Automated sample preparation and analysis by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for the determination of 3- and 2-monochloropropanediol (MCPD) esters and glycidol esters in edible oils.

The potentially carcinogenic process contaminant 3- and 2-monochloropropanediol esters (2-MCPD and 3-MCPD esters) and glycidyl esters (GEs) are under study in refined oils and foodstuffs. Legislation set recommended total daily intake (TDI) for 3-MCPD of 0.8 µg/kg and as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) for glycidol. Usually, the so far adopted method for the determination of these contaminants relay on numerous and time-consuming steps for sample preparation (AOCS methods) and on GC-MS detection. The obtained sensitivities and the number of processable samples are thus limited. In this optic, new reliable methods that allow for the fast and sensitive determination of these contaminants in edible oils may be considered an improvement of the overall strategy of tackling the problem. In this paper a new automated method for sample preparation and detection by GC-MS/MS is presented and validated. Data on sensitivity (LOD at 1.5, 2.2 and 3 ng/g for 3-MCPD, 2-MCPD, 3-MBPD (deriving from glycidol), respectively), linearity across low and high calibration ranges and precision showed to be fit-for-purposes. Finally, the methodology was applied to ten extra virgin oil samples and one sample of sunflower seeds oil.

Effect of N-palmitoylethanolamine-oxazoline on comorbid neuropsychiatric disturbance associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and it is associated with different neurological disorders. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the gut-brain-axis has a central function in the perpetuation of IBS, and for this reason, it can be considered a possible therapeutic target. N-Palmitoylethanolamine-oxazoline (PEA-OXA) possesses anti-inflammatory and potent neuroprotective effects. Although recent studies have explained the neuroprotective properties of PEA-OXA, nothing is known about its effects on the gut-brain axis during colitis. The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism and the effect of PEA-OXA on the gut-brain axis in rats subjected to experimental colitis induced by oral administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Daily oral administration of PEA-OXA (10 mg/kg daily o.s.) was able to decrease the body weight loss, macroscopic damage, colon length, histological alteration, and inflammation after DSS induction. Additionally, PEA-OXA administration enhanced neurotrophic growth factor release and decreased the astroglial and microglial activation induced by DSS. Moreover, PEA-OXA restored intestinal permeability and tight junctions (TJs) as well as reduced apoptosis in the colon and brain. In our work, we demonstrated, for the first time, the action of PEA-OXA on the gut-brain axis in a model of DSS-induced colitis and its implication on the "secondary" effects associated with colonic disturbance.

Polyphenolic profile of Cichorium intybus L. endemic varieties from the Veneto region of Italy.

The present study was aimed at the investigation, through HPLCDAD-ESI-MS/MS, of polyphenols in seven autochthonous C. intybus varieties, already known from literature to contain various substances with antioxidant properties, from the Veneto region of Italy, namely 'Castelfranco', 'Chioggia', 'Rosa di Gorizia', 'Rosa di Verona', 'Treviso Precoce', 'Treviso Tardivo' and 'Verdon da Cortèl'. Thirteen polyphenols, belonging to hydroxycinnamic acid, flavone, flavonol and anthocyanin classes, were detected in most samples. The developed analytical method was validated in agreement with ICH guidelines. The total amount of polyphenols ranged from 52 to 386 (mean: 254) mg/100g fresh weight (F.W.). The results were further confirmed by Principal Composition Analysis (PCA), which highlighted peculiar features and similarities among analysed samples for each variety (except for 'Chioggia' samples). The developed method is suitable for routine analyses, as well as geographical characterization, selection of different C. intybus varieties and for the determination of related polyphenols dietary recommended intakes.