Determination of r-7,t-8,9,c-10-tetrahydroxy-7,8,9, 10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene in human urine by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization/mass spectrometry

A sensitive GC-MS/MS method for the quantification of benzo[a]pyrene tetrol in urine

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants formed during the incomplete combustion of organic matter such as tobacco. Among these, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) has been classified as a known carcinogen to humans. It unfolds its effect through metabolic activation to BaP-(7R,8S)-diol-(9S,10R)-epoxide (BPDE), the ultimate carcinogen of BaP. In this article, we describe a simple and highly sensitive GC-NICI-MS/MS method for the quantification of urinary BaP-(7R,8S,9R,10S)-tetrol (( +)-BPT I-1), the hydrolysis product of BPDE. The method was validated and showed excellent results in terms of accuracy, precision, and sensitivity (lower limit of quantification (LLOQ): 50 pg/L). In urine samples derived from users of tobacco/nicotine products and non-users, only consumption of combustible cigarettes was associated with a significant increase in BPT I-1 concentrations (0.023 ± 0.016 nmol/mol creatinine, p < 0.001). Levels of users of potentially reduced-risk products as well as non-users were all below the LLOQ. In addition, the urine levels of six occupationally exposed workers were analyzed and showed the highest overall concentrations of BPT I-1 (844.2 ± 336.7 pg/L). Moreover, comparison with concentrations of 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OH-BaP), the major detoxification product of BaP oxidation, revealed higher levels of 3-OH-BaP than BPT I-1 in almost all study subjects. Despite the lower levels, BPT I-1 can provide more relevant information on an individual's cancers susceptibility since BPDE is generated by the metabolic activation of BaP. In conclusion, BPT I-1 is a suitable biomarker to distinguish not only cigarette smokers from non-smokers but also from users of potentially reduced-risk products.

Derivatization gas chromatography negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry for the analysis of trace organic pollutants and their metabolites in human biological samples

Gas chromatography negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC-NCI-MS) is a preferred instrumental approach for the trace and ultra-trace analysis of various toxic organics and their metabolites in human biological fluids. Specifically, the method has played an important role in the highly sensitive and specific quantitative detection of persistent highly halogenated compounds in environmental matrices and biota during the past few decades. However, for the analysis of toxic metabolites with active hydrogen atoms, such as acids, alcohols, and phenolic compounds, from biological matrixes or organics without electronegative atoms or groups, a derivatization step is often needed prior to GC analysis. Such derivatization aims to change the properties of targets to improve their separation, increase their volatility, and enhance the sensitivity of instrumental detection. This review summarizes three derivatization strategies commonly used for GC methods, i.e., alkylation, silylation, and acylation, together with their application combined with GC-NCI-MS for the high sensitivity analysis of toxic organic metabolites in the human body. The advantages and disadvantages of each derivatization method and potential directions for future applications are discussed. Given the broad variety of applications as well as the compound-specific sensitivity for the ultra-trace analysis of target xenobiotics in human biological fluids, subsequent studies are required to develop convenient, faster derivatization procedures and reagents better suited for routine analysis. Graphical abstract.

GC-APLI-MS as a powerful tool for the analysis of BaP-tetraol in human urine

For the first time gas chromatography (GC) coupled to atmospheric pressure laser ionization-mass spectrometry (APLI-MS) has been applied to the analysis of trans-anti-benzo[a]pyrene-tetraol (BaP-tetraol) formed from anti-benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide (BPDE), the ultimate carcinogen of benzo[a]pyrene. This tetraol is considered to be an ideal urinary biomarker for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure as it reflects internal body burden and potentially adverse health effects. Optimization of the derivatization and the instrumental set-up led to an instrumental LOD of 0.5 fg, an improvement of the lowest instrumental LOD reported in literature of 6.4 fg by a factor of 10. The optimized procedure includes derivatization of hydroxyl groups using methyl iodide and cool on-column injection to prevent degradation of the analyte. First measurements of urine samples demonstrate that the method is capable of detecting BaP-tetraol in human urine collected from both smokers and non-smokers. Although results of analysis indicate a certain underestimation compared with literature data, this method can be expected to serve as an excellent method for the analysis of the biomarker BaP-tetraol in the future if an adequate internal standard such as ¹³C-labeled BaP-tetraol is applied.

Urinary trans-anti-7,8,9,10-tetrahydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene as the most relevant biomarker for assessing carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous pollutants present as complex mixtures in the environment. Among them, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency of Research on Cancer. Taking into account all absorption ways, human biomonitoring allows PAH exposure assessment, but biomarkers both specific to carcinogenic effect and sufficiently sensitive are lacking. In this work, we proposed the urinary 7,8,9,10-tetrahydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene (7,8,9,10-OHBaP) stemming from hydrolysis of BaP-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide, the ultimate carcinogenic BaP metabolite, as biomarker of PAH exposure. A simple and highly sensitive analytical method, with a limit of quantification (LQ) reaching 0.06pmol/L (0.02ng/L), was described and validated. The relevance of urinary 7,8,9,10-OHBaP concentrations adjustment by creatinine was demonstrated. In a group of 24 non-occupationally PAH exposed subjects, only 15% of 7,8,9,10-OHBaP levels was below the LQ and the last daily void has been found as the best sampling time. Tobacco consumption had a significant positive effect on 7,8,9,10-OHBaP concentrations with a 90^e percentile equal to 0.05nmole/mole creatinine (nmol/mol) and 0.03nmol/mol for smokers and non-smokers, respectively. In case of occupational PAH exposure, all the pre- and post-shift urinary 7,8,9,10-OHBaP levels of 7 non-smoking workers in a prebaked electrodes production plant were above the LQ. Concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 0.91nmol/mol and accumulation of 7,8,9,10-OHBaP into organism of workers during the working week was clearly observed. The best sampling time was the post-shift at the end of week but samples should also be collected at pre-shift the beginning of week to assess the background level. Finally, the urinary 7,8,9,10-OHBaP elimination kinetic through the weekend was studied using non-linear mixed effect modelling. Mean apparent urinary half-life was 31.5h with low inter-individual variability. Describing key characteristics of urinary 7,8,9,10-OHBaP as PAH exposure biomarker, this work should promote its use for future large-scale biomonitoring campaigns.

Measurement of urinary Benzo[a]pyrene tetrols and their relationship to other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and cotinine in humans

Biomonitoring of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) typically uses measurement of metabolites of PAHs with four or less aromatic rings, such as 1-hydroxypyrene, even though interest may be in exposure to larger and carcinogenic PAHs, such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). An improved procedure for measuring two tetrol metabolites of B[a]P has been developed. Using 2 mL urine, the method includes enzymatic deconjugation of the tetrol conjugates, liquid-liquid extraction, activated carbon solid phase extraction (SPE) and Strata-X SPE, and gas chromatography-electron capture negative ionization-tandem mass spectrometric determination. Limits of detection were 0.026 pg/mL (benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,t-9,c-10-tetrahydrotetrol, BPT I-1) and 0.090 pg/mL (benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,c-9,c-10-tetrahydrotetrol, BPT II-1). We quantified BPT I-1 and BPT II-1 in urine from a volunteer who consumed one meal containing high levels of PAHs (barbequed chicken). We also measured urinary concentrations of BPT I-1 and BPT II-1 in smokers and nonsmokers, and compared these concentrations with those of monohydroxy PAHs (OH-PAHs) and cotinine. Urinary elimination of BPT I-1 and BPT II-1 as a function of time after dietary exposure was similar to that observed previously for OH-PAHs. While the median BPT I-1 concentration in smokers' urine (0.069 pg/mL) significantly differs from nonsmokers (0.043 pg/mL), BPT I-1 is only weakly correlated with cotinine. The urinary concentration of BPT I-1 shows a weaker relationship to tobacco smoke than metabolites of smaller PAHs, suggesting that other routes of exposure such as for example dietary routes may be of larger quantitative importance.

Pathway and time-resolved benzo[a]pyrene toxicity on Hepa1c1c7 cells at toxic and subtoxic exposure

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is an environmental contaminant mainly studied for its toxic/carcinogenic effects. For a comprehensive and pathway orientated mechanistic understanding of the effects directly triggered by a toxic (5 μM) or a subtoxic (50 nM) concentration of B[a]P or indirectly by its metabolites, we conducted time series experiments for up to 24 h to study the effects in murine hepatocytes. These cells rapidly take up and actively metabolize B[a]P, which was followed by quantitative analysis of the concentration of intracellular B[a]P and seven representative degradation products. Exposure with 5 μM B[a]P led to a maximal intracellular concentration of 1604 pmol/5 × 10(4) cells, leveling at 55 pmol/5 × 10(4) cells by the end of the time course. Changes in the global proteome (>1000 protein profiles) and metabolome (163 metabolites) were assessed in combination with B[a]P degradation. Abundance profiles of 236 (both concentrations), 190 (only 5 μM), and 150 (only 50 nM) proteins were found to be regulated in response to B[a]P in a time-dependent manner. At the endogenous metabolite level amino acids, acylcarnitines and glycerophospholipids were particularly affected by B[a]P. The comprehensive chemical, proteome and metabolomic data enabled the identification of effects on the pathway level in a time-resolved manner. So in addition to known alterations, also protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and membrane dysfunction were identified as B[a]P specific effects.

Quantitation of benzo[a]pyrene metabolic profiles in human bronchoalveolar (H358) cells by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and are carcinogenic in multiple organs and species. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a representative PAH and has been studied extensively for its carcinogenicity and toxicity. B[a]P itself is chemically inert and requires metabolic activation to exhibit its toxicity and carcinogenicity. Three major metabolic pathways have been well documented. The signature metabolites generated from the radical cation (peroxidase or monooxygenase mediated) pathway are B[a]P-1,6-dione and B[a]P-3,6-dione, the signature metabolite generated from the diol-epoxide (P450 mediated) pathway is B[a]P-r-7,t-8,t-9,c-10-tetrahydrotetrol (B[a]P-tetrol-1), and the signature metabolite generated from the o-quinone (aldo-keto reductase mediated) pathway is B[a]P-7,8-dione. The contributions of these different metabolic pathways to cancer initiation and the exploitation of this information for cancer prevention are still under debate. With the availability of a library of [(13)C(4)]-labeled B[a]P metabolite internal standards, we developed a sensitive stable isotope dilution atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry method to address this issue by quantitating B[a]P metabolites from each metabolic pathway in human lung cells. This analytical method represents a 500-fold increased sensitivity compared with that of a method using HPLC-radiometric detection. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) was determined to be 6 fmol on column for 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OH-B[a]P), the generally accepted biomarker for B[a]P exposure. This high level of sensitivity and robustness of the method was demonstrated in a study of B[a]P metabolic profiles in human bronchoalveolar H358 cells induced or uninduced with the AhR ligand, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD). All the signature metabolites were detected and successfully quantitated. Our results suggest that all three metabolic pathways contribute equally in the overall metabolism of B[a]P in H358 cells with or without TCDD induction. The sensitivity of the method should permit the identification of cell-type differences in B[a]P activation and detoxication and could also be used for biomonitoring human exposure to PAH.

Urinary levels of cigarette smoke constituent metabolites are prospectively associated with lung cancer development in smokers

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are believed to be among the principal causative agents for lung cancer in smokers, but no epidemiologic studies have evaluated the relationship of PAH uptake and metabolism to lung cancer. In this study, we quantified prediagnostic urinary levels of r-1,t-2,3,c-4-tetrahydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene (PheT), a validated biomarker of PAH uptake and metabolism, as well as 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and its glucuronides (total NNAL), and cotinine and its glucuronides (total cotinine), validated biomarkers of uptake of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, and nicotine, respectively, in relation to lung cancer risk among current smokers in a nested case-control study within a cohort of 18,244 Chinese men in Shanghai, China. Urinary levels of PheT, total NNAL, and total cotinine were significantly higher in cases than controls (N = 476 matched pairs). ORs (95% confidence intervals) for lung cancer in the second, third, fourth, and fifth quintiles of PheT were 1.70 (1.00-2.88), 1.07 (0.62-1.84), 1.48 (0.86-2.53), and 2.34 (1.33-4.11), respectively, relative to the lowest quartile (P(trend) = 0.023) after adjustment for self-reported smoking intensity and duration and urinary total NNAL and total cotinine. This study also confirmed that urinary total NNAL and total cotinine are independently related to lung cancer risk.

Analysis of r-7,t-8,9,c-10-tetrahydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene in human urine: a biomarker for directly assessing carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure plus metabolic activation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are believed to be causative agents for various types of cancers in humans. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a prototypic carcinogenic PAH, which requires metabolic activation to elicit its detrimental effects. The major end product of its diol epoxide metabolic activation pathway is r-7,t-8,9,c-10-tetrahydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (trans, anti-BaPT). Individual differences in exposure to, and metabolic activation of, carcinogenic PAH may influence cancer risk. Measurement of PAH metabolites in human urine could provide a direct way to assess individual differences in susceptibility to PAH-related cancer. In this article, we describe a sensitive and reliable method for the quantitation of trans, anti-BaPT in human urine using gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-NICI-MS/MS). [(13)C(6)] trans, anti-BaPT was used as the internal standard. The urine was treated with β-glucuronidase and sulfatase, and then trans, anti-BaPT was enriched by solid-phase extraction with polymeric reversed phase and phenylboronic acid cartridges. The sample was silylated and analyzed by GC-NICI-MS/MS with selected reaction monitoring (SRM) for the trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives of trans, anti-BaPT (m/z 446 → m/z 255) and [(13)C(6)]trans, anti-BaPT (m/z 452 → m/z 261). The mean assay recovery was 44%. The instrumental on-column detection limit was about 20 amol of trans, anti-BaPT (as BaPT-TMS). trans, anti-BaPT was readily detected in all urine samples analyzed including those of 30 smokers (0.71 ± 0.64 fmol/mg creatinine) and 30 nonsmokers (0.34 ± 0.2 fmol/mg creatinine) (P = 0.0036). The results of this study demonstrate a highly sensitive and selective method for the quantitation of trans, anti-BaPT in human urine. This is to our knowledge the first study to show that smokers have significantly higher levels of trans, anti-BaPT in their urine than do nonsmokers. This method may be useful as a direct phenotyping approach to assess individual differences in uptake and metabolic activation of carcinogenic PAH.

A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of phenolic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAH) in urine of non-smokers and smokers

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are products of the incomplete combustion of organic materials and, therefore, occur ubiquitously in the environment and also in tobacco smoke. Since some PAH have been classified as carcinogens, it is important to have access to suitable analytical methods for biomarkers of exposure to this class of compounds. Past experience has shown that measuring a profile of PAH metabolites is more informative than metabolites of a single PAH. Assessment of environmental and smoking-related exposure levels requires analytical methods with high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, these methods should be fast enough to allow high throughput. With these pre-conditions in mind, we developed and validated a high-performance liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of phenolic metabolites of naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene and pyrene in urine of smokers and non-smokers. Sample work-up comprised enzymatic hydrolysis of urinary conjugates and solid-phase extraction on C18 cartridges. The method showed good specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy for the intended purpose and was also sufficiently rapid with a sample throughput of about 350 per week. Application to urine samples of 100 smokers and 50 non-smokers showed significant differences between both groups for all measured PAH metabolites, and strong correlations with markers of daily smoke exposure in smoker urine. Urinary levels were in good agreement with previously reported data using different methodologies. In conclusion, the developed LC-MS/MS method is suitable for the quantification of phenolic PAH metabolites of naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and pyrene in smoker and non-smoker urine.

Analytical methods for determining metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants in fish bile: A review

The determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites in bile can serve as a tool for assessing environmental PAH exposure in fish. Biliary PAH metabolite levels can be measured using several analytical methods, including simple fluorescence assays (fixed fluorescence detection or synchronous fluorescence spectrometry); high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-F); gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after deconjugation, extraction and derivatization of the bile sample, and finally by advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) methods. The method alternatives are highly different both with regard to their analytical performance towards different PAH metabolite structures as well as in general technical demands and their suitability for different monitoring strategies. In the present review, the state-of-the-art for these different analytical methods is presented and the advantages and limitations of each approach as well as aspects related to analytical quality control and inter-laboratory comparability of data and availability of certified reference materials are discussed.

Analysis of phenanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene tetraol enantiomers in human urine: relevance to the bay region diol epoxide hypothesis of benzo[a]pyrene carcinogenesis and to biomarker studies

One widely accepted metabolic activation pathway of the prototypic carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) proceeds through the "bay region diol epoxide" BaP-(7R,8S)-diol-(9S,10R)-epoxide (2). However, few studies have addressed the analysis of human urinary metabolites of BaP, which result from this pathway. Phenanthrene (Phe) is structurally related to BaP, but human exposure to Phe is far greater, and its metabolites can be readily detected in urine. Thus, Phe metabolites have been proposed as biomarkers of PAH exposure and metabolic activation. Phe-tetraols in particular could be biomarkers of the diol epoxide pathway. While BaP-tetraols and Phe-tetraols have been previously quantified in human urine, no published studies have determined their enantiomeric composition. This is important because different enantiomers would result from the bay region diol epoxide and "reverse" diol epoxide pathways, the latter being associated with weak mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. We addressed this problem using chiral HPLC to separate the enantiomers of BaP-7,8,9,10-tetraol and Phe-1,2,3,4-tetraol. Urine samples from smokers were subjected to solid-phase extraction, chiral HPLC, and GC-NICI-MS/MS analysis for silylated Phe-1,2,3,4-tetraols. The results demonstrated that >96% of Phe-1,2,3,4-tetraol in smokers' urine was Phe-(1S,2R,3S,4R)-tetraol (12), resulting from the "reverse" diol epoxide pathway, whereas less than 4% resulted from the "bay region diol epoxide" pathway of Phe metabolism. Urine from creosote workers was similarly analyzed for BaP-7,8,9,10-tetraol enantiomers. In contrast to the results of the Phe-tetraol analyses, 78% of BaP-7,8,9,10-tetraol in these human urine samples was BaP-(7R,8S,9R,10S)-tetraol (3) resulting from the "bay region diol epoxide" pathway of BaP metabolism. These results provide further support for the bay region diol epoxide pathway of BaP metabolism in humans and demonstrate differences in BaP and Phe metabolism, which may be important when considering Phe-tetraols as biomarkers of PAH metabolic activation.

Analysis of phenanthrene diol epoxide mercapturic acid detoxification products in human urine: relevance to molecular epidemiology studies of glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms

Many studies have investigated the effects of glutathione S-transferase (GST) polymorphisms on cancer incidence in people exposed to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The basis for this is that the carcinogenic bay region diol epoxide metabolites of several PAH are detoxified by GSTs in in vitro studies. However, there are no reports in the literature on the identification in urine of the mercapturic acid metabolites that would result from this process in humans. We addressed this by developing a method for quantitation in human urine of mercapturic acids which would be formed from angular ring diol epoxides of phenanthrene (Phe), the simplest PAH with a bay region, and a common environmental pollutant. We prepared standard mercapturic acids by reactions of syn- or anti-Phe-1,2-diol-3,4-epoxide and syn- or anti-Phe-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide with N-acetylcysteine. Analysis of human urine conclusively demonstrated that the only detectable mercapturic acid of this type--N-acetyl-S-(r-4,t-2,3-trihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-c/t-1-phenanthryl)-L-cysteine (anti-PheDE-1-NAC)--was derived from the 'reverse diol epoxide', anti-Phe-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide, and not from the bay region diol epoxides, syn- or anti-Phe-1,2-diol-3,4-epoxide. Levels of anti-PheDE-1-NAC in the urine of 36 smokers were (mean +/- SD) 728 +/- 859 fmol/ml urine. The results of this study provide the first evidence for a mercapturic acid of a PAH diol epoxide in human urine, but it was not derived from a bay region diol epoxide as molecular epidemiologic studies have presumed, but rather from a reverse diol epoxide, representative of metabolites with little if any carcinogenic activity. These results demonstrate the need for integration of genotyping and phenotyping information in molecular epidemiology studies.

New biomarkers of occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are metabolized in a complex manner. Although biological activity is associated with diol-epoxide formation, phenolic metabolites have predominantly been used in human biomonitoring. In this study monohydroxylated and new metabolites were characterized as biomarkers for occupational PAH exposure. In 97 male workers, personal exposure to 16 airborne PAH compounds was measured during shift. In postshift urine, 1-hydroxypyrene and 1,6- and 1,8-dihydroxypyrene (1-OHP, DiOHP) were determined as metabolites of pyrene (P), and the sum of 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 9-hydroxyphenanthrenes (OHPHE), and PHE-dihydrodiols (PHED) as metabolites of phenanthrene (PHE). The referent group comprised 21 nonsmoking construction workers. Median (interquartile range) shift concentrations of airborne P and PHE were 1.46 (0.62-4.05 microg/m(3)) and 10.9 (3.69-23.77 microg/m(3)), respectively. The corresponding parameters were 3.86 (2.08-7.44) microg/g creatinine (crn) for 1-OHP, 0.66 (0.17-1.65) microg/g crn for DiOHP, 11.44 (5.21-34.76) microg/g crn for OHPHE, and 12.28 (3.3-97.76) microg/g crn for PHED in PAH-exposed workers. The median levels of 1-OHP and OHPHE were 0.09 (0.08-0.17 microg/m(3)) and 0.59 (0.45-1.39 microg/m(3)), respectively, in the referents. PHE correlated significantly with OHPHE and PHED, and P with 1-OHP but not with DiOHP. Under a doubling of PHE, OHPHE increased by a factor of 1.56 and PHED by 1.57. With a doubling of P, 1-OHP rose by 1.31 and DiOHP by 1.27. P is predominantly metabolized into 1-OHP, whereas PHE is metabolized equally into OHPHE and PHED. Thus metabolites of PHE were found as reliable biomarkers for PAH exposure.

Effect of delivered dosage of cigarette smoke toxins on the levels of urinary biomarkers of exposure

Urinary metabolites of tobacco smoke toxins are often used as biomarkers for the evaluation of active and passive exposure to cigarette smoke toxins. In a study of healthy smokers, we investigated concentrations of urinary biomarkers in relation to concentrations of selected toxins in mainstream cigarette smoke as determined by machine smoking of cigarettes in a manner that mimics an individual's smoking behavior (topography). Concentrations of nicotine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, and benzo(a)pyrene, in mainstream smoke determined under human smoking conditions, and their urinary metabolites cotinine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol, and 1-hydroxypyrene were established for 257 individuals who smoked low-yield (0.1-0.8 mg Federal Trade Commission nicotine/cigarette; mean, 0.66; n = 87), medium-yield (0.9-1.2 mg nicotine/cigarette; mean, 1.1; n = 109), and high-yield cigarettes (nicotine, >1.3 mg nicotine/cigarette; mean, 1.41; n = 61). Levels of urinary metabolites expressed per unit of delivered parent compounds decreased with increased smoke emissions. In smokers of low-, medium-, and high-yield cigarettes, the respective cotinine (ng/mg creatinine)-to-nicotine (mg/d) ratios were 89.4, 77.8, and 57.1 (low versus high; P = 0.06); the 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (pmol/mg creatinine)-to-4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (ng/d) ratios were 0.81, 0.55, and 0.57 (low versus high; P = 0.05); and the 1-hydroxypyrene (pg/mg creatinine)-to-benzo(a)pyrene (ng/d) ratios were 1.55, 1.13, and 0.97 (low versus high; P = 0.008). Similarly, means of cotinine per unit of delivered nicotine in smokers who consumed <20 cigarettes per day was 3.5-fold higher than in those who smoked >20 cigarettes per day. Likewise, a negative correlation was observed between cotinine-to-nicotine ratios and delivered doses of nicotine in subgroups of smokers who used the identical brand of cigarette, namely a filter tip-vented Marlboro (r = -0.59), which is a popular brand among Euro-Americans, and Newport (r = -0.37), a menthol-flavored cigarette without filter tip vents that is preferred by African-Americans. Thus, the intensity of the exposures significantly affects the levels of urinary biomarkers of exposure and should be taken into account in the evaluation of human exposure to cigarette smoke toxins.

Metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene in human bronchoalveolar H358 cells using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Benzo[ a]pyrene (B[ a]P), a representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is metabolically activated by three enzymatic pathways: by peroxidases (e.g., cytochrome P450 peroxidase) to yield radical cations, by P4501A1/1B1 monooxygenation and epoxide hydrolase to yield diol epoxides, and by P4501A1/1B1 monooxygenation, epoxide hydrolase, and aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) to yield o-quinones. In humans, a major exposure site for environmental and tobacco smoke PAH is the lung; however, the profile of B[ a]P metabolites formed at this site has not been well characterized. In this study, human bronchoalveolar H358 cells were exposed to B[ a]P, and metabolites generated by peroxidase (B[ a]P-1,6- and B[ a]P-3,6-diones), from cytochrome P4501A1/1B1 monooxygenation [3-hydroxy-B[ a]P, B[ a]P-7,8- and 9,10- trans-dihydrodiols, and B[ a]P- r-7, t-8, t-9, c-10-tetrahydrotetrol (B[ a]P-tetraol-1)], and from AKRs (B[ a]P-7,8-dione) were detected and quantified by RP-HPLC, with in-line photo-diode array and radiometric detection, and identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Progress curves showed a lag phase in the formation of 3-hydroxy-B[ a]P, B[ a]P-7,8- trans-dihydrodiol, B[ a]P-tetraol-1, and B[ a]P-7,8-dione over 24 h. Northern blot analysis showed that B[ a]P induced P4501B1 and AKR1C isoforms in H358 cells in a time-dependent manner, providing an explanation for the lag phase. Pretreatment of H358 cells with 10 nM 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) eliminated this lag phase but did not alter the levels of the individual metabolites observed, suggesting that both B[ a]P and TCDD induction ultimately yield the same B[ a]P metabolic profile. The one exception was B[ a]P-3,6-dione which was formed without a lag phase in the absence and presence of TCDD, suggesting that the peroxidase responsible for its formation was neither P4501A1 nor 1B1. Candidate peroxidases that remain include PGH synthases and uninduced P450 isoforms. This study shows that the P4501A1/1B1 and AKR pathways are inducible in human lung cells and that the peroxidase pathway was not. It also provides evidence that each of the pathways of PAH activation yields their distinctive metabolites in H358 human lung cells and that each pathway may contribute to the carcinogenic process.

Quantitation of N-acetyl-S-(9,10-dihydro-9-hydroxy-10-phenanthryl)-L-cysteine in human urine: comparison with glutathione-S-transferase genotypes in smokers

There are major interindividual differences in carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolism in humans, and it has been hypothesized that these differences may be related to cancer risk in smokers and other exposed people. One important pathway of PAH metabolism involves the detoxification of the epoxide and diol epoxide metabolites by reaction with glutathione, catalyzed by glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs). Interindividual differences in these pathways have been examined by genotyping methods, investigating polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTP1. We are developing a phenotyping approach to assessing individual differences in PAH metabolism by quantifying human urinary metabolites of the ubiquitous PAH phenanthrene (1). In this study, we developed a method for quantitation of a mercapturic acid, N-acetyl-S-(9,10-dihydro-9-hydroxy-10-phenanthryl)-l-cysteine (PheO-NAC, 12), the end product of the reaction of phenanthrene-9,10-epoxide (11) with glutathione. [D(10)]PheO-NAC was added to the urine as internal standard, and the PheO-NAC fraction was enriched by solid-phase extraction. PheO-NAC was quantified by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with selected reaction monitoring. The detection limit was approximately 4 fmol/mL of urine. PheO-NAC was detected in the urine of 46 of 104 smokers, mean (S.D.) 57.9 +/- 144 fmol/mL. PheO-NAC was detected significantly more frequently (P < 0.0001) in subjects who were GSTM1 positive than in those who were GSTM1 null, and the levels of PheO-NAC were significantly higher in the GSTM1 positive subjects, consistent with a role for GSTM1 in the detoxification of phenanthrene-9,10-epoxide. There were no significant relationships between PheO-NAC levels and the occurrence of two GSTP1 polymorphisms. The results of this study provide the first evidence for a PAH-derived mercapturic acid in human urine and should be useful in the development of a phenotyping approach to assess individual differences in PAH metabolism.

Longitudinal study of urinary phenanthrene metabolite ratios: effect of smoking on the diol epoxide pathway

We have proposed that urinary phenanthrene metabolites could be used in a carcinogen metabolite phenotyping approach to identify individuals who may be susceptible to cancer induction by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In support of this proposal, we have developed methods for quantitation of r-1,t-2,3,c-4-tetrahydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene (PheT) and phenanthrols (HOPhe) in human urine. PheT is the end product of the diol epoxide metabolic activation pathway of PAH, whereas HOPhe are considered as detoxification products. In this study, we investigated the longitudinal consistency of these metabolites over time in smokers and nonsmokers and compared their levels. Twelve smokers and 10 nonsmokers provided urine samples daily for 7 days, then weekly for 6 weeks. Levels of PheT, HOPhe, and PheT/HOPhe ratios were relatively constant in most individuals, with mean coefficients of variation ranging from 29.3% to 45.7%. There were no significant changes over time in levels of the metabolites or in ratios. These results indicate that a single urine sample should be sufficient when comparing phenanthrene metabolites in different groups. PheT/HOPhe ratios were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, showing that smoking induces the diol epoxide metabolic activation pathway of phenanthrene. This finding is consistent with previous studies indicating that inducibility of PAH metabolism contributes to cancer risk in smokers.

Biomonitoring of inhaled complex mixtures--ambient air, diesel exhaust and cigarette smoke

Human biomonitoring comprises the determination of biomarkers in body-fluids, cells and tissues. Biomarkers are generally assigned to one of three classes, namely, biomarkers of exposure, effect or susceptibility. Since biomarkers represent steps in an exposure-disease continuum, their application in epidemiological studies ('molecular epidemiology') shows promise. However, to be a predictor of disease, a biomarker has to be validated. Validation criteria for a biomarker include intrinsic qualities such as specificity, sensitivity, knowledge of background in the population, existence of dose-response relationships, degree of inter- and intra-individual variability, knowledge of the kinetics, confounding and modifying factors. In addition, properties of the sampling and analytical procedures are of relevance, including constraints and non-invasiveness of sampling, stability of sample as well as simplicity, high sensitivity, specificity and speed of the analytical method. It is of particular importance to prove by suitable studies that the biomarker of exposure indicates the actual exposure, the biomarker of effect strongly predicts the actual risk of disease and the biomarker of susceptibility actually modifies the risk. Biomonitoring of the exposure to complex mixtures such as polluted ambient air, diesel exhaust or tobacco smoke is a particular challenge since these exposures have many constituents in common and many people were exposed to more than one of these mixtures. Data on the exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and benzene from ambient air, diesel exhaust and tobacco smoke will be presented. In addition, some source-specific biomarkers such as nitro-arenes and nicotine metabolites as well as their application in population groups will be discussed. The second part of the presentation addresses the application of biomarkers for assessing so called 'potentially reduced exposure products' (PREPs). According to a recent report of the Institute of Medicine (USA), "reducing risk of disease by reducing exposure to tobacco toxicants is feasible" and "surrogate biological markers that are associated with tobacco-related diseases could be used to offer guidance as to whether or not PREPs are likely to be risk-reducing." In general, the same validation criteria apply as discussed above. In addition, it is suggested that a panel of biomarkers should be used, representing both smoke phases (gas and particulate phase) and the various chemical classes of smoke constituents (e.g., carbonyls, benzene, PAH, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, aromatic amines). Also, a panel of biomarkers of effect should cover the major known adverse effects of smoking (e.g., oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, lipid peroxidation, lipometabolic disorders, mutagenic effects). Biomarkers of nicotine and carbon monoxide uptake are of interest for evaluating the smoking and inhalation behavior, respectively. Finally, suitable study designs for evaluating PREPs are discussed. It is concluded that suitable biomarkers for assessing the exposure to complex mixtures such as ambient air, diesel exhaust and tobacco smoke as well as for evaluating the exposure-reducing properties of PREPs are already available. Future efforts should focus on the development and validation of biomarkers of effect.

Determination of benzo[a]pyrene tetrols by column-switching capillary liquid chromatography with fluorescence and micro-electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection

The present work displays capillary liquid chromatographic column switching methodology tailored for determination of benzo[a]pyrene tetrol isomers in biological matrices using on-line fluorescence and micro-electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection. A well-established off-line crude solid phase extraction procedure was used in order to make the method compatible with several biological matrices. The solid phase extraction eluates were evaporated to dryness, redissolved in 1.0 ml methanol:water (10:90, v/v), loaded onto a 0.32 mm I.D. x 40 mm 5 microm Kromasil C(18) pre-column for analyte enrichment and back-flushed elution onto a 0.30 mm I.D. x 150 mm 3.5 microm Kromasil C(18) analytical column. The samples were loaded with a flow rate of 50 microl min(-1) and the tetrols were separated at a flow rate of 4 microl min(-1) with an acetonitrile:10 mM ammonium acetate gradient from 10 to 90%. A sample loading flow rate up to 50 microl min(-1) was allowed. The fluorescence excitation and emission were set to 342 and 385 nm, respectively, while mass spectrometric detection of the benzo[a]pyrene tetrols was obtained by monitoring their [M - H](-) molecular ions at m/z 319. The method was validated over the concentration range 0.1-50 ng ml(-1) benzo[a]pyrene tetrols in a cell culture medium with 100 microl injection volume, fluorescence detection and the first eluting tetrol isomer as model compound, resulting in a correlation coefficient of 0.993. The within-assay (n= 6) and between-assay (n= 6) precisions were determined to 2.6-8.6% and 3.8-9.6%, respectively, and the recoveries were determined to 97.9-102.4% within the investigated concentration range. The mass limit of detection (by fluorescence) was 3 pg for all the tetrol isomers, corresponding to a concentration limit of detection of 30 pg ml(-1) cell culture medium. The corresponding mass spectrometric mass limits of detection were 4-10 pg, corresponding to concentration limits of detection of 40-100 pg ml(-1) cell culture medium.

Analysis of Phenanthrols in Human Urine by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: Potential Use in Carcinogen Metabolite Phenotyping

Phenanthrene is the simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) containing a bay region, a feature closely associated with carcinogenicity. We have proposed that measurement of phenanthrene metabolites in human urine could be used to identify interindividual differences in metabolic activation and detoxification of PAH, and that these differences may be related to cancer susceptibility in smokers and other exposed individuals. Previously, we reported a method for quantitation of r-1,t-2,3,c-4-tetrahydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene (trans, anti-PheT) in human urine. trans, anti-PheT is the ultimate product of the diol epoxide metabolic activation pathway of phenanthrene. In this study, we have extended our carcinogen metabolite phenotyping approach by developing a method for quantitation of phenanthrols in human urine. PAH phenols such as phenanthrols are considered as detoxification products. After treatment of the urine by β-glucuronidase and arylsulfatase, a fraction enriched in phenanthrols was prepared by partitioning and solid phase extraction. The phenanthrols were silylated and analyzed by gas chromatography-positive ion chemical ionization-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. [ring-13C6]3-phenanthrol was used as an internal standard. Accurate and reproducible quantitation of four phenanthrols, 1-phenanthrol (1-HOPhe), 2-HOPhe, 3-HOPhe, and 4-HOPhe, was readily achieved. In smokers, mean levels of 1-HOPhe (0.96 ± 1.2 pmol/mg creatinine) and 3-HOPhe (0.82 ± 0.62 pmol/mg creatinine) were greater than those of 2-HOPhe (0.47 ± 0.29 pmol/mg creatinine), and 4-HOPhe (0.11 ± 0.07 pmol/mg creatinine). There were no significant differences between the levels of any of the phenanthrols in smokers and nonsmokers. Total levels of the quantified phenanthrols were highly correlated with those of 3-HOPhe. Ratios of phenanthrene metabolites representing activation and detoxification were calculated as trans, anti-PheT divided by 3-HOPhe. There was a 7.5-fold spread of ratios in smokers, and a 12.3-fold spread in nonsmokers, suggesting that this may be a useful parameter for distinguishing individual metabolic responses to PAH exposure.

Tobacco carcinogens, their biomarkers and tobacco-induced cancer

The devastating link between tobacco products and human cancers results from a powerful alliance of two factors - nicotine and carcinogens. Without either one of these, tobacco would be just another commodity, instead of being the single greatest cause of death due to preventable cancer. Nicotine is addictive and toxic, but it is not carcinogenic. This addiction, however, causes people to use tobacco products continually, and these products contain many carcinogens. What are the mechanisms by which this deadly combination leads to 30% of cancer-related deaths in developed countries, and how can carcinogen biomarkers help to reveal these mechanisms?

Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human urine

Measurement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) metabolites in human urine is the method of choice to determine occupational and/or environmental exposure of an individual to PAH, in particular, when multiple routes of exposure have to be taken into account. Requirements for methods of biomonitoring PAH metabolites in urine are presented. Studies using 1-hydroxypyrene or phenanthrene metabolites including its phenols and dihydrodiols are summarized. The role of these PAH metabolites as established biomarkers and also more recent developments of PAH biomonitoring are discussed.

Cigarette smoking and lung cancer: chemical mechanisms and approaches to prevention

Much is now known about the carcinogens in cigarette smoke, their conversion to forms that react with DNA, and the miscoding properties of the resulting DNA adducts that cause the many genetic changes known to exist in human lung cancer. The chronic exposure of pulmonary DNA to a multitude of metabolically activated carcinogens is consistent with our current understanding of cancer as a disease resulting from many changes in key genes regulating growth. This review illustrates how this solid foundation of knowledge can be used to find new ways to prevent lung cancer. Three prevention-related topics are discussed: human uptake of tobacco carcinogens as a way of assessing risk and investigating mechanisms; individual differences in the metabolic activation and detoxification of carcinogens, which may relate to cancer susceptibility; and chemoprevention of lung cancer in smokers and ex-smokers. These new approaches are necessary as adjuncts to education and cessation efforts, which despite some success have not eliminated tobacco smoking.

Human urinary carcinogen metabolites: biomarkers for investigating tobacco and cancer

Measurement of human urinary carcinogen metabolites is a practical approach for obtaining important information about tobacco and cancer. This review presents currently available methods and evaluates their utility. Carcinogens and their metabolites and related compounds that have been quantified in the urine of smokers or non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) include trans,trans-muconic acid (tt-MA) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (metabolites of benzene), 1- and 2-naphthol, hydroxyphenanthrenes and phenanthrene dihydrodiols, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP), metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene, aromatic amines and heterocyclic aromatic amines, N-nitrosoproline, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and its glucuronides (NNAL and NNAL-Gluc), 8-oxodeoxyguanosine, thioethers, mercapturic acids, and alkyladenines. Nitrosamines and their metabolites have also been quantified in the urine of smokeless tobacco users. The utility of these assays to provide information about carcinogen dose, delineation of exposed vs. non-exposed individuals, and carcinogen metabolism in humans is discussed. NNAL and NNAL-Gluc are exceptionally useful biomarkers because they are derived from a carcinogen- 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)- that is specific to tobacco products. The NNAL assay has high sensitivity and specificity, which are particularly important for studies on ETS exposure. Other useful assays that have been widely applied involve quantitation of 1-HOP and tt-MA. Urinary carcinogen metabolite biomarkers will be critical components of future studies on tobacco and human cancer, particularly with respect to new tobacco products and strategies for harm reduction, the role of metabolic polymorphisms in cancer, and further evaluation of human carcinogen exposure from ETS.

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.

Product ion studies of diastereomeric benzo[ghi]fluoranthene tetraols by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and post-source decay

The product ion formation characteristics of the four diastereomeric tetrahydroxy benzo[ghi]fluoranthene compounds formed by hydrolysis of the syn and anti diastereomers of trans-3,4-dihydroxy-5,5a-epoxy-3,4,5,5a-tetrahydrobenzo[ghi]fluoranthene are studied using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and post-source decay (PSD) to determine a correlation between the fragmentation characteristics of these tetraols and the structures of the diol-epoxide diastereomers from which they are hydrolyzed. The tetraols formed by the trans ring opening of the diol epoxides during hydrolysis yield product ion spectra specific for the syn and anti configurations of their precursor diol epoxides. All four diastereomeric tetraols form product ions by the losses of one and/or two water molecules in varying proportions when lithium-cationized molecule ions (m/z 301) are selected for PSD product ion analysis. The differences in the PSD spectra of these four Li+-cationized molecules are rationalized in terms of a water loss mechanism that involves the 1,2 elimination of a hydrogen atom and hydroxyl group that are cis with respect to each other on adjacent carbons.

Current awareness

In order to keep subscribers up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of mass spectrometry. Each bibliography is divided into 11 sections: 1 Books, Reviews & Symposia; 2 Instrumental Techniques & Methods; 3 Gas Phase Ion Chemistry; 4 Biology/Biochemistry: Amino Acids, Peptides & Proteins; Carbohydrates; Lipids; Nucleic Acids; 5 Pharmacology/Toxicology; 6 Natural Products; 7 Analysis of Organic Compounds; 8 Analysis of Inorganics/Organometallics; 9 Surface Analysis; 10 Environmental Analysis; 11 Elemental Analysis. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author (6 Weeks journals - Search completed at 7th. June 2000)