Confirmatory and quantitative analysis of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids in serum by solid phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A novel class of endogenous mammalian lipids endowed with antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties has been recently discovered. These are fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) formed by condensation between a hydroxy fatty acid and a fatty acid. FAHFAs are present in human serum and tissues at low nanomolar concentrations. Therefore, high sensitivity and selectivity profiling analysis of these compounds in clinical samples is demanded. An automated qualitative and quantitative method based on on-line coupling between solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry has been here developed for determination of FAHFAs in serum with the required sensitivity and selectivity. Matrix effects were evaluated by preparation of calibration models in serum and methanol. Recovery factors ranged between 73.8 and 100% in serum. The within-day variability ranged from 7.1 to 13.8%, and the between-days variability varied from 9.3 to 21.6%, which are quite acceptable values taking into account the low concentration levels at which the target analytes are found. The method has been applied to a cohort of human serum samples to estimate the concentrations profiles as a function of the glycaemic state and obesity. Statistical analysis revealed three FAHFAs with levels significantly different depending on the glycaemic state or the body mass index. This automated method could be implemented in high-throughput analysis with minimum user assistance.     

Rapid quantification of four major bioactive alkaloids in Corydalis decumbens (Thunb.) Pers. by pressurised liquid extraction combined with liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry

A new method based on pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) followed by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-QTrap-MS) analysis has been developed for the identification and quantification of four major alkaloids in extracts of Corydalis decumbens (Thunb.) Pers. PLE extractions were performed using 90% ethanol; temperature was set at 100 °C and pressure at 1500 psi. HPLC analysis was performed on a Waters XBridge™ C₁₈ column (150 mm × 2.1 mm i.d., 3.5 μm) eluted by a mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.2% acetic acid. Data acquisition was carried out in multiple reaction monitoring transitions (MRMs) mode, monitoring two MRM transitions to ensure an accurate identification of target compounds in the samples. Additional identification and confirmation of target compounds were performed using the enhanced product ion modus (EPI) of the linear ion trap. The novel LC-QTrap-MS platform offers the best sensitivity and specificity for characterization and quantitative determination of the four alkaloids in C. decumbens (Thunb.) Pers. and fulfils the quality criteria for routine laboratory application.