Identification of Abnormal Urinary Organic Acids in Inherited Metabolic Diseases by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) coupled system has been established for the confirmatory identification of abnormal urinary organic acids in inherited metabolic diseases. Samples of patient urines were extracted with an organic solvent and trimethylsilylated (TMS). A mass spectra of gas chromatographically separated TMS derivatives can be obtained using the GC/MS coupled system with a single analytical run. Those compounds with close methylene units (e.g., 4-hydroxyphenylacetaic acid and phenylpyruvic acid) in the gas chromatograph can be identified by their specific mass spectra. The results indicate that this GC/MS system is a powerful method for identifying abnormal urinary organic acids. These acids can be identified by comparison with authentic mass spectra established in our laboratories or with mass spectra files from other sources or they can be directly identified by analysis of the mass spectrum. By using this system, we were able to make positive identification of several inherited metabolic diseases found in Chinese patients, including phenylketonuria, propionic acidemia, and methylmalonic aciduria. This GC/MS system is a powerful tool for the diagnosis of inherited metabolic diseases.     

Determination of total <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> fats and oils by infrared spectroscopy for regulatory compliance

The mandatory requirement in many countries to declare the amount of trans fat present in food products and dietary supplements has led to a need for sensitive and accurate methodologies for the rapid quantitation of total trans fats and oils. Capillary gas chromatography (GC) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) are the two methods most commonly used to identify and quantify trans fatty acids for food labeling purposes (see the article by Delmonte and Rader in this ABC issue for a detailed presentation of GC methodology). The present article provides a comprehensive review of the IR technique and the current attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier-transform (FT) IR methodologies for the rapid determination of total trans fats and oils. This review also addresses potential sources of interferences and inaccuracies in FTIR determinations, particularly those done at low trans levels. Recent observations have shown that the presence of saturated fats caused interferences in the FTIR spectra observed for trans triacylglycerols. The recognition and resolution of previously unresolved quantitative issues improved the accuracy and sensitivity of the FTIR methodology. Once validated, it is anticipated that the new negative second-derivative ATR-FTIR procedure will make IR spectroscopy more suitable than ever, and a rapid alternative and/or complementary method to GC, for the rapid determination of total trans fats for regulatory compliance. Figure Infrared light bouncing inside an internal reflection crystal     

Characterization of N,N‐dimethyl amino acids by electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry

Methylation is an essential metabolic process for a number of critical reactions in the body. Methyl groups are involved in the healthy function of the body life processes, by conducting methylation process involving specific enzymes. In these processes, various amino acids are methylated, and the occurrence of methylated amino acids in nature is diverse. Nowadays, mass‐spectrometric‐based identification of small molecules as biomarkers for diseases is a growing research. Although all dimethyl amino acids are metabolically important molecules, mass spectral data are available only for a few of them in the literature. In this study, we report synthesis and characterization of all dimethyl amino acids, by electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments on protonated molecules. The MS/MS spectra of all the studied dimethyl amino acids showed preliminary loss of H₂O + CO to form corresponding immonium ions. The other product ions in the spectra are highly characteristic of the methyl groups on the nitrogen and side chain of the amino acids. The amino acids, which are isomeric and isobaric with the studied dimethyl amino acids, gave distinctive MS/MS spectra. The study also included MS/MS analysis of immonium ions of dimethyl amino acids that provide information on side chain structure, and it is further tested to determine the N‐terminal amino acid of the peptides. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of N‐methylated amino acids by GC‐MS after ethyl chloroformate derivatization

Methylation is an essential metabolic process in the biological systems, and it is significant for several biological reactions in living organisms. Methylated compounds are known to be involved in most of the bodily functions, and some of them serve as biomarkers. Theoretically, all α‐amino acids can be methylated, and it is possible to encounter them in most animal/plant samples. But the analytical data, especially the mass spectral data, are available only for a few of the methylated amino acids. Thus, it is essential to generate mass spectral data and to develop mass spectrometry methods for the identification of all possible methylated amino acids for future metabolomic studies. In this study, all N‐methyl and N,N‐dimethyl amino acids were synthesized by the methylation of α‐amino acids and characterized by a GC‐MS method. The methylated amino acids were derivatized with ethyl chloroformate and analyzed by GC‐MS under EI and methane/CI conditions. The EI mass spectra of ethyl chloroformate derivatives of N‐methyl ( 1–18 ) and N,N‐dimethyl amino acids ( 19–35 ) showed abundant [M‐COOC₂H₅]⁺ ions. The fragment ions due to loss of C₂H₄, CO₂, (CO₂ + C₂H₄) from [M‐COOC₂H₅]⁺ were of structure indicative for 1–18 . The EI spectra of 19–35 showed less number of fragment ions when compared with those of 1–18 . The side chain group (R) caused specific fragment ions characteristic to its structure. The methane/CI spectra of the studied compounds showed [M + H]⁺ ions to substantiate their molecular weights. The detected EI fragment ions were characteristic of the structure that made easy identification of the studied compounds, including isomeric/isobaric compounds. Fragmentation patterns of the studied compounds ( 1–35 ) were confirmed by high‐resolution mass spectra data and further substantiated by the data obtained from ¹³C₂‐labeled glycines and N‐ethoxycarbonyl methoxy esters. The method was applied to human plasma samples for the identification of amino acids and methylated amino acids. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

ESI‐MS/MS analysis of protonated N‐methyl amino acids and their immonium ions

Methylation is one of the important posttranslational modifications of biological systems. At the metabolite level, the methylation process is expected to convert bioactive compounds such as amino acids, fatty acids, lipids, sugars, and other organic acids into their methylated forms. A few of the methylated amino acids are identified and have been proved as potential biomarkers for several metabolic disorders by using mass spectrometry–based metabolomics workstation. As it is possible to encounter all the N‐methyl forms of the proteinogenic amino acids in plant/biological systems, it is essential to have analytical data of all N‐methyl amino acids for their detection and identification. In earlier studies, we have reported the ESI‐MS/MS data of all methylated proteinogenic amino acids, except that of mono‐N‐methyl amino acids. In this study, the N‐methyl amino acids of all the amino acids ( 1 ‐ 21 ; including one isomeric pair) were synthesized and characterized by ESI‐MS/MS, LC/MS/MS, and HRMS. These data could be useful for detection and identification of N‐methyl amino acids in biological systems for future metabolomics studies. The MS/MS spectra of [M + H]⁺ ions of most N‐methyl amino acids showed respective immonium ions by the loss of (H₂O, CO). The other most common product ions detected were [MH‐(NH₂CH₃]⁺, [MH‐(RH)]⁺ (where R = side chain group) ions, and the selective structure indicative product ions due to side chain and N‐methyl group. The isomeric/isobaric N‐methyl amino acids could easily be differentiated by their distinct MS/MS spectra. Further, the MS/MS of immonium ions inferred side chain structure and methyl group on α‐nitrogen of the N‐methyl amino acids.     

Synthesis of Superabsorbent Copolymers by Pulsed Corona Discharges in Water

Pulsed corona discharges have been utilized for plasma polymerization in aqueous solution for the first time. Superabsorbent copolymers, i.e., poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogels, were synthesized by aqueous solution polymerization using free radicals produced by pulsed corona discharges as initiator and N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide as cross-linking agent. Acrylic acid contents in the monomers varied from 0% to 50%. The copolymers thus formed adsorbed 30–1100 g H₂O/g of copolymer. The FTIR spectra of the copolymers are comparable with the published FTIR spectra of the corresponding copolymers synthesized by a conventional chemical method and by -ray technique.     

Polychlorobiphenyls differentiation and identification by gas chromatography/fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Reference infrared vapour phase spectra of 20 polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) have been obtained by gas chromatography/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (GC/FTIR). These spectra are consistent with those of PCB obtained by diffuse reflectance IR spectroscopy (DRIFT) and with those of more simple molecular structures (iodochlorobenzenes, 1-bromodichlorobenzenes). The IR frequencies of the GC/FTIR spectra of PCB are assigned in terms of substitution patterns. This work shows that GC/FTIR can be a good approach for differentiation and identification of PCB in complex mixtures.     

Position‐specific 13C/12C analysis of amino acid carboxyl groups – automated flow‐injection analysis based on reaction with ninhydrin

Rationale

The fundamental level of stable isotopic knowledge lies at specific atomic positions within molecules but existing methods of analysis require lengthy off‐line preparation to reveal this information. An automated position‐specific isotope analysis (PSIA) method is presented to determine the stable carbon isotopic compositions of the carboxyl groups of amino acids (δ¹³C_CARBOXYL values). This automation makes PSIA measurements easier and routine.

Methods

An existing high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) gas handling interface/stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry system was modified by the addition of a post‐column derivatisation unit between the HPLC system and the interface. The post‐column reaction was optimised to yield CO₂ from the carboxyl groups of amino acids by reaction with ninhydrin.

Results

The methodology described produced δ¹³C_CARBOXYL values with typical standard deviations below ±0.1 ‰ and consistent differences (Δ¹³C_CARBOXYL values) between amino acids over a 1‐year period. First estimates are presented for the δ¹³C_CARBOXYL values of a number of internationally available amino acid reference materials.

Conclusions

The PSIA methodology described provides a further dimension to the stable isotopic characterisation of amino acids at a more detailed level than the bulk or averaged whole‐molecule level. When combined with on‐line chromatographic separation or off‐line fraction collection of protein hydrolysates the technique will offer an automated and routine way to study position‐specific carboxyl carbon isotope information for amino acids, enabling more refined isotopic studies of carbon uptake and metabolism.

     

Some observations on the automation by flow injection analysis of the spectrophotometric determination of amino acids and proteins witho-phthalaldehyde

Automation by flow injection analysis with Spectrophotometric detection of the determination of total amino acids and proteins witho-phthalaldehyde is not straightforward. The use of spectrophotometry, instead of spectrofluorimetry, and of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, instead of the conventional mercaptoethanol is advantageous because of the lower variability of absorptivities with respect to fluorescence yields, and the larger stability of the derivatives. Under adequate working conditions and with leucine as reference, the procedure can be used for the evaluation of total amino acids. A similar procedure is proposed for the analysis of proteins in a sample. Limits of detection are 1 × 10^–5 M for amino acids, and 1 × 10^–6 M for proteins, respectively.     

Studies on pyrazoles

The possibility of the separation into optical antipodes of racemic amino acids of the pyrazole series has been investigated. The trans configuration of the acrylic acids obtained as by-products in the synthesis of -amino acids of the pyrazole series by the Rodionov reaction has been shown by PMR and IR spectroscopy. The IR spectra of a series of amino acids are discussed.For part LXII, see [1].     

Chiral discrimination in biliverdin (S)-amino acids,II: Structural variations of the amino acid functional groups

The Biliverdin-(S)-amino acid derivatives2–21 have been synthesized, and are subject to a thorough c. d. and u. v.-vis. electronic absorption analysis in the bilatriene chromophoric region. It is shown that the extent of chiral discrimination of the bilatriene helices is particularly sensitive towards structural variations of the amino acids bound to the propionic side chains. Thus, a pronounced decrease of chiral induction occurs if hydrogen bonding between one of the two essential coordination sites of the amino acid entity and the bilatriene backbone is disturbed. Accordingly, derivatives of (S)-amino acidt-butyl esters (3,5,7,16 and17) andN-substituted (S)-amino acids (8–10, 20 and21) generally display weak c. d. spectra. If additional polar groups are present in bis(amino acid) derivatives mutual interferences of the adjacent side chains must be taken into account. The attenuations of -values observed for the bis(serine) and bis(aspartic acid) compounds14 and15 thus are mainly due to intramolecular interchain interactions. The results provide evidence in support of the proposed mechanism of chiral discrimination in biliverdin amino acids.Dedicated to Prof. Dr.Kurt L. Komarek on the occasion of his 60th birthday.     

Capillary electrophoresis methods for a clear identification of seleno amino acids in complex matrices like human milk

Seleno amino acids have been identified in SEC fractions of human milk and quantified by capillary electrophoresis. For this purpose different CE-methods have been developed to separate these seleno amino acids (Se-R-NH₃) from other molecules with similar molecular weights. Besides, methods have been introduced for the exact identification of the analytes: These methods allow the identification of Se-R-NH₃ in presence of molecules of nearly equal mobility and overcome identification problems caused by the shifts of migration times (due to different ionic composition) compared to standard solutions. Procedures for different levels of identification securities have been ruled out and their efficiency has been discussed.Abbreviations CE capillary electrophoresis - CZE capillary zone electrophoresis - EOF electroosmotic flow - GSH glutathione - ISL identification security level - MT migration time - SC seleno cystine - SEC size exclusion chromatography - Se-CM seleno cystamine - Se-R-NH₃ seleno amino acid - SM seleno methionine     

Collision-Induced Dissociation of Deprotonated Peptides. Relative Abundance of Side-Chain Neutral Losses,Residue-Specific Product Ions,and Comparison with Protonated Peptides

High-accuracy MS/MS spectra of deprotonated ions of 390 dipeptides and 137 peptides with three to six residues are studied. Many amino acid residues undergo neutral losses from their side chains. The most abundant is the loss of acetaldehyde from threonine. The abundance of losses from the side chains of other amino acids is estimated relative to that of threonine. While some amino acids lose the whole side chain, others lose only part of it, and some exhibit two or more different losses. Side-chain neutral losses are less abundant in the spectra of protonated peptides, being significant mainly for methionine and arginine. In addition to the neutral losses, many amino acid residues in deprotonated peptides produce specific negative ions after peptide bond cleavage. An expanded list of fragment ions from protonated peptides is also presented and compared with those of deprotonated peptides. Fragment ions are mostly different for these two cases. These lists of fragments are used to annotate peptide mass spectral libraries and to aid in the confirmation of specific amino acids in peptides.

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Graphical Abstract ?

     

Capillary gas chromatography of amino acids as their tert-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives in the analysis of serum amino acids in metabolic diseases

Reaction of amino acids with N-methyl-N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroaceamide (MTbSTFA) in acetonitrile affords good yields of amino acid derivatives with excellent gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric properties. The single-step derivatization procedure is highly reproducible. The TBDMS amino acids are stable at room temperature for at least three days. Only a single peak is observed for each amino acid. The procedure allows simultaneous analysis of asparagine and glutamine together with other serum amino acids. Separation is achieved on a borosilicate glass capillary coated with OV-1. The mass spectra of the TBDMS amino acids possess characteristic diagnostic ions. These properties were used in the sensitive detection by GC-MS and SIM-GC-MS of GABA and pipecolic acid in the serum of a newborn suspected of a Zellweger-type syndrome, which could not be detected by other methods.     

Preparation,characterization and Mössbauer spectra of the iron(III) complexes of some dihydroxamic acids and amino monohydroxamic acids

Summary Fe^III complexes have been prepared from the dihydroxamic acids (CH₂)_n[CON(R)OH]₂ (n=2, 3, 4, 6, 8; R=H, Ph,o-tolyl,p-tolyl) (H₂L) and the amino monohydroxamic acids H₂NCH(R)CONHOH (R=H, Me) (HL) and XC₆H₄CONHOH (X=o-NH₂,p-NH₂) (HL). Based on elemental analyses, molecular weight data, and electronic and i.r. spectra, the complexes have been formulated as Fe₂(LH)₂L₂, Fe₂L₂O and Fe₂L₃ for the dihydroxamic acids, and Fe(OH)₄L₂(H₂O)₂ and FeL₃ for the amino monohydroxamic acids. The⁵⁷Fe Mossbauer spectra are discussed.The author is née Bose     

Complexation of Some Amino Acids and Peptides by p-Sulfonatocalix[4]arene and Hexasodium p-Sulfonatocalix[6]arene in Aqueous Solution

The stability constants (log K), the reaction enthalpy( H) and entropy ( S) of the complexesformed between some amino acids (glycine, L-alanine,L-valine, L-leucine, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan,L-threonine, and L-lysine) and peptides (glycyl-glycine,glycyl-L-alanine, glycyl-L-leucine, glycyl-L-phenylalanine,L-leucyl-glycine, L-leucyl-L-alanine, glycyl-L-valine,L-leucyl-glycyl-glycine, and glycyl-glycyl-glycine) withp-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and hexasodiump-sulfonatocalix[6]arene in aqueous solutions by meansof calorimetric titration have been investigated. The reportedresults demonstrate that the amino acids and peptides under studyform complexes with both p-sulfonatocalix[4]areneand hexasodium p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene. In the case of theamino acids and peptides the complexation with water-solublecalixarenes in aqueous solution is favored by enthalpiccontributions and disfavored by entropic contributions. However,no influence of the ring size of the calixarenes upon thecomplexation is observed. By comparison with the reaction ofthe sodium salt of phenol-4-sulfonic acid with amino acids amacrocyclic effect in case of the calixarenes is possible.     

Steric stabilization of iron (III) hydroxide sols by various amino acids

The dispersion and coagulation phenomena of iron(III) hydroxide sols were investigated as a function of pH in the absence and presence of amino acids. The amino acids used were glycine,L--alanine,DL--amino-n-butyric acid,L-valine,L-leucine,L- isoleucine,L-glutamic acid andL-arginine. The turbidity measurements of the iron-(III) hydroxide sols, which were prepared by pouring an aqueous iron(III) chloride solution into boiling distilled water, were carried out using a spectrophotometer with an addermixer device and an automatic recording system. The zeta potentials of sol particles were obtained by ultra-microelectrophoresis. The change in turbidity of the sol, as a measure in stability of the sol, increased with increasing pH in the region of pH 2–8, and reached a maximum at the isoelectric point of the particles. The coagulation at the isoelectric point was prevented by adding amino acids, and the stabilization had an optimum point at concentrations which depended upon the kinds of amino acids. The remarkable dispersing effect of amino acids which occurred near the isoelectric point of the particles at the suitable concentration of the ammo acids may be due to the steric protection by amino acid adsorbed. The protective action was explained according to a modified DLVO theory, the modification for London-van der Waals force being applied in order to take the effect of the adsorption layer into account.     

The interaction of dansyl amino acids with bovine serum albumin

The interaction of 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl (DNS or dansyl) amino acids with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by means of fluorescence measurements. Fluorometric titrations revealed that BSA has one high affinity site (binding constant,K _a=10⁵10⁶ M^–1), and other sites of lower affinity (K _a=10³10⁴ M^–1) for the probes. Static excitation and emission spectra, lifetimes, time resolved emission spectra, and anisotropy data indicated that the binding is stabilized mainly through fixation by the high affinity binding site. The binding constant significantly decreased with the increase of the spacer distance between the dansyl and anionic groups of the probe molecule. This observation was explained by considering the change of the electrostatic interaction between the anionic group of the probe and a cationic residue in the vicinity of the site.