High-performance liquid chromatographic peak identification of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatives of lipid peroxidation aldehydes by photodiode array detection

Method development of levoglucosenone analysis by UHPLC-UV-MS in fast pyrolysis samples and aspects of its degradation in aqueous samples

Levoglucosenone ((1S,5R)-6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-en-4-one or LGO; CAS number: 37112-31-5) is an extensively studied biomass based chemical and its potential applications in organic synthesis, as well as in the extraction of various natural substances, have been established; therefore developing dependable, yet fast and simple analytical methods for determining LGO in the products of thermochemical biomass processing is of great importance. In this work different UHPLC methods have been developed and compared for the determination of LGO in wood pyrolysis products. In addition to UV detection, LGO determination conditions by single quadrupole mass spectrometry have been adjusted with and without chemical derivatization. The ionization of LGO in the positive and negative electrospray ionisation mode and the effect of a mobile phase additive on LGO and its degradation product ionisation have been evaluated. Using the UHPLC-UV system, a method for the quantification of levoglucosenone was developed and the analytical parameters of the method were determined. Utilising the developed UHPLC-UV method, studies of LGO stability in standard solution and in fast pyrolysis products were carried out in various solvent systems at different temperatures and pH levels. The main LGO primary degradation product has been confirmed to be furfural. It has been concluded that the degradation rate of LGO is significantly affected by the solvent and storage temperature, so it is essential that LGO standard solutions and samples are analysed when freshly prepared. Using a UHPLC-MS system and derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH), a method for the determination of LGO was developed and the method analytical parameters were tested. To sum up, quantitative determination of LGO in pyrolysis products can be performed by reversed phase UHPLC-UV without any particular sample preparation, but in the case of UHPLC-MS it is necessary to derivatize LGO with DNPH to ensure ionisation of LGO. The additional work, requiring MS detection, can be outweighed by the greater selectivity compared to that of the more straightforward UV detection method in cases of incomplete chromatographic separation.

A Comprehensive Review on Source, Types, Effects, Nanotechnology, Detection, and Therapeutic Management of Reactive Carbonyl Species Associated with Various Chronic Diseases

Continuous oxidation of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids generate extremely reactive carbonyl species (RCS). Human body comprises some important RCS namely hexanal, acrolein, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, methylglyoxal, malondialdehyde, isolevuglandins, and 4-oxo-2- nonenal etc. These RCS damage important cellular components including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which manifests cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, multitude of adducts and crosslinks that are connected to ageing and various chronic diseases like inflammatory disease, atherosclerosis, cerebral ischemia, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular disease. The constant prevalence of RCS in living cells suggests their importance in signal transduction and gene expression. Extensive knowledge of RCS properties, metabolism and relation with metabolic diseases would assist in development of effective approach to prevent numerous chronic diseases. Treatment approaches for RCS associated diseases involve endogenous RCS metabolizers, carbonyl metabolizing enzyme inducers, and RCS scavengers. Limited bioavailability and bio efficacy of RCS sequesters suggest importance of nanoparticles and nanocarriers. Identification of RCS and screening of compounds ability to sequester RCS employ several bioassays and analytical techniques. Present review describes in-depth study of RCS sources, types, properties, identification techniques, therapeutic approaches, nanocarriers, and their role in various diseases. This study will give an idea for therapeutic development to combat the RCS associated chronic diseases.

Measurement and Clinical Significance of Lipid Peroxidation as a Biomarker of Oxidative Stress: Oxidative Stress in Diabetes, Atherosclerosis, and Chronic Inflammation

Endothelial dysfunction is one of the initial steps in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and development of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. Several risk factors are associated with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and advanced glycation-end products. Among these risk factors, oxidative stress is the largest contributor to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is still difficult, and assays for the measurement of ROS have failed to show a consistent correlation between pathological states and oxidative stress. To solve this problem, this review summarizes the current knowledge on biomarkers of oxidative stress, especially lipid peroxidation, and discusses the roles of oxidative stress, as measured by indices of lipid peroxidation, in diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and chronic inflammation.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements for determination of derivatized aldehydes in several matrices

A simple, selective and sensitive electrochemical method is described for the determination of different aldehydes at glassy carbon electrode using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The measurements were performed after their derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) in acidic medium. The impedance measurements were investigated in the frequency range from 100 mHz to 100 kHz at a potential of 1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl. The Nyquist plots were modeled with a Randle's equivalent circuit. The charge transfer resistance was identified as the dependent parameter on relevant concentration of aldehydes (determined as their hydrazones). Under the optimized conditions, the linearity was established over the concentration range of 1000-0.05 μmol L^-1. The limits of detection (LODs) obtained were from 0.097 to 0.0109 μmol L^-1. Finally, the developed method has been applied to the determination of aldehydes in drinking water, orange juice and apple vinegar samples with relative standard deviations (RSDs) < 3.1% and acceptable recovery rate (around of 80%).

Assessment of lipid peroxidation by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and relatives in biological samples: Analytical and biological challenges

Malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxy-nonenal (HNE) and the F₂-isoprostane 15(S)-8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (15(S)-8-iso-PGF_2α) are the best investigated products of lipid peroxidation. MDA, HNE and 15(S)-8-iso-PGF_2α are produced from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) both by chemical reactions and by reactions catalyzed by enzymes. 15(S)-8-iso-PGF_2α and other F₂-isoprostanes are derived exclusively from arachidonic acid (AA). The number of PUFAs that may contribute to MDA and HNE is much higher. MDA is the prototype of the so called thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). MDA, HNE and 15(S)-8-iso-PGF_2α are the most frequently measured biomarkers of oxidative stress, namely of lipid peroxidation. In many diseases, higher concentrations of MDA, HNE and 15(S)-8-iso-PGF_2α are measured in biological samples as compared to health. Therefore, elevated oxidative stress is generally regarded as a pathological condition. Decreasing the concentration of biomarkers of oxidative stress by changing life style, by nutritional intake of antioxidants or by means of drugs is generally believed to be beneficial to health. Reliable assessment of oxidative stress by measuring MDA, HNE and 15(S)-8-iso-PGF_2α in biological fluids is highly challenging for two important reasons: Because of the duality of oxidative stress, i.e., its origin from chemical and enzymatic reactions, and because of pre-analytical and analytical issues. This article focuses on these key issues. It reviews reported analytical methods and their principles for the quantitative measurement of MDA, HNE and 15(S)-8-iso-PGF_2α in biological samples including plasma and urine, and critically discusses their biological and biomedical outcome which is rarely crystal clear and free of artefacts.

Protein lipoxidation: Detection strategies and challenges

Enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid metabolism can give rise to reactive species that may covalently modify cellular or plasma proteins through a process known as lipoxidation. Under basal conditions, protein lipoxidation can contribute to normal cell homeostasis and participate in signaling or adaptive mechanisms, as exemplified by lipoxidation of Ras proteins or of the cytoskeletal protein vimentin, both of which behave as sensors of electrophilic species. Nevertheless, increased lipoxidation under pathological conditions may lead to deleterious effects on protein structure or aggregation. This can result in impaired degradation and accumulation of abnormally folded proteins contributing to pathophysiology, as may occur in neurodegenerative diseases. Identification of the protein targets of lipoxidation and its functional consequences under pathophysiological situations can unveil the modification patterns associated with the various outcomes, as well as preventive strategies or potential therapeutic targets. Given the wide structural variability of lipid moieties involved in lipoxidation, highly sensitive and specific methods for its detection are required. Derivatization of reactive carbonyl species is instrumental in the detection of adducts retaining carbonyl groups. In addition, use of tagged derivatives of electrophilic lipids enables enrichment of lipoxidized proteins or peptides. Ultimate confirmation of lipoxidation requires high resolution mass spectrometry approaches to unequivocally identify the adduct and the targeted residue. Moreover, rigorous validation of the targets identified and assessment of the functional consequences of these modifications are essential. Here we present an update on methods to approach the complex field of lipoxidation along with validation strategies and functional assays illustrated with well-studied lipoxidation targets.

Comprehensive analysis of the lipophilic reactive carbonyls present in biological specimens by LC/ESI-MS/MS

A new analytical method has been developed for profiling lipophilic reactive carbonyls (RCs) such as aldehydes and ketones in biological samples using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) with selected reaction monitoring (SRM). The method consists of several phases, including (1) extraction of lipophilic RCs with a chloroform/methanol mixture; (2) derivatization of the extracted RCs with dansyl hydrazine (DH); and (3) SRM detection of the characteristic product ion of the 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl moiety (m/z 236.1). The analytical results were expressed as RC maps, which allowed for the occurrence and levels of different lipophilic RCs to be visualized. We also developed a highly reproducible and accurate method to extract, purify and derivatize RCs in small volumes of biological specimens. This method was applied to the detection of free RCs in mice plasma samples, and resulted in the detection of more than 400 RCs in samples obtained from C57BL/6J mice. Thirty-four of these RCs were identified by comparison with authentic RCs. This method could be used to investigate the levels of RCs in biological and environmental samples, as well as studying the role of lipid peroxidation in oxidative stress related-disorders and discovering new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of these diseases.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and oxygenated metabolism in atherothrombosis

Numerous epidemiological studies and clinical trials have reported the health benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including a lower risk of coronary heart diseases. This review mainly focuses on the effects of alpha-linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids on some risk factors associated with atherothrombosis, including platelet activation, plasma lipid concentrations and oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Special focus is given to the effects of marine PUFA on the formation of eicosanoids and docosanoids, and to the bioactive properties of some oxygenated metabolites of omega-3 PUFA produced by cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases. The antioxidant effects of marine omega-3 PUFA at low concentrations and the pro-oxidant effects of DHA at high concentrations on the redox status of platelets and LDL are highlighted. Non enzymatic peroxidation end-products deriving from omega-3 PUFA such as hydroxy-hexenals, neuroketals and EPA-derived isoprostanes are also considered in relation to atherosclerosis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Oxygenated metabolism of PUFA: analysis and biological relevance".

Waterpipe smoking: the role of humectants in the release of toxic carbonyls

In recent years, the number of waterpipe smokers has increased substantially worldwide. Here, we present a study on the identification and quantification of seven carbonylic compounds including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein in the mainstream smoke of the waterpipe. Smoking was conducted with a smoking machine, and carbonyls were scavenged from the smoke with two impingers containing an acidic solution of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. The derivatives were then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). For instance, during one waterpipe smoking session, up to 111 ± 12 μg formaldehyde could be detected. This value is about 5 times higher when compared to one 2R4F reference cigarette. We also found a distinct filter effect of the bowl water for all carbonyls investigated. Our data further demonstrate that increasing amounts of humectants in the unburned tobacco lowers the temperature in the waterpipe head during smoking, thereby resulting in decreasing levels of carbonyls in the smoke produced. Altogether, considerable amounts of toxic carbonyls are present in the waterpipe smoke, thus conferring a health risk to waterpipe smokers.

Determination of urinary malondialdehyde by isotope dilution LC-MS/MS with automated solid-phase extraction: a cautionary note on derivatization optimization

A highly sensitive quantitative LC-MS/MS method was developed for measuring urinary malondialdehyde (MDA). With the use of an isotope internal standard and online solid-phase extraction, urine samples can be directly analyzed within 10 min after 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) derivatization. The detection limit was estimated as 0.08 pmol. This method was further applied to assess the optimal addition of DNPH for derivatization and to measure urinary MDA in 80 coke oven emission (COE)-exposed and 67 nonexposed workers. Derivatization optimization revealed that to achieve complete derivatization reaction, an excess of DNPH is required (DNPH/MDA molar ratio: 893-8929) for urine samples that is about 100 times higher than that of MDA standard solutions (molar ratio: 10-80). Meanwhile, the mean urinary concentrations of MDA in COE-exposed workers were significantly higher than those in nonexposed workers (0.23±0.17 vs 0.14±0.05 μmol/mmol creatinine, P<0.005). Urinary MDA concentrations were also significantly associated with the COE (P<0.005) and smoking exposure (P<0.05). Taken together, this method is capable of routine high-throughput analysis and accurate quantification of MDA and would be useful for assessing the whole-body burden of oxidative stress. Our findings, however, raise the issue that derivatization optimization should be performed before it is put into routine biological analysis.

Flow cytometric analysis of the oxidative status in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells of workers exposed to welding fumes

Flow cytometry is a simple analytical technique that identifies, counts, and characterizes cells. The oxidative status of cells is influenced by many exogenous sources, such as occupational exposure to welding fumes. This study evaluated flow cytometry as a method to determine the oxidative status of male welders (n = 15) occupationally exposed to welding fumes. Flow cytometric analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was carried out in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by using the probe 2, 7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Lipid peroxidation was measured by the decrease of fluor-DHPE fluorescence and intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels by using mercury orange. All of the parameters were also observed under a confocal microscope. The oxidative stress ratio was calculated from the oxidative damage and the antioxidant capacity to give an accurate account of the cellular oxidative status. ROS and lipid peroxidation levels were elevated by approximately 87% and approximately 96%, respectively, and GSH levels lowered approximately 96% in PBMC of workers exposed to welding fumes compared with non-exposed controls. The oxidative stress ratio was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the exposed group. Flow cytometry can be useful for the measurement of cellular oxidative stress in somatic cells of workers exposed to welding fumes and other occupational settings. Calculating an oxidative stress index may be useful in predicting disease outcomes and whether preventative control measures are efficient.

N-[1-(Biphenyl-4-yl)ethyl-idene]-N'-(2,4-dinitro-phen-yl)hydrazine

The title compound, C(20)H(16)N(4)O(4), contains two crystallographically independent mol-ecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. Intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds generate S(6) ring motifs in both molecules. The dihedral angles between the nitro-substituted benzene rings and the two benzene rings in mol-ecules A and B are 14.32 (9), 17.89 (9)° and 13.04 (9) and 25.71 (9)°. The ortho and para nitro groups form dihedral angles of 6.2 (2) and 8.5 (2)° in mol-ecule A, and 5.3 (3) and 13.8 (2)° in mol-ecule B, with the benzene rings to which they are attached. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter-molecular C-H⋯O inter-actions.

N-(2,4-Dinitro-phen-yl)-N'-(1-p-tolyl-ethyl-idene)hydrazine

In the title mol-ecule, C(15)H(14)N(4)O(4), the dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 2.21 (7)°. An intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. The mean planes of the ortho- and para-nitro groups make dihedral angles of 2.17 (17) and 2.05 (16)°, respectively, with the benzene ring to which they are attached. In the crystal structure, weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(7), R(2) (2)(13) and R(2) (1)(10) ring motifs, linking symmetry-related mol-ecules into extended chains along the b axis. In addition, there are inter-molecular C⋯C [3.332 (2)-3.343 (2) Å] contacts which are shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii. The crystal structure is further stabilized by inter-molecular C-H⋯π and π-π stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.8090 (9) Å].

2-Methoxy-benzaldehyde 2,4-dinitro-phenyl-hydrazone

In the title compound, C(14)H(12)N(4)O(5), an intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 3.91 (3)°, which shows the mol-ecule is almost planar. The para-nitro group is twisted from the benzene ring to which it is attached, making a dihedral angle of 8.50 (9)°. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are linked together by inter-molecular C-H⋯O and inter-molecular three-centred O⋯O [2.8646 (12)-2.9213 (11) Å] and O⋯N [3.0518 (11) Å] inter-actions. The crystal structure is further stabilized by inter-molecular π-π inter-actions [centroid-to-centroid distances 3.5708 (6)-3.9728 (12) Å].

2-Hydr-oxy-5-nitro-benzaldehyde 2,4-dinitro-phenyl-hydrazone

In the title compound, C(13)H(9)N(5)O(7), one of the nitro groups is twisted away from the attached benzene ring by 16.21 (8)°. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 4.63 (1)°. The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by intra-molecular N-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds which generate an S(6) ring motif. The mol-ecules pack as layers parallel to the ab plane; mol-ecules of adjacent layers are linked into chains along the [101] direction through N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Alteration of DMBA-induced oxidative stress by additive action of a modified indigenous preparation--Kalpaamruthaa

The present study investigated the protective efficacy of the novel preparation named as Kalpaamruthaa (KA, includes Semecarpus anacardium Linn nut milk extract (SA), dried powder of Phyllanthus emblica fruit and honey) on the peroxidative damage and abnormal antioxidant levels in the hepatic mitochondrial fraction of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinoma rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats of weight 180+/-10 g were categorized into six groups. Three groups were administered DMBA (25 mg/rat dissolved in olive oil, orally) to induce mammary carcinoma. One of these groups received KA treatment (300 mg/kg b.wt., orally) and other group received SA (200 mg/kg b.wt., orally) for 14 days after 90 days of DMBA induction. Vehicle-treated control and drug control groups were also included. The hepatic mitochondrial fraction of untreated DMBA rats showed 2.96-fold increase in MDA content when compared to control rats and abnormal changes in the activities/levels of mitochondrial enzymic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymic (glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E) antioxidants were observed. DMBA-treated rats also showed decline in the activities of mitochondrial enzymes such as succinate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase. In contrast, rats treated with SA and KA showed normal lipid peroxidation antioxidant defenses and mitochondrial enzymes, thereby showing the protection rendered by SA and KA. Although, KA treatment exhibited more profound effect in inhibiting DMBA-induced oxidative stress than sole SA treatment. Results of the study indicate that the anticarcinogenic activity of KA during DMBA-initiated mammary carcinogenesis is mediated through alteration of hepatic antioxidant status as well as modulation of TCA cycle enzymes. On the basis of the observed results, KA can be considered as a readily accessible, promising and novel cancer chemopreventive agent.

Chromatographic and electrophoretic methods for the analysis of biomarkers of oxidative damage to macromolecules (DNA, lipids, and proteins)

Free radicals and other reactive species can cause oxidative damage to biomolecules when oxidant species exceed the antioxidant defences in the body, resulting in oxidative stress. Oxidatively damaged products have been associated with aging as well as with the development of pathologies like cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, inflammation, etc. Reliable measurements of biomarkers of oxidative damage to macromolecules would afford information on the pre-disposition and prognosis of certain pathologies, being of utmost importance in evaluation of the effect of intervention with antioxidants on the incidence of diseases associated to oxidative stress. This review will present and compare different analytical methods, especially those involving chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques, commonly used for the analysis of biomarkers of oxidative damage to the three main macromolecules, namely oxidised DNA, lipid peroxidation products, and protein carbonyls.

Renal peroxidative changes mediated by oxalate: The protective role of fucoidan

Oxalate, one of the major constituents of renal stones is known to induce free radicals which damage the renal membrane. Damaged epithelia might act as nidi for stone formation aggravating calcium oxalate precipitation during hyperoxaluria. In the present study, the beneficial effects of fucoidan on oxalate-induced free radical injury were investigated. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Hyperoxaluria was induced in two groups by administration of 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water for 28 days and one of them was treated with fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.wt subcutaneously commencing from the 8th day of induction. A control and drug control (fucoidan alone) was also included in the study. The extent of renal injury in hyperoxaluria was evident from the increased activities of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, beta-glucuronidase, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in urine. There was a positive correlation between plasma malondialdehyde levels and renal membrane damage indicating a striking relation between free radical formation and cellular injury. Increased protein carbonyl and decreased thiols further exemplified the oxidative milieu prevailing during hyperoxaluria. Decreased renal membrane ATPases accentuated the renal membrane damage induced by oxalate. Renal microscopic analysis showed abnormal findings in histology as an evidence of oxalate damage. The above biochemical and histopathological discrepancies were abrogated with fucoidan administration, indicating its protective role in oxalate mediated peroxidative injury.

Contribution of mass spectrometry to assess quality of milk-based products

The vast knowledge of milk chemistry has been extensively used by the dairy manufacturing industry to develop and optimize the modern technology required to produce high-quality milk products to which we are accustomed. A thorough understanding of the chemistry of milk and its numerous components is essential for designing processing equipment and conditions needed for the manufacture and distribution of high-quality dairy products. Knowledge and application of milk chemistry is also indispensable for fractionating milk into its principal components for use as functional and nutritional ingredients by the food industry. For all these reasons, powerful analytical methods are required. Because of the complexity of the milk matrix, mass spectrometry, coupled or not to separation techniques, constitutes a key tool in this area. In the present manuscript, we review the contribution and potentialities of mass spectrometry-based techniques to assess quality of milk-based products.

Screening and optimization of derivatization in heating block for the determination of aliphatic aldehydes by HPLC

For the study of the derivatization behavior of aliphatic C1-C10 aldehydes with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) in a heating block a gradient elution HPLC method for separation and determination by UV detection at 360 nm was applied. The influence of time, temperature, excess of reagent and stirring onto the reaction yields were examined for conducting the reaction in a thermostated heating block. First, the derivatization procedure had been screened by experiments according to a complete factorial design in order to evaluate the statistically significant variables. Those parameters were used to establish the optimum conditions for the reaction by means of a Box-Behnken design.

Analytical methods for trace levels of reactive carbonyl compounds formed in lipid peroxidation systems

Analysis of trace levels of reactive carbonyl compounds (RCCs), including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, malonaldehyde, glyoxal, and methyl glyoxal, is extremely difficult because they are highly reactive, water soluble, and volatile. Determination of these RCCs in trace levels is important because they are major products of lipid peroxidation, which is strongly associated with various diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, aging, and atherosclerosis. This review covers the development and application of various derivatives for RCC analysis. Among the many derivatives which have been prepared, cysteamine derivatives for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde; N-hydrazine derivatives for acrolein, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, and malonaldeyde; and o-phenylene diamine derivatives for glyoxal and methyl glyoxal were selected for extended discussion. The application of advanced instruments, including gas chromatograph with nitrogen-phosphorus detector (GC/NPD), mass spectrometer (MS), high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC), GC/MS, and LC/MS, to the determination of trace RCCs in various oxidized lipid samples, including fatty acids, skin lipids, beef fats, blood plasma, whole blood, and liver homogenates, is also discussed.

New method for HPLC separation and fluorescence detection of malonaldehyde in normal human plasma

A new method for the detection of free and total malonaldehyde (MDA) in human plasma samples based on the derivatization of MDA with 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl hydrazine (FMOC-hydrazine) in an acidic medium was developed. Derivatization was achieved after 4 h at 50 degrees C. The derivatized samples were analyzed by HPLC using a reversed-phase C18 column with fluorescence detection (Ex=270 nm, Em=310 nm). The benefit of this direct injection of deproteinized plasma is to avoid the use of an internal standard. The detection limit was 0.1 pmol (4.0 nmol/L). The recovery of MDA spiked in different human plasma samples was 95.3% (n=25; R.S.D. 5.1%) for the hydrolysation procedure. The total and free MDA in plasma of 15 healthy male volunteers are 426+/-29.8 nmol/L and 153+/-9.6 nmol/L, respectively.

Determination of malondialdehyde by liquid chromatography as the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative: a marker for oxidative stress in cell cultures of human hepatoma HepG2

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is considered a presumptive biomarker for lipid peroxidation in live organisms and cultured cells. The present study adapts an accurate and reproducible method to measure MDA by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as its 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative in human hepatoma HepG2 cells in culture. Since MDA is assumed to increase in conditions of cellular oxidative stress, two compounds that induce pharmacological oxidative stress in cell cultures, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH), have been used in HepG2 cells. The results report a significant increase in the content of MDA derivative after treatment with 200 and 500microM t-BOOH for 3h, while H(2)O(2) in doses up to 500microM failed to evoke a similar response, indicating a stronger lipid peroxidation of t-BOOH to HepG2 cells than H(2)O(2). Thus, MDA can be used as a reliable biomarker for cellular oxidative stress in human hepatoma HepG2.

Lipid Peroxidation Early after Brain Injury

The role of lipid peroxidation after brain injury is still not completely understood, and results of different studies have been equivocal. In this study, three proposed peroxidation markers were determined in patients early after isolated head injury and results compared to healthy controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in plasma, and n-pentane was determined in patients' exhaled air. For MDA and TBARS no significant differences could be shown (0.267 vs. 0.358 ng/mL, and 0.896 vs. 0.814 ng/mL in patients vs. healthy volunteers, respectively). n-Pentane, however, was significantly increased in the expired air of patients (0.471 vs. 0.118 nmol/L in healthy volunteers). Similar results for n-pentane were obtained when only male patients and volunteers were considered (0.510 vs. 0.113 nmol/L). Stratification according to clinical outcome showed significantly higher values for n-pentane in male patients with poor outcome (0.656 nmol/L) in comparison with healthy male volunteers (0.113 nmol/L). No difference was found when patients were stratified according to the presence or absence of subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is concluded that, only in a sub-population of patients with brain injury, lipid-peroxidation is a crucial mechanism. n-Pentane seems to be a valuable marker to detect lipid peroxidation early after brain trauma. Malondialdehyde may be of value only later in the course of the disease. TBARS are not a specific marker and should therefore not be used.

Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry of aldehydes in biological matrices

Application of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for detection of aldehydes in biological samples such as blood, yoghurt, and milk, is reported. Sample preparation is easy, and the presented method is both sensitive and selective. It is based on the widely used dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatization, followed by extraction with n-hexane and a simple reversed-phase HPLC separation. Detection is performed by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in negative ion mode, with detection limits in the low picogram range. Using MS/MS, acetone and propionaldehyde can clearly be distinguished, facilitating propionaldehyde quantitation even in the presence of high acetone levels. Quantitation by direct MS/MS is also feasible, well suited for high-throughput applications, although not as accurate as using HPLC/MS/MS.

Automated method for determination of glutardialdehyde residues in flexible endoscopes after disinfection

Glutardialdehyde (GDA) is the most commonly used disinfectant for flexible endoscopes. After inappropriate rinsing of endoscopes residual GDA in the narrow endoscope channels may lead to toxic effects in patients. Common methods for determination of aldehydes in water involve derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH), liquid-liquid or solid-phase extraction and HPLC determination. Since derivatization and extraction is both time-consuming and labor-intensive only a small number of samples can be measured. Thus, we developed a fully automated method which includes a conventional HPLC system, a programmable autosampler, and UV detection. After GDA derivatization using DNPH the samples remain in the aqueous phase and no preconcentration of the analyte is necessary. The samples are automatically derivatized through the autosampler. While derivatization in one sample takes place the previous sample is injected and measured by HPLC. Our method is well suited for screening residual GDA in endoscopes as it is both time- and labor-saving.

Measurement by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of malondialdehyde in normal human urine following derivatisation with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine

A selective and sensitive method based on derivatisation with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and consecutive HPLC gradient separation is described for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) in urine. Preparation of urine samples involved a one-step derivatisation/extraction procedure. Separation was achieved using a Waters SymmetryC(18) column (3.9 x 150 mm) and linear gradient of acetonitrile in water (from 30% to 70% in 30 min). The overall detection limit of the method was 56 nM of MDA in urine. The recovery of MDA was 94.3+/-8.6%. MDA in urine of healthy volunteers, measured using the method of standard additions, was 0.019+/-0.012 microM/mmol creatinine. MDA in the same samples measured using the 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay was 0.181+/-0.063 microM/mmol creatinine. We demonstrate that the commonly used TBA assay in conjunction with HPLC may overestimate the MDA concentration in human urine by almost 10-fold.

A fast and accurate method to measure both oxidative stress and vitality in a single organ slice

Increased oxidative stress does not necessarily cause an organ to suffer from oxidative damage, since antioxidant systems to protect organs are present. However, when a decrease in the vitality of an organ coincides with an increase in oxidative stress, increased oxidative damage is likely. A sequential method for the measurement of both energy status and oxidative stress in the same sample has been developed. The novelty of this method lies in the combination of efficiency and accuracy. Nucleotides and malondialdehyde (MDA) of 80 different samples can be released in a perchloric environment with ultrasonic treatment instead of homogenization. Malondialdehyde concentration can be measured after complexing with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine without any homogenization, solvent phase extraction, and centrifugation steps. Yields of both malondialdehyde and nucleotides were similar to those of the homogenization procedure. Detection limit was 141 fmol for MDA and 22.5 pmol for the nucleotides. Furthermore, the stability of the malondialdehyde-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine complex after 3 weeks at -20 degrees C is excellent 99.7% (+/-5.6). Nucleotides are stable for the same time period. Spiking of samples with MDA and nucleotides showed good recoveries (102.5% (+/-5.0) and 99.8% (+/-7.9), respectively). The present data show an accurate method to measure both the energy status and the oxidative stress in a single organ slice with a minimum of effort and time.

Oxidative damage in colon and mammary tissue of the HFE-knockout mouse

The HFE mutation is common and, when homozygous, can lead to a morbid accumulation of body iron and the disease hereditary hemochromatosis. Heterozygotes compose 10-15% of the European-American population, and have evidence of elevated body iron compared to homozygous normal people. Dietary iron content was hypothesized to interact with the HFE genotype to influence oxidative damage in mammary and colon tissue. Two groups of HFE-knockout mice were fed a standard iron diet (300 ppm) or a low iron diet (30 ppm). There was a significantly elevated concentration of malondialdehyde (by HPLC) in mammary (305 pmol/g vs. 166, p =.04) and colon (349 pmol/g vs. 226, p =.02) tissue among those mice on the standard iron diet compared to those on the low iron diet. These results suggest that dietary modification may affect the course of iron overload from HFE mutations.

Inhibition of oxygen radical formation by methylene blue, aspirin, or alpha-lipoic acid, prevents bacterial-lipopolysaccharide-induced fever

Phagocytic cells contain NADPH oxidase that they use for host defense by catalyzing the production of superoxide. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been found to stimulate NADPH oxidase in mobile and sessile macrophages and microglia. It also evokes fever in homeothermic animals and men, a reaction mediated by central nervous system (CNS) activities. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether reactive oxygen species are involved in LPS-induced fever. In rabbits we found that plasma hydroperoxide levels increased and catalase activity decreased 15 min after LPS injection and that fever started with a similar latency, while plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) increased 30 min after the injection. Treating rabbits with methylene blue or aspirin did not affect TNFalpha secretion but prevented the LPS-induced rise of hydroperoxides and the inactivation of catalase, abolishing fever. Incubation of human blood with nitroblue tetrazolium and LPS increased the number of formazan-positive neutrophils from 10 +/- 5 to 52 +/- 9%. Adding LPS to blood preincubated with either methylene blue, alpha-lipoic acid, or aspirin respectively decreased the number of formazan-positive neutrophils to 0.9 +/- 0.8, 0.8 +/- 0.9, or 2.0 +/- 0.9%, disclosing the antioxidant capacity of these drugs. Systemic application of 80 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid elicited heat-loss reactions within 15 min and decreased core temperature by 2.2 +/- 0.3 degrees C within 2 h. Alpha-lipoic acid applied 45 min after LPS induced antipyresis within 15 min, and this antipyresis was associated with a decrease of elevated hydroperoxide levels and restoration of catalase activity. Our results show that fever is prevented when the production of reactive oxygen species is blocked and that an elevated body temperature returns to normal when oxygen radical production decreases. Estimation of plasma dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) levels following injection of 80 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid in afebrile and febrile rabbits revealed that this acid is converted into DHLA, which in afebrile rabbits increased the plasma DHLA concentration from 2.22 +/- 0.26 microg/ml to peak values of 8.60 +/- 2.28 microg/ml DHLA within 30 min and which in febrile rabbits increased it from 0.84 +/- 0.22 microg/ml to peak values of 3.90 +/- 0.94 microg/ml within 15 min. Methylene blue, aspirin, and alpha-lipoic acid, which all cross the blood-brain barrier, seem to act not only on peripheral tissues but also on the CNS. Brain structures that have been shown to sense oxidative stress are vicinal thiol groups attached to the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor. Their reduction by thiol-reducing drugs like dithiothreitol or DHLA has been found to increase glutamate-mediated neuronal excitability, while the opposite effect has been observed after their oxidation. Because we found that systemic application of alpha-lipoic acid in the afebrile state elicits hypothermia and in the febrile state is antipyretic, we think this type of NMDA receptor is involved in thermoregulation and that oxidation of its thiol groups induces fever. It appears that temperature homeostasis can be maintained only if the redox homeostasis of the brain is guaranteed.

Breath markers and soluble lipid peroxidation markers in critically ill patients

Free radical-mediated inflammatory processes account for a great portion of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The purpose of this study was to determine two plasma peroxidation markers and three volatile markers related to lipid peroxidation, metabolic activity and cholesterol metabolism, and to explore relationships between the different markers and patients' clinical status. Substances were analyzed in whole blood and in exhaled air in patients with head injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and in those being at risk of developing ARDS. These results were compared with the baseline measurements in healthy individuals. Additionally, patients were assessed according to their inflammatory status. Concentrations of malondialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in plasma as well as pentane concentrations in breath increased with increasing inflammatory status. Although these compounds are generated through peroxidation of fatty acids, concentrations of these markers were significantly different in patient groups. Isoprene concentrations were lowest in the ARDS group. Acetone concentrations were not different between patient groups. We conclude that for the assessment of lipid peroxidation and other inflammatory reactions a set of parameters has to be defined. More detailed insights into inflammatory processes can be obtained when the volatile markers and the serum markers are considered together.

Detection of oxidative stress. Interest of GC-MS for malondialdehyde and formaldehyde monitoring

Ischemia-reperfusion syndrome is a condition where the role of oxygen free radicals is important. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and formaldehyde (FA), products of lipid peroxidation, are the presumptive markers for the development of oxidative stress in tissues and plasmas. A GC-MS method for the determination of MDA and FA in rat brain extract is described. Rat brains were homogenized with deionized water. The homogenates were derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (DNPH) to obtain hydrazines derivatives of MDA and FA. The hydrazine derivatives were analyzed by GC-MS and quantitation was by single ion monitoring (SIM). The retention times of FA and MDA were, respectively, 13.75 and 14.20 min, and for SIM quantitation, ion at m/z 210 for FA, and m/z 158 for MDA were used. The results showed that it is possible to estimate the products of lipid peroxidation in brain and to monitor the oxidative stress developed during the ischemia-reperfusion syndrome compared to the normal values.

Determination of malondialdehyde in breath condensate by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

An automated and rapid method for quantifying malondialdehyde (MDA) in breath condensate was developed and validated. The method is based on derivatisation with thiobarbituric acid, HPLC separation and fluorescence detection and is optimised for determination of MDA in breath condensate. Sample collection is non-invasive and simple. The detection limit (4.1 nM) is low, precision is good and the analysis time is short. The response is linear in the concentration range of 0.020 to 1.0 microM. Samples could be stored for 1 month at -20 degrees C and for 3 months at -80 degrees C without losses. Using this method, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with asthma and patients without asthma. However, among females, subjects with asthma had higher MDA levels as compared to females without asthma (0.17 vs. 0.12 pmol/s, p=0.04). The use of the method when studying airway inflammation has to be further evaluated.

Comparison of analytical techniques to quantify malondialdehyde in milk powders

Several analytical methods were compared to quantify malondialdehyde (MDA) in milk powders. Modified thiobarbituric acid (TBA) methods, using either visible spectrophotometry (direct absorbance reading or after third derivative transformation of the spectrum) or HPLC, required derivatisation at elevated temperature, which appeared to catalyse artefactual MDA formation and thus overestimate the MDA content. In contrast to the TBA derivatisation method, the measurement of MDA as the dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative by HPLC or as the phenylhydrazone product by GC-MS with a deuterated internal standard resulted in lower estimates in the ranges of 2-17- and 3-30-fold, respectively; apparently due to the milder derivatisation conditions. The estimates of MDA determined by both HPLC-UV and GC-MS techniques result in lower values which are similar in magnitude even though the GC-MS technique is more sensitive.

Microwave-assisted derivatization of volatile carbonyl compounds with O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine

A method for the determination of carbonyl compounds, either directly from gaseous phase or following a volatilization from liquid or solid samples after trapping on Tenax TA is presented. Following solvent desorption, the carbonyls are derivatized using O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine. The reaction is accomplished in a microwave oven using closed vessels to minimize reaction time compared to conventional methodology. The solvent for the chemical reaction was selected according to the requirements of microwave energy interaction and solubility. After gas chromatographic separation of the corresponding oximes, they are detected using electron impact mass spectrometry in single ion monitoring mode. Quantification is carried out using internal standardization with 3-fluorobenzaldehyde, resulting in limits of detection in the ppm range following the calibration graph method. The optimized conditions provide for good recoveries and fast reaction rates for the volatile carbonyls studied so far.