Development and evaluation of a candidate reference measurement procedure for the determination of testosterone in human serum using isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A candidate reference measurement procedure for total testosterone in human serum involving isotope dilution (ID) coupled with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) has been developed and critically evaluated. The endogenous testosterone and its internal standard (testosterone-d ₃) were extracted from the serum matrix using a combination of solid-phase extraction and liquid–liquid extraction prior to reversed-phase LC/MS/MS. Accuracy of the measurements was evaluated by a recovery study using testosterone-spiked serum. The recovery of the added testosterone ranged from 100.0 to 100.3%. This method was applied to the determination of testosterone in frozen serum samples from three individual donors (one female and two males) with the testosterone concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 8.5 ng g⁻¹. Repeatability with within-set coefficients of variation (CVs) from 0.1 to 1.0% and intermediate precision with between-set CVs from 0.1 to 0.5% for both female and male serum materials were demonstrated. Excellent linearity was obtained for all linear regression lines. The detection limit at a signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 3 was 2 pg of testosterone in serum. Structural analogs as well as testosterone metabolites were tested and found to not interfere with the measurement of testosterone. This well-characterized LC/MS/MS method for serum testosterone, which demonstrates good accuracy and precision, and low susceptibility to interferences, qualifies as a reference measurement procedure that can be used to provide an accuracy base to which routine methods for testosterone can be compared and that will serve as a standard of higher order for measurement traceability.     

Quantification of homocysteine‐related metabolites and the role of betaine–homocysteine S‐methyltransferase in HepG2 cells

We optimized and validated a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for the quantification of six metabolites of homocysteine metabolism: homocysteine, methionine, cysteine, S‐adenosylmethionine, S‐adenosylhomocysteine and betaine. The detection limits for these metabolites were in the nanomolar range, and the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were lower than 20% of the relative standard deviations. The method was specifically designed for the determination of the intracellular concentrations of the metabolites in cultured cells. To study the role of betaine–homocysteine S‐methyltransferase (BHMT), HepG2 cells and HepG2 cells that were stably transfected with BHMT (^BHMTHepG2) were treated with homocysteine or with a specific inhibitor of BHMT, and metabolite levels were subsequently measured. Severely compromised methyl group metabolism in the HepG2 cells, which is typical of cancer‐derived cells, prevented clear evaluation of the changes caused by the external manipulations of homocysteine metabolism. However, the ease of handling these cells and the almost unlimited source of experimental material supplied by cells in permanent culture allowed us to develop a reliable methodology. The precautions concerning intracellular metabolite determinations using LC‐MS/MS in cultured cells that are expressed in this work will have global validity for future metabolomics studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fast Determination of Fumonisin B1 and B2 in Corn Using a Modified QuEChERS Method and LC–MS–MS

A fast analytical method for the simultaneous determination of fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) and fumonisin B₂ (FB₂) in corn using a novel QuEChERS method and LC–MS–MS was developed and validated. Samples were extracted with methanol–water (3:1 v/v) by means of ultrasonic extraction. The extract was purified with a novel modified QuEChERS method. Firstly, FB₁ and FB₂ in the extract were retained with primary secondary amine (PSA). Then, FB₁ and FB₂ were released from PSA with 1.0 % formic acid in methanol. The final eluate was diluted with water, and analyzed by LC–MS–MS on a Waters Acquity BEH C₁₈ column with 0.1 % formic acid in water/methanol as mobile phase with gradient elution. Mean recoveries of 83.5–102.4 % with CVs of 3.6–10.5 % were obtained at fortification levels of 2, 50 and 1,000 μg kg⁻¹. The limit of quantification was 2.0 μg kg⁻¹.

     

Determination of the novel antiarrhythmic drug sulcardine sulfate in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and its application in a clinical pharmacokinetic study

Sulcardine sulfate (Sul), a novel antiarrhythmic agent, is currently in phase I and phase II clinical trials. To elucidate its clinical pharmacokinetic characteristics, a rapid and accurate liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantification of Sul in human plasma. Plasma samples were precipitated by acetonitrile and isotope‐labeled sulcardine was added as internal standard. The analysis was carried out on a Capcell Pak C₁₈ MG III column (100 × 2.0 mm, 5 μm) with 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile solution and water (17:83, v/v) as mobile phase. The linear range was 5.0–1000 ng/mL for Sul, with a lower limit of quantification of 5.0 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐batch CVs were within ±11.0% and the accuracies were 4.9–107.3%. Our method, for the first time, allows the rapid (only 3.0 min) and accurate quantification of Sul in human plasma. The method has been successfully applied in the pharmacokinetic study of Sul in a clinical trial following oral administration of Sul to healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A nonenzymic model for the coenzyme B12-dependent isomerization of methylmalonyl-SCoA to suiccinyl-SCoA

Dimethyl bromomethylmalonate (IV) reacts with vitamin B_12s in aqueous solution yielding a relatively unstable carbon-cobalt bonded adduct V, which shows visible spectra in good accord with expectation. The adduct V was allowed to decompose in water, in the dark, at room temperature and at physiological pH. Three products: succinic acid (VI), methylmalonic acid (VIII) and malonic acid (VII) were formed in 3, 18, and 13% yields respectively. Isolation of the succinic acid rearrangement product provides support for the intermediacy of the carbon-cobalt bond in the coenzyme B₁₂ dependent enzymic carbon-skeleton rearrangement of methylmalonyl-SCoA to succinyl-SCoA.     

Partial Deuterium Labeling of Dimethacrylate Monomers

Summary. Methacrylic acid-d₅ was prepared in a yield of 30% with 98.6% deuterium incorporation using a two step synthesis. A solution of acetone-d₆ and KCN in D₂O was treated with glacial acetic acid to give the cyanohydrin of acetone-d₆. The latter compound was then dehydrated in anhydrous sulfuric acid at 120°C and subsequently hydrolysed in water at 90°C to form methacrylic acid-d₅. Hydrolysis of commercial nonaethyleneglycol dimethacrylate gave a mixture of ethylene glycols. These glycols were combined with methacrylic acid-d₅ in the presence of p-TsOH in benzene to form nonaethyleneglycol dimethacrylate-d₁₀ with ∼21% deuterium incorporation. Deuterated bisGMA was also prepared from methacrylic acid-d₅ and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A. Present address: Boron Molecular Pty Ltd, PO Box 756, Noble Park, VIC 3174, Australia     

Sensitive LC‐MS/MS‐ESI method for simultaneous determination of montelukast and fexofenadine in human plasma: application to a bioequivalence study

A rapid, simple, sensitive and selective LC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of montelukast (MT) and fexofenadine (FF) in human plasma (200 μL) using montelukast‐d₆ (MT‐d₆) and fexofenadine‐d₁₀ (FF‐d₁₀), respectively as an internal standard (IS) as per the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The chromatographic resolution was achieved on a Chromolith RP_18e column using an isocratic mobile phase consisting of 20 mm ammonium formate–acetonitrile (20:80, v/v) at flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The LC‐MS/MS was operated under the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode using electrospray ionization. The total run time of analysis was 4 min and elution of MT, FF, MT‐d₆ and FF‐d₁₀ occurred at 2.5, 1.2, 2.4 and 1.2 min, respectively. The standard curve found to be linear in the range 2.00–1000 ng/mL with a coefficient of correlation of ≥0.99 for both the drugs. The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision values for MT and FF met the acceptance as per FDA guidelines. MT and FF were found to be stable in a battery of stability studies viz., bench‐top, auto‐sampler and repeated freeze‐thaw cycles. The validated assay was applied to an oral bioequivalence study in humans. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of total homocysteine in human serum by capillary gas chromatography with sulfur-specific detection by double focusing ICP-MS

A selective and sensitive method for determination of total homocysteine (Hcy) in human serum, by gas chromatography coupled to ICP–MS(HR), has been developed. After reduction of the sample with sodium borohydride the liberated Hcy and other aminothiols, such as cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met), were converted to their N-trifluoroacetyl (TFA)-O-isopropyl derivatives and these were injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with an HP-5 capillary column. Detection was carried out by means of a double-focusing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (DF-ICP–MS) monitoring ³²S at m/m (resolving power)=3000. The transfer line used to transport the analytes from the GC column to the ICP–MS had previously been developed in our laboratory. The different parameters affecting the derivatisation process were optimised, as were the instrumental operating conditions. This optimised GC–ICP–MS(HR) method was successfully applied to the determination of total homocysteine in human serum—values obtained were in agreement with data reported in the literature. Quantitative recoveries and good precision were obtained for spiked human serum, demonstrating the suitability of the method for quantitative determination of total homocysteine in serum.     

Determination of antibacterial agent tilmicosin in pig plasma by LC/MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetics

A rapid and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated to quantify tilmicosin in pig plasma. Plasma samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C₁₈ column (2.1 × 30 mm, 3.5 μm) using acetonitrile–water (90:10, v /v; water included 0.1% formic acid) as the mobile phase. Mass detection was carried out using positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curve was linear from 0.5 to 2000 ng/mL (r ² = 0.9998). The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision were within the acceptable limits of ±10% for all tilmicosin concentrations. The recoveries ranged from 95 to 99% for the three tested concentrations. The LC–MS/MS method described herein was simple, fast and less laborious than other methods, achieved high sensitivity using a small sample volume, and was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of tilmicosin enteric granules after oral delivery to pigs. In comparison with tilmicosin premix, tilmicosin enteric granules slowed the elimination rate of tilmicosin, prolonged its period of action and significantly improved its bioavailability.     

Quantification of peptides using N‐terminal isotope coding and C‐terminal derivatization for sensitive analysis by micro liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry

Stable isotope‐coding coupled with mass spectrometry is a popular method for quantitative proteomics and peptide quantification. However, the efficiency of the derivatization reaction at a particular functional group, especially in complex structures, can affect accuracy. Here, we present a dual functional‐group derivatization of bioactive peptides followed by micro liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). By separating the sensitivity‐enhancement and isotope‐coding derivatization reactions, suitable chemistries can be chosen. The peptide amino groups were reductively alkylated with acetaldehyde or acetaldehyde‐d₄ to afford N‐alkylated products with different masses. This process is simple, quick and high‐yield, and accurate comparative analysis can be achieved for the mass‐differentiated peptides. Then, the carboxyl groups were derivatized with 1‐(2‐pyrimidinyl)piperazine to increase MS/MS sensitivity. Angiotensins I–IV, bradykinin and neurotensin were analyzed after online solid phase extraction by micro LC‐MS/MS. In all instances, a greater than 17‐fold increase in sensitivity was achieved, compared with the analyses of the underivatized peptides. Furthermore, the values obtained from the present method were in agreement with the result from isotope dilution quantification using isotopically labeled angiotensin I [Asp‐Arg‐(Val‐d₈)‐Tyr‐Ile‐His‐Pro‐(Phe‐d₈)‐His‐Leu]. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electron spectroscopic investigation of metal-insulator transition in Ce1-xSrxTiO3

We have carried out detailed electron spectroscopic investigation of Ce_1−x Sr_xTiO₃ exhibiting insulator-metal transition withx. Core level X-ray photoelectron spectra of Ce3d as well as resonant photoemission spectra obtained at the Ce4d→4f resonant absorption threshold establish Ce as being in the trivalent state throughout the series. Using the ’off-resonance’ condition for Ce 4f states, we obtain the Ti3d dominated spectral features close toE _F , exhibiting clear signatures of coherent and incoherent peaks. We discuss the implications of our findings in relation to the metalinsulator transition observed in this series of compounds. Dedicated to Professor C N R Rao on his 70th birthday     

Determination of amphetamine and methamphetamine in urine by solid phase extraction and ion-pair liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry

A method using a solid phase extraction (SPE) and ion-pair liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ES-MS/MS) was developed for determination of amphetamine (Amp) and methamphetamine (mAmp) in urine samples. A reversed phase C₁₈ column was utilized for LC separation and MS/MS was used for detection. Trifluoroacetic acid was added to the mobile phase as an ion-pairing reagent. MS² was employed for quantitative determination. In addition, d₈-amphetamine and d₈-methamphetamine were used as internal standards. An Oasis HLB SPE cartridge, which has hydrophilic and lipophilic functions, was utilized for sample pre-treatment. Recoveries ranging from 97.3 to 102.1% were measured. Good linear ranges, 5-500 ng/ml, for Amp and mAmp were determined. The detection limit of each analytical compound, based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, was approximately 1 ng/ml. The applicability of this newly developed method was examined by analyzing several urine samples from drug users.     

Determination of human muscle protein fractional synthesis rate: an evaluation of different mass spectrometry techniques and considerations for tracer choice

In the present study, different MS methods for the determination of human muscle protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) using [ring‐¹³C₆]phenylalanine as a tracer were evaluated. Because the turnover rate of human skeletal muscle is slow, only minute quantities of the stable isotopically labeled amino acid will be incorporated within the few hours of a typical laboratory experiment. GC combustion isotope ratio MS (GC‐C‐IRMS) has thus far been considered the ‘gold’ standard for the precise measurements of these low enrichment levels. However, advances in liquid chromatography‐tandem MS (LC‐MS/MS) and GC‐tandem MS (GC‐MS/MS) have made these techniques an option for human muscle FSR measurements. Human muscle biopsies were freeze dried, cleaned, and hydrolyzed, and the amino acids derivatized using either N‐acetyl‐n‐propyl, phenylisothiocyanate, or N‐methyl‐N‐(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA) for GC‐C‐IRMS, LC‐MS/MS, and GC‐MS/MS analysis, respectively. A second derivative, heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA), was also used for GC‐MS/MS analysis as an alternative for MTBSTFA. The machine reproducibility or the coefficients of variation for delta tracer‐tracee‐ratio measurements (delta tracer‐tracee‐ratio values around 0.0002) were 2.6%, 4.1%, and 10.9% for GC‐C‐IRMS, LC‐MS/MS, and GC‐MS/MS (MTBSTFA), respectively. FSR determined with LC‐MS/MS compared well with GC‐C‐IRMS and so did the GC‐MS/MS when using the HFBA derivative (linear fit Y = 1.08 ± 0.10, X + 0.0049 ± 0.0061, r = 0.89 ± 0.01, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, (1) IRMS still offers the most precise measurement of human muscle FSR, (2) LC‐MS/MS comes quite close and is a good alternative when tissue quantities are too small for GC‐C‐IRMS, and (3) If GC‐MS/MS is to be used, then the HFBA derivative should be used instead of MTBSTFA, which gave unacceptably high variability. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polycondensations of hydroxycarboxylic acids derived from optically active aminoalcohols and acid anhydrides—syntheses of functional poly(ester-amide)s

Syntheses and polycondensations of optically active hydroxycarboxylic acids prepared from acid anhydrides and aminoalcohols were carried out. Novel polymers with M̄_n 9900–27,200 were obtained by the polycondensations of hydroxycaboxylic acids derived from maleic or succinic acid using 1.2 eq. of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC · HCl) in DMF (2M) at room temperature for 8 h in satisfactory yields. Meanwhile, a hydroxycarboxylic acid obtained from phthalic acid afforded no polymer but a phthalimide derivative. The radical additions of ethanethiol or mercaptoethanol with the polymers derived from maleic anhydride proceeded smoothly in satisfactory incorporation ratios (65–98%), respectively. The polymer obtained from succinic anhydride and 2-aminoethanol showed hydrolytic degradability. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Identification and characterization of supercritical fluid extracts of Rhizoma Chuanxiong by high performance liquid chromatography ion trap mass spectrometry

The main constituents, senkyunolide A, Z-ligustilide, neocnidilide, 3-butylphthalide, and ligustilide dimers, in supercritical CO₂ fluid extracts of Rhizoma Chuanxiong, a popular Chinese traditional medicine, have been identified and characterized by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Separations were carried out on an Agilent (ECLIPSE XDB) C18 analytical column by gradient elution with 0.25% acetic acid and methanol (containing 0.25% acetic acid). An Agilent 1100 series LC/MSD XCT system was operated under positive ESI and auto MS/MS modes for mass spectrometric analysis. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) fragmentations of these phthalides have been investigated and elucidated. Phthalides have primarily undergone two ESI CID pathways: side-chain cleavage with losses of alkenes and ring-opening with eliminations of H₂O followed by losses of CO. Direct neutral loss of CO has not been observed. Sodium adduct ions have demonstrated completely different CID pathways. __________ Translated from Journal Instrumental Analysis (in press, in Chinese)     

An LC‐MS method for simultaneous determination of nine ginsenosides in rat plasma and its application in pharmacokinetic study

A sensitive and reliable LC‐ESI‐MS method for simultaneous determination of nine ginsenosides (Rh₁, Rg₂, Rg₁, Rf, Re, Rd, Rc, Rb₂ and Rb₁) in rat plasma was developed and validated using saikosaponin A as an internal standard. The samples were extracted by solid‐phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Hypersil Gold C₁₈ column (100 × 2.1 mm, 5 µm) by stepwise gradient elution with water (0.1% formic acid, v/v) and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Detection was determined by selective ion monitoring mode using electrospray ionization in the negative ion mode. Good linearity over the investigated concentration ranges was observed with the values of r higher than 0.9900. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were all no more than 15% and the average recoveries varied from 71.8 to 91.7%. This quantitative measurement was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of Yi‐Qi‐Fu‐Mai injection. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of three capsaicinoids in Capsicum annuum by pressurized liquid extraction combined with LC‐MS/MS

A new method based on pressurized liquid extraction followed by LC‐MS/MS analysis has been developed for the identification and quantification of three capsaicinoids (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin) in extracts of Capsicum annuum. For the recovery of three capsaicinoids, the efficiency levels of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction, Soxhlet extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction were compared under different conditions. Pressurized liquid extraction resulted in higher yields. Pressurized liquid extractions were performed using methanol; temperature was set at 100°C and pressure at 1500 psi. LC analysis was performed on a Waters XBridge? C₁₈ column (150 × 2.1 mm, id 3.5 μm) eluted by a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid and ACN. Data acquisition was carried out in multiple reaction monitoring transitions mode, monitoring two‐reaction monitoring transitions to ensure an accurate identification of target compounds in the samples. The proposed method is rapid, simple, and could be utilized for the routine analysis of three capsaicinoids in C. annuum samples.     

Certification of drugs of abuse in a human serum standard reference material: SRM 1959

A new standard reference material (SRM) for drugs of abuse in human serum (SRM 1959) has been developed. This SRM is intended to be used as a control material for laboratories performing analysis of drugs of abuse in blood to evaluate the accuracy of their methods. SRM 1959 is a frozen human serum material fortified with seven compounds for which analyses are performed to determine evidence of illegal drug use: benzoylecgonine (BZE), methadone (METH), methamphetamine (MAMP), morphine (MOR), nordiazepam (NOR), phencyclidine (PCP), and 11-nor-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-9-COOH). Two independent methods involving isotope dilution (ID)-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and ID-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) were used for the value assignment. For THC-9-COOH, an additional measurement using LC/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was also included. All methods used isotopically labeled compounds as internal standards and solid-phase extractions to isolate the analytes from the serum. The GC/MS methods used different clean-up procedures from those used for the LC/MS-based methods. Repeatability with within-set coefficients of variation (CVs) ranged from 0.5% to 4.3% for the GC/MS methods and from 0.2% to 1.2% for the LC/MS-based methods. Intermediate precision with between-set CVs for all the methods ranged from 0.1% to 1.1%. Agreement between the GC/MS and LC/MS methods ranged from 0.8% to 8.8%. The results from the methods were combined to obtain the certified concentrations and their expanded uncertainties.     

Directed molecular recognition: furfurylamine appended ditopic receptor for succinic acid

A furfurylamine appended ditopic receptor (R1) for dicarboxylic acids has been designed and synthesised. The association constants (K_a) between receptors and dicarboxylic acids have been determined using UV–vis and NMR titration techniques. The binding constant (K_a) of succinic acid with R1 was observed maximum, which implies the optimum chain length selectivity for succinic acid. Theoretical calculation and molecular modelling using Gaussian 03 program also support the optimised receptor's cavity for succinic acid.     

Synthesis and properties of ruthenium(II) complexes of 3,3′-polymethylene-2-(pyrid-2′-yl)benzo[b]-1,10-phenanthrolines

Coordination abilities of unsymmetrical tridentate ligands, 3,3′-polymethylene-2-(pyrid-2′-yl)-benzo[b]-1,10-phenanthrolines (4) were studied. Reactions of the 3,3′-di- and 3,3′-trimethylene-2-(pyrid-2′-yl)benzo[b]-1,10-phenanthrolines (4b and 4c) with RuCl₃ ? 3H₂O afforded [Ru(4b)₂]²⁺ and [Ru(4c)₂]²⁺ in 57% and 78% yield, respectively, while reactions of the parent non-bridged ligand (4a), tetramethylene-bridged ligand (4d), and fully aromatized ligand (4e) afforded a messy mixture. Reactions of 4 with Ru(tpy)Cl₃ (tpy = 2,2′;6′,2″-terpyridine) afforded [Ru(tpy)(4)]²⁺ in 61–72% yields. UV absorption spectra of the ligands showed four ligand-centered (LC) π–π* transitions and their Ru complexes showed four LC π–π* transitions and one Ru(d_π) → ligand(π*) MLCT. The ligands showed three major emission maxima (λ _emission) in the region of 393–418, 416–445, and 437–471 nm in which λ _emission is highly dependent on the length of the methylene bridge connecting C3 of benzo[b]-1,10-phenanthroline and C3 of pyridine. Ru complexes with fully aromatic ligand, [Ru(tpy)(4e)]²⁺, and the most distorted ligand, [Ru(tpy)(4d)]²⁺, showed two emission maxima at 410 and 444–446 nm, while the others showed one emission at 410 nm. Each of the emission maxima is bathochromatically shifted from the complex with the most distorted ligand (4d) to the complex with fully aromatized planar ligand (4e) indicating lower energy emission.