Determination of d- and l-aspartate in cell culturing medium,within cells of MPT1 cell line and in rat blood by a column-switching high-performance liquid chromatographic method

HPLC fluorometric methods have been used to analyze trace amounts of d-amino acids in biological samples. In this study, we established an expedient column-switching fluorometric HPLC system that would improve the analysis of d-amino acids, in particular d-aspartate (Asp). Our system consists of the fluorogenic derivatization of amino acids with NBD-F and two chromatographic steps, one that separates individual amino acids in reverse phase mode and another that separates the chiral forms of each amino acid in normal-phase mode. The two separation steps are linked through a trapping column by an automated column-switching system. In addition, sample preparation is simplified and improved, where trichloroacetic acid is used for deproteinization, and borate buffer, pH 9.5 is employed for the fluorescent derivatization. The detection limit for d-Asp in culturing medium is 5 nM. The resulting peak heights correlated well with concentrations that ranged from 12.5 to 250 nM for both d- and l-Asp. The present method was applied to determine d- and l-Asp levels in cell culturing medium, and within cells of MPT1 cell line. The detected cellular levels of d- and l-Asp agree with those detected by our previous method. In addition, this method was used to measure d- and l-Asp levels in rat blood samples, and the results are consistent with the reported values.     

Rapid extraction of oxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid from biological samples using octadecylsilyl silica

A rapid procedure for the efficient extraction of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and hydroxy fatty acids from urine, plasma and tissue homogenates has been developed. Fractions containing these substances are acidified and passed through a column of octadecylsilyl silica, which retains oxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid. Phospholipids, proteins and very polar materials either are not retained or can be eluted with dilute aqueous ethanol. Nonpolar lipids and monohydroxy fatty acids are then eluted with petroleum ether or benzene. Subsequent elution of the column with methyl formate gives a fraction containing prostaglandins and thromboxanes which is much less contaminated with extraneous material than that obtained by conventional extraction of aqueous media with organic solvents. The methyl formate can be removed rapidly under a stream of nitrogen and the components of the sample purified directly by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). An improved method for the purification of prostaglandins and TXB₂ by HPLC on silica columns is reported.     

The effect of re-dissolution solvents and HPLC columns on the analysis of mycosporine-like amino acids in the eulittoral macroalgae <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prasiola crispa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Porphyra umbilicalis</Emphasis>

Many macroalgal species that are regularly exposed to high solar radiation such as the eulittoral green alga Prasiola crispa and the red alga Porphyra umbilicalis synthesize and accumulate high concentrations of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) as UV-sunscreen compounds. These substances are typically extracted with a widely used standard protocol following quantification by various high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. However, further preparation steps prior to HPLC analysis as well as different HPLC column types have not been systematically checked regarding separation quality and reproducibility. Therefore pure methanol, distilled water and HPLC eluent were evaluated as re-dissolution solvent for dried Prasiola and Porphyra extracts, which were subsequently analyzed on three reversed-phase C8 and C18 HPLC columns. The data indicate that distilled water and the HPLC eluent gave almost identical peak patterns and MAA contents on the C8 and C18 columns. In contrast, the application of the widely used methanol led to double peaks or even the loss of specific peaks as well as to a strong decline in total MAA amounts ranging from about 35% of the maximum in P. crispa to 80% of the maximum in P. umbilicalis. Consequently, methanol should be avoided as re-dissolution solvent for the HPLC sample preparation. An improved protocol for the MAA analysis in macroalgae in combination with a reliable C18 column is suggested.     

Simultaneous determination of byak-angelicin and oxypeucedanin hydrate in rat plasma by column-switching high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection

A simple and sensitive column-switching HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of two furocoumarin compounds, byak-angelicin and oxypeucedanin hydrate, which are the main components of hot water extract of Angelica dahurica root (AE), in rat plasma. Plasma sample was simply deproteinated with perchloric acid. After centrifugation, the supernatant was injected into a column-switching HPLC system consisting of a clean-up column (Symmetry Shield RP 8, 20×3.9 mm I.D.) and analytical column (Symmetry C₁₈, 75×4.6 mm I.D.) which were connected with a six-port switching valve. The flow-rate of the mobile phase (acetonitrile–water, 20:80) was maintained at 1 ml/min. Detection was carried out at wavelength 260 nm with a UV detector. The column temperature was maintained at 40°C. The calibration curves of byak-angelicin and oxypeucedanin hydrate were linear over the ranges 19.6 to 980 ng/ml (r²>0.997). The accuracy of these analytes was less than 4.4%. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations of byak-angelicin and oxypeucedanin hydrate were within 12.0% and 12.7%, respectively. The present method was applied for the analysis of plasma concentration from rats after administration of AE.     

Application of high-performance liquid chromatographic peptide purification to protein microsequencing by solid-phase Edman degradation

Peptide purification via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and solid-phase sequencing were integrated to form a system allowing the determination of complete sequence information on a microscale without the use of radiolabels or modified phenylisothiocyanate. Mixtures of peptides (500 pmol to 10 nmol) resulting from proteolytic digestion or chemical cleavage were applied directly to reverse-phase columns. The columns, equilibrated in either 10 mm KP_i or 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid, were then developed using acetonitrile gradients. Eluates were monitored nondestructively by direct ultraviolet detection at both 214 and 254 nm. Each peak was collected as a discrete fraction, and purity was assessed by amino acid analysis prior to covalent attachment to a solid support for sequence analysis. Activation of the peptide carboxyl terminus via a water soluble carbonyldiimide was the solid-phase coupling method used 90% of the time. Coupling yields averaged 52% of starting material. Sequence analysis was performed in the range 100 pmol to 4 nmol of coupled peptide. Phenylthiohydantoin-amino acids were identified by reverse-phase HPLC using ultraviolet detection.     

Determination of Steam-Volatile Organic Acids in Fermentation Media by Gas-Liquid Chromatography

Five gas chromatographic liquid phases (25% Carbowax 20 M plus 4% H₃PO₄, 17.5% dioctyl sebacate plus 7.5% sebacic acid, 17.5% dioctyl sebacate plus 7.5% docosanoic acid, 5% Tween 80, and 20% LAC-296 [poly (diethylene glycol adipate)] plus 2% H₃PO₄) were studied with respect to their utility in the separation and quantitation of steam-volatile organic acids commonly produced in fermentation. Optimal operating conditions and column stability for routine analysis were established. An Aerograph Hy-Fi gas chromatograph was used for all work, except the studies with Tween 80 in which an Aerograph A-90-C was employed. Chromatographic traces are presented of volatile fatty acid analyses with each of the liquid phases. Complete separation of all isomers of the fatty acids from C₂ to C₅ was accomplished by the Carbowax 20 M plus H₃PO₄, dioctyl sebacate plus sebacic acid, and dioctyl sebacate plus docosanoic acid columns. The latter two liquid phases were extremely unstable and proved to be unsatisfactory for analysis of aqueous samples. A column of Carbowax 20 M + H₃PO₄ separated steam-volatile organic acids completely. The volatile fatty acid isomers were separated by 5% Tween 80 somewhat less completely, and the peak shapes were not as sharp and symmetrical as that desired for good quantitative work. LAC-296 (20%) plus 2% H₃PO₄ proved to be the most satisfactory of the liquid phases for routine analysis of deproteinated in vitro rumen fermentation media. The column has been used for routine analysis of rumen fermentation fluid and in vitro rumen incubation fluid. All the organic acids from C₂ to C₅, except isobutyric, could be quantitated with this column. Stability of the column with the aqueous solutions was extremely good. The standard deviation of the analysis of each volatile acid component in a fermentation fluid was less than 0.5 molar per cent. The short-chain organic acids (C₂ to C₅) were shown to be extremely stable in aqueous solution for as long as 6 months after preparation for gas chromatographic analysis by protein precipitation with metaphosphoric acid-H₂SO₄ and refrigeration at 4 C in stoppered tubes.     

Lipophilicity Determination of Highly Lipophilic Compounds by Liquid Chromatography

Different experimental strategies using short columns in both conventional liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) were evaluated to allow, for the first time with these techniques, the lipophilicity determination of compounds with log P>5. Various organic modifiers, stationary phases, and elution modes were tested on 14 rigid compounds with a CLogP between 5 and 8, and 38 compounds with log P_oct from 0 to 5. The best results in HPLC were obtained with the 20‐mm Discovery ^® RP Amide C16 stationary phase in isocratic mode using MeOH as organic modifier. To improve analysis time, the UHPLC approach was then evaluated. Consequently, a generic method was developed with a 30‐mm Acquity BEH Shield RP18 column in gradient mode using MeOH as organic modifier, allowing a fourfold gain of time compared to the HPLC method, for the highly lipophilic compounds tested. Finally, the most rapid and accurate results were obtained with a 10‐mm Hypersil^TM GOLD Javelin HTS stationary phase in UHPLC, enabling an eightfold gain of time compared to the HPLC method.     

High-speed liquid chromatographic method for the monitoring of carbamazepine and its active metabolite, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, in human plasma

The assays of antiepileptic drugs, which are performed by central laboratories in Phase II and III clinical trials, require both a very fast turn-around time and a suitable specificity. In order to decrease the run time and to keep the powerful specificity of the liquid chromatography (HPLC), the use of a reversed-phase 1.5 μm monosized non-porous silicon dioxide microspheres column instead of regular columns containing spherical porous C₁₈ material was studied. The determination of carbamazepine (CBZ) and its active metabolite, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZ-E), in human plasma or serum was chosen to demonstrate the utility of these columns. As a prerequisite of this work, no modification of a regular HPLC system was allowed. The samples were prepared in autosampler vials by protein precipitation with acetonitrile, followed by a quick centrifugation. Without any change to a conventional HPLC system, CBZ and CBZ-E are well separated in less than 2.5 min using a Kovasil MS C₁₄ column. No interference was observed with endogenous compounds and with nine antiepileptic drugs commonly prescribed as co-medication, and their metabolites. Due to the very low specific surface area of the packing, the required organic modifier volume per chromatographic run was decreased by a factor of 25. The method was validated. The developed method is well suited for the determination of CBZ and CBZ-E in clinical trials. It can be easily adapted to the monitoring of other antiepileptic drugs. No modification of a regular HPLC system was required.     

Postillumination burst of carbon dioxide in crassalacean Acid metabolism plants

Immediately following exposure to light, a postillumination burst of CO₂ has been detected in Crassulacean acid metabolism plants. A detailed study with pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaves indicates that the postillumination burst changes its amplitude and kinetics during the course of a day. In air, the postillumination burst in pineapple leaves generally is exhibited as two peaks. The postillumination burst is sensitive to atmospheric CO₂ and O₂ concentrations as well as to the light intensity under which plants are grown. We propose that the CO₂ released in the first postillumination burst peak is indicative of photorespiration since it is sensitive to either O₂ or CO₂ concentration while the second CO₂ evolution peak is likely due to decarboxylation of organic acids involved in Crassulacean acid metabolism.     

Analysis of some tryptophan and phenylalanine metabolites in urine by a straight-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic technique

A high-performance liquid column chromatographic technique is reported for the analysis of some tryptophan and phenylalanine acid metabolites in the urine. An acidified and NaCl-saturated urine sample is loaded on to a C₁₅-bonded silica microcolumn. After washing the microcolumn with clean and deionized water, the metabolites of interest are selectively extracted by successive elutions with organic solvents of variable polarity. Acids are eluted first and the neutral compounds with the next fraction. Basic compounds and other neutral substances of higher polarities were eliminated during the washing procedure.The chromatography was performed in the straight-phase isocratic elution mode utilizing 5-μm silica-gel columns loaded with a triethanolammonium perchlorate—perchloric acid aqueous solution. The separations achieved have permitted the application of the chromatographic technique to the analysis of urinary metabolites with acceptable accuracy.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of the β2-selective adrenergic agonist fenoterol in human plasma after fluorescence derivatization

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of the β₂-selective adrenergic agonist fenoterol in human plasma. To improve the sensitivity of the method, fenoterol was derivatized with N-(chloroformyl)-carbazole prior to HPLC analysis yielding highly fluorescent derivatives. The assay involves protein precipitation with acetonitrile, liquid–liquid-extraction of fenoterol from plasma with isobutanol under alkaline conditions followed by derivatization with N-(chloroformyl)-carbazole. Reversed-phase liquid chromatographic determination of the fenoterol derivative was performed using a column-switching system consisting of a LiChrospher^® 100 RP 18 and a LiChrospher^® RP-Select B column with acetonitrile, methanol and water as mobile phase. The limit of quantitation in human plasma was 376 pg fenoterol/ml. The method was successfully applied for the assay of fenoterol in patient plasma.     

Measurement of urinary pyrimidine bases and nucleosides by high-performance liquid chromatography

A rapid procedure for the isolation, separation, identification and measurement of urinary pyrimidine bases and nucleosides by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is presented. The initial isolation of these compounds from urine was accomplished with small disposable ion-exchange columns. HPLC was performed on a silica gel column with a mobile phase composed of methylene chloride, methanol and 1 M aqueous ammonium formate buffer. Peaks were recorded at both 254 nm and 280 nm and the response ratio was used in conjunction with the elution volume for compound identification. The minimum detectable amount (signal-to-noise ratio = 2) ranged from 0.2 ng for uracil to 2.2 ng for cytidine. Linearity and recovery for thymine, uracil, uridine, pseudouridine, orotic acid and orotidine added to urine was demonstrated over almost a 10³ concentration range. The potential application of this method for the study of inborn errors in the urea cycle is discussed.     

Assay of the antiangiogenic compound TNP-470, and one of its metabolites, AGM-1883, by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography in plasma

This paper describes a reversed-phase, high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the isolation, detection, and quantification of TNP-470 (I) and one of its active metabolites, AGM-1883 (II), from plasma. These compounds are initially extracted from plasma with an organic solvent and then separated from one another on a C₁₈ column. Those fractions eluting from the C₁₈ column and containing either I or II are then derivatized through their epoxide moieties with sodium 8-quinolinethiolate (SQT). This derivatization produces fluorescent species that are isolated and quantified by a second reversed-phase HPLC analysis. The assay yields a lower limit of reliable quantification of 2.5 ng/ml and is linear to a concentration at least as high as 160 ng/ml. The inter-assay percent coefficient of variation is less than 18%.     

Simultaneous determination of the lactone and carboxylate forms of the camptothecin derivative CPT-11 and its metabolite SN-38 in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

CPT-11 (irinotecan) and mainly its metabolite SN-38 are potent antitumor derivatives of camptothecin. As the active lactone forms of both CPT-11 and SN-38 exist in pH-dependent equilibrium with their respective less potent open-ring hydroxy acid species, the simultaneous monitoring of both forms of both compounds is relevant. CPT-11 and SN-38 derivatives have quite different fluorescence responses. In order to avoid any compromise on the wavelength setting, we developed chromatographic conditions allowing simple automated wavelength setting changes which have been prevented using existing methods involving conventional C₁₈ columns. This was achieved by means of a Symmetry C₁₈ column combined to a gradient elution program using acetonitrile and 75 mM ammonium acetate plus 7.5 mM tetrabutylammonium bromide at pH 6.4. The developed conditions allowed an elution order suitable for a simple automated wavelength change in respect to reliable peak integration. CPT-11 and SN-38 derivatives were detected at λ_ex=362 nm/λ_em=425 nm and λ_ex=375 nm/λ_em=560 nm, respectively. The developed method allowed the detection of amounts less than 3 pg of each derivative injected on column. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic studies in rat and dog.     

Rapid extraction of oxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid from biological samples using octadecylsilyl silica

A rapid procedure for the efficient extraction of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and hydroxy fatty acids from urine, plasma and tissue homogenates has been developed. Fractions containing these substances are acidified and passed through a column of octadecylsilyl silica, which retains oxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid. Phospholipids, proteins and very polar materials either are not retained or can be eluted with dilute aqueous ethanol. Nonpolar lipids and monohydroxy fatty acids are then eluted with petroleum ether or benzene. Subsequent elution of the column with methyl formate gives a fraction containing prostaglandins and thromboxanes which is much less contaminated with extraneous material than that obtained by conventional extraction of aqueous media with organic solvents. The methyl formate can be removed rapidly under a stream of nitrogen and the components of the sample purified directly by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). An improved method for the purification of prostaglandins and TXB2 by HPLC on silica columns is reported.     

Evaluation of a novel tool for sampling root exudates from soil-grown plants compared to conventional techniques

The release of low molecular weight (LMW) organic compounds (e.g. organic acids, amino acids, sugars, etc.) by living plant roots significantly contributes to the development of chemical, physical as well as microbial rhizosphere gradients. Suitable and accurate sampling procedures are crucial for enhancing our understanding of the dynamics of related rhizosphere processes. Here we compare common sampling techniques with a novel tool for root exudate collection that allows non-destructive and repetitive sampling from soil-grown roots. Root exudates from Zea mays L. were collected using the following techniques: (i) hydroponic growth and sampling, (ii) soil growth and hydroponic sampling and (iii) rhizoboxes fitted with a novel in situ root exudate collecting tool. Furthermore, rhizosphere soil solution for the analysis of exudates and microbial metabolites was sampled using micro-suction cups (iv). The effect of different sampling solutions (deionised water and 0.5 mM CaCl₂) on organic acid and amino acid exudation patterns was also investigated. The novel exudate collecting tool was successfully tested for root exudate sampling. Results showed that particularly amino acid exudation rates were significantly affected by growth conditions and sampling procedures, while organic acid exudation patterns varied less across the different sampling setups. Despite qualitative and quantitative differences, exudation rates were in the same order of magnitude across the different sampling procedures. Soil solution concentrations obtained from micro-suction-cup sampling at defined distance to the root surface showed no distinct gradient, highlighting the importance of soil microorganisms in regulating the soil solution concentration of LMW C compounds either via microbial degradation or the release of microbial metabolites. The exudate collector offers new opportunities to assess root exudation rates and composition from soil-grown plants and thus enhances our knowledge of fundamental rhizosphere processes.     

Separation of targeted ganoderic acids from Ganoderma lucidum by reversed phase liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and mass spectrometry detections

Ganoderic acids are valuable bioactive secondary metabolites produced by a traditional medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (“Ling-zhi” in Chinese and “Reishi” in Japanese). In this work, a fast and efficient method for the recovery and purification of ganoderic acid T (GA-T) and ganoderic acid Me (GA-Me) from triterpene-enriched extracts of G. lucidum mycelia was developed by using reversed phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) on a C₁₈ column with an acidified methanol–water mobile phase in combination with ultraviolet (UV) detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The presence of each targeted GA (GA-T and GA-Me) in its corresponding peak was easily identified and confirmed by UV and MS. The chemical structures of the purified GA-T and GA-Me were further confirmed by ¹H NMR. The retention behaviors of the two GAs over a temperature range of 15–55 °C were also investigated. From the retention time data, van’t Hoff plots were obtained. The estimated enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) data suggest that the retention time difference between GA-T and GA-Me might be driven by an enthalpy difference. Furthermore, a semi-preparative HPLC purification was achieved on a semi-preparative C₁₈ column using the conditions optimized for the analytical column. The method presented in this work can be a valuable tool for the rapid semi-preparative purification of targeted GAs, and it may also be applicable to some other natural products.     

Response of Pyropia haitanensis to agaro-oligosaccharides evidenced mainly by the activation of the eicosanoid pathway

The marine red alga Pyropia haitanensis (Protoflorideophyceae, Bangiaceae) has a nonvascular and multicellular structure and emerged earlier in evolution than other cultivatable red algae. It has been reported that lipid mediators from both the eicosanoid and octadecanoid pathways are involved in the innate immunity of other marine algae. But the defense strategies of P. haitanensis are not clearly understood. Here, we investigated the lipid defense of P. haitanensis elicited by agaro-oligosaccharides. The results indicate that the resistance of P. haitanensis was elicited and hydrogen peroxide was released by agaro-oligosaccharides. In P. haitanensis, C20 fatty acids are the essential fatty acids. Phospholipase A₂ was activated, and the free fatty acids decreased 3 h after treatment with agaro-oligosaccharides. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses revealed that the contents of volatile organic compounds increased after treatment for 3 h, which indicated that these free fatty acids were metabolized to volatile organic compounds. In conclusion, the lipid metabolic defense pathway of P. haitanensis was mainly via the C20 metabolism pathway. The C20 fatty acid was rapidly metabolized to volatile organic compounds, but not oxidized to oxylipins in response to agaro-oligosaccharides.     

Organic acid extraction from rhizosphere soil: effect of field-moist, dried and frozen samples

This study investigates the effect of soil treatment and storage on organic acid extraction. For this study one clayey-loamy (Typic Udochrept) and one sandy-loamy (Aquic Ustifluvent) soil were selected and used to grow Lupinus albus L. plants in a climate chamber. After 4 weeks the rhizosphere soil was sampled and divided into five portions: (a) field moist, no storage; (b) air-dried; (c) oven-dried, (d) field-moist at +4°C for 8 weeks; (e) field-moist at ?20°C for 8 weeks. Organic acid extraction (1:4 w/v) was carried out for each soil portion both in water and in 10 mM NaH₂PO4. Organic acid concentration was subsequently determined by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Oxalic, fumaric, malonic and α-ketoglutaric acid were identified in the rhizosphere of both soils but the extractable concentration was significantly higher in the sandy-loamy soil. For both soils NaH₂PO₄ extracted significantly higher organic acid concentrations than water. Oven drying increased the extractability of organic acids in both soils. Field moist samples (i.e. where no storage occurred) of the sandy-loamy soil showed a similar behaviour than ?20° stored samples whereas the one of the sandy-loamy soil were more close to the air-dried samples. These results indicate that organic acid extraction strongly depends on soil storage as well as on the soil type. Sample storage seems thus to be a crucial issue for the determination of organic acids in rhizosphere soil and needs to be considered prior analysis.     

Investigation of Antioxidant Interactions between Radix Astragali and Cimicifuga foetida and Identification of Synergistic Antioxidant Compounds

The medicinal plants of Huang-qi (Radix Astragali) and Sheng-ma (Cimicifuga foetida) demonstrate significantly better antioxidant effects when used in combination than when used alone. However, the bioactive components and interactional mechanism underlying this synergistic action are still not well understood. In the present study, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was employed to investigate the antioxidant capacity of single herbs and their combination with the purpose of screening synergistic antioxidant compounds from them. Chromatographic isolation was performed on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 columns and HPLC, and consequently to yield formononetin, calycosin, ferulic acid and isoferulic acid, which were identified by their retention time, UV λ_max, MS and MS/MS data. The combination of isoferulic acid and calycosin at a dose ratio of 1∶1 resulted in significant synergy in scavenging DPPH radicals and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Furthermore, the protective effects of these four potential synergistic compounds were examined using H₂O₂-induced HepG2 Cells bioassay. Results revealed that the similar synergy was observed in the combination of isoferulic acid and calycosin. These findings might provide some theoretical basis for the purported synergistic efficiency of Huang-qi and Sheng-ma as functional foods, dietary supplements and medicinal drugs.