Determination and Comparison of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Serum and Colon Content Samples: Alzheimer’s Disease Rat as a Case Study

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main microbial fermentation products from dietary fibers in the colon, and it has been speculated that they play a key role in keeping healthy in the whole-body. However, differences in SCFAs concentration in the serum and colon samples had attracted little attention. In this study, we have optimized the extract and analysis methods for the determination of ten SCFAs in both serum and colon content samples. Methanol and acetonitrile were chosen for extraction of SCFAs from serum and colon content samples, respectively. Biological samples were collected from Alzheimer’s disease rats treated by extract of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (SC-extract) were taken as research objects. The results showed that, the relative peak intensities of SCFAs in the colon content from all groups were quite similar, and the trend was identical in the serum samples. Compared with the values in humans, the ratio of ten SCFAs in rat’s colon was similar, while the percent of acetate in rat’s serum was significantly higher. For therapy of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), SC-extract decreased the concentration of butyrate, 3-Methyvalerate, and caproate in the serum samples towards the trend of normal rats. This study may help our understanding of how SCFAs are transported across colonic epithelium in healthy and diseased organisms.     

Surface film pressure of β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin and bovine serum albumin at the air/water interface studied by wilhelmy plate and drop volume

The surface film pressure (II) of β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and bovine serum albumin was studied in simulated milk ultrafiltrate (SMUF) and in water at concentrations from 10⁻⁶ up to 1% (w/v) at times from 30 s to 14 h and the results were analyzed with regard to adsorption transport and kinetics. In SMUF at low concentrations, β-lactoglobulin was the most “surface active” protein. There was little difference in the surface film pressure between β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin at high concentrations. Bovine serum albumin showed the lowest surface activity, but did not reach a constant II, even after 14 h. As the pH approached the isoelectric point, the surface film pressure increased, and in the case of bovine serum albumin II increased faster. In water, however, the surface film pressures were lower than in SMUF, and for bovine serum albumin II developed more slowly. The transport to the interface was found to be controlled by diffusion only for a small concentration range of approximately 10⁻⁴%. It was controlled by initial flow disturbances at higher concentrations and free convection at lower concentrations. The rate of increase of the surface film pressure was not a simple function of surface film pressure and bulk concentration under any of the conditions studied.     

An isotope-labeled chemical derivatization method for the quantitation of short-chain fatty acids in human feces by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by anaerobic gut microbiota in the large bowel. Qualitative and quantitative measurements of SCFAs in the intestinal tract and the fecal samples are important to understand the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota and host metabolism homeostasis. To develop a new LC-MS/MS method for sensitive and reliable analysis of SCFAs in human fecal samples, 3-nitrophenylhydrazine (3NPH) was employed for pre-analytical derivatization to convert ten C₂–C₆ SCFAs to their 3-nitrophenylhydrazones under a single set of optimized reaction conditions and without the need of reaction quenching. The derivatives showed excellent in-solution chemical stability. They were separated on a reversed-phase C₁₈ column and quantitated by negative-ion electrospray ionization – multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM)/MS. To achieve accurate quantitation, the stable isotope-labeled versions of the derivatives were synthesized in a single reaction vessel from ¹³C₆-3NPH, and were used as internal standard to compensate for the matrix effects in ESI. Method validation showed on-column limits of detection and quantitation over the range from low to high femtomoles for the ten SCFAs, and the intra-day and inter-day precision for determination of nine of the ten SCFAs in human fecal samples was ≤8.8% (n = 6). The quantitation accuracy ranged from 93.1% to 108.4% (CVs ≤ 4.6%, n = 6). This method was used to determine the SCFA concentrations and compositions in six human fecal samples. One of the six samples, which was collected from a clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes patient showed a significantly high molar ratio of branch-chain SCFAs to straight-chain SCFAs than the others. In summary, this work provides a new LC-MS/MS method for precise and accurate quantitation of SCFAs in human feces.     

Preparation of Antihypertensive Drugs in Biological Matrix with Solvent Front Position Extraction for LC–MS/MS Analysis

Solvent front position extraction procedure was used to prepare biological samples containing selected antihypertensive drugs (ramipril, lercanidipine, indapamide, valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, perindopril, and nebivolol). Substances separated from the biological matrix components (bovine serum albumin) were quantified by means of liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Sample preparation process was performed with the use of a prototype horizontal chamber with a moving pipette driven by a 3D printer mechanism enabling a controlled eluent flow velocity. Application of this device was advantageous for simultaneous preparation of several samples for further quantitative analysis, with a synchronized reduction of manual operations and solvent consumption. Quantitative results obtained for the majority of the investigated antihypertensive drugs in a complex biological matrix were satisfactory. The values of the %RSD were around 5% for six of the seven substances (with the exception of indapamide). The method exhibits a suitable accuracy (the relative error percentage was below 10% for most drugs). The values of LOD and LOQ were in the range of 1.19 µg/L–8.53 µg/L and 3.61 µg/L–25.8 µg/L, respectively.     

Development of One-Step Non-Solvent Extraction and Sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS Method for Assessment of N-(n-Butyl) Thiophosphoric Triamide (NBPT) and N-(n-Butyl) Phosphoric Triamide (NBPTo) in Milk

N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) is a urease inhibitor utilised in urea-based fertilizers. In Ireland, fertilizer treated with NBPT is applied to pasture to mitigate both ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions, but concerns arise as to the potential for residues in milk products. A quick ultrafiltration extraction and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry triple quadrupole (UHPLC-MS/MS) quantitation method was developed and validated in this study. The method was applied in the analysis of samples collected from a field study investigating potential transfer of NBPT residues into milk. NBPT and NBPTo residues, were extracted from fortified milk samples and analysed on a UHPLC-MS/MS with recoveries ranging from 74 to 114%. Validation of the UHPLC-MS/MS method at low (0.0020 mg kg⁻¹) and high (0.0250 mg kg⁻¹) concentration levels in line with SANTE/12682/2019 showed overall trueness in the range of 99 to 104% and precision between 1 and 10%, RSD for both compounds. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 0.0020 mg kg⁻¹ and other tested parameters (linearity, sensitivity, specificity, matrix effect, robustness, etc.) satisfied acceptance criteria. Stability assessment using spiked samples revealed the compounds were stable in raw and pasteurised milk for 4 weeks at –80 °C storage temperature. Maintaining samples at pH 8.5–9.0 further improved stability. Analysis of 516 milk samples from the field study found that NBPT and NBPTo concentrations were below the LOQ of 0.0020 mg kg⁻¹, thus suggesting very low risk of residues occurring in the milk. The method developed is quick, robust, and sensitive. The method is deemed fit-for-purpose for the simultaneous determination of NBPT and NBPTo in milk.     

Disposition Kinetics of Amitraz in Lactating Does

Amitraz, a member of the formamidine pesticide family, commonly used for ectoparasite control, is applied as a dip or low-pressure hand spray to cattle and swine, and the neck collar on dogs. Data on amitraz were generated mainly on laboratory animals, hens, dogs, and baboons. The data on the toxicity and disposition of amitraz in animals and its residues in the milk are inadequate. Therefore, the present study was intended to analyze the disposition kinetics of amitraz and its pattern of elimination in the milk of lactating does after a single dermal application at a concentration of 0.25%. Blood at predetermined time intervals and milk twice daily were collected for eight days post application. The drug concentration was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Amitraz was detected in whole blood as early as 0.5 h, which attained a peak concentration at 12 ± 5 h, followed by a steady decline; however, detection persisted until 168 h. Amitraz was present in the blood at its 50% C_max even after 48 h, and was still detectable after 7 days. The disposition after a single dermal application was best described non-compartmentally. The mean terminal half-life (t_1/2), mean residence time (MRT), and area under the curve (AUC_0–t) were 111 ± 31 h, 168 ± 39 h, and 539 ± 211 µg/mL/h, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution (Vd_area) was 92 ± 36 mL/g with an observed clearance (Cl) of 0.57 ± 0.33 mL/kg/h. Thus, the drug was well absorbed, widely distributed and slowly eliminated from the animal body. Amitraz achieved milk concentration approximating 0.2 per cent of the total dose after a single exposure and the steady-state elimination of amitraz in milk above the recommended maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.01 mg/kg can act as a source of public health concern when applied on lactating animals.     

Validation of a Simple HPLC-Based Method for Lysine Quantification for Ruminant Nutrition

Robust and selective quantification methods are required to better analyze feed supplementation effectiveness with specific amino acids. In this work, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection is proposed and validated for lysine quantification, one of the most limiting amino acids in ruminant nutrition and essential towards milk production. To assess and widen method applicability, different matrices were considered: namely Li₂CO₃ buffer (the chosen standard reaction buffer), phosphate buffer solution (to mimic media in cellular studies), and rumen inoculum. The method was validated for all three matrices and found to be selective, accurate (92% ± 2%), and precise at both the inter- and intra-day levels in concentrations up to 225 µM, with detection and quantification limits lower than 1.24 and 4.14 µM, respectively. Sample stability was evaluated when stored at room temperature, 4 °C, and −20 °C, showing consistency for up to 48 h regardless of the matrix. Finally, the developed method was applied in the quantification of lysine on real samples. The results presented indicate that the proposed method can be applied towards free lysine quantification in ruminant feeding studies and potentially be of great benefit to dairy cow nutrition supplementation and optimization.     

Determination of ultra trace amounts of protein by 4-chlorosulfo-(2′-hyaroxylphenylazo)-rhodanine-Ti(IV) complex [ClSARP-Ti(IV)] as the fluorescence spectral probe in AOT microemulsion

Experiments indicated that protein can enhance the fluorescence of the 4-chlorosulfo-(2′-hydroxylophenylazo)-rhodanine-Ti(IV) complex [ClSARP-Ti(IV)] in the presence of bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) microemulsion. Based on this, a sensitive and reproducible fluorometric method for the determination of micro amount protein was developed. The calibration curves of four proteins were given. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the enhanced fluorescence intensity of the system was in proportional to the concentration of protein in the range of 0.1–11 μg mL⁻¹ for bovine serum albumin (BSA), 1.0–10 μg mL⁻¹ for human serum albumin (HSA), 1.0–50 μg mL⁻¹ for ovalbumin (Ova) and 2.5–18 μg mL⁻¹ for γ-globulins (γ-G). Their detection limits were 0.070, 0.071, 0.33 and 0.22 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. The ClSARP-Ti(IV) complex as a spectral probe can be used to the determination of protein in milk powder and oatmeal yielding with satisfactory results. Therefore, the proposed method is one of the most sensitive methods available. In addition, the interaction mechanism of this system is studied by multi-techniques.     

Dispersive solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the multi-residue analysis of pesticides in raw bovine milk

A fast multi-residue method based on dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the simultaneous determination of 44 pesticides in raw bovine milk. Raw bovine milk samples did not percolate through SPE cartridges usually applied for pesticide extraction from homogenized pasteurized milk samples. Therefore, a DSPE technique was implemented and validated for the first time in this work. Graphitized non-porous carbon and C18 modified silica materials were tested both in combination with magnesium sulfate and bonded silica with ethylenediamine-N-propyl phase. The efficiency of the DSPE process was studied at several concentration levels obtaining the higher recoveries with C18 material. The method performance was also assessed and the limits of quantification reached the ng g⁻¹ level, complying with the most recent maximum residue levels. The DSPE method was also shown to be suited to both the fatty and skimmed fractions issued from raw milk. Finally, the extraction method was successfully applied to the analysis of raw milk samples collected in 23 farms of dairy cattle from NW Spain (Galicia).     

Determination of Ciprofloxacin,Enrofloxacin, and Marbofloxacin in Bovine Urine,Serum, and Milk by Microextraction by a Packed Sorbent Coupled to Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography

This article reports new, easy, and rapid microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS)–ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection for the simultaneous determination in bovine urine, serum, and milk of three antibiotics belonging to the class of the fluoroquinolones, namely ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and marbofloxacin, approved for veterinary and human use (ciprofloxacin). The chromatographic separation of the analytes and all aspects influencing the MEPS performance were optimized for the extraction from the considered biological samples. The optimized procedure required simple sample pretreatment, a short (<8?min) isocratic elution, and provided sufficient sensitivity for the determination of the analytes at trace levels in compliance with current legislation. Limits of quantitation were in the range from 0.002 (ciprofloxacin, urine) to 0.048?μg/mL (enrofloxacin, milk). Recoveries from 79% (enrofloxacin, milk) to 88% (ciprofloxacin, urine/serum) were obtained on spiked samples. The within-day (n?=?6) and between-day (n?=?6 over 3?days) relative standard deviation percentages in bovine urine, serum, and milk samples ranged from 2.2 (ciprofloxacin, urine) to 2.5 (enrofloxacin, serum) and from 3.1 (ciprofloxacin, urine) to 3.7 (enrofloxacin, milk), respectively, and were not concentration dependent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing a fast and simple method for the determination of fluoroquinolones in bovine biological samples.     

Reduction of severe bovine serum associated matrix effects on carboxymethylated dextran coated biosensor surfaces

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensor technology has been widely used in life science research for many applications. While the advantages of speed, ruggedness, versatility, sensitivity and reproducibility are often quoted, many researchers have experienced severe problem of non-specific binding (NSB) to chip surfaces when performing analysis of biological samples such as bovine serum. Using the direct measurement of the bovine protein leptin, present in bovine serum samples as a model, a unique buffering system has been developed and optimised which was able to significantly reduce the non-specific interactions of bovine serum components with the carboxymethyl dextran chip (CM5) surface on a Biacore SPR system. The developed NSB buffering system comprised of HBS-EP buffer, containing 0.5 M NaCl, 0.005% CM-dextran, pH 9.0. An average NSB reduction (n = 20) of 85.9% and 87.3% was found on an unmodified CM5 surface and a CM5 with bovine leptin immobilised on the chip surface, respectively. A reduction in NSB of up to 94% was observed on both surfaces. The concentration of the constitutive components and pH of the buffer were crucial in achieving this outcome.     

Ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of six resorcylic acid lactones in bovine milk

This work reports a rapid, reliable and sensitive multi-residue method for the simultaneous determination of six resorcylic acid lactones in bovine milk by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). The resorcylic acid lactones were extracted, purified, and concentrated from milk samples in one step using a solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge that contained a polymeric mixed-mode anion-exchange sorbent. The analysis was performed on a Waters Acquity BEH C₁₈ column utilizing a gradient elution profile. Each LC run was completed in 3.5 min. The analytes were detected by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using electrospray ionization (ESI) negative mode. Mean recoveries from fortified samples ranged from 92.6% to 112.5%, with relative standard deviations lower than 11.4%. Using 5 mL bovine milk, the limits of detection and quantification for resorcylic acid lactones were in the ranges of 0.01–0.05 and 0.05–0.2 μg/L, respectively. The application of this newly developed method was demonstrated by analyzing bovine milk samples from markets.     

Quantification of cephalexin as residue levels in bovine milk by high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line sample cleanup

A multidimensional, selective and precise high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method based on direct injection of biological samples has been developed for the determination of cephalexin in skimmed and whole bovine milk. The cephalosporin antibiotic was extracted from bovine milk using an octyl restricted access medium bovine serum albumin column (C₈-RAM-BSA) and analyzed on an octadecyl column using phosphate buffer (pH 7.5, 0.01 M): ACN (92:8, v/v) and ultraviolet detection at 260 nm. The calibration graph was linear in the concentration range of 25-1600 ng/mL and this is in accordance with the tolerance level of 100 ng/mL set by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EU (European Union) for cephalexin as residue in bovine milk. The intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation for the replicate analysis at the quality control levels were less than 15% while the transfer efficiency was in the range of 90.2-92.3%. The limits of detection and quantification were 10 and 20 ng/mL, respectively.     

Development and Validation of a LC-MS/MS Technique for the Analysis of Short Chain Fatty Acids in Tissues and Biological Fluids without Derivatisation Using Isotope Labelled Internal Standards

The gut microbiota is critical to the maintenance of physiological homeostasis and as such is implicated in a range of diseases such as colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are key metabolites produced by the gut microbiota from the fermentation of dietary fibre. Here we present a novel, sensitive, and direct LC-MS/MS technique using isotopically labelled internal standards without derivatisation for the analysis of SCFAs in different biological matrices. The technique has significant advantages over the current widely used techniques based on sample derivatization and GC-MS analysis, including fast and simple sample preparation and short LC runtime (10 min). The technique is specific and sensitive for the quantification of acetate, butyrate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, lactate, propionate and valerate. The limits of detection were all 0.001 mM except for acetate which was 0.003 mM. The calibration curves for all the analytes were linear with correlation coefficients r² > 0.998. The intra- and inter-day precisions in three levels of known concentrations were <12% and <20%, respectively. The quantification accuracy ranged from 92% to 120%. The technique reported here offers a valuable analytical tool for use in studies of SCFA production in the gut and their distribution to host tissues.     

Changes in Particle Size,Sedimentation, and Protein Microstructure of Ultra-High-Temperature Skim Milk Considering Plasmin Concentration and Storage Temperature

Age gelation is a major quality defect in ultra-high-temperature (UHT) pasteurized milk during extended storage. Changes in plasmin (PL)-induced sedimentation were investigated during storage (23 °C and 37 °C, four weeks) of UHT skim milk treated with PL (2.5, 10, and 15 U/L). The increase in particle size and broadening of the particle size distribution of samples during storage were dependent on the PL concentration, storage period, and storage temperature. Sediment analysis indicated that elevated storage temperature accelerated protein sedimentation. The initial PL concentration was positively correlated with the amount of protein sediment in samples stored at 23 °C for four weeks (r = 0.615; p < 0.01), whereas this correlation was negative in samples stored at 37 °C for the same time (r = −0.358; p < 0.01) due to extensive proteolysis. SDS-PAGE revealed that whey proteins remained soluble over storage at 23 °C for four weeks, but they mostly disappeared from the soluble phase of PL-added samples after two weeks’ storage at 37 °C. Transmission electron micrographs of PL-containing UHT skim milk during storage at different temperatures supported the trend of sediment analysis well. Based on the Fourier transform infrared spectra of UHT skim milk stored at 23 °C for three weeks, PL-induced particle size enlargement was due to protein aggregation and the formation of intermolecular β-sheet structures, which contributed to casein destabilization, leading to sediment formation.     

Determination of Trimethylamine N-oxide and Betaine in Serum and Food by Targeted Metabonomics

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), as a gut-derived metabolite, has been found to be associated with enhanced risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We presented a method for targeted profiling of TMAO and betaine in serum and food samples based on a combination of one-step sample pretreatment and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The key step included a processing of sample preparation using a selective solid-phase extraction column for retention of basic metabolites. Proton signals at δ 3.29 and δ 3.28 were employed to quantify TMAO and betaine, respectively. The developed method was examined with acceptable linear relationship, precision, stability, repeatability, and accuracy. It was successfully applied to detect serum levels of TMAO and betaine in TMAO-fed mice and high-fructose-fed rats and also used to determine the contents of TMAO and betaine in several kinds of food, such as fish, pork, milk, and egg yolk.     

Rapid multi-residue method for the quantitative determination and confirmation of glucocorticosteroids in bovine milk using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry

Dexamethasone, betamethasone and prednisolone are synthetic glucocorticosteroids authorised for therapeutic use in bovine animals within the European Union. Dexamethasone and betamethasone are used mainly for the treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Prednisolone is used to treat bovine mastitis. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) of 0.3 μg kg⁻¹ for both dexamethasone and betamethasone and 6.0 μg kg⁻¹ for prednisolone in bovine milk have been established. 6α-Methylprednisolone and flumethasone are not authorised for use in bovine animals and are completely banned in bovine milk. The proposed method is based on deprotenisation of milk using 20% (w/v) trichloroacetic acid. Samples are filtered using glass microfibre filters and subject to clean-up using OASIS HLB solid phase extraction. Separation was achieved on a Hypercarb 100 mm × 2.1 mm × 5 μm column. Mobile phase was: 90/10 acetonitrile/0.1% formic acid in water; flow rate was 600 μL min⁻¹. The method allowed the rapid identification and confirmation of the five glucocorticosteroids according to the criteria laid down in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Matrix calibration curves for all compounds were linear in the interval 0.0 MRL to 2.0 MRL with a correlation coefficient (r²) higher than 0.96. Relative recoveries ranged from 97% for betamethasone to 111% for prednisolone. Precision at the MRL ranged from 3.8% for prednisolone to 13.8% for betamethasone. Decision limits, CCα, and detection capability, CCβ have been calculated for all compounds.     

A Fast and Efficient Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Tocopherols in Cow Milk Followed by HPLC Determination

A fast HPLC method with fluorescence detector (FD) was developed for the determination of three tocopherols (TOCs) in milk samples from Modicana cattle breed. The ultrasound-assisted procedure was optimized for the extraction of TOCs prior to HPLC/FD analysis, reducing sample preparation time and allowing a fast quantification of α-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol and γ tocopherol. The optimized ultrasonic extraction combines an efficient and simple saponification at room temperature and a rapid HPLC quantification of TOCs in milk. The precision of the full analytical procedure was satisfactory and the recoveries at three spiked levels were between 95.3% and 87.8%. The linear correlations were evaluated (R² > 0.99) and the relative standard deviation (RSD) values for intra-day and inter-day tests at three spiked levels were below 1% for the retention time and below 5.20% for the area at low level spiking. The proposed procedure, reducing the experimental complexity, allowed accurate extraction and detection of three TOCs in milk samples from Modicana cattle breed.     

Microdetermination of Proteins with the 1,10-Phenanthroline–H2O2–Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide–Cu(II) Chemiluminescence System

Proteins can enhance the chemiluminescence (CL) intensity of the 1,10-phenanthroline–H₂O₂–cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB)–Cu(II) system because unsaturated complexes of Cu(II) with protein have a much stronger catalytic effect on the CL reaction than does Cu(II). On this basis, a new flow injection analysis method for detection of some proteins was established. The method gives linear responses over two orders of magnitude and detection limits at the 0.02–0.05 μg ml⁻¹level for bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin, γ-globulin, and egg albumin. The method was used for determination of proteins in human serum with satisfactory results.     

Analysis of dexamethasone and prednisolone residues in bovine milk using matrix solid phase dispersion-liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection

Dexamethasone and prednisolone are synthetic glucocorticoids, commonly used in veterinary practice for the treatment of illnesses such as respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. They are also used illicitly as growth promoters, which practice is banned in the European Union and the therapeutic use is restricted by establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) 0.3-2 μg kg^− 1 for dexamethasone and 4-10 μg kg^− 1 for prednisolone depending on the tissue type.Matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD)-liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection method was developed for the residue analyses of dexamethasone and prednisolone, validated according to European Directive requirements and tested on bovine milk derived from treated animals. MSPD offers extraction, clean-up and concentration in one step, making sample preparation easier and faster. Validation results and results of milk samples derived from treated animals proved, that the presented method can be applied to the determination of dexamethasone and prednisolone residues in cow's milk samples with a detection limit of 0.075 μg kg^− 1 for dexamethasone and 0.50 μg kg^− 1 for prednisolone.