Multi-immunoaffinity chromatography: a simple and highly selective clean-up method for multi-anabolic residue analysis of meat

Past, present and future of mass spectrometry in the analysis of residues of banned substances in meat-producing animals

A residue is a trace (microg kg(-1), ng kg(-1)) of a substance, present in a matrix. Banned substances, such as growth promoters, which are abused in animal fattening and where this article is focused on, may be divided into four major groups: thyreostats, anabolics or anabolic steroids, corticosteroids and beta-agonists or repartitioning agents. The combination of chromatographic techniques with mass spectrometry (GC-MS(n), LC-MS(n), etc.) plays a key role in the production of specific results in residue analysis. In this review, the past, present and future of mass spectrometry in this area are discussed in the light of the impact of these substances on human health and the reliable production of analytical results, ready for challenge in a court.

Development of a multianalyte method for the determination of anabolic hormones in bovine urine by isotope-dilution GC–MS/MS

A sensitive, specific and selective multianalyte GC-MS/MS method has been developed for the determination of 11 anabolic hormones in bovine urine. After adjusting the urine pH to 4.8, the samples were spiked with deuterated internal standards and submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis with beta-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase. Hormones were eluted with methanol through a C18 solid phase cartridge and submitted to a liquid-liquid extraction. Analytes were derivatized by adding N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) with 1% trimethylchlorosilane and GC-MS data were obtained in the positive electron impact tandem mass mode. Under these conditions, no matrix effects were observed and limit of detection values were in the range of 0.005 ng/mL (diethylstilbestrol) to 0.38 ng/mL (17alpha-methyltestosterone and 17alpha-ethynylestradiol). Recoveries from 81% (alpha-zeranol) to 149% (17alpha-methyltestosterone) were found under the selected conditions. These results were better than those found using heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFBA) as derivative reagent and those measured in full scan and selective ion monitoring modes.

Affinity chromatography as a method for sample preparation in gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Analytical chemistry aims at developing analytical methods and techniques for unequivocal identification and accurate quantitation of natural and synthetic compounds in a given matrix. Analytical methods based on the mass spectrometry (MS) technology, e.g., GC/MS and LC/MS and their variants, GC/tandem MS and LC/tandem MS, are best suited both for qualitative and quantitative analyses. GC/MS methods not only serve as reference methods, e.g., in clinical chemistry, but they are now widely and routinely used for quantitative determination of numerous analytes. However, despite inherent accuracy, analytical methods based on GC/MS commonly consist of several analytical steps, including extraction and derivatization of the analyte. In general, unequivocal identification and accurate quantification of an analyte in very low concentrations in complex matrices require further chromatographic techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for sample purification. In recent years, affinity chromatography (e.g., boronate and immunoaffinity chromatography) has been developed to a superior technique for sample preparation of numerous classes of compounds in GC/MS. In this article, the application and importance of affinity chromatography as a method for sample preparation in modern quantitative GC/MS method is described and discussed, using as examples various natural and synthetic compounds, such as arachidonic acid derivates, nitrosylated and nitrated proteins, steroids, drugs, and toxins.

Test methods: anabolics

In the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accredited laboratories, specific methods have been developed to detect anabolic steroids in athletes' urine. The technique of choice to achieve this is gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In order to improve the efficiency of anti-doping programmes, the laboratories have defined new analytical strategies. The final sensitivity of the analytical procedure can be improved by choosing new technologies for use in detection, such as tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) or high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). A better sample preparation using immuno-affinity chromatography (IAC) is also a good tool for improving sensitivity. These techniques are suitable for the detection of synthetic anabolic steroids whose structure is not found naturally in the human body. The more and more evident use, on a large scale, of substances chemically similar to the endogenous steroids obliges both the laboratory and the sports authorities to use the steroid profile of the athlete in comparison with reference ranges from a population or with intraindividual reference values.

Quantitation of anabolic hormones and their metabolites in bovine serum and urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A specific and sensitive method based on tandem mass spectrometry with on-line high-performance liquid chromatography using atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (LC-APCI-MS-MS) for the quantitation of anabolic hormone residues (17beta-19-nortestosterone, 17beta-testosterone and progesterone) and their major metabolites (17alpha-19-nortestosterone and 17alpha-testosterone) in bovine serum and urine is reported. [2H2]17Beta-testosterone was used as internal standard. The analytes were extracted from urine (following enzymatic hydrolysis) and serum samples by liquid-liquid extraction and purified by C18 solid-phase extraction. Ionisation was performed in a heated nebulizer interface operating in the positive ion mode, where only the protonated molecule, [M+H]+, was generated for each analyte. This served as precursor ion for collision-induced dissociation and two diagnostic product ions for each analyte were identified for the unambiguous hormone confirmation by selected reaction monitoring LC-MS-MS. The overall inter-day precision (relative standard deviation) ranged from 6.37 to 2.10% and from 6.25 to 2.01%, for the bovine serum and urine samples, respectively, while the inter-day accuracy (relative error) ranged from -5.90 to -3.18% and from -6.40 to -2.97%, for the bovine serum and urine samples, respectively. The limit of quantitation of the method was 0.1 ng/ml for all the hormones in bovine serum and urine. On account of its high sensitivity and specificity the method has been successfully used to confirm illegal hormone administration for regulatory purposes.

Ultra trace detection of a wide range of anabolic steroids in meat by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

The control on use of anabolic agents in meat producing animals is generally based on urine, faeces or hair analysis. This exercise, which is usually performed in slaughterhouses or on farms, is not relevant to imported carcasses or retail meat. A single sensitive method for a wide range of anabolic steroids was developed. After extraction of the lyophilised meat, enzymatic hydrolysis was used for deconjugation. Solid-phase extraction on a polymeric stationary phase was performed prior to hydrolysis of ester residues under alkaline conditions. Liquid-liquid partitioning was used to separate the analytes into two main categories: phenol containing molecules, such as phenolic steroids, resorcylic acid lactones and stilbenes, and delta4-3-one containing molecules, such as most androgens and progestagens. Solid-phase extraction on silica columns was performed before applying a specific derivatisation for each compound sub-group. The combination of high-resolution chromatography with a quadrupole mass spectrometer permitted detection of 23 steroids in the 5-100 ng/kg range. Ion chromatograms for residue positive samples are shown and discussed.

Survey of recent advances in analytical applications of immunoaffinity chromatography

Methods that use immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) for sample preparation or detection are becoming increasingly popular as tools in the analysis of biological and nonbiological compounds. This paper presents an overview of immunoaffinity chromatography and examines some recent developments of this technique in analytical applications. The emphasis is placed on HPLC-based IAC methods or those that combine IAC with other instrumental techniques; however, novel approaches that employ low-performance IAC columns for chemical quantitation are also considered. Particular applications that are examined include (1) the use of IAC in the direct detection of analytes, (2) the extraction of samples by IAC prior to on- or off-line detection by other methods, (3) the use of IAC in chromatographic-based immunoassays, and (4) the development of postcolumn reactors based on IAC for the detection of analytes as they elute from other types of chromatographic columns. The advantages and limitations for each approach are considered. In addition, a summary is provided of reports in the literature that have used IAC for these various formats.

Simultaneous determination of anabolic and catabolic steroid hormones in meat by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A rapid and economical method for the determination in meat of androgens, estrogens, progestogens and corticoids, including some precursors and metabolites, has been developed. The extracted steroids are separated in a polar, a neutral, and a phenolic fraction by C8-SPE followed by a liquid-liquid extraction of the phenolates. Each fraction is separately purified by normal-phase SPE. The different steroid fractions can be analysed either together to obtain a comprehensive hormone pattern in one step or separately to enhance detection selectivity and sensitivity. Using a universally applicable silylation of the hydroxyl and keto groups, detection limits of 0.02-0.1 microg/kg are reached by GC-MS (EI) in the selected ion monitoring mode.

Natural sex steroids and their xenobiotic analogs in animal production: growth, carcass quality, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, mode of action, residues, methods, and epidemiology

Natural and xenobiotic compounds having sex-related actions have long been used for growth promotion and various changes in carcass quality in meat animals. The first compounds used were synthetic estrogens; however, later on a whole battery of compounds having androgenic, and progestogenic actions have also been involved. In surveying the effects of these compounds in meat-producing animals, it became clear that these drugs increase the growth rate of the treated animals and bring about changes in the carcass that are generally characterized by lower fat content and more lean mass. Extensive studies undertaken in various countries, including the European Economic Community (EEC), have shown that if used according to good husbandry practices, the meat from treated animals does not have excessive amounts of residues compared with the endogenous amount of steroid production in the animals in question and also in human beings. The banning of these compounds in the European community brought a new phenomenon of illegal or black market cocktails. These mixtures of anabolic steroids are injected into the body of the animals rather than implanted in the ears, which is the normal practice in countries where they have not yet been banned. Several screening and confirmatory methods are now available for monitoring programs. However, these programs need excessive resources in terms of manpower, funds, and proper legislation, which in underdeveloped countries is questionable, particularly in the absence of strong scientific evidence for the exercise.

Long-term detection and identification of metandienone and stanozolol abuse in athletes by gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry

The misuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in human sports is controlled by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of urine specimens obtained from athletes. The analysis is improved with modern high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The detection and identification of metabolites of stanozolol (I) [3'-hydroxystanozolol (II) and 4 beta-hydroxystanozolol (III)] and metandienone (IV) I17 beta-methyl-5 beta-androst-1-ene-3 alpha,17 alpha-diol (V) and 18-nor-17,17-dimethyl-5 beta-androsta-1,13-dien-3 alpha-ol (VI)] with GC-HRMS at 3000 resolution yielded a large increase in the number of positive specimens. A total of 116 anabolic steroid positives were found in this laboratory in 1995 via GC-MS and GC-HRMS screening of 6700 human urine specimens collected at national and international sporting events and at out-of-competition testing. Of the 116 positive cases, 41 were detected using conventional (quadrupole) GC-MS screening. The other 75 positives were identified via GC-HRMS screening. To confirm the HRMS screening result, the urine sample was reanalyzed using a specific sample workup procedure to selectively isolate the metabolites of the identified substance. II and III were selectively isolated via immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) using an antibody which was prepared for methyltestosterone and shows high cross reactivity to II and III. V and VI were isolated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation.

Immunoaffinity chromatography combined with gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry for the confirmation of flumethasone abuse in the equine

Immunoaffinity chromatography using a synthesised immunosorbent was used to extract tritiated dexamethasone (with dexamethasone carrier) from equine urine at a recovery of 81.7 +/- 8.4% (mean +/- S.D.). A method utilising this procedure coupled to cool on-column injection gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry is also described for the confirmation of low levels of flumethasone in equine urine samples.

Immunoaffinity-chromatography purification of salbutamol in liver and HPLC-fluorometric detection at trace residue level

A method combining immunoaffinity-chromatography (IAC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the analysis of Salbutamol in liver with a low quantification limit of 1 micrograms/kg has been developed. Salbutamol was extracted with 0.01 mol/L HCl and purified by IAC. The samples were analysed on a liquid chromatograph fitted with a C18 mu-Bondapak column. A fluorometer was used for the detection of salbutamol. Recoveries of 67-80% could be obtained.

Determination of drugs from urine by on-line immunoaffinity chromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

A method for rapid extraction and identification of drugs in urine is described. The system utilizes a high-performance protein G immunoaffinity column coupled to a reversed-phase analytical column by use of a trapping column and switching valve. A small amount of antibody (5 micrograms drug-specific) is used for each analysis to extract either propranolol or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) from human urine. Urine diluted with phosphate-buffered saline is pumped directly through the protein G column thus eliminating time- and solvent-consuming sample preparation procedures. On-line ultraviolet or mass spectral analysis provides the means of drug detection and identification. With ultraviolet detection propranolol may be detected in spiked urine at the 250 pg/ml level. A Hewlett-Packard mass spectrometer modified for atmospheric pressure ionization and equipped with an ion spray source allows detection of propranolol in urine at 2.5 ng/ml and LSD at 500 pg/ml using single ion monitoring. The potential applicability of the technique for drug confirmations is discussed.

Drug residue analysis using immunoaffinity chromatography

The background and applicability of immunoaffinity chromatographic separations and clean-up to drug residue analysis of agricultural commodities is discussed. The uses of antibody specificity for separation and concentration of drug residues are presented. Examples of immunoaffinity chromatography for the determination of residues of (1) nortestosterone and methyl testosterone in swine muscle, urine and bile; (2) chloramphenicol in swine tissue, eggs and milk; (3) clenbuterol in calf urine; (4) zeranol and beta-zearalanolin in calf urine: (5) diethylstilbestrol, dienestrol and hexestrol in calf urine are presented. Further, examples of the successful coupling of immunoaffinity separations with other chromatographic techniques such as gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography are presented.

Chromatographic methods of analysis for penicillins in food-animal tissues and their significance in regulatory programs for residue reduction and avoidance

Chromatographic methods for penicillin analysis in animal tissues play a significant role in the regulation of the use of these drugs in livestock production. Regulatory agencies rely on data generated from these methods to establish withdrawal times and to determine whether presumptive positive tissue samples from slaughtered animals intended for human consumption contain violative levels of penicillins to necessitate regulatory action. The need to develop sensitive, accurate, and reliable methods to support regulatory programs is examined together with emerging techniques that could be taken advantage of to improve the sensitivity and usefulness of current chromatographic methods for tomorrow's regulatory agency.

Liquid chromatographic purification and detection of anabolic compounds

The role of liquid chromatography within methods of analysis for steroids, related compounds and beta-agonists in biological samples is discussed. Special attention is given to the application of liquid chromatography in sample preparation and extract clean-up. Different forms of liquid chromatography, including immunoaffinity chromatography, are compared and evaluated. Methods for confirmation based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and cryotrapping Fourier transform infrared spectrometry are discussed.

Factors affecting the specific activity of immobilized antibodies and their biologically active fragments

Factors affecting the specific activity of immobilized antibodies and their biologically active fragments were studied with goat anti-mouse and goat anti-human immunoglobulin G. Antibodies were immobilized on HW 65 polymeric support matrix activated with carbonyldiimidazole, hydrazide and iodoacetic acid. The most significant factors influencing the specific activity of stochastic coupling of antibodies are multi-site attachment, multiple orientations and steric hindrance imposed by crowding of antibody and the size of the antigen. In oriented immobilization the specific activity is affected only by steric hindrance. The specific activity of immunosorbents prepared by immobilization of F(ab') fragments can be improved to almost 100% by limiting the amount of protein immobilization and the size of the antigen. The present study shows the protocols for optimizing immobilized antibody performance.

Conformation and quantification of chloramphenicol in cow's urine, muscle and eggs by electron capture negative ion chemical ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A method is described for the determination of residues of the antibiotic chloramphenicol in biological samples. The method is based on gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry and uses (37Cl2)chloramphenicol as internal standard. Selective ion monitoring of four analyte-specific ions enables the determination of chloramphenicol levels in urine of 3 micrograms l-1 with a coefficient of variation of 8%. The limit of detection of the method is 0.1 p.p.b. for urine, muscle and egg.

Determination of 19-nortestosterone, testosterone and trenbolone by gas chromatography-negative-ion mass spectrometry after formation of the pentafluorobenzylcarboxymethoxime-trimethylsilyl derivatives

The known reaction of 3-ketosteroids with carboxymethoxylamine (to form the corresponding carboxymethoximes), followed by esterification of the carboxyl group with pentafluorobenzyl bromide, has been used to obtain derivatives of 19-nortestosterone, testosterone and trenbolone suitable for high-sensitivity detection with gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. These derivatives, after further silylation of the alcoholic groups of the steroids, showed excellent chromatographic and spectrometric characteristics and were detectable in the low picogram range. The derivatization gave rise to the formation of two isomers which were distinguishable by gas chromatography. The existence of the two isomers was also confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Examples of the usefulness of this derivatization procedure are given for the analysis of 19-nortestosterone, testosterone and trenbolone in meat and urine samples. By the use of immunoaffinity extraction and addition of deuterated internal standards (synthesized by isotopic exchange), the new derivatization procedure allowed a correct identification and quantitation of the steroids and reached very low detection limits [0.02 ppb (10(9] for 19-nortestosterone and testosterone, 0.06 ppb for trenbolone].

Immunoaffinity chromatography, its applicability and limitations in multi-residue analysis of anabolizing and doping agents

The use of (multi-)immunoaffinity chromatography in residue analysis is discussed. After an introduction to the immunochemical background an overview of applications is given. A distinction is made between the following methods: (1) single-antibody, single-analyte procedures; (2) single-antibody, multi-analyte procedures; (3) multi-antibody, multi-analyte procedures. It is concluded that immunoaffinity chromatography is superior to most other techniques for sample preparation and extract clean-up. Its advantages in multi-residue procedures are most clear when compared with e.g. high-performance liquid chromatography. In combination with gas chromatography-low-resolution mass spectrometry, very effective multi-residue methods are possible. Most frequently they concern screening procedures which can fulfill the identification criteria for reference methods. It is concluded that the use of (multi-)immunoaffinity chromatography will proliferate further in the 1990s. However, its future viability is highly dependent on the interest of commercial firms and on the involvement of the EC Community Bureau of Reference in manufacturing and supplying the necessary materials.

A simple procedure for the enzymic digestion of edible tissues prior to detection of drug residues

A simple procedure for the enzymic digestion of edible tissues is described and compared with other procedures. The samples are digested overnight in an enzyme suspension containing subtilisin A at 60 degrees C and pH 9. The resulting digest contains only a few small tissue fragments. This method is suitable for routine analysis, since the manipulation of the samples is very limited.

Analysis of diethylstilbestrol, dienestrol and hexestrol in biological samples by immunoaffinity extraction and gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A method has been developed for the detection of diethylstilbestrol, together with dienestrol and hexestrol, using extraction with a single immunoaffinity column containing antibodies raised against diethylstilbestrol, followed by gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Immunoaffinity columns were prepared by coupling immunoglobulin G fractions obtained from rabbit antisera with a Sepharose matrix. The immunizing agent was synthesized by introducing a carboxyl group into the diethylstilbestrol molecule and coupling this product to bovine serum albumin. The columns were used for immunoadsorption of diethylstilbestrol and other estrogens, after dilution of samples with phosphate buffer, and were eluted with acetone-water (95:5 v/v). A derivatization method suitable for gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of diethylstilbestrol and other estrogens was developed using pentafluorobenzyl bromide and ethanolic potassium hydroxide as reagents. The derivatives obtained were detectable at the sub-picogram level using gas chromatography with negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Recoveries of cis- and trans-diethylstilbestrol, dienestrol and hexestrol from the immunoaffinity columns, determined after extraction from urine, plasma and buffer, ranged from 28 to 96%. The sensitivity for diethylstilbestrol in urine samples was ca. 10 ppt. The method was applied to the analysis of urine from calves given a single dose of 10 mg of diethylstilbestrol. Free and glucuronic acid conjugated diethylstilbestrol decreased with time, but their ratio was variable.

Immunoaffinity chromatography and a biotin-streptavidin amplified enzymeimmunoassay for sensitive and specific estimation of estradiol-17 beta

A sensitive test system has been developed for estimation of estradiol-17 beta (E2) in bovine plasma. Plasma extracts are first purified by a selective immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) using an antibody raised against estradiol-6-carboxymethyloxime-bovine serum albumin and immobilized to Sepharose. The eluate was analysed by a competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on microtitration plates. For the assay the wells of microtitration plates were coated with affinity purified sheep IgG (antirabbit IgG) that binds the hormone specific antibody raised in rabbits against estradiol-17-hemisuccinate-bovine serum albumin. E2 is estimated by displacement of biocytinyl-E2, that was produced by ligation of estradiol-17 beta, D-glucuronic acid and biocytin. Bound biocytinyl-E2 is detected after binding of streptavidin-peroxidase and colour production by the enzyme. A very high amplification was possible with this technique and the absolute detection limit amounted to approximately 120 fg/well at 94% relative binding. By combination of IAC and EIA the following levels of E2 were found in bovine plasma: male or female calves less than 2.7 pg/ml, cycling cow 0.5-7 pg/ml, cow during the last month of pregnancy 9-310 pg/ml, mature bull 5-30 pg/ml. However, up to 1110 pg E2/ml were found in plasma of a calf after treatment with an illicit hormone preparation used for growth promotion; after 21 days levels declined to 6 pg/ml which is hardly different from controls. In conclusion, the IAC/EIA can be used for sensitive estimation of estradiol-17 beta in plasma from all type of cattle and for control of improper use of E2 after commitment of a threshold level.

Molecular spectroscopy in forensic residue analysis: a general overview of reliability, applicability and cost effectiveness

Classification of an analytical result for forensic purposes is briefly discussed, in addition to mandatory specificity and limits of appropriate analytical methods. Direct information on the molecular structure of the analyte is in general more reliable than indirect information. Direct information is obtained from molecular spectroscopic methods, in contrasts to chromatographic or immunochemical methods, which provide only indirect information. The cost effectiveness ratio as calculated per analyte is indicated for various analytical techniques.

Effective monitoring of residues of nortestosterone and its major metabolite in bovine urine and bile

The results of a newly developed method for the detection and identification of residues of nortestosterone (NT) and one of its major metabolites, 17 alpha-nortestosterone (epiNT) are described. The method is based on sample clean-up by immunoaffinity chromatography and detection by high-performance liquid chromatography and/or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (selected-ion monitoring). All samples of bile from calves that had been treated with NT contained significant amounts of epiNT (6-18 micrograms/l). The NT content of these samples, if detectable, was below 1 microgram/l. Urine contained, with one exception, less than 1 microgram/l epiNT. NT itself if detectable, was, present in urine or bile at levels below 0.1 microgram/l. The results corresponds well with results obtained with a radioimmunoassay procedure.