Direct determination of estriol conjugates in amniotic fluid by capillary electrophoresis with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

Neither soyfoods nor isoflavones warrant classification as endocrine disruptors: a technical review of the observational and clinical data

Soybeans are a rich source of isoflavones, which are classified as phytoestrogens. Despite numerous proposed benefits, isoflavones are often classified as endocrine disruptors, based primarily on animal studies. However, there are ample human data regarding the health effects of isoflavones. We conducted a technical review, systematically searching Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (from inception through January 2021). We included clinical studies, observational studies, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) that examined the relationship between soy and/or isoflavone intake and endocrine-related endpoints. 417 reports (229 observational studies, 157 clinical studies and 32 SRMAs) met our eligibility criteria. The available evidence indicates that isoflavone intake does not adversely affect thyroid function. Adverse effects are also not seen on breast or endometrial tissue or estrogen levels in women, or testosterone or estrogen levels, or sperm or semen parameters in men. Although menstrual cycle length may be slightly increased, ovulation is not prevented. Limited insight could be gained about possible impacts of in utero isoflavone exposure, but the existing data are reassuring. Adverse effects of isoflavone intake were not identified in children, but limited research has been conducted. After extensive review, the evidence does not support classifying isoflavones as endocrine disruptors.

Capillary electrophoresis of small ions and molecules in less conventional human body fluid samples: A review

In recent years, advances in sensitive analytical techniques have encouraged the analysis of various compounds in biological fluids. While blood serum, blood plasma and urine still remain the golden standards in clinical, toxicological and forensic science, analyses of other body fluids, such as breast milk, exhaled breath condensate, sweat, saliva, amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, or capillary blood in form of dried blood spots are becoming more popular. This review article focuses on capillary electrophoresis and microchip electrophoresis of small ions and molecules (e.g. inorganic cations/anions, basic/acidic drugs, small acids/bases, amino acids, peptides and other low molecular weight analytes) in various less conventional human body fluids and hopes to stimulate further interest in the field.

UPLC-MS metabolic profiling of second trimester amniotic fluid and maternal urine and comparison with NMR spectral profiling for the identification of pregnancy disorder biomarkers

We report on the first untargeted UPLC-MS study of 2nd trimester maternal urine and amniotic fluid (AF), to investigate the possible metabolic effects of fetal malformations (FM), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preterm delivery (PTD). For fetal malformations, considerable metabolite variations were identified in AF and, to a lesser extent, in urine. Using validated PLS-DA models and statistical correlations between UPLC-MS data and previously acquired NMR data, a metabolic picture of fetal hypoxia, enhanced gluconeogenesis, TCA activity and hindered kidney development affecting FM pregnancies was reinforced. Moreover, changes in carnitine, pyroglutamate and polyols were newly noted, respectively, reflecting lipid oxidation, altered placental amino acid transfer and alterations in polyol pathways. Higher excretion of conjugated products in maternal urine was seen suggesting alterations in conjugation reactions. For the pre-diagnostic GDM group, no significant changes were observed, either considering amniotic fluid or maternal urine, whereas, for the pre-PTD group, some newly observed changes were noted, namely, the decrease of particular amino acids and the increase of an hexose (possibly glucose), suggesting alteration in placental amino acid fluxes and a possible tendency for hyperglycemia. This work shows the potential of UPLC-MS for the study of fetal and maternal biofluids, particularly when used in tandem with comparable NMR data. The important roles played by sampling characteristics (e.g. group dimensions) and the specific experimental conditions chosen for MS methods are discussed.