Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography of phosphatidylcholine: a simple method for determining relative hydrophobic interaction of various molecular species

Quantification of Dolichyl Phosphates Using Phosphate Methylation and Reverse-Phase Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Dolichyl monophosphates (DolPs) are essential lipids in glycosylation pathways that are highly conserved across almost all domains of life. The availability of DolP is critical for all glycosylation processes, as these lipids serve as membrane-anchored building blocks used by various types of glycosyltransferases to generate complex post-translational modifications of proteins and lipids. The analysis of DolP species by reverse-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (RPLC-MS) remains a challenge due to their very low abundance and wide range of lipophilicities. Until now, a method for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative assessment of DolP species from biological membranes has been lacking. Here, we describe a novel approach based on simple sample preparation, rapid and efficient trimethylsilyl diazomethane-dependent phosphate methylation, and RPLC-MS analysis for quantification of DolP species with different isoprene chain lengths. We used this workflow to selectively quantify DolP species from lipid extracts derived of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, HeLa, and human skin fibroblasts from steroid 5-α-reductase 3- congenital disorders of glycosylation (SRD5A3-CDG) patients and healthy controls. Integration of this workflow with global lipidomics analyses will be a powerful tool to expand our understanding of the role of DolPs in pathophysiological alterations of metabolic pathways downstream of HMG-CoA reductase, associated with CDGs, hypercholesterolemia, neurodegeneration, and cancer.

Engineered ionizable lipid siRNA conjugates enhance endosomal escape but induce toxicity in vivo

Lipid conjugation supports delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to extrahepatic tissues, expanding the therapeutic potential of siRNAs beyond liver indications. However, siRNA silencing efficacy in extrahepatic tissues remains inferior to that routinely achieved in liver, partially due to the low rate of endosomal escape following siRNA internalization. Improving siRNA endosomal release into cytoplasm is crucial to improving efficacy of lipid-conjugated siRNAs. Given the ability of ionizable lipids to enhance endosomal escape in a context of lipid nanoparticles (LNP), here, we provide the first report on the effect of an ionizable lipid conjugate on siRNA endosomal escape, tissue distribution, efficacy, and toxicity in vivo. After developing a synthetic route to covalently attach the ionizable lipid, DLin-MC3-DMA, to siRNAs, we demonstrate that DLin-MC3-DMA enhances endosomal escape in cell culture without compromising siRNA efficacy. In mice, DLin-MC3-DMA conjugated siRNAs exhibit a similar overall tissue distribution profile to the similarly hydrophobic cholesterol-conjugated siRNA. However, only DLin-MC3-DMA conjugated siRNAs accumulated in vascular compartments, suggesting an effect of conjugate structure on intratissue distribution. Interestingly, we observed non-specific modulation of gene expression in tissues with high accumulation of DLin-MC3-DMA siRNAs (>20 pmol/mg of tissue) while limited non-specific gene modulation has been observed in tissues with lower siRNA accumulation. These findings suggest modulating the nature of the conjugate is a promising strategy to alter siRNA intratissue and intracellular trafficking. Fine-tuning the nature of the conjugate to optimize endosomal escape while minimizing toxicity will be critical for the progression of therapeutic siRNA applications beyond the liver.

Comparison of TLC, HPLC, and direct-infusion ESI-MS methods for the identification and quantification of diacylglycerol molecular species

Diacylglycerols (DAGs) are anabolic precursors to membrane lipid and storage triacylglycerol biosynthesis, metabolic intermediates of lipid catabolism, and potent cellular signaling molecules. The different DAG molecular species that accumulate over development or in different tissues reflect the changing aspects of cellular lipid metabolism. Consequently, an accurate determination of DAG molecular species in biological samples is essential to understand various metabolic processes and their diagnostic relevance. However, quantification of DAG molecular species in various biological samples represents a challenging task because of their low abundance, hydrophobicity, and instability. This chapter describes the most common chromatographic (TLC and HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) methods used to analyze DAG molecular species. In addition, we directly compared the three methods using DAG obtained by phospholipase C hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine purified from a Nicotiana benthamiana leaf extract. We conclude that each method identified similar major molecular species, however, the exact levels of those varied mainly due to sensitivity of the technique, differences in sample preparation, and processing. This chapter provides three different methods to analyze DAG molecular species, and the discussion of the benefits and challenges of each technique will aid in choosing the right method for your analysis.

The valency of fatty acid conjugates impacts siRNA pharmacokinetics, distribution, and efficacy in vivo

Lipid-conjugated small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) exhibit accumulation and gene silencing in extrahepatic tissues, providing an opportunity to expand therapeutic siRNA utility beyond the liver. Chemically engineering lipids may further improve siRNA delivery and efficacy, but the relationship between lipid structure/configuration and siRNA pharmacodynamics is unclear. Here, we synthesized a panel of mono-, di-, and tri-meric fatty acid-conjugated siRNAs to systematically evaluate the impact of fatty acid structure and valency on siRNA clearance, distribution, and efficacy. Fatty acid valency significantly altered the physicochemical properties of conjugated siRNAs, including hydrophobicity and micelle formation, which affected distribution. Trivalent lipid-conjugated siRNAs were predominantly retained at the site of injection with minimal systemic exposure, whereas monovalent lipid-conjugated siRNAs were quickly released into the circulation and accumulated primarily in kidney. Divalent lipid-conjugated siRNAs showed intermediate behavior, and preferentially accumulated in liver with functional distribution to lung, heart, and fat. The chemical structure of the conjugate, rather than overall physicochemical properties (i.e. hydrophobicity), predicted the degree of extrahepatic tissue accumulation necessary for productive gene silencing. Our findings will inform chemical engineering strategies for enhancing the extrahepatic delivery of lipophilic siRNAs.

Diverse lipid conjugates for functional extra-hepatic siRNA delivery in vivo

Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapies are proving to be efficient for treating liver-associated disorders. However, extra-hepatic delivery remains challenging, limiting therapeutic siRNA utility. We synthesized a panel of fifteen lipid-conjugated siRNAs and systematically evaluated the impact of conjugate on siRNA tissue distribution and efficacy. Generally, conjugate hydrophobicity defines the degree of clearance and the liver-to-kidney distribution profile. In addition to primary clearance tissues, several conjugates achieve significant siRNA accumulation in muscle, lung, heart, adrenal glands and fat. Oligonucleotide distribution to extra-hepatic tissues with some conjugates was significantly higher than with cholesterol, a well studied conjugate, suggesting that altering conjugate structure can enhance extra-hepatic delivery. These conjugated siRNAs enable functional gene silencing in lung, muscle, fat, heart and adrenal gland. Required levels for productive silencing vary (5-200 μg/g) per tissue, suggesting that the chemical nature of conjugates impacts tissue-dependent cellular/intracellular trafficking mechanisms. The collection of conjugated siRNA described here enables functional gene modulation in vivo in several extra-hepatic tissues opening these tissues for gene expression modulation. A systemic evaluation of a panel of conjugated siRNA, as reported here, has not previously been investigated and shows that chemical engineering of lipid siRNAs is essential to advance the RNA therapeutic field.

Peak AAA fatty acid homolog contaminants present in the dietary supplement l-Tryptophan associated with the onset of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome

The eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) outbreak that occurred in the USA and elsewhere in 1989 was caused by the ingestion of Showa Denko K.K. (SD) L-tryptophan (L-Trp). "Six compounds" detected in the L-Trp were reported as case-associated contaminants. Recently the final and most statistically significant contaminant, "Peak AAA" was structurally characterized. The "compound" was actually shown to be two structural isomers resulting from condensation reactions of L-Trp with fatty acids derived from the bacterial cell membrane. They were identified as the indole C-2 anteiso (AAA₁-343) and linear (AAA₂-343) aliphatic chain isomers. Based on those findings, we utilized a combination of on-line HPLC-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-MS), as well as both precursor and product ion tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to facilitate identification of a homologous family of condensation products related to AAA₁-343 and AAA₂-343. We structurally characterized eight new AAA₁-XXX/AAA₂-XXX contaminants, where XXX represents the integer molecular ions of all the related homologs, differing by aliphatic chain length and isomer configuration. The contaminants were derived from the following fatty acids of the bacterial cell membrane, 5-methylheptanoic acid (anteiso-C8:0) for AAA₁-315; n-octanoic acid (n-C8:0) for AAA₂-315; 6-methyloctanoic acid (anteiso-C9:0) for AAA₁-329; n-nonanoic acid (n-C9:0) for AAA₂-329; 10-methyldodecanoic acid (anteiso-C13:0) for AAA₁-385; n-tridecanoic acid (n-C13:0) for AAA₂-385; 11-methyltridecanoic acid (anteiso-C14:0) for AAA₁-399; and n-tetradecanoic acid (n-C14:0) for AAA₂-399. The concentration levels for these contaminants were estimated to be 0.1-7.9 μg / 500 mg of an individual SD L-Trp tablet or capsule The structural similarity of these homologs to case-related contaminants of Spanish Toxic Oil Syndrome (TOS) is discussed.

Simultaneous non-polar and polar lipid analysis by on-line combination of HILIC, RP and high resolution MS

Given the chemical diversity of lipids and their biological relevance, suitable methods for lipid profiling and quantification are demanded to reduce sample complexity and analysis times. In this work, we present a novel on-line chromatographic method coupling hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) dedicated to class-specific separation of polar lipid to reversed-phase chromatography (RP) for non-polar lipid analysis. More specifically, the void volume of the HILIC separation-consisting of non-polar lipids- is transferred to the orthogonal RP column enabling the on-line combination of HILIC with RP without any dilution in the second dimension. In this setup the orthogonal HILIC and RP separations were performed in parallel and the effluents of both columns were combined prior to high-resolution MS detection, offering the full separation space in one analytical run. Rapid separation for both polar and non-polar lipids within only 15 min (including reequilibration time) was enabled using sub-2 μm particles and UHPLC. The method proved to be robust with excellent retention time stability (RSDs < 1%) and LODs in the fmol to pmol (absolute on column) range even in the presence of complex biological matrix such as human plasma. The presented high-resolution LC-MS/MS method leads to class-specific separation of polar lipids and separation of non-polar lipids which is lost in conventional HILIC separations. HILIC-RP-MS is a promising tool for targeted and untargeted lipidomics workflows as three interesting features are combined namely (1) the decreased run time of state of the art shotgun MS methods, (2) the elevated linear dynamic range inherent to chromatographic separation and (3) increased level of identification by separation of polar and non-polar lipid classes.

A Novel Lipidomics Workflow for Improved Human Plasma Identification and Quantification Using RPLC-MSn Methods and Isotope Dilution Strategies

Lipid identification and quantification are essential objectives in comprehensive lipidomics studies challenged by the high number of lipids, their chemical diversity, and their dynamic range. In this work, we developed a tailored method for profiling and quantification combining (1) isotope dilution, (2) enhanced isomer separation by C30 fused-core reversed-phase material, and (3) parallel Orbitrap and ion trap detection by the Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribid mass spectrometer. The combination of parallelizable ion analysis without time loss together with different fragmentation techniques (HCD/CID) and an inclusion list led to higher quality in lipid identifications exemplified in human plasma and yeast samples. Moreover, we used lipidome isotope-labeling of yeast (LILY)-a fast and efficient in vivo labeling strategy in Pichia pastoris-to produce (nonradioactive) isotopically labeled eukaryotic lipid standards in yeast. We integrated the ¹³C lipids in the LC-MS workflow to enable relative and absolute compound-specific quantification in yeast and human plasma samples by isotope dilution. Label-free and compound-specific quantification was validated by comparison against a recent international interlaboratory study on human plasma SRM 1950. In this way, we were able to prove that LILY enabled quantification leads to accurate results, even in complex matrices. Excellent analytical figures of merit with enhanced trueness, precision and linearity over 4-5 orders of magnitude were observed applying compound-specific quantification with ¹³C-labeled lipids. We strongly believe that lipidomics studies will benefit from incorporating isotope dilution and LC-MSn strategies.

Hydrophobicity of Lipid-Conjugated siRNAs Predicts Productive Loading to Small Extracellular Vesicles

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) show promise as natural nano-devices for delivery of therapeutic RNA, but efficient loading of therapeutic RNA remains a challenge. We have recently shown that the attachment of cholesterol to small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) enables efficient and productive loading into sEVs. Here, we systematically explore the ability of lipid conjugates-fatty acids, sterols, and vitamins-to load siRNAs into sEVs and support gene silencing in primary neurons. Hydrophobicity of the conjugated siRNAs defined loading efficiency and the silencing activity of siRNA-sEVs complexes. Vitamin-E-conjugated siRNA supported the best loading into sEVs and productive RNA delivery to neurons.

Characterization of phospholipids by two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to in-line ozonolysis-mass spectrometry

In this study, the characterization of phospholipids (PL) was achieved by using a combination of LC/MS/MS and two-dimensional LC/MS. A HILIC LC column was used for PL class separation, while the further molecular species separation of each PL class was achieved by using online HILIC × C18 LC. The double bond positions along the fatty acyl chains of these PL molecular species were also obtained by using the combination of 2D-LC and in-line ozonolysis-MS analysis. The ozonolysis device is composed of a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable Teflon tube passing through a glass chamber filled with ozone gas, which is then placed in-line between the 2D-LC and the mass spectrometer. The eluting PL molecules in the LC mobile phase passed through the device where they rapidly reacted with the ozone that penetrated through the tubing wall. The ozonolysis products were then detected by MS in real-time, which allowed the localization of the double bonds along the fatty acyl chains in these PL molecular species. This comprehensive method was successfully applied to an egg yolk PL extract, which revealed the detailed structures of the PL molecules.

The dependence of lipid asymmetry upon phosphatidylcholine acyl chain structure

Lipid asymmetry, the difference in inner and outer leaflet lipid composition, is an important feature of biomembranes. By utilizing our recently developed MβCD-catalyzed exchange method, the effect of lipid acyl chain structure upon the ability to form asymmetric membranes was investigated. Using this approach, SM was efficiently introduced into the outer leaflet of vesicles containing various phosphatidylcholines (PC), but whether the resulting vesicles were asymmetric (SM outside/PC inside) depended upon PC acyl chain structure. Vesicles exhibited asymmetry using PC with two monounsaturated chains of >14 carbons; PC with one saturated and one unsaturated chain; and PC with phytanoyl chains. Vesicles were most weakly asymmetric using PC with two 14 carbon monounsaturated chains or with two polyunsaturated chains. To define the origin of this behavior, transverse diffusion (flip-flop) of lipids in vesicles containing various PCs was compared. A correlation between asymmetry and transverse diffusion was observed, with slower transverse diffusion in vesicles containing PCs that supported lipid asymmetry. Thus, asymmetric vesicles can be prepared using a wide range of acyl chain structures, but fast transverse diffusion destroys lipid asymmetry. These properties may constrain acyl chain structure in asymmetric natural membranes to avoid short or overly polyunsaturated acyl chains.

Sphingolipid analysis by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS)

Sphingolipid (SPL) metabolism (Fig. 1) serves a key role in the complex mechanisms regulating cellular stress responses to environment. Several SPL metabolites, especially ceramide (Cer), sphingosine (Sph) and sphingosinel-phosphate (S1P) act as key bioactive molecules governing cell growth and programmed cell death (Fig. 2). Perturbations in sphingolipids of one type may enhance or interfere with the action of another. To monitor changes in SPL composition therefore, reliable analytical methods are necessary. Here we present the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative monitoring of SPL components (classes and molecular species) in biological material as an effective tool to study sphingolipid signaling events. The LC-MS/MS methodology is the only available technique that provides high specificity and sensitivity, along with a wealth of structural identification information.

A Novel Phosphatidylcholine Which Contains Pentadecanoic Acid at sn-1 and Docosahexaenoic Acid at sn-2 in Schizochytrium sp. F26-b

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3)-containing phospholipids are a ubiquitous component of the central nervous system and retina, however their physiological and pharmacological functions have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report a novel DHA-containing phosphatidylcholine (PC) in a marine single cell eukaryote, Schizochytrium sp. F26-b. Interestingly, 31.8% of all the fatty acid in F26-b is DHA, which is incorporated into triacylglycerols and various phospholipids. In phospholipids, DHA was found to make up about 50% of total fatty acid. To identify phospholipid species containing DHA, the fraction of phospholipids from strain F26-b was subjected to normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was found that DHA was incorporated into PC, lyso-PC, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol. The major DHA-containing phospholipid was PC in which 32.5% of the fatty acid was DHA. The structure of PC was analyzed further by phospholipase A2 treatment, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and 1H- and 13C-NMR after purification of the PC with reverse phase HPLC. Collectively, it was clarified that the major PC contains pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) at sn-1 and DHA at sn-2; the systematic name of this novel PC is therefore "1-pentadecanoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine."

Structural analysis of phosphatidylcholines by post-source decay matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The utility of post-source decay (PSD) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was investigated for the structural analysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC). PC did not produce detectable negative molecular ion from MALDI, but positive ions were observed as both [PC+H](+) and [PC+Na](+). The PSD spectra of the protonated PC species contained only one fragment corresponding to the head group (m/z 184), while the sodiated precursors produced many fragment ions, including those derived from the loss of fatty acids. The loss of fatty acid from the C-1 position (sn-1) of the glycerol backbone was favored over the loss of fatty acid from the C-2 position (sn-2). Ions emanating from the fragmentation of the head group (phosphocholine) included [PC+Na-59](+), [PC+Na-183](+) and [PC+Na-205](+), which corresponded to the loss of trimethylamine (TMA), non-sodiated choline phosphate and sodiated choline phosphate, respectively. Other fragments reflecting the structure of the head group were observed at m/z 183, 146 and 86. The difference in the fragmentation patterns for the PSD of [PC+Na](+) compared to [PC+H](+) is attributed to difference in the binding of Na(+) and H(+). While the proton binds to a negatively charged oxygen of the phosphate group, the sodium ion can be associated with several regions of the PC molecule. Hence, in the sodiated PC, intermolecular interaction of the negatively charged oxygen of the phosphate group, along with sodium association at multiple sites, can lead to a complex and characteristic ion fragmentation pattern. The preferential loss of sn-1 fatty acid group could be explained by the formation of an energetically favorable six-member ring intermediate, as apposed to the five-member ring intermediate formed prior to the loss of sn-2 fatty acid group.

Analysis of phospholipid molecular species by liquid chromatography--atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry of diacylglycerol nicotinates

A method using liquid chromatography - atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry was evaluated for determining the molecular species composition of phospholipids (phosphatidylcholines from soybean, egg yolk and bovine liver) after conversion to diacylglycerol nicotinate derivatives. The structures could be deduced from pseudo-molecular ions ([MH-123](+)) and three pairs of monoacyl containing fragment ions. All molecular species in mixed peaks were readily identified and many minor components, earlier not encountered in the samples under investigation, were identified. Acyl chain regioisomers were readily distinguished by the ratio of the [MH-RCHCO](+) ions. Molecular species differing only in the position of the double bonds in one polyunsaturated acyl chain were separated on the basis of retention times. A half quantitative estimation of the molecular species composition of complex samples was achieved by a combination of UV detection and, for mixed peaks, the areas of [MH-123](+) ions.

Analysis of plant phosphatidylcholines by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for the quantitative determination of phospholipid (PL) molecular species has been problematic, due primarily to the formation of multiple signals (corresponding to the molecular ion and other adducts) for some classes of PL. For example, analysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) yielded signals that corresponded to protonated and sodiated molecules in the MALDI spectrum. The resulting spectral overlap among various molecular species (e.g. [PC(16:0/18:2) + Na] and [PC(18:2/18:3)]) made it impossible to ascertain their relative amounts using this technique. Other spectral ambiguities existed among different structural isomers, such as PC(18:1/18:1) and PC(18:0/18:2). We determined that molecular species could be resolved by MALDI-TOFMS by first removing the polar head (e.g. phosphocholine) from the phospholipid to effect production of only the sodiated molecules of the corresponding diacylglycerols (DAGs). Analysis of the resulting spectrum allowed unequivocal determination of the molecular species profile of PC from potato tuber and soybean. Estimation of fatty acid composition based on the molecular species determined by MALDI-TOFMS analysis agreed with that from GC-FID analysis. Post-source decay (PSD) was used to resolve standard isomers of PC (e.g. 18:1/18:1 vs. 18:0/18:2). Our results indicated that PSD is a useful approach for resolving structural isomers of PL molecular species.

Quantitative determination of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and palmitic acid in porcine lung surfactants used in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed that can separate and quantify dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and its degradation product, palmitic acid from various phospholipids contained in a porcine lung surfactant used in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome, which was recently approved for use by the FDA. The method used a C8 reversed-phase HPLC column with a (50:45:10) acetonitrile/methanol/acetic acid mobile phase, and refractive index detection. The active component of the lung surfactant, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and palmitic acid (PA), could be quantified following a liquid-liquid extraction procedure along with an internal standard, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC). The assay was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility and ruggedness. Column stability was measured by performing the assay over time and monitoring the system suitability parameters. The extraction procedure has a 90% recovery and the assay is linear over a range of 5 microg/ml to 300 microg/ml. The assay is used to release commercial product and monitor stability of existing lots of material.

Reversed-phase separations of nitrogenous phospholipids on an octadecanoyl poly(vinyl alcohol) phase

Molecular species of nitrogenous phospholipids (PLs) phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), PE-derivatives and sphingomyelin (SP) were separated on an octadecanoyl poly(vinyl alcohol) (ODPVA) column by reversed-phase HPLC with UV and evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). Mobile phases employed variable proportions of acetonitrile, methanol and water. HPLC-UV of the polar lipids yield components with peak intensities somewhat different from those obtained by HPLC-ELSD despite discernible similarity in the peak profiles observed in the two detection systems. Incorporation of ammonium hydroxide in mobile phases resulted in a decrease in analyte retention. The mobile phase basicity effect on capacity factors of PE species was significantly greater than that of PC counterparts. The new ODPVA-HPLC-ELSD technique was applied to the analysis of PC and PE molecular species in vegetable oils.

Molecular species analysis of phospholipids

The elucidation of phospholipid molecular species composition provides detailed structural information concerning various lipids and thus offers descriptions of crucial determinants of membrane physical and biological properties. Various methods differing in labor intensity, mode of separation and detection, type of calibration, as well as other factors, have been published. Thus precision and accuracy are expected to vary considerably between methods. Qualitative and quantitative aspects of different procedures for molecular species analysis of individual phospholipid classes are discussed in this review. Special emphasis has been given to the characterization of biological tissue samples.

Adaptive changes in lipid composition of skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes associated with aging

We have undertaken a detailed examination of changes associated with aging in lipid composition and corresponding physical properties of hindlimb skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes isolated from young (5 months), middle-aged (16 months), and old (28 months) Fischer strain 344 rats. Silica gel HPLC chromatography was used to separate phospholipid headgroup species. Subsequent reversed-phase HPLC was used to resolve fatty acid chain compositions of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol species. For all three phospholipid pools, significant age-related variations are observed in the abundance of multiple molecular species, particularly those having polyunsaturated fatty acid chains. Using mass spectrometry (fast atom bombardment and tandem techniques) to distinguish ester- from ether-linked phosphatidylethanolamine species, we demonstrate that overall plasmenylethanolamine content is substantially increased with age, from 48 mol% to 62 mol%. A substantial increase is also observed in the single molecular species 18:0-20:4 phosphatidylinositol suggesting implications for signalling pathways. In addition, associated with senescence we find a significant increase in the rigidifying lipid, cholesterol. Despite these changes in lipid composition of different aged animals, the average bilayer fluidity examined at several bilayer depths with stearic acid spin labels, is not altered. Neither do we find differences in the rotational mobility of maleimide spin-labeled Ca(2+)-ATPase, as determined from saturation-transfer electron paramagnetic resonance, which is sensitive to both the fluidity of lipids directly associated with the Ca(2+)-ATPase and to its association with proteins.

High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of molecular species of neutral phospholipids

Molecular species of neutral phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), were resolved by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using mobile phases of acetonitrile-methanol-water containing tetraalkylammonium phosphates (TAAPs). Competitive interactions of TAAPs and analyte solutes with a reversed-phase HPLC column resulted in reduced retention of PC or PE with concomitant increase in detection sensitivity. The chromatographic data for PC and PE were distinctly different from those for negatively charged phospholipids where ion-pair retention mechanisms prevailed. While PC (or PE) components eluted at longer retention times with a larger size of TAAP, an increase in the TAAP concentration invariably caused a decrease in phospholipid retention times. Optimization of HPLC conditions by using high concentrations (25-100 mM) of tetramethylammonium phosphate in acetonitrile-methanol-water (70:22:8) facilitated elution of components with improved peak symmetry. HPLC separations of neutral phospholipids derived from animal sources were more complex than those from soybeans.

An extended method for separating and quantitating molecular species of phospholipids

An improved and extended method for separating and quantitating molecular species of four phospholipid classes is presented. Crude lipid extract is first separated into phospholipid classes on a silica column. Each phospholipid class is then separated into molecular species without derivatization using high-performance liquid chromatography on columns packed with octadecyl silica. Quantitation of individual species is achieved by measuring absorbance at 205 nm. Factors for converting absorbancies to mol fractions have been determined. Quantitation by absorbance at 205 nm agrees well with quantitation by gas chromatography which is preferred to quantitation by phosphate analysis. One hundred phospholipid species have been identified. A table of relative retention times of molecular species is provided. Examples of quantitative analyses of species composition are presented.

Yolk lipids

The mature egg yolk of the domestic hen possesses remarkably constant lipid and lipoprotein composition despite much variation in dietary and environmental conditions. The greatest differences are seen in the fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerols which may show significant alterations in the content of the minor acids including certain polyunsaturated acids. The lipid class composition appears to be minimally affected by dietary influences, including the cholesterol content of the diet. The limited dietary influence on the yolk lipid composition extends to different strains of the hens. Genetic selection has led to some increase in the cholesterol content of the egg, but the desired lowering of the cholesterol content of egg yolk has not been realized. Likewise, production of a polyunsaturated fatty acid egg does not appear to be practical. As a result the egg yolk continues to provide a food product of nearly constant composition, which serves to maintain its chemical and physico-chemical properties for reliable utilization in the baking, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The great uniformity in the composition of the egg yolk phospholipids makes them desirable starting materials for partial chemical resynthesis of glycerophospholipids. Partial hydrogenation of the egg yolk lipids promises to further increase the utility of the product as a desirable material for the manufacture of liposomes and liposome based drug products. In contrast, the constancy of the egg yolk composition and the inability to alter it significantly by dietary or genetic means also renders egg yolk undesirable for unlimited human consumption. Excessive ingestion of egg yolk raises plasma lipid and cholesterol levels which are believed to contribute to the development of heart disease. The physico-chemical and biological properties of egg yolk apoproteins have been less extensively investigated and their function is less well understood. The finding that phosvitin is a effective chelator of metal ions and thus an effective antioxidant demonstrates that egg yolk lipoproteins possess as yet unexplored potential for beneficial nutritional, medical and industrial application.

Application of liquid chromatography-thermospray mass spectrometry in the analysis of glycerophospholipid molecular species

We report the application of high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation with ultraviolet detection and direct, on-line, structural analyses by mass spectrometry of glycerobenzoate derivatives from complex mixtures of phospholipid molecular species. Individual phospholipids were resolved from total lipid extracts by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Diradylglycerols were released from phospholipids by phospholipase-C treatment, converted to diradyl glycerobenzoates and subsequently separated by TLC into subclasses (alk-1-enylacyl, alkylacyl and diacyl types). The molecular species within each subclass were resolved by HPLC with an octadecyl reversed-phase column in acetonitrile-isopropanol (80:20, v/v). Individual peaks were quantitated at the picomole level by measuring absorbance at 230 nm. After post-column addition of methanol-0.2 M ammonium acetate (50:50, v/v), peaks were introduced through the thermospray interface into a VG Masslab 30-250 quadrupole mass spectrometer. Molecular species showed as base peaks the salt adducts of the molecular ion which permitted easy deduction of the overall fatty acyl composition. In addition, the diglyceride fragment of each species was found at [MH - 122]+ and two fragments formed by the loss of the fatty acyl groups (R) in the sn-1 or sn-2 position were found at [M - R1]+ and [M - R2]+, respectively. Since preferential release of either fatty acyl group was observed in positional isomers, the ratio of the intensity of these fragments gave information on the position of the fatty acyl groups in the individual HPLC peaks. We show that the use of on-line mass spectrometry, however, provides easy identification of all molecular species present in a complex phospholipid mixture, even when more than one molecular species is contained in an HPLC peak.

Sensitive analysis of phospholipid molecular species by high-performance liquid chromatography using fluorescent naproxen derivatives of diacylglycerols

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the separation and determination of diacylglycerophospholipid and diacylglycerol (DAG) molecular species has been developed. Phospholipids are hydrolysed with phospholipase C and the resulting DAGs are reacted with naproxen chloride in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine. The naproxen-DAGs were purified by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel G plates. Molecular species were separated using reversed-phase HPLC with isocratic elution and determined by measuring the absorbance at 230 nm or fluorescence at 352 nm (excitation at 332 nm). The method was applied to the determination of diacylglycerophosphoethanolamine in rat cerebrum and cerebellum. The molar absorption coefficient of the naproxen derivatives was 53,000 lmol-1 cm-1 at 230 nm, permitting the generation of linear concentration-dependent determinations down to less than 10 pmol. A ten-fold increase in sensitivity was obtained with a fluorescence detection system owing to the fluorescent properties of the proposed adduct.

Effect of differentiation and cell density on glycosphingolipid class and molecular species composition of mouse neuroblastoma NB2a cells

The effects of cell density and retinoic acid-induced differentiation on the class and molecular species composition of mouse neuroblastoma NB2a cell glycosphingolipids were examined under conditions where the period of culture was controlled. The total amount of neutral glycosphingolipids per cell decreased both with differentiation and as the cells became confluent. The relative amount of the neutral glycosphingolipid classes was not affected by differentiation, whereas there were small but significant changes in the relative amount of the neutral glycosphingolipid classes as the cells became confluent. The total amount of the gangliosides was unaffected by either differentiation or cell density, but there were significant changes in the ganglioside class composition as a result of both cell density and differentiation, and the effects were additive. The molecular species of all the major neutral glycosphingolipid and ganglioside classes were essentially identical, and were altered only slightly by either differentiation or cell density.

Food analysis on silica-bound HPLC phases

HPLC analysis of food on various silica bonded phases has been described. Technical and theoretical aspects of the materials such as normal-, reverse-, ion-exchange-, affinity-, chiral-, size-exclusion-, and ion-phases have been discussed. Special problems such as mobile phase or solvent-selection, selectivity and mechanisms of resolution on these bonded phases have been mentioned. Application of various bonded materials such as amino, cyano, diol, amino-cyano, C-18, C-8, anion-exchangers, strong and weak-cation exchangers, chiral and enzyme bound affinity phases to analyze and determine food components such as carbohydrates, food colors and pigments, flavors, proteins, vitamins and toxins has been described.

Molecular species analysis of phospholipids by negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry: application of surface precipitation technique

Eight phospholipidic classes from bovine brain cortex and soybean were prepared and purified by preparative high-performance and liquid chromatography, and their molecular species were identified by negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry using the 'surface precipitation' method. Its main advantages are: (i) clear-cut and abundant diagnostic ions for structural elucidation of the species; (ii) fragments characteristic of the main fatty acids, the polar head-group and the molecule frame in phospholipids; (iii) less background caused by the liquid matrix.

Sensitive method for the analysis of phospholipid subclasses and molecular species as 1-anthroyl derivatives of their diglycerides

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the separation and quantitation of phospholipid subclasses and molecular species has been developed. Phospholipids for analysis are hydrolyzed to the diradyl glycerols (DGs) with phospholipase C and the resulting DGs reacted with a molar excess of 1-anthroyl nitrile in the presence of quinuclidine or 4-dimethylaminopyridine to form a stable adduct. The anthroyl-DGs were separated into alkenylacyl, alkylacyl, and diacyl subclasses either by using normal-phase HPLC or by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel G plates. Molecular species within alkenylacyl, alkylacyl, and diacyl subclasses were separated using reversed-phase HPLC. Separation of the individual subclasses was achieved for ethanolamine phosphoglycerides from bovine brain, as well as choline and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides from human neutrophils. Separation and quantitation of individual molecular species were carried out for alkenylacyl, alkylacyl, and diacyl subclasses of bovine brain ethanolamine phosphoglycerides by their absorbance at 254 nm with correction for recoveries as normalized to the internal standard 1,2-dipentadecanoyl-3-phosphatidylcholine added before the hydrolysis of phospholipids with phospholipase C or 1,2-dipentadecanoyl-3-anthroyl glycerol added after complete derivatization. The extinction coefficient of the 1-anthroyl derivatives were greater than 68,000 permitting the generation of concentration-dependent determinations which were linear to less than 1 pmol when monitored at 254 nm. Thus, this procedure provides a new and very sensitive method for the quantitation of picomole quantities of phospholipids or DGs by HPLC techniques.

Pyrene-labeled lipids: versatile probes of membrane dynamics in vitro and in living cells

Pyrene-labeled analogs of fatty acids have been studied as probes of lipid metabolism in vitro and in cultured cells. Procedures for the synthesis of complex pyrenyl lipids and the analytical methods for their separation and quantification are described. Pyrenyl-lipids have been used to quantify the relationship between lipid structure and the rates of spontaneous lipid transfer. Modifications of these methods have also been used to monitor protein-mediated lipid transfer, lipolysis and lipid translocation across bilayer membranes. According to several criteria, pyrene dodecanoic acid has been identified as a good analog of some naturally occurring fatty acids. Digital imaging microscopy has been used to monitor the rate of accumulation of pyrenyl lipids in living cells.