[Analysis of Free Pantothenic Acid in Foods by HPLC and LC-MS/MS].

A simple and reliable analytical method has been developed for the determination of pantothenic acid in food. For the high-protein food, 20 mL of water was added to 2 g of sample, and after homogenization extraction, 1 mL of 15% zinc sulfate solution was added, mixed well, centrifuged, and the supernatant was filtered to make the test solution. For the low-protein food, 20 mL of 1% formic acid solution was added to 2 g of sample, homogenized, extracted, centrifuged, and the supernatant was filtered to make the test solution. The HPLC separation was carried out on a L-column2 ODS column with 0.02 mol/L phosphate solution (pH 3.0)- acetonitrile (95 : 5) as the mobile phase, and detected at 200 nm. The LC-MS/MS conditions were L-column2 ODS as the separation column, 5 mmol/L ammonium formate (containing 0.01% formic acid)-methanol (85 : 15) as the mobile phase, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used for detection. The recoveries of pantothenic acid in milk powder and nutritional food products were more than 88% with high precision. As a result of analyzing commetrcially available foods labeled as containing pantothenic acid, analytical values almost identical to the labeled values were obtained, and a high correlation was observed between the values obtained by HPLC and LC-MS/MS.

Preparative purification of gentamicin components using high-speed counter-current chromatography coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry.

We developed a useful and preparative method based on high-speed counter-current chromatography with mass spectrometry (HSCCC/MS) to purify gentamicin C1a, C2/2a and C1 from standard powder. The analytes were purified on the HSCCC model CCC-1000 (multi-layer coil planet centrifuge) with a volatile two-phase solvent system composed of n-butanol/10% aqueous ammonia solution (50:50, v/v) and detected on an LCMS-2020EV quadrupole mass spectrometer fitted with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source system in positive ionization following scan mode (m/z 100-500). The HSCCC/ESI-MS peaks indicated that gentamicin C1a (m/z 450: [M+H](+)), C2/2a (m/z 464: [M+H](+)) and C1 (m/z 478: [M+H](+)) have the peak resolution values of 1.3 and 1.7 from 30 mg of loaded gentamicin powder. The HSCCC yielded 3.9 mg of gentamicin C1a, 12.6 mg of gentamicin C2/2a and 12.0 mg of gentamicin C1. These purified substances were analyzed by LC/MS with scan positive-mode. Based on the LC/MS chromatograms and spectra of the fractions, analytes were estimated to be over 95% pure. These gentamicin isomers of C1a, C2/2a and C1 were evaluated for their antibacterial activities. The overall results indicate that this approach of HSCCC/MS is a powerful technique for the purification of gentamicin components.

Epigenetic assessment of environmental chemicals detected in maternal peripheral and cord blood samples.

Epigenetic alteration is an emerging paradigm underlying the long-term effects of chemicals on gene functions. Various chemicals, including organophosphate insecticides and heavy metals, have been detected in the human fetal environment. Epigenetics by DNA methylation and histone modifications, through dynamic chromatin remodeling, is a mechanism for genome stability and gene functions. To investigate whether such environmental chemicals may cause epigenetic alterations, we studied the effects of selected chemicals on morphological changes in heterochromatin and DNA methylation status in mouse ES cells (ESCs). Twenty-five chemicals, including organophosphate insecticides, heavy metals and their metabolites, were assessed for their effect on the epigenetic status of mouse ESCs by monitoring heterochromatin stained with 4¢,6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The cells were surveyed after 48 or 96 h of exposure to the chemicals at the serum concentrations of cord blood. The candidates for epigenetic mutagens were examined for the effect on DNA methylation at genic regions. Of the 25 chemicals, five chemicals (diethyl phosphate (DEP), mercury (Hg), cotinine, selenium (Se) and octachlorodipropyl ether (S-421)) caused alterations in nuclear staining, suggesting that they affected heterochromatin conditions. Hg and Se caused aberrant DNA methylation at gene loci. Furthermore, DEP at 0.1 ppb caused irreversible heterochromatin changes in ESCs, and DEP-, Hg- and S-421-exposed cells also exhibited impaired formation of the embryoid body (EB), which is an in vitro model for early embryos. We established a system for assessment of epigenetic mutagens. We identified environmental chemicals that could have effects on the human fetus epigenetic status.

Determination of proline enantiomers in honey and royal jelly by LC-UV.

The chiral separation and quantification of D-proline and L-proline in honey and royal jelly were examined by LC with UV detection. Most of the endogenous compounds existing in honey, such as sugars, were removed by using SPE cartridges containing C18 and strong cation-exchange sorbent. Other components, such as primary amino acids, were also removed by two-step derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-CI). The components that were derivatized with OPA were separated from proline with a C18 cartridge. Proline was then converted into an FMOC derivative that could be subsequently measured by LC-UV. Sufficient chiral separation of D-proline and L-proline was achieved with an LC chiral column made of a beta-cyclodextrin phase in the polar organic-phase mode. The average recoveries of D-proline and L-proline from honey and royal jelly were in the range of 81.3-98.6% (RSD of < 1.8%). When this method was applied to commercial honey and royal jelly samples, L-proline was detected at concentrations of 369-1930 microg/g, whereas D-proline was not detected.

[Determination of nitrofurazone in livestock products and seafoods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

A sensitive and selective method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of nitrofurazone (NFZ) in swine muscle, swine liver, chicken muscle, chicken liver, egg, eel, yellowtail and shrimp has been developed. The drug was extracted with 0.2% metaphosphoric acid-methanol (6 : 4), and the extracts were cleaned up on an Oasis HLB cartridge (200 mg). The extracts were analyzed by LC-MS/MS using electrospray ionizationin the negative ion mode. The LC separation was performed on a Hypersil Gold C18 column (15 cmx2.1 mm i.d.) with a gradient system of 0.01% formic acid-acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The quantitative and confirmatory determination of NFZ was performed by selected reaction monitoring (SRM). The calibration graph for NFZ was rectilinear from 0.2 to 100 ng/mL with SRM. The recoveries of NFZ from samples fortified at 1 and 10 ng/g were 79.6-106.8%, and quantification limit was 0.2 ng/g for the drug. This is well below the detection limit (1 ng/g) set by the Japanese Food Sanitation Law.

[Simple and rapid microbiological method for determination of residual antibacterials in meat].

A simple and rapid screening method using bioassay for the simultaneous analysis of antibacterials (penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, quinolones, etc.) in meat has been developed. A 5 g sample was homogenized with 5 mL of methanol, and the homogenate was centrifuged for 10 min with 3,000 rpm. The pulp disk method with Bacillus subtilis BGA (Antibiotic Medium 5 (pH 8) and 8 (pH 6)), Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 and Geobacillus stearothermophilus as test organisms was employed for the assay of the antibacterials. Typical antibacterials (penicillin G, ampicillin, cefapirin, cefalexin, erythromycin, spiramycin, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, enrofloxacin and oxolinic acid) were detected at levels of ca. 0.005-2.5 microg/g in meat. Therefore, we recommend this proposed screening method for routine analysis of residual antibacterials in livestock products.

[Simultaneous determination of pesticide residues in crops by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry].

A simultaneous method using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of pesticide residues in crops. Mass spectral acquisition was performed in the positive mode by applying multiple reaction monitoring. In LC separation, an Atlantis dC18 Column was used with acetic acid-ammonium acetate-acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Pesticide residues in crops were extracted with acetone, and cleaned up by liquid-liquid separation with saturated salt solution and hexane, followed by an ENVI-Carb cartridge. The quantification limits of compounds in crops were below 5 ng/g. Eighty compounds were obtained with recoveries ranging from 60 to 130% at the level of 50 ng/g with RSD (%) of less than 15%. Fifty crop samples were analyzed by the developed method. Seven pesticide residues were detected in nine crops.

[Analysis of chloramphenicol in honey and royal jelly by LC/MS/MS].

A sensitive and selective method using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of chloramphenicol (CAP) in honey and royal jelly. Mass spectral acquisition was performed in the negative mode by applying multiple reaction monitoring. In LC separation, Mightyl RP-18GP and 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate-acetonitrile were used as the column and mobile phase, respectively. CAP in honey samples was diluted with water, while CAP in royal jelly was extracted with 1% metaphosphoric acid-methanol (4 : 6). The solutions were cleaned up with an Oasis HLB cartridge. The quantification limits of CAP in honey and royal jelly were 0.3 ng/g and 1.5 ng/g, respectively. The recoveries of CAP from both honey and royal jelly at the quantification limits were over 92%. Twenty honey products and seven royal jelly products were analyzed by the developed method. CAP was detected in one honey product at 0.6 ng/g and in six royal jelly products at the level of 1.5-17.8 ng/g. These results show that the developed method has satisfactory sensitivity selectivity and is useful for the determination of CAP residues in honey and royal jelly.

[Analysis of tetracyclines in honey and royal jelly by LC/MS/MS].

A simple and accurate method using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was developed for the determination of tetracyclines (TCs), i.e., oxytetracycline (OTC), chlortetracycline (CTC) and tetracycline (TC), in honey and royal jelly. Mass spectral acquisition was performed in the positive mode. In LC separation, L-column ODS and 0.01% formic acid-acetonitrile were used as the column and mobile phase, respectively. TCs in a honey sample were diluted with water, while TCs in royal jelly were extracted with 2% metaphosphoric acid-methanol (6:4). They were cleaned up with Oasis HLB and Sep Pak C18 cartridges, respectively. The quantification limits of TC, OTC, and CTC were 5, 5, and 10 ng/g, respectively, while those in royal jelly were 25, 25, and 50 ng/g, respectively. The recoveries of TCs from both honey and royal jelly were 75-120%.

Prostaglandin E(2) production and induction of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 is inhibited in a murine macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7, by Mallotus japonicus phloroglucinol derivatives.

An aqueous acetone extract obtained from the pericarps of Mallotus japonicus (MJE) was observed to inhibit prostaglandin (PG) E(2) production in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7. Six phloroglucinol derivatives isolated from MJE exhibited inhibitory activity against PGE(2) production. Among these phloroglucinol derivatives, isomallotochromanol showed the strongest inhibitory activity, with an IC(50) of 1.0 microM. MJE and its phloroglucinol derivatives did not effect the enzyme activity of either prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (PGHS)-1 or PGHS-2. However, induction of PGHS-2 in LPS-activated macrophages was inhibited by MJE and its phloroglucinol derivatives, whereas the level of PGHS-1 protein was not affected. Moreover, RT-PCR analysis showed that MJE and its phloroglucinol derivatives significantly suppressed PGHS-2 mRNA expression. Therefore, the observed inhibition of PGHS-2 induction by MJE and its phloroglucinol derivatives was likely due to a suppression of PGHS-2 mRNA expression. These results suggest that MJE and its phloroglucinol derivatives have the pharmacological ability to suppress PGE(2) production by activated macrophages.

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression via suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB activation by Mallotus japonicus phloroglucinol derivatives.

An aqueous acetone extract obtained from the pericarps of Mallotus japonicus (MJE) was observed to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7, or human blood monocytes. Several phloroglucinol derivatives were isolated from the pericarps as active compounds. Among these compounds, isomallotochromanol and isomallotochromene were the most potent in inhibiting cytokine production. MJE and the phloroglucinol derivatives significantly reduced these cytokine mRNA expressions. Gel shift analysis revealed that stimulation of macrophages with LPS caused an increase in the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), which was inhibited by isomallotochromanol and isomallotochromene. Western blot analysis showed that LPS reduced the IkappaB-alpha level in macrophages, while 10 microM isomallotochromanol and 10 microM isomallotochromene attenuated the LPS-induced decrease in IkappaB-alpha protein. We conclude that these phloroglucinol derivatives inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production and mRNA expression via suppression of NF-kappaB activation in activated macrophages.

[Study on positive control for GM papaya (55-1) detection method by GUS (beta-glucuronidase) assay].

A suitable positive control was investigated for histochemical assay (GUS-examining method) to detect genetically modified (GM) papaya (55-1), currently undergoing a safety assessment in Japan. Six different kinds of test papers were soaked with beta-glucuronidase solution and examined for GUS activity. The test papers made of nylon and glass fiber turned blue, and were stable for fifteen months at -20 degrees C. They are concluded to be useful as positive controls in the GUS-examining method for inspection of GM papaya (55-1).

Putative Epimutagens in Maternal Peripheral and Cord Blood Samples Identified Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

The regulation of transcription and genome stability by epigenetic systems are crucial for the proper development of mammalian embryos. Chemicals that disturb epigenetic systems are termed epimutagens. We previously performed chemical screening that focused on heterochromatin formation and DNA methylation status in mouse embryonic stem cells and identified five epimutagens: diethyl phosphate (DEP), mercury (Hg), cotinine, selenium (Se), and octachlorodipropyl ether (S-421). Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to confirm the effects of 20 chemicals, including the five epimutagens, detected at low concentrations in maternal peripheral and cord blood samples. Of note, these individual chemicals did not exhibit epimutagenic activity in hiPSCs. However, because the fetal environment contains various chemicals, we evaluated the effects of combined exposure to chemicals (DEP, Hg, cotinine, Se, and S-421) on hiPSCs. The combined exposure caused a decrease in the number of heterochromatin signals and aberrant DNA methylation status at multiple gene loci in hiPSCs. The combined exposure also affected embryoid body formation and neural differentiation from hiPSCs. Therefore, DEP, Hg, cotinine, Se, and S-421 were defined as an "epimutagen combination" that is effective at low concentrations as detected in maternal peripheral and cord blood.

[Determination of carbadox metabolites, quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid and desoxycarbadox, in swine muscle and liver by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry].

A sensitive and selective method using liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) for the determination of carbadox metabolites, quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid (QCA) and desoxycarbadox (Desoxy-CDX), in swine muscle and liver has been developed. The LC separation was performed on a Cadenza CD-C18 column (10 cm x 2 mm i.d.) with a gradient system of 0.01% acetic acid-acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Negative ionization produced the [M-H]- molecular ion of QCA. On the other hand, the positive mode produced the [M+H]+ ion of Desoxy-CDX. The calibration graphs for QCA and Desoxy-CDX were rectilinear from 0.01 to 0.5 ng with selected ion monitoring (SIM). The drugs were extracted with 0.3% metaphosphoric acid-methanol (7:3), and the extracts were cleaned up on an Oasis HLB cartridge (60 mg) and by liquid-liquid extraction. The recoveries of QCA and Desoxy-CDX from swine muscle and liver fortified at 2.5 and 5 ng/g were 70.2-86.3%, and the detection limits were 1 ng/g for both drugs.

[Analysis of tetrodotoxin in puffer-fish by LC/MS].

A simple and reliable method using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) for the analysis of tetrodotoxin in puffer-fish was developed. Tetrodotoxin in puffer-fish was extracted with 0.1% acetic acid by heating in a boiling water bath, and the extracts were cleaned up on a Bond Elut C18 (500 mg) cartridge. The LC separation was performed on a TSK-gel ODS 80Ts column (25 cm x 2 mm i.d.) using 5 mmol/L heptafluoro-n-butyric acid (HFBA)-methanol (99:1) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Positive ionization produced a typical [M + H]+ molecular ion of tetrodotoxin (m/z 320.1). The calibration graph for tetrodotoxin was rectilinear from 0.1 to 1 microgram/mL with selected ion monitoring (SIM). The detection limit of tetrodotoxin in puffer-fish was 1 microgram/g (equivalent to ca. 5 MU/g).

[Determination of spiramycin and tilmicosin in meat and fish by LC/MS].

A simple and reliable method using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) has been developed for the determination of the macrolide antibiotics spiramycin and tilmicosin in meat and fish. The drugs were extracted from meat and fish with 0.2% metaphosphoric acid-methanol (6:4), and the extracts were cleaned up on an Oasis HLB cartridge (60 mg). Positive ionization produced the molecular related ions, (M + 2H)2+, at m/z 350.2, 422.3 and 435.3 for neospiramycin I, spiramycin I and tilmicosin, respectively. The LC separation was performed on a Capcell Pak MG-C18 column (150 x 2 mm i.d.) with a gradient system of 0.02% formic acid-acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The molecular-related ions of the drugs were very clear under this condition. The calibration graph for each drug was rectilinear from 0.05 to 5 ng with selected ion monitoring (SIM). The recoveries of the drugs from meat and fish fortified at the level of 0.2 microgram/g was 73.2-89.2%, with high precision. The limits of detection of the drugs in meat and fish were 0.01 microgram/g.

[Simple determination of residual anticoccidial drugs (diclazuril and nicarbazin) in chicken tissues by HPLC].

A simple and rapid determination of anticoccidial drug residues, diclazuril (DCZ) and nicarbazin (NCZ), in chicken tissues has been developed. DCZ and NCZ were extracted with acetonitrile from chicken liver, muscle, and fat. The extract was rinsed with n-hexane saturated with acetonitrile and then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 1.4 mL of acetonitrile-methanol (1:1), then 1.0 mL of n-hexane saturated with acetonitrile-methanol (1:1) was added, and the mixture was partitioned by the addition of 0.6 mL of water. DCZ and NCZ in the aqueous layers were determined by HPLC on an Xterra RP-18 column with acetonitrile-0.5% ammonium acetate containing 0.01 mol/L tetra-n-butylammonium hydrogen sulfate (43:57) as the mobile phase. The mean recoveries (n = 5) of DCZ and NCZ spiked in chicken tissues at the maximum residue levels were 92.0-95.6% (CV 2.4-3.0%) and 87.3-89.4% (CV 1.7-2.8%), respectively. The detection limits of DCZ and NCZ were 0.01 and 0.004 microgram/g, respectively.

Inter-laboratory study of an LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol and its acetylated derivatives, 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol in wheat.

To validate an LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol (DON) and its acetylated derivatives, 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3ADON) and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15ADON), in wheat using a multifunctional column, an inter-laboratory study was performed in 9 laboratories using one blank wheat sample, three spiked wheat samples (10, 50, 150 µg/kg) and one naturally contaminated wheat sample. The recoveries ranged from 98.8 to 102.6% for DON, 89.3 to 98.7% for 3ADON, and from 84.9 to 90.0% for 15ADON. The relative standard deviations for repeatability (RSDR) and reproducibility (RSDR) of DON were in the ranges of 7.2-11.3% and 9.5-22.6%, respectively. For 3ADON, the RSDR ranged from 5.3 to 9.5% and the RSDR ranged from 16.1 to 18.0%, while for 15ADON, the RSDR ranged from 6.2 to 11.2% and the RSDR ranged from 17.0 to 27.2%. The HorRat values for the three analytes ranged from 0.4 to 1.2. These results validate this method for the simultaneous determination of DON and its acetylated derivatives, 3ADON and 15ADON.

Inter-laboratory study of an LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 in corn.

To validate an LC-MS/MS method using a strong anion exchange cartridge for simultaneous determination of fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 in corn, an inter-laboratory study was performed in 9 laboratories using one fumonisin-negative corn sample, three spiked corn samples (FB1: 100-1,000 µg/kg, FB2 and FB3: 10-100 µg/kg) and two naturally contaminated corn samples. The recoveries were in the ranges of 79.7-87.2% for FB1, 78.6-103.2% for FB2 and 80.1-92.8% for FB3. The relative standard deviations for repeatability (RSDr) ranged from 3.7 to 8.0% for FB1, from 2.6 to 15.3% for FB2 and from 4.3 to 9.7% for FB3. The relative standard deviations for reproducibility (RSDR) for FB1, FB2 and FB3 were in the ranges of 6.3-10.1%, 5.9-18.7% and 9.3-16.0%, respectively. The HorRat values for all analytes ranged from 0.2 to 0.9. The difference of the trueness between the two kinds of commercially available anion exchange cartridges used in this study was not significant (p>0.05). Surveillance for fumonisins in corn grits was performed using the validated method. All of the samples were contaminated with fumonisins and the mean concentrations for FB1, FB2 and FB3 were 118.1, 37.3 and 17.9 µg/kg, respectively. These results indicated that the method for simultaneous determination of FB1, FB2 and FB3 in corn was successfully developed and validated.

[Examination of cause of failure to taxon-specific DNA was not detected from bifun (rice vermicelli) using processing model experiment].

In the inspection of genetically modified rice, rice taxon-specific DNA could not be detected in processed rice food (bifun: rice vermicelli). The effects of using PCR the ratio of rice powder content and temperature of processing on the detection of taxon-specific DNA were examined by means of processing model experiments using cornstarch with 0, 2, 5, 10% rice powder by weight. Cornstarch and rice powder were blended with water and subjected to heating, steam-treatment, and autoclaving. The rice taxon-specific DNA was detectable in 2% rice powder following heat and steam treatments. After autoclaving, rice taxon-specific DNA was detected only in the 10% rice powder product. In the processing model experiment using rice powder, it was found that autoclaving caused severe DNA degradation.