Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of Organic Pollution in Urban Water: A Current Mini Review

The number of pollutants and chemicals with the potential to reach the environment is still largely unknown, which poses great challenges for researchers in various fields of science, environmental scientists, and analytical chemists. Chromatographic techniques, both gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with different types of detection, are now invaluable tools for the identification of a wide range of chemical compounds and contaminants in water. This review is devoted to chromatographic techniques GC-MS, GC-Orbitrap-MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-HRMS, GC × GC-TOFMS, GC-ECD, LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV, HPLC-PDA, UPLC-QTOFMS, used to determinate emerging organic contaminants in aquatic media, mainly in urban water, published in the scientific literature over the past several years. The article also focuses on sample preparation methods used in the analysis of aqueous samples. Most research focuses on minimizing the number of sample preparation steps, reducing the amount of solvents used, the speed of analysis, and the ability to apply it to a wide range of analytes in a sample. This is extremely important in the application of sensitive and selective methods to monitor the status of urban water quality and assess its impact on human health.

Integrated metabolomics and proteomics analysis of plasma lipid metabolism in Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Metabolomics and proteomics are two growing fields of science which may shed light on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Studies focusing on these aspects can reveal specific metabolites and proteins that can halt or reverse the progressive neurodegenerative process leading to dopaminergic cell death in the brain.

AREAS COVERED

In this article, an overview of the current status of metabolomic and proteomic profiling in the neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson's disease (PD) is presented. We discuss the importance of state-of-the-art metabolomics and proteomics using advanced analytical methodologies and their potential for discovering new biomarkers in PD. We critically review the research to date, highlighting how metabolomics and proteomics can have an important impact on early disease diagnosis, future therapy development and the identification of new biomarkers. Finally, we will discuss interactions between lipids and α-synuclein (SNCA) and also consider the role of SNCA in lipid metabolism.

EXPERT OPINION

Metabolomic and proteomic studies contribute to understanding the biological basis of PD pathogenesis, identifying potential biomarkers and introducing new therapeutic strategies. The complexity and multifactorial nature of this disease requires a comprehensive approach, which can be achieved by integrating just these two omic studies.

Determination of modified nucleosides in the urine of children with autism spectrum disorder

Metabolic disorders and nutritional deficiencies in ASD children may be identified by the determination of urinary-modified compounds. In this study, levels of selected seven modified compounds: O-methylguanosine, 7-methylguanosine, 1-methyladenosine, 1-methylguanine, 7-methylguanine, 3-methyladenine, and 8-hydroxy-2`-deoxyguanosine in the group of 143 ASD children and 68 neurotypical controls were analyzed. An ancillary aim was to verify if the reported levels differed depending on the pathogenetic scoring of ASD (mild deficit, moderate deficit, severe deficit). Elevated O-methylguanosine and 7-methylguanosine levels and significantly lower levels of 3-methyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methyladenosine, 7-methylguanine, and 8-hydroxy-'2'-deoxyguanosine were observed in ASD children compared to controls. O-methylguanosine levels were elevated in the mild and moderate groups, while the levels of 1-methylguanine, 1-methyladenosine, 7-methylguanine, and 8-hydroxy-'2'-deoxyguanosine in the same groups were lower than in neurotypical controls. The reported evidence shows that modified nucleosides/bases can play a potential role in the pathophysiology of ASD and that each nucleoside/base shows a unique pattern depending on the degree of the deficit.

Relationship between Excreted Uremic Toxins and Degree of Disorder of Children with ASD

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder in which communication and behavior are affected. A number of studies have investigated potential biomarkers, including uremic toxins. The aim of our study was to determine uremic toxins in the urine of children with ASD (143) and compare the results with healthy children (48). Uremic toxins were determined with a validated high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. We observed higher levels of p-cresyl sulphate (pCS) and indoxyl sulphate (IS) in the ASD group compared to the controls. Moreover, the toxin levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were lower in ASD patients. Similarly, for pCS and IS in children classified, according to the intensity of their symptoms, into mild, moderate, and severe, elevated levels of these compounds were observed. For mild severity of the disorder, elevated levels of TMAO and comparable levels of SDMA and ADMA for ASD children as compared to the controls were observed in the urine. For moderate severity of ASD, significantly elevated levels of TMAO but reduced levels of SDMA and ADMA were observed in the urine of ASD children as compared to the controls. When the results obtained for severe ASD severity were considered, reduced levels of TMAO and comparable levels of SDMA and ADMA were observed in ASD children.

Plasma Metabolic Disturbances in Parkinson's Disease Patients

Plasma from patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is a valuable source of information indicating altered metabolites associated with the risk or progression of the disease. Neurotoxicity of dopaminergic neurons, which is triggered by aggregation of α-synuclein, is the main pathogenic feature of PD. However, a growing body of scientific reports indicates that metabolic changes may precede and directly contribute to neurodegeneration. Identification and characterization of the abnormal metabolic pattern in patients' plasma are therefore crucial for the search for potential PD biomarkers. The aims of the present study were (1) to identify metabolic alterations in plasma metabolome in subjects with PD as compared with the controls; (2) to find new potential markers, some correlations among them; (3) to identify metabolic pathways relevant to the pathophysiology of PD. Plasma samples from patients with PD (n = 25) and control group (n = 12) were collected and the gas chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry GC-TOFMS-based metabolomics approach was used to evaluate the metabolic changes based on the identified 14 metabolites with significantly altered levels using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. The panel, including 6 metabolites (L-3-methoxytyrosine, aconitic acid, L-methionine, 13-docosenamide, hippuric acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid), was identified to discriminate PD from controls with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.975, with an accuracy of 92%. We also used statistical criteria to identify the significantly altered level of metabolites. The metabolic pathways involved were associated with linoleic acid metabolism, mitochondrial electron transport chain, glycerolipid metabolism, and bile acid biosynthesis. These abnormal metabolic changes in the plasma of patients with PD were mainly related to the amino acid metabolism, TCA cycle metabolism, and mitochondrial function.

Effect of Supplementation on Levels of Homovanilic and Vanillylmandelic Acids in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by numerous comorbidities, including various metabolic and nutritional abnormalities. In many children with ASD, problems with proper nutrition can often lead to inadequate nutrient intake and some disturbances in metabolic profiles, which subsequently correlate with impaired neurobehavioural function. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the relationship between supplementation, levels of homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and the behaviour of children with ASD using quantitative urinary acid determination and questionnaires provided by parents/caregivers. The study was carried out on 129 children between 3 and 18 years of age. HVA and VMA were extracted and derivatized from urinary samples and simultaneously analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, parents/caregivers of children with ASD were asked to complete questionnaires containing information about their diet and intake/non-intake of supplements. The application of the Mann–Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference between the level of HVA and vitamin B supplementation (p = 1.64 × 10⁻²) and also omega-6 fatty acids supplementation and the levels of HVA (p = 1.50 × 10⁻³) and VMA (p = 2.50 × 10⁻³). In some children, a reduction in the severity of autistic symptoms (better response to own name or better reaction to change) was also observed. These results suggest that supplementation affects the levels of HVA and VMA and might also affect the children’s behaviour. Further research on these metabolites and the effects of supplementation on their levels, as well as the effects on the behaviour and physical symptoms among children with ASD is needed.

Nutritional aspects in Parkinson's disease

The links between diet and Parkinson's disease (PD) are unclear and incomprehensible. However, numerous studies have demonstrated the correlation between diet, nutrients and health condition in PD patients. They indicate the possibility of management of the disease, which might be possible through nutrition. Pharmaceutical treatment as well as a complementary holistic approach to the patients should be considered. It is of critical importance to understand how the diet and nutrients might influence PD. A better understanding of the relationship between diet and PD could help to better manage the disease explain promising therapeutic approaches, minimize motor and nonmotor symptoms and disease progression based on a personalized diet. In this review, the recent literature on the observed nutrition disorders and the possible role of diet and nutrients in the prevention and potential regression of PD, as well as dietary interventions and supplementation used to manage the disease is revised.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on the Serum Metabolites Profile at the Early Stage of Breast Cancer in Rats

The cytotoxic properties of zinc nanoparticles have been evaluated in vitro against several types of cancer. However, there is a lack of significant evidence of their activity in vivo, and a potential therapeutic application remains limited. Herein we report the effective inhibition of tumor growth by zinc nanoparticles in vivo, as the effect of the dietary intervention, after the chemical induction in a rodent model of breast cancer. Biopsy images indicated grade 1 tumors with multiple inflammatory infiltrates in the group treated with zinc nanoparticles, whereas, in the other groups, a moderately differentiated grade 2 adenocarcinoma was identified. Moreover, after the supplementation with zinc nanoparticles, the levels of several metabolites associated with cancer metabolism, important to its survival, were found to have been altered. We also revealed that the biological activity of zinc in vivo depends on the size of applied particles, as the treatment with zinc microparticles has not had much effect on cancer progression.

Oxidative Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorder

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of July 11, 2016, the reported average incidence of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was 1 in 68 (1.46%) among 8-year-old children born in 2004 and living within the 11 monitoring sites' surveillance areas in the United States of America (USA) in 2012. ASD is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental disorder that is also considered a hidden disability, as, for the most part; there are no apparent morphological differences between children with ASD and typically developing children. ASD is diagnosed based upon a triad of features including impairment in socialization, impairment in language, and repetitive and stereotypic behaviors. The increasing incidence of ASD in the pediatric population and the lack of successful curative therapies make ASD one of the most challenging disorders for medicine. ASD neurobiology is thought to be associated with oxidative stress, as shown by increased levels of reactive oxygen species and increased lipid peroxidation, as well as an increase in other indicators of oxidative stress. Children with ASD diagnosis are considered more vulnerable to oxidative stress because of their imbalance in intracellular and extracellular glutathione levels and decreased glutathione reserve capacity. Several studies have suggested that the redox imbalance and oxidative stress are integral parts of ASD pathophysiology. As such, early assessment and treatment of antioxidant status may result in a better prognosis as it could decrease the oxidative stress in the brain before it can induce more irreversible brain damage. In this review, many aspects of the role of oxidative stress in ASD are discussed, taking into account that the process of oxidative stress may be a target for therapeutic interventions.

Analytical Interpretation of Organic Residues From Ceramics As a Source of Knowledge About Our Ancestors

Food ingredients which were prepared or stored in the archeological ceramics are the most frequently used in the study of ceramic vessels with the use of various types of gas chromatographic methods. These include lipids which contain fatty acids and compounds characteristic of various types of food known as archeological biomarkers. The paper shows how the lipid profile analysis and its interpretation can be helpful to explain the source of organic substances preserved in archeological ceramic vessels. The presence of characteristic sterols discriminates between plant (phytosterols) and animal (zoosterols) residues. Based on the calculated proportions of selected fatty acids, the animal residues can be precisely identified as originating from fish, ruminants or monogastric animals. Many authors have created their own methods of interpretation and conclusion, which makes it possible to sort out all the information gathered about the historical purpose of clay vessels. Due to the fact that the presented research still raises some doubts and questions, it is important for the interpretation of the results of chemical analysis to be considered in the archeological context. The ability to properly explain the meaning of the results of analyses is crucial for a better understanding of the life and customs of our ancestors.

How important is tryptophan in human health?

Tryptophan (Trp) is an amino acid and an essential component of the human diet. It plays a crucial role in many metabolic functions. Clinicians can use Trp levels in the course of diagnosing various metabolic disorders and the symptoms associated with those diseases. Furthermore, supplementation with this amino acid is considered in the treatment of depression and sleep disorders, mainly due to the Trp relationship with the synthesis of serotonin (5-HT) and melatonin. It is also used in helping to resolve cognitive disorders, anxiety, or neurodegenerative diseases. Reduced secretion of serotonin is associated with autism spectrum disorder, obesity, anorexia and bulimia nervosa, and other diseases presenting peripherals symptoms. The literature strongly suggests that Trp has a significant role in the correct functionality of the brain-gut axis and immunology. This information leads to the consideration of Trp as an essential dietary component due to its role in the serotonin pathway. A reduced availability of Trp in diet and nutraceutical supplementation should be considered with greater concern than one might expect. This paper constitutes a review of the more salient aspects gleaned from the current knowledge base about the role of Trp in diseases, associated nutritional disorders, and food science, in general.