Total Analysis of Microcystins in Fish Tissue Using Laser Thermal Desorption-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LDTD-APCI-HRMS).

Microcystins (MCs) are cyanobacterial toxins encountered in aquatic environments worldwide. Over 100 MC variants have been identified and have the capacity to covalently bind to animal tissue. This study presents a new approach for cell-bound and free microcystin analysis in fish tissue using sodium hydroxide as a digestion agent and Lemieux oxidation to obtain the 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutyric acid (MMPB) moiety, common to all microcystin congeners. The use of laser diode thermal desorption-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization coupled with Q-Exactive mass spectrometry (LDTD-APCI-HRMS) led to an analysis time of approximately 10 s per sample and high-resolution detection. Digestion/oxidation and solid phase extraction recoveries ranged from 70 to 75% and from 86 to 103%, respectively. Method detection and quantification limits values were 2.7 and 8.2 µg kg(-1), respectively. Fish samples from cyanobacteria-contaminated lakes were analyzed, and concentrations ranging from 2.9 to 13.2 µg kg(-1) were reported.

High resolution/accurate mass (HRMS) detection of anatoxin-a in lake water using LDTD-APCI coupled to a Q-Exactive mass spectrometer.

A new innovative analytical method combining ultra-fast analysis time with high resolution/accurate mass detection was developed to eliminate the misidentification of anatoxin-a (ANA-a), a cyanobacterial toxin, from the natural amino acid phenylalanine (PHE). This was achieved by using the laser diode thermal desorption-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (LDTD-APCI) coupled to the Q-Exactive, a high resolution/accurate mass spectrometer (HRMS). This novel combination, the LDTD-APCI-HRMS, allowed for an ultra-fast analysis time (<15 s/sample). A comparison of two different acquisition modes (full scan and targeted ion fragmentation) was made to determine the most rigorous analytical method using the LDTD-APCI interface. Method development focused toward selectivity and sensitivity improvement to reduce the possibility of false positives and to lower detection limits. The Q-Exactive mass spectrometer operates with resolving powers between 17500 and 140000 FWHM (m/z 200). Nevertheless, a resolution of 17500FWHM is enough to dissociate ANA-a and PHE signals. Mass accuracy was satisfactory with values below 1 ppm reaching precision to the fourth decimal. Internal calibration with standard addition was achieved with the isotopically-labeled (D5) phenylalanine with good linearity (R(2)>0.999). Enhancement of signal to noise ratios relative to a standard triple-quadrupole method was demonstrated with lower detection and quantification limit values of 0.2 and 0.6 µg/L using the Q-Exactive. Accuracy and interday/intraday relative standard deviations were below 15%. The new method was applied to 8 different lake water samples with signs of cyanobacterial blooms. This work demonstrates the possibility of using an ultra-fast LDTD-APCI sample introduction system with an HRMS hybrid instrument for quantitative purposes with high selectivity in complex environmental matrices.

Total microcystins analysis in water using laser diode thermal desorption-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

A new approach for the analysis of the cyanobacterial microcystins (MCs) in environmental water matrices has been developed. It offers a cost efficient alternative method for the fast quantification of total MCs using mass spectrometry. This approach permits the quantification of total MCs concentrations without requiring any derivatization or the use of a suite of MCs standards. The oxidation product 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutyric acid (MMPB) was formed through a Lemieux oxidation and represented the total concentration of free and bound MCs in water samples. MMPB was analyzed using laser diode thermal desorption-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LDTD-APCI-MS/MS). LDTD is a robust and reliable sample introduction method with ultra-fast analysis time (<15 s sample(-1)). Several oxidation and LDTD parameters were optimized to improve recoveries and signal intensity. MCs oxidation recovery yield was 103%, showing a complete reaction. Internal calibration with standard addition was achieved with the use of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PB) as internal standard and showed good linearity (R(2)>0.999). Limits of detection and quantification were 0.2 and 0.9 µg L(-1), respectively. These values are comparable with the WHO (World Health Organization) guideline of 1 µg L(-1) for total microcystin-LR congener in drinking water. Accuracy and interday/intraday variation coefficients were below 15%. Matrix effect was determined with a recovery of 91%, showing no significant signal suppression. This work demonstrates the use of the LDTD-APCI-MS/MS interface for the screening, detection and quantification of total MCs in complex environmental matrices.

Genetic polymorphisms of the vitamin D binding protein and plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in premenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D status, determined on the basis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, is associated with the risk of several diseases. Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) is the major carrier of vitamin D and its metabolites, but the role of DBP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on 25(OH)D concentrations is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the association of 2 DBP gene SNPs with 25(OH)D concentrations and explore whether such association varies according to the amount of vitamin D that needs to be transported. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study included 741 premenopausal white women, mostly of French descent. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. DBP-1 (rs7041) and DBP-2 (rs4588) were genotyped with a Sequenom MassArray platform. Associations and interactions were modeled by using multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: DBP-1 and DBP-2 SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium and were both associated with 25(OH)D concentrations. An additional copy of the rare allele of DBP-1 or DBP-2 was associated with lower 25(OH)D concentrations (beta = -3.29, P for trend = 0.0003; beta = -4.22, P for trend < 0.0001, respectively). These DBP polymorphisms explained as much of the variation in circulating 25(OH)D as did total vitamin D intake (r2 = 1.3% for DBP-1, r2 = 2.0% for DBP-2, and r2 < or = 1.2% for vitamin D intake). CONCLUSION: Circulating 25(OH)D concentrations in premenopausal women are strongly related to DBP polymorphisms. Whether DBP rare allele carriers have a different risk of vitamin D-related diseases and whether such carriers can benefit more or less from dietary interventions, vitamin D supplementation, or sun exposure need to be clarified.

Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms (FokI, BsmI) and breast cancer risk: association replication in two case-control studies within French Canadian population.

Vitamin D has been associated with reduced breast cancer risk. We studied the association of two vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms restriction enzyme detecting SNP of VDR (FokI and BsmI) with breast cancer risk in two independent case-control studies carried out in the same population. The modifying effect of family history of breast cancer on this relationship was also evaluated. The first and second studies included respectively 718 (255 cases/463 controls) and 1596 (622 cases/974 controls) women recruited in Quebec City, Canada. FokI and BsmI genotypes were assessed. Relative risks of breast cancer were estimated by multivariate logistic regression. Compared with homozygotes for the common F allele (FF genotype), FokI ff homozygotes had a higher breast cancer risk (study 1: odds ratio (OR)=1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.76-1.95; study 2: OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.05-1.99; and combined studies: OR=1.33, 95% CI=1.03-1.73). Significant interactions were observed between FokI and family history of breast cancer in the two studies as well as in the combined analysis (P interaction=0.031, 0.050 and 0.0059 respectively). Among women without family history, odds ratios were 1.00, 1.27 (95% CI=1.02-1.58) and 1.57 (95% CI=1.18-2.10) respectively for FF, Ff and ff carriers (P(trend)=0.0013). BsmI Bb+bb genotypes were associated with a weak non-significant increased risk in the two studies (combined OR=1.22, 95% CI=0.95-1.57) without interaction with family history. Results support the idea that vitamin D, through its signalling pathway, can affect breast cancer risk. They also suggest that variability in observed associations between VDR FokI and breast cancer from different studies may partly be explained by the proportion of study subjects with a family history of breast cancer.

Plasma concentrations of selected organobromine compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls in postmenopausal women of Québec, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Brominated flame retardants, especially polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been widely used in North America, but little is known about the level of exposure of human populations to these compounds. OBJECTIVES: We set out to assess the internal exposure of postmenopausal Canadian women to selected organobromine compounds and to investigate factors associated with this exposure. METHODS: We measured concentrations of four PBDEs, one polybrominated biphenyl, and for comparative purposes, 41 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in plasma samples from 110 healthy postmenopausal women who were recruited at a mammography clinic in 2003-2004. RESULTS: PBDE-47 was the major PBDE congener, with a mean (geometric) concentration of 8.1 ng/g lipids and extreme values reaching 1,780 ng/g. By comparison, the mean concentration of the major PCB congener (PCB-153) was 41.7 ng/g and the highest value was 177 ng/g. PBDEs 47, 99, and 100 were strongly intercorrelated, but weaker correlations were noted with PBDE-153. As the sum of PBDEs (summation operatorPBDEs) increased, the relative contribution of PBDE-47 to the summation operatorPBDEs increased, whereas that of PBDE-153 decreased. PBDE-153 was the only brominated compound correlated to PCB-153. PBDE levels were not linked to any sociodemographic, anthropometric, reproductive, or lifestyle variables documented in the present study. Age and body mass index gain since the age of 18 years were significant predictors of PCB-153 plasma levels. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that exposure to PBDE-47 likely occurs through direct contact with the penta-PBDE formulation, whereas exposure to PBDE-153 may originate in part from the food chain.

Synchronized seasonal variations of mammographic breast density and plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin d.

BACKGROUND: Dietary vitamin D has been associated with lower mammographic breast density, a strong biomarker for breast cancer risk. Blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is an integrated measure of vitamin D status (from food, supplements, and sun exposure) and varies with season. Our objective was to assess seasonal variations of breast density and compare such variations, if any, with that of 25(OH)D. METHODS: This cross-sectional study includes 741 premenopausal women recruited at screening mammography. Plasma 25(OH)D at recruitment was measured by RIA. Breast density was evaluated using a computer-assisted method. Seasonal variations were modeled using multivariate linear regression and semi-parametric cubic smoothing splines. RESULTS: Season was strongly associated with 25(OH)D (P < 0.0001). The highest smoothed mean 25(OH)D levels were seen at the end of July (81.5 nmol/L) and the lowest in mid-April (52.4 nmol/L). Breast density showed modest seasonal variations (P = 0.028). The lowest smoothed mean breast density was observed in early December (38.5%) and the highest at the beginning of April (44.3%). When a 4-month lag time was presumed, seasonal variations of breast density appeared to be a mirror image of those of 25(OH)D, and the correlation of daily smoothed estimates of mean breast density and 25(OH)D was negative and strong (r = -0.90). CONCLUSION: In premenopausal women, changes in blood vitamin D seem to be inversely related to changes in breast density with a lag time of about 4 months. This finding encourages further investigation of the possibility that vitamin D could reduce breast density and breast cancer risk.