity for amino-containing metabolites were achieved after derivatization.This method exhibited good linearity,recovery,intra-and inter-day precision and accuracy.Only 5 mL serum is needed for untargeted analysis,enabling 202 amino-containing metabolites to be detected.Statistical analysis revealed altered amino acid metabolisms in patients with gastric cancer.Furthermore,ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry(UHPLCMS/MS)analysis quantification revealed increased serum levels of tryptamine and decreased concentrations of arginine and tryptophan in patients with gastric cancer.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves indicated that an increased tryptamine/tryptophan ratio could serve as a potential biomarker for gastric cancer diagnosis.This study demostrated the possibility of using serum amino acid biomarkers for gastric cancer diagnosis,providing new avenues for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Chemical Components of Achyranthes bidentata Leaves by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

[Objectives] To study the chemical components and relative content of Achyranthes bidentata leaves and provide a scientific basis for further development and utilization of A. bidentata leaves.[Methods] The chemical components of A. bidentata leaves were rapidly analyzed using the ultra high performance liquid chromatography-time of flight-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF-MS).[Results] Thirty eight chemical compounds were identified in samples of A. bidentata leaves collected from Wen County of Henan Province, in which seven chemical compounds had the relative content higher than 5%, linoleic acid reached 25.7% and inokosterone A reached 13.8%.[Conclusions] A. bidentata leaves contain many kinds of chemical compounds. This study is expected to provide a certain basis for further extraction of linoleic acid and inokosterone A.

A Validated Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method for the Detection and Quantification of Oxidative Metabolites of 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether in Rat Hepatic Microsomes

In the present study, we developed and validated an analytical method using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) for the quantitative determination of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) metabolism by rat hepatic microsomes. BDE-47 is a brominated flame retardant that was widely used in a variety of consumer products and has subsequently been identified as a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Hydroxy-bromodiphenyl ethers (OH-BDEs) were isolated from rat hepatic microsomes by liquid-liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved by UPLC on a C18 column with gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of methanol and water, each containing 0.1% formic acid, at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Detection and quantification were performed using a mass spectrometer in single ion recording mode with negative electrospray ionization. The UPLC/MS method was validated for linearity, limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision and recovery. The weighted calibration curves (1/X2) were linear over a concentration range of 5 - 250 nM with LOQ values between 5 nM and 50 nM for the individual OH-BDEs. Intra- and inter- day accuracy (%DEV) and precision (%RSD) values ranged from –11.7% to 9.5% and 5.9% to 16.5%, respectively. Recovery values of 70% to 90% were obtained for all OH-BDEs. The validated method allowed us to successfully analyze metabolite formation following incubation of BDE-47 with hepatic microsomes prepared from phenobarbital-treated rats. Results demonstrate that the UPLC/MS method has sufficient sensitivity and reproducibility to fully characterize the in vitro metabolism of BDE-47 and possibly other PBDEs.

CO₂Absorption Solvent Degradation Compound Identification Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Quadrapole-Time of Flight (LCMSQTOF)

The degradation of the alkanolamine solvent used in the removal of acid gases from natural gas streams due to exposure to contaminants, thermal degradation and presence of oxygen or oxygen containing compounds will change the solvent properties, such as heat transfer coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and mass transfer coefficient of the solvent. Therefore, characterization and quantification of amine degradation product becomes one of the important analyses to determine alkanolamine solvent’s health. In order to identify degradation products of alkanolamine solvent, analytical strategies by using mass spectrometry (MS) as detector have been studied extensively. In this work, due to the low concentration of the amine degradation product, a method was developed for identification of alkanolamine degradation products using LCMS-QTOF technique. A strategy for identification of trace degradation products has been identified. Six (6) alkanolamine degradation products had been identified by using LCMS-QTOF targeted analysis in the blended alkanolamine solvent used in natural gas processing plant. Another fifteen (15) molecular formulas having similarity in chemical structure to alkanolamine degradation products were identified using untargeted analysis strategy, as possible compounds related to degradation products. Using LCMS-QTOF via targeted and untargeted analysis strategy, without tedious column separation and reference standard, enables laboratory to provide a quick and indicative information for alkanolamine solvent’s organic degradation compounds identification in CO2 adsorption, within reasonable analysis time.

Liquid Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Analysis on Effect of Roughage Types on Liver Metabolic in Dairy Cows

The major objective of this study was to determine the effect of corn straw or mixed diet on the small molecule metabolites of liver and milk production of healthy Chinese Holstein cows during lactation.In this study,metabolomic methods based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)were used to study the liver metabolites of dairy cows fed on corn straw diet or mixed diet.Ten healthy Chinese Holstein cows were randomly assigned to two groups,under the same management condition,fed different diets respectively,corn straw group(CS)or a mixture of alfalfa hay and Chinese wild rye hay mixed forage group(MF).All the cows were fed for 8 weeks and recorded body weight,dry matter intake,body condition score,fat,protein,lactose,milk yield and the total solids.Livers were sampled from each cow through a liver puncture needle for analysis of a significant difference in small molecule metabolites in cow liver samples from the two different diets.The results suggested that different diet types had significant effects on liver metabolism and milk components in dairy cows.The contents of milk fat,the total solids,milk protein,lactose,dry matter intake(DMI),milk yield,milk protein(%),lactose(%)and milk fat(%)of the corn straw group were significantly lower than those of the mixed forage group(p<0.05);the contents of phosphatidylcholine(PC),histidine,hypoxanthine and mridine in liver tissues of the corn straw group were significantly lower than those in the mixed forage group(p<0.05);acetylcarnitine,uric acid,triacylglycerol(TG),acetal phosphatidylcholine(plasmenyl-PC),acetalphosphatidylethanolamine(plasmenyl-PE)and sphingomyelin(SM)of the corn straw group were significantly higher than those in the mixed forage group(p<0.05).In summary,cows fed on mixed forage diet significantly improved milk yield and lactation performance clearly.

Solid and liquid state characterization of tetrahydrocurcumin using XRPD, FT-IR, DSC, TGA, LC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR and its biological activities

Tetrahydrocurcumin(THC)is one of the major metabolites of curcumin(CUR),an ancient bioactive natural polyphenolic compound.This research article describes both the solid and liquid state characterization of THC using advanced spectroscopic and thermo-analytical techniques.Anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidant,and neuroprotective activities of THC were investigated using in vitro cell lines.Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that our sample comprised 95.15%THC,0.51%tetrahydrodemethoxycurcumin(THDC),3.40%hexahydrocurcumin,and 0.94%octahydrocurcumin.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated the presence of 96.68%THC and 3.32%THDC.THC in solution existed as keto-enol tautomers in three different forms at different retention time,but the enol form was found to be dominant,which was also supported by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.THC was thermally stable up to 335.55
C.THC exhibited more suppression of cytokines(TNF-a,IL-1b,and MIP-1a)than CUR in a concentration-dependent manner in mouse splenocytes,while NK-cell and phagocytosis activity was increased in macrophages.THC showed a significant reduction of free radicals(LPO)along with improved antioxidant enzymes(SOD and catalase)and increased free radical scavenging activity against ABTSt radicals in HepG2 cells.THC displayed higher protection capability than CUR from oxidative stress and neuronal damage by improving cell viability against H2O2 induced HepG2 cells and MPPt induced SH-SY5Y cells,respectively,in a concentration-dependent manner.Thus,a variation of the biological activities of THC might rely on its keto-enol form and the presence of other THC analogs as impurities.The present study could be advantageous for further research on THC for better understanding its physicochemical properties and biological variation.

HPLC-MS/MS Determination of Oleandrin and Adynerin in Blood with Solid Phase Supported Liquid-Liquid Extraction

[Objectives]To optimize the determination method of oleandrin and adynerin in blood. [Methods]High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry( HPLC-MS/MS) was applied to determine oleandrin and adynerin in blood. The blood sample was dispersed and fixed on a solid phase supported liquid-liquid extraction column and eluted with ethyl acetate. The resulting eluent was used for chromatographic separation with Kinetex C_(18) column as the separation column and gradient elution was performed using 10 mmol/L ammonium formate solution containing 0. 1%( volume fraction) formic acid and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. In the tandem mass spectrometry analysis,the detection was carried out using the electrospray positive ion source multiple reaction monitoring mode. [Results] The mass concentration of oleandrin and adynerin showed linear relationship in the range of 2-100 μg/L. The limit of detection( 3 S/N) of the method was 0. 5 μg/L.A blank sample was used as the substrate for the spike recovery test. The recovery rate was in the range of 90. 0%-98. 0%,and the relative standard deviation( RSD) of the measured values( n = 6) was in the range of 2. 1%-7. 3%. [Conclusions]The method established in this experiment has the benefits of simple pretreatment,good recovery,high sensitivity and strong specificity,and is expected to provide an ideal method for the determination of such drugs in blood.

Novelties Filtration Theory of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Volume Nanotube of Cotton Filament of Layers Woven Fabrics

Objectives of the research to present a modern theory of water purification for multiple purposes entitled “a novelties filtration theory of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry” is an exceedingly sensitive and specific analytical technique in volume layers woven fabrics that can precisely determine the identities and quantities of compounds within volume Nanotube of cotton filament of layers woven fabrics. The problems are that the filters in the local and international markets have increased complications in configuration, installation and cost without reaching the efficiency that humanity hopes. Throw materials and methods the chromatography-mass spectrometry in layers woven fabrics, and throw the nanotube of cotton filament for purification of water dyes and smells. Industry, in which mass spectrometry is a convenient, versatile method for characterization and identification of process throw the Nanotube of cotton filament for purification of water dyes and smells. Results came up with a theme “innovations in textiles”, and also, for characterization of fibers and contaminants of the fabrics. Additive manufacturing in layers woven fabrics, are the processes used to synthesize a volume object under computer control with successive material layers that have been used and highlighted. The conclusions has included chromatography-mass spectrometry drop, physico-chemical, biological, combined physical-biological and chemical-biological treatment processes recently being developed to meet Jet-filtration, the strict discharging limits set by ASTM standards. Some important aspects of both qualitative and quantitative data analysis have been described and the power of using mass profiles to enhance selectivity and sensitivity has been demonstrated.

Determination of Two Synthetic Pigments in Lifei Tablets by HPLC and LC-MS/MS Spectrometry

[Objectives]To identify stained Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in Lifei Tablets with carmine and acid red 73 as target substances.[Methods]High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was used to analyze the 70%methanol extract of the drug.The HPLC was equipped with an Inertstain-C_(18)(250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm)chromatographic column.The mobile phase was acetonitrile-5 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution,gradient elution:volume flow rate of 1.0 mL/min,column temperature of 30℃,detection wavelength of 509 nm.LC-MS/MS was equipped with a Waters-C_(18)(2.1 mm×150 mm,1.7μm)chromatographic column,the mobile phase was methanol-0.1%formic acid solution(containing 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate),gradient elution;the volume flow rate was 0.3 mL/min;ESI ion source,positive ion mode,full scan of primary and secondary mass spectrometry.[Results]Carmine and acid red 73 showed good linear relationship in HPLC and LC-MS/MS,with r greater than 0.995.The sample recovery and RSD values of HPLC and LC-MS/MS met the requirements.The RSD of the results determined by HPLC and LC-MS/MS was not greater than 5.0%.Both methods had good compatibility and could be used for the examination of carmine and acid red 73 in Lifei Tablets.[Conclusions]The method is reliable and reproducible and can be used to identify stained Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in Lifei Tablets.

Determination of penehyclidine hydrochloride in beagle dog plasma by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and the pharmacokinetic study

To develop a fast and sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the determination of penehyclidine hydrochloride （PH） in beagle dog plasma. PH and diphenhydramine hydrochloride （internal standard, IS） were extracted with a solvent mixture of petroleum ether-ethyl ether （7：3）. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed-phase Eclipse XDB-C18 column （4.6 mm × 150 mm, 5 um） using the eluent of methanol-water （5 mmol/L ammonium acetate） （90：10, v/v, pH 5.8） as mobile phase. The electrospray ionization source was set at the positive multiple reaction monitoring （MRM） mode. This method involved the use of the [M＋H]^＋ ions of PH and diphenhydramine hydrochloride at m/z 316.4- 128.2 and m/z 256.4-167.2. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 1-1000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.9988. The lower limit of quantification was 0.05 ng/mL. The precision, accuracy and recovery of the method were acceptable. Following intravenous injection admires＇ tration at doses of 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg PH, the main pharmacokinetic parameters were as the followings, t1/2a 0.33 h, t1/2β 2.44 1% tmax 0.058 1% AUC and Cmax exhibited a linear increase along with the increase of dose. The two-compartment model fit the three dose groups. This method was sensitive, accurate and fast for the determination of concentration of PH in beagle dog plasma. It could be used in pharmacokinetic studies of PH.

LC-MS determination and pharmacokinetic study of salidroside in rat plasma after oral administration of suspensions of traditional Chinese medicine Erzhi Wan and Fructus Ligustri lucidi

A simple,rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry（LC-MS）method was developed for the determination of salidroside in rat plasma and study of its pharmacokinetics after oral administration of suspension of Erzhi Wan and Fructus Ligustri lucidi into Wistar rats.Plasma sample of 200 μL was extracted with acetic ether-isopropanol（2∶1）and the extraction was performed on a Kromasil C18 column（150 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm）with the mobile phase of methanol-water（41∶59,v/v）within a run time of 6.0 min.The analyte was monitored with positive electrospray ionization（ESI）by selected ion monitoring（SIM）mode.The target ions were m/z 323.05 for salidroside and m/z 411.05 for internal standard（IS）geniposide.A good linear relationship was obtained over the range of 5.0-500.0 ng/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 5.0 ng/mL.The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of salidroside in rat plasma after oral administration of suspension of Erzhi Wan and Fructus Ligustri lucidi.

Determination of urine catecholamines and metanephrines by reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The measurement of urine catecholamine and metanephrine concentrations is important for biochemical screening and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.The goal of this work was to develop a simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method for determining catecholamines and metanephrines in urine to replace an existing liquid chromatographic method using electrochemical detection.Urine samples were prepared using Oasis weak-cation-exchange cartridges.The eluate was analyzed on an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus Phenyl-Hexyl column in 3 min.Adrenaline,noradrenaline,dopamine,metanephrine,normetanephrine,and their deuterated internal standards were monitored in positive electrospray ionization mode by multiple reaction monitoring(MRM).No evidence of ion suppression was observed.The assay was linear up to 5μmol/L for adrenaline,5μmol/L for noradrenaline,6.1μmol/L for dopamine,5.6μmol/L for metanephrine,and 34.6μmol/L for normetanephrine,with lower limits of quantification of 5,5,12,6 and 7nmol/L,respectively.The intra-day and inter-day precisions for all analytes ranged from 0.59%to 4.64%and1.98%to 4.80%,respectively.External quality assurance samples were assayed and showed excellent agreement with the target values.This simple method provides an improved assay for determining urine catecholamines and metanephrines.

Determination of risperidone in human plasma by HPLC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in Chinese volunteers

This study presents a rapid, specific and sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for determination of risperidone (RIS) in human serum using paroxetine as an internal standard (IS). An Alltima-C18 column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 3 μm) and a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid-acetonitrile (40:60, v/v) were used for separation. The analysis was performed by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) method, and the peak area of the m/z 411.3→191.1 transition for RIS was measured versus that of the m/z 330.1→192.1 transition for IS to generate the standard curves. The assay linearity of RIS was confirmed over the range 0.25～50.00 ng/ml and the limit of quantitation was 0.05 ng/ml. The linear range corresponds well with the serum concentrations of the analytes obtained in clinical pharmacokinetic studies. Intraday and interday relative standard deviations were 1.85%～9.09% and 1.56%～4.38%, respectively. The recovery of RIS from serum was in the range of 70.20%～84.50%. The method was successfully applied to investigate the bioequivalence between two kinds of tablets (test versus reference products) in 18 healthy male Chinese volunteers. The result suggests that two formulations are bioequivalent.

Determination of brominated diphenyl ethers in atmospheric particulate matter using selective pressurized liquid extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with a negative chemical ionization

This study describes the development and validation of a sensitive and reliable method for determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers（PBDEs）in atmospheric particulate matter using selective pressurized liquid extraction（SPLE）and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with a negative chemical ionization（GC-NCI-MS）.Extraction and clean-up were performed using PLE with 2 g florisil and 3 g silica placed in the extraction cells.Under optimal conditions,14 PBDEs were extracted at 70℃ using hexane/dichloromethane（50：50,v/v）as solvent.Validation of SPLE returned excellent recoveries for most analytes,with relative standard deviations mostly below20%.Method detection limits ranged from 0.13 to15.38 ng·mL^-1 for the GC-MS analyses.The method was successfully applied to atmospheric particulate matter of Beijing,where analytes were detected in the range of182.79 to 468.99 pg·m^-3.

Detection and quantitation of host cell proteins in monoclonal antibody drug products using automated sample preparation and data-independent acquisition LC-MS/MS

Ensuring the removal of host cell proteins(HCPs) during downstream processing of recombinant proteins such as monoclonal antibodies(m Abs) remains a challenge.Since residual HCPs might affect product stability or safety,constant monitoring is required to demonstrate their removal to be below the regulatory accepted level of 100 ng/mg.The current standard analytical approach for this procedure is based on ELISA;however,this approach only measures the overall HCP content.Therefore,the use of orthogonal methods,such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS),has been established,as it facilitates the quantitation of total HCPs as well as the identification and quantitation of the individual HCPs present.In the present study,a workflow for HCP detection and quantitation using an automated magnetic bead-based sample preparation,in combination with a data-independent acquisition(DIA) LC-MS analysis,was established.Employing the same instrumental setup commonly used for peptide mapping analysis of m Abs allows for its quick and easy implementation into pre-existing workflows,avoiding the need for dedicated instrumentation or personnel.Thereby,quantitation of HCPs over a broad dynamic range was enabled to allow monitoring of problematic HCPs or to track changes upon altered bioprocessing conditions.

Stable Isotope Dilution Analysis of Gibberellin Residues in Tomato Paste by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

An accurate and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of gibberellic acid（GA3）, gibberellin A4（GA4） and gibberellin A7（GA7） residues in tomato paste was developed by coupling solid phase extraction to high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry（LC-MS/MS） with electrospray ionization based stable isotope dilution analysis（SIDA）. The isotope labeled internal standard can compensate for the losses during the extraction and cleanup steps and for discrimination due to ion suppression. After extraction from methanol, hydrophile lipophilic balance（HLB） solid phase extraction（SPE） column was tested for the capacity of the cleanup of the tomato paste in compared with C18 SPE column which is the common way to the detection of GAs, and the former gained better result. Spiked experiments were performed in the non-contaminated tomato pastes and the recoveries of GA3, GA4 and GA7 were 42.6%―75.0% in external standard method（ESM） and 91.1%―103.8% in internal standard method（ISM） respectively. The validities of this method were investigated and good analytical performance for the three GAs was obtained, including low limits of method detection（2 ng/g for GA3 and GA4, 0.3 ng/g for GA7）, excellent linear dynamic ranges（5―500 ng/g for GA3 and GA4, 1―100 ng/g for GA7） and good relative standard deviation ranges（4.8%―9.4% for the intra-day test and 3.5%―11.9% for the inter-day test）.

Current LC-MS-based strategies for characterization and quantification of antibody-drug conjugates

The past few years have witnessed enormous progresses in the development of antibody-drug conjugates(ADCs).Consequently,comprehensive analysis of ADCs in biological systems is critical in supporting discovery,development and evaluation of these agents.Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)has eme rged as a promising and versatile tool for ADC analysis across a wide range of scenarios,owing to its multiplexing ability,rapid method development,as well as the capability of analyzing a variety of targets ranging from small-molecule payloads to the intact protein with a high,molecular resolution.However,despite this tremendous potential,challenges persist due to the high complexity in both the ADC molecules and the related biological systems.This review summarizes the up-to-date LC-MS-based strategies in ADC analysis and discusses the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly-evolving field.

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay to Detect Ethyl Glucuronide in Human Fingernail: Comparison to Hair and Gender Differences

Over the past decade, the use of hair specimens for the long-term detection of the alcohol biomarker ethyl glucuronide has been increasing in popularity and usage. We evaluated the usefulness of fingernail clippings as a suitable alterna-tive to hair for ethyl glucuronide detection. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the detection of ethyl glucuronide in fingernail clippings was fully validated and used to analyze the hair and/or fingernail specimens of 606 college-aged study participants. The limit of detection was 2 pg/mg, the limit of quantitation was 8 pg/mg and the method was linear from 8 to 2000 pg/mg. Intra- and inter-assay imprecision studies at three different concentrations (20, 40, 200 pg/mg) were all within 7.8% and all intra- and inter-assay bias studies at these levels were within 115.1% of target concentration. Ethyl glucuronide levels in fingernail (mean = 29.1 ± 55.6 pg/mg) were higher than ethyl glucuronide levels in hair (mean = 9.48 ± 22.3 pg/mg) and a correlation of the matched pairs was observed (r = 0.552, P < 0.01, n = 529). Evaluating each gender separately revealed that the correlation of male fingernail to male hair was large and significant (r = 0.782, P < 0.01, n = 195) while female hair to female fingernail was small yet sig-nificant (r = 0.249, P < 0.01, n = 334). The study results demonstrated that fingernail may be a suitable alternative to hair for ethyl glucuronide detection and may be the preferred sample type due to the lack of a gender bias.

Untargeted and targeted mass spectrometry reveal the effects of theanine on the central and peripheral metabolomics of chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression in juvenile rats

L-theanine has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on depression.However,whether L-theanine has an excellent preventive effect on depression in children and adolescents and what its mechanism is have not been well explained.Given the complexity of the pathogenesis of depression,this study investigated the preventive effect and mechanism of L-theanine on depression in juvenile rats by combining serum and hippocampal metabolomic strategies.Behavioral tests,hippocampal tissue sections,and serum and hippocampal biochemical indexes were studied,and the results confirmed the preventive effect of Ltheanine.Untargeted reversed-phase liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and targeted hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry were developed to analyze the metabolism changes in the serum and hippocampus to screen for potential biomarkers related to L-theanine treatment.The results suggested that 28 abnormal metabolites in the serum and hippocampus that were considered as potential biomarkers returned to nearnormal levels after L-theanine administration.These biomarkers were involved in various metabolic pathways,mainly including amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism.The levels of amino acids and neurotransmitters in the phenylalanine,tryptophan,and glutamic acid pathways were significantly reduced after L-theanine administration compared with chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced rats.In summary,L-theanine had a significant preventive effect on depression and achieved its preventive results on depression by regulating various aspects of the body,such as amino acids,lipids,and inflammation.This research systematically analyzed the mechanism of L-theanine in preventing depression and laid the foundation for applying L-theanine to prevent depression in children and adolescents.