Disinfection of Cariogenic Pathogens in Planktonic Lifestyle,Biofilm and Carious Dentine with Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been recommended for clinical application. Its antibacterial effect on bacteria remained in dentinal tubule was seldom investigated. Here, we evaluated the antibacterial effects of aPDT on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) in planktonic lifestyle, biofilm and carious dentine. Mono-species biofilms or dentinal caries formed on human dentine slices or slabs. Bacterial suspension, biofilms and dentine caries were treated with 0.1 mg mL⁻¹ toluidine Blue O followed by irradiation with a light emission diode (λ − 635 ± 10 nm; 500 mW; 31.5 J cm⁻²; 60 s) and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), respectively. Residual bacteria were determined by microbial culture analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to detect the significance of the variables. Both treatments significantly reduced the number of L. acidophilus in planktonic state, biofilm and carious dentine (P < 0.05). For S. mutans, CHX was only bactericidal against suspension (P < 0.05), while aPDT was effective on both suspension and biofilm (P < 0.05) while not for dentin caries (P > 0.05). Under the experimental conditions assessed, aPDT could be an alternative disinfection method for superficial layer of caries cavity. Its disinfection on bacteria in dentinal tubule of deep layer was deficient.     

Synthesis,Nematicidal Activity,and 3D‐QSAR of Novel 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole/ Thiadiazole Thioether Derivatives

Forty one novel 1,3,4‐oxadiazole/thiadiazole thioether derivatives containing phenoxy moiety were designed and synthesized. Bioassay demonstrated that some of them showed remarkable activities against Tylenchulus semipenetrans in vitro and in vivo. Compounds 20 , 21 , 35 and 39 showed excellent lethal activities after treatment for 48 h in vitro, with LC₅₀ values of 13.4 ± 1.8, 11.7 ± 2.5, 13.7 ± 2.4 and 13.3 ± 1.1 mg·L^–1, respectively, which were obviously superior to fosthiazate (49.1 ± 2.8 mg·L^–1) and avermectin (26.6 ± 2.3 mg·L^–1). Compound 21 can effectively control the citrus nematode disease caused by T. semipenetrans at 200 mg·L^–1 in vivo with (68 ± 3)% inhibitory effect, which was even better than that of avermectin ((63 ± 2)%). The CoMFA and CoMSIA models of three‐dimensional quantitative structure‐activity relationships (3D‐QSARs) were established. The compound 33 was designed based on the 3D‐QSAR models with more vigorous nematicidal activities in vitro (LC₅₀ = 9.8 ± 1.4 mg·L^–1) and in vivo ((70 ± 5)%). These results demonstrated that compound 33 can be considered as a potential nematicide.     

Synthesis of Novel 1,2,4‐Triazole‐3‐thione Derivatives as Influenza Neuraminidase Inhibitors

A series of 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thione derivatives ( 6a – 6t ) were synthesized and evaluated against influenza viruses (H1N1) neuraminidase (NA) in vitro. Eighteen compounds exhibited inhibitory potency with IC₅₀ values ranging from 14.68 ± 0.49 to 39.85 ± 4.23 μg/mL. Among them, compounds 6e and 6h showed significant inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 14.97 ± 0.70 and 14.68 ± 0.49 μg/mL, respectively. Structure activity relationships were established. Molecular docking studies were performed to understand the binding interaction between active compounds and NA.     

Synthesis and Ameliorative Effect of Isatin–Mesalamine Conjugates on Acetic Acid‐induced Colitis in Rats

A series of new isatin–mesalamine conjugates ( 9a – g ) were synthesized via conjugation of isatin ( 3a ) and its derivatives ( 3b – 3d , 4 , 5 , and 6 ) with mesalamine ( 7 ) by using chloroacetyl chloride as a bifunctional linker. Compounds 3a – 3d were prepared by employing Sandmeyer reaction. Compounds 4 , 5 , and 6 were obtained from isatin ( 3a ) via previously reported methods. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, mass, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectral techniques. Synthesized compounds ( 3a – d , 4 , 5 , 6 , and 9a – g ) were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH assay method using ascorbic acid as standard. Hybrids 9b (IC₅₀ = 368.6 ± 3.5 μM) and 9f (IC₅₀ = 335.1 ± 2.9 μM) showed better antioxidant activity than its parent compounds such as 3a (IC₅₀ = 556.8 ± 2.9 μM), 5 (IC₅₀ = 511.9 ± 3.6 μM), and 7 (IC₅₀ = 768.9 ± 2.7 μM). Acetic acid‐induced ulcerative colitis in rat model was chosen to examine the antioxidant potential of the synthesized hybrids ( 9b and 9f ) in the amelioration of ulcerative colitis. Colonic myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde enzymes were used as biomarkers of anti‐ulcerative colitis activity. In the present study, hybrids 9b and 9f reduced the levels of colonic myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde enzymes significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with control (colitic), at a dose (0.03 mM/12.5 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) (50%) less than that of its parent moieties mesalamine (0.16 mM/25 mg/kg) and isatin (0.16 mM/25 mg/kg). Thus, the molecular hybridization was proved to be significant in enhancing the activity of hybrids 9b and 9f by reducing the dose.     

Anti-pathogenic,anti-diabetic,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant, and wound healing efficacy of Datura metel L. leaves

Datura metel L. is an important medicinal plant of Solanaceae family which has extensive pharmacological properties. The present investigation was aimed to identify the presence of phytoconstituents and assess in vitro antibacterial, anti-biofilm, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and wound healing efficacy of D. metel leaves extract. Among different solvent extracts, methanolic extract showed higher amount of phenolic (124.61 ± 0.68 mg GAE/g), alkaloid (88.77 ± 1.01 mg AE/g), flavonoids (42.24 ± 0.18 mg QE/g), and tannins contents (38.72 ± 0.51 mg GAE/g). The extract exhibited not only significantly (P < 0.05) different antibacterial activities against pathogens tested but also showed maximum biofilm inhibition of 94, 88, and 92% against B. subtilis, MRSA, and E. coli, respectively. Anti-diabetic assay depicted 22.55 ± 0.62–79.41 ± 1.13% and 24.31 ± 1.47–72.59 ± 0.22% of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition abilities of methanolic extract, respectively at varied concentrations. The methanolic extract showed potential anti-inflammatory effect (P < 0.05) by showing 28.11 ± 0.13, 34.94 ± 1.11, 55.73 ± 0.42, 73.28 ± 0.72, and 92.62 ± 1.33% of inhibition of protein denaturation at different concentrations with an IC₅₀ value of 52.45 µg/mL. The extract revealed significant (P < 0.05) rate of ABTS scavenging, DPPH degradation, and reducing power assay in a concentration dependent manner. The cytotoxicity assay was demonstrated on L929 mouse fibroblast cell line and found > 90% of cell viability in the presence of methanolic extract, thereby indicating its non-toxicity effect. Wound healing assay indicated that methanolic extract at 50 µg/mL closed 100% of wound gap after 24 h with high rate of migration and proliferation. Furthermore, GC–MS chromatogram revealed the presence of several components in methanolic extract, including neophytadiene, hexadecanoic acid, and hentriacontane as principal phytoconstituents. In conclusion, methanolic extract of D. metel leaves could be used as potent therapeutic agent not only for treating metabolic diseases but also superficial chronic diabetic wounds.     

Changes in Carcinogenic Heterocyclic Amines during in vitro Digestion

The high amounts of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in overcooked foods are known carcinogens. However, the quantitative changes in carcinogenic substances, such as HCAs, caused by human digestion, have not been studied. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of digestive enzymes and the enterobacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), on the quantitative changes in four HCAs: 2‐amino‐3,4,8‐trimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (4,8‐DiMeIQx), 2‐amino‐3,7,8‐trimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (7,8‐DiMeIQx), 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoline (IQ), and 2‐amino‐3,8‐dimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (MeIQx). Digestive enzymes gradually reduced the amount of four HCAs during in vitro experiments (p < 0.05). The concentration of all HCAs rapidly decreased after digestion in the mouth and stomach. L. casei dramatically reduced the amount of HCAs during in vitro digestion (p < 0.05). From the results of this study, we hypothesize that the amount of HCAs in overcooked food could be decreased, and their risk could be reduced during human digestion by digestive enzymes and enterobacteria.     

Synthesis and Anti‐proliferative Activity of Novel Polysubstitued Indazole Derivatives

A simple and efficient process is developed for the synthesis of new N‐(1‐alkyl‐3‐chloro‐4‐ethoxy‐1H‐indazol‐5‐yl)‐arylsulfonamides 4a – d and N‐(1‐alkyl‐3‐chloro‐1H‐indazol‐5‐yl)‐arylsulfonamides 5a – d through the reduction of 1‐alkyl‐3‐chloro‐5‐nitroindazoles 2a , b with SnCl₂ in ethanol followed by coupling the corresponding amine with arylsulfonyl chlorides in pyridine. All the newly synthesized compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic data. Some compounds were tested for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against two selected human cancer cell lines A2780 and A549. Among all of these derivatives, compound 5d showed the most potent antiproliferative activity against A2780 (IC₅₀ = 5.47 ± 1.45 μM) and A549 (IC₅₀ = 7.73 ± 1.66 μM) cell lines.     

Unusual coordination mode of aroyl/acyl thiourea ligands and their π‐arene ruthenium (II) piano‐stool complexes: Synthesis,molecular geometry,theoretical studies and biological applications

Two mononuclear ruthenium complexes ( 1 and 2 ) with aroyl/acylthiourea as an ancillary ligand of type, [(η⁶‐p‐cymene)RuCl(L‐N,S)], where [ L1  = 2,4‐dichloro‐N‐(o‐tolylcarbamothioyl)benzamide] and L2  = N‐(phenylcarbamothioyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide] were synthesized and well characterized. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies revealed the coordination mode and the geometry of the complexes. The two complexes adopted general piano‐stool (three‐legged) geometry with a novel coordination mode of aroyl/acylthiourea through amide N (anionic) and thiocarbonyl S (neutral). This type of monobasic bidentate coordination of the aroyl/acylthiourea ligand was witnessed the first time around the metal ion. The coordination of the complexes was well explained through geometric parameters and frontier molecular orbital parameter values computed at the B3LYP/SDD level. The synthesized complexes were also screened for their antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and in vitro antiproliferative activities. Complexes exhibited good antimicrobial agents against various pathogens. The antioxidant activity of the complex 2 has shown most potent activity with IC₅₀ value of 48.55 ± 1.7 μM compared to the reference drug. In addition, the in vitro antiproliferative activity of the complex 2 showed excellent activity against HepG‐2 cell line with the IC₅₀ value of 24.30 ± 1.20 μM which is close to Doxorubicin standard drug.     

Effects of electron beam irradiation on chemical composition,antinutritional factors,ruminal degradation and in vitro protein digestibility of canola meal

The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of electron beam (EB) irradiation at doses of 15, 30 and 45 kGy on the nutritional value of canola meal. The phytic acid and total glucosinolate content of EB-irradiated canola meal decreased as irradiation doses increased (P<0.01). From in situ results, irradiation of canola meal at doses of 45 kGy decreased (P<0.05) the effective degradibility of crude protein (CP) by 14%, compared with an untreated sample. In vitro CP digestibility of EB-irradiated canola meal at doses of 15 and 30 kGy was improved (P<0.05). Electrophoresis results showed that napin and cruciferin sub-units of 30 and 45 kGy EB-irradiated canola meal were more resistant to degradation, compared with an untreated sample. Electron beam irradiation was effective in protecting CP from ruminal degradation and reducing antinutritional factors of irradiated canola meal.     

Polypyrrole‐magnetite dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction combined with ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry for the determination of rhodamine 6G and crystal violet in textile wastewater

Polypyrrole‐magnetite dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction method combined with ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry was developed for the determination of selected cationic dyes in textile wastewater. Polypyrrole‐magnetite was used as adsorbent due to its thermal stability, magnetic properties, and ability to adsorb Rhodamine 6G and crystal violet. Dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction parameters were optimized, including sample pH, adsorbent amount, extraction time, and desorption solvent. The optimum polypyrrole‐magnetite dispersive micro‐solid phase‐extraction conditions were sample pH 8, 60 mg polypyrrole‐magnetite adsorbent, 5 min of extraction time, and acetonitrile as the desorption solvent. Under the optimized conditions, the polypyrrole‐magnetite dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction with ultraviolet‐visible method showed good linearity in the range of 0.05–7 mg/L (R ² > 0.9980). The method also showed a good limit of detection for the dyes (0.05 mg/L) and good analyte recoveries (97.4–111.3%) with relative standard deviations < 10%. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of dyes in textile wastewater samples where the concentration found was 1.03 mg (RSD ±7.9%) and 1.13 mg/L (RSD ± 4.6%) for Rhodamine 6G and crystal violet, respectively. It can be concluded that this method can be adopted for the rapid extraction and determination of dyes at trace concentration levels.     

HPLC‐fluorescence determination of thiol compounds in the serum of human male and female subjects using HILIC‐mode column

High‐performance liquid chromatography–fluorescence detection using a hydrophilic interaction chromatography‐mode column (ZIC®‐HILIC) was used to determine four kinds of thiol compounds in human serum. Sera were obtained from 34 subjects for this study (17 male subjects aged 22–38 years and 17 female subjects aged 18–38 years). Serum cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutathione, and γ‐glutamylcysteine, derivatized with ammonium 7‐fluoro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole‐4‐sulfonate, were separated on the ZIC®‐HILIC column and quantified. The serum concentrations of cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutathione and γ‐glutamylcysteine were 226 ± 4.7, 23.4 ± 1.3, 3.7 ± 0.2 and 3.2 ± 0.1 μm , respectively. In addition, the concentrations of serum thiol compounds from male subjects were significantly higher than those of the female subjects (p < 0.05). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of nicotine and minor tobacco alkaloids in electronic cigarette refill liquids and second‐hand generated aerosol

A liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of nicotine and seven minor tobacco alkaloids in both refill liquids for electronic cigarettes and their generated aerosol was developed and validated. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 0.3–20.0 and 1.0–31.8 ng/mL, respectively. Within‐laboratory reproducibility was 8.2–14.2% at limit of quantification values and 4.8–12.7% at other concentration levels. Interday recovery was 75.8–116.4%. The method was applied to evaluate the compliance of commercial liquids (n = 95) with their labels and to assess levels of minor alkaloids. Levels of nicotine and its corresponding compounds were also evaluated in generated aerosol. About 47% of samples showed differences above ±10 % of the stated nicotine concentration. About 78% of the “zero nicotine” liquids showed traces in the range of 1.3 ± 0.1–254.0 ± 14.6 μg/mL. Nicotine‐N ′‐oxides, myosmine, and anatabine were the most common minor alkaloids in liquids containing nicotine. Nicotine and N ′‐oxides were detected in all air samples when aerosol was generated from liquids containing nicotine. Nicotine average emissions from electronic cigarette (2.7 ± 0.9 μg/m³) were significantly lower (p < 0.01, t‐test) with respect to conventional cigarette (30.2 ± 1.5 μg/m³).     

Development of a highly precise ID-ICP-SFMS method for analysis of low concentrations of lead in rice flour reference materials

Microwave digestion and isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-ICP-SFMS) has been applied to the determination of Pb in rice flour. In order to achieve highly precise determination of low concentrations of Pb, the digestion blank for Pb was reduced to 0.21 ng g⁻¹ after optimization of the digestion conditions, in which 20 mL analysis solution was obtained after digestion of 0.5 g rice flour. The observed value of Pb in a non-fat milk powder certified reference material (CRM), NIST SRM 1549, was 16.8 ± 0.8 ng g⁻¹ (mean ± expanded uncertainty, k = 2; n = 5), which agreed with the certified value of 19 ± 3 ng g⁻¹ and indicated the effectiveness of the method. Analytical results for Pb in three brown rice flour CRMs, NIST SRM 1568a, NIES CRM 10-a, and NIES CRM 10-b, were 7.32 ± 0.24 ng g⁻¹ (n = 5), 1010 ± 10 ng g⁻¹ (n = 5), and 1250 ± 20 ng g⁻¹ (n = 5), respectively. The concentration of Pb in a candidate white rice flour reference material (RM) sample prepared by the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) was observed to be 4.36 ± 0.28 ng g⁻¹ (n = 10 bottles). Figure Digestion blank of Pb was carefully reduced to approximately 0.2 ng g^-1 which permitted the highly precise determination of Pb at low ng g^-1 level in foodstuff samples by ID-SFMS     

Synthesis,spectral, structural characterization and biological activity of new palladium(II) complexes containing 3‐acetyl‐8‐methoxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one derived Schiff bases

Four different mononuclear palladium(II) complexes of 3‐acetyl‐8‐methoxycoumarin Schiff bases were synthesized and characterized by spectrochemical techniques. Further analysis through X‐ray crystallography confirmed the structures of the complexes. Their interactive ability with Calf Thymus DNA and protein (Bovine Serum Albumin and Human Serum Albumin) were investigated by means of absorption and emission methods. The intercalative mode of binding with DNA was supported by EB displacement studies and viscosity measurements. Configurational changes that occurred in the proteins have been analysed with the help of 3D fluorescence studies. The complexes were shown to have good antimicrobial activity against the tested bacterial and fungal pathogens. In addition, antiproliferative activity of the complexes was evaluated on A549 and MCF‐7 cell lines and the complexes were comparatively more active than the standard drug cisplatin. Among the compounds, complex 3 was the most effective against MCF‐7 (IC₅₀ value of 5.20 ± 0.15 μM) and A549 (5.09 ± 0.13 μM) compared with the other complexes 1 (6.48 ± 0.17 μM; 5.98 ± 0.09 μM), 2 (5.53 ± 0.12 μM; 5.85 ± 0.11 μM), 4 (6.73 ± 0.19 μM; 6.63 ± 0.16 μM) and cisplatin (16.79 ± 0.08 μM; 15.10 ± 0.05 μM) respectively. LDH and NO release assays confirmed the cytotoxic potential of the synthesized complexes.     

A New Isoflavanol from the Fruits of Kotschya strigosa (Fabaceae)

The phytochemical investigation of the MeOH extract from fruits of Kotschya strigosa using repeated normal and reversed‐phase column chromatography and Sephadex LH‐20 chromatography led to the isolation and characterization of a new isoflavanol, named kotstrigoisoflavanol ( 1 ), together with three known compounds, diosmetin ( 2 ), β‐sitosterol ( 3 ), and the 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside of β‐sitosterol ( 4 ). The antioxidant activity of crude extract, 1, and 2 was determined using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH˙) method. The crude extract (IC₅₀ 61.7 ± 0.2 μg/ml) and 2 (IC₅₀ 70.2 ± 0.1 μg/ml) showed moderate antioxidant activities, while 1 was weakly active (IC₅₀ 153.1 ± 0.1 μg/ml), as compared with the standard reference l ‐ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ 21.9 ± 0.0 μg/ml).     

Simultaneous determination of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony in Sprague–Dawley rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: in vivo and in vitro studies

Paeoniflorin is a well‐known monoterpene glucoside in the herbal drug that exhibits a number of biological activities. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are still unclear. It is essential to investigate the in vivo and in vitro pharmacokinetic differences of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony in Sprague–Dawley (SD) and SHR. The in vivo pharmacokinetic data were analyzed using DAS 2.0 software and the in vitro metabolic characteristics were measured using rat hepatic microsomes. The concentration of paeoniflorin in biological samples was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method, which showed good precision and stability. The plasma concentration–time profiles of paeoniflorin following oral administration of total glucosides of paeony showed a single peak and there were significant differences in the mean values of AUC_(0–t), AUC_(0–∞), CL_z/F and T_max between SD and SHR (p < 0.05). The metabolic rate of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony was slower in SHR than in SD rats (p < 0.05). The results might be useful in further applications of paeoniflorin and total glucosides of paeony. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An evaluation of the CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibition potential of metoprolol metabolites and their contribution to drug–drug and drug–herb interaction by LC‐ESI/MS/MS

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of metabolites to drug–drug interaction and drug–herb interaction using the inhibition of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 by metoprolol (MET) and its metabolites. The peak concentrations of unbound plasma concentration of MET, α‐hydroxy metoprolol (HM), O‐desmethyl metoprolol (ODM) and N‐desisopropyl metoprolol (DIM) were 90.37 ± 2.69, 33.32 ± 1.92, 16.93 ± 1.70 and 7.96 ± 0.94 ng/mL, respectively. The metabolites identified, HM and ODM, had a ratio of metabolic area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) to parent AUC of ≥0.25 when either total or unbound concentration of metabolite was considered. In vitro CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibition by MET, HM and ODM study revealed that MET, HM and ODM were not inhibitors of CYP3A4‐catalyzed midazolam metabolism and CYP2D6‐catalyzed dextromethorphan metabolism. However, DIM only met the criteria of >10% of the total drug related material and <25% of the parent using unbound concentrations. If CYP inhibition testing is solely based on metabolite exposure, DIM metabolite would probably not be considered. However, the present study has demonstrated that DIM contributes significantly to in vitro drug–drug interaction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development and optimization of a supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the high‐throughput determination of nimodipine in beagle plasma

A simple, sensitive, and efficient supercritical fluid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was established for the determination of nimodipine in beagle plasma. One‐step protein precipitation with acetone was used to extract the analytes from the plasma. Nitrendipine was used as the internal standard. The chromatographic separation was achieved on an ACQUITY UPC²? BEH 2‐EP column, and a gradient elution program was applied at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The detection was carried out on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source operating in positive ion mode. Quantification was performed using multiple reaction monitoring of the transitions of m/z 419.3→301.3 for nimodipine and m/z 361.4→315.2 for nitrendipine. A satisfactory linearity was obtained over the concentration range of 0.5–800 ng/mL (r > 0.996). The intra‐ and interday precision and accuracy results were <9.1% across the quality control levels. The peak concentration and area under concentration‐time curve (0–720 min) values of the test and reference formulations were 279.28 ± 211.46 and 265.13 ± 149.26 ng/mL, 25608.00 ± 17553.65 and 28553.67 ± 20207.92 ng·min/mL, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to reveal the pharmacokinetic profiles of nimodipine in beagle dogs after oral administration. Moreover, the analytical method could be used for further bioequivalence studies.     

Trans fatty acid accumulation in the human placenta

Trans fatty acid may impair fetal growth and infant neurodevelopment, but the quantity in a placenta and human tissues remains unknown. To address the issue, a simple and reliable method of quantification is needed. We established a method of quantifying trans‐octadecenoic acids (trans‐6,8,9,11 18:1 fatty acids, TOAs), a major component of trans fatty acid, in human tissue samples, and then determined the TOAs level in the placenta. Oleic acid (OA) (C18:1(9c)) was measured by isotope dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the TOAs level was subsequently calculated based on the ratio of the peak areas for TOAs and OA (TOAs/OA) in the mass chromatogram. Lipids were extracted from 28 human placentas at different gestational ages from 28 to 41 weeks, and the TOAs and OA levels were measured. In method validation, the limit of detection for elaidic acid (trans‐9,18:1 fatty acid), a major component of TOAs, was 0.57 ng, and linearity of calibration ranging from 7.7 to 68.0 μg/g placenta for TOAs. In human placenta analysis, the TOAs level was significantly higher in term (n  = 15, 40.2 ± 9.7 μg/g placenta) than in preterm placentas (n  = 13, 18.9 ± 7.4 μg/g placenta) (p  < 0.001), while OA levels were similar in term (n  = 15, 863 ± 132 μg/g placenta) and preterm (n  = 13, 743 ± 283 μg/g placenta) placentas (p  = 0.15). TOAs accumulate in the placenta as pregnancy progresses and have a fate different from that of OA in vivo. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TOA quantification in human tissue samples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.