Project description:GC-MS is a commonly used metabolomic platform for the analysis of urine. A key step in the preparation of samples for GC-MS is derivatisation, in particular, methoximation and trimethylsilylation. This paper presents an assessment of automated derivatisation protocols for GC-MS-based untargeted metabolomic analysis of rat urine. Automated batch and in-time (a sample ready for injection every 70 minutes) derivatisation protocols were tested using BSTFA and MSTFA. Principal component analysis determined differences based upon protocol tested (PC-1; 19%) and silylation reagent (PC-2; 17%) used. Of 249 compounds, 40 compounds were significantly different (P<0.05) based upon reagent and 154 compounds were significantly different (P<0.05) based upon protocol. A key outcome of this study was the demonstrated effects of derivatisation including reagent and protocol (i.e. reaction duration, temperature and mixing speed) on individual urinary metabolites. It is hoped that the current work will provide a reference on which to base future GC-MS-based untargeted and targeted metabolomic analyses of urine.
Project description:Urine passes through the entire kidney and urinary tract system starting from the glomerulus and ending to the urethra. Cells in the kidney and urinary tract could be exfoliated from the epithelium into the urine, while leukocyte could infiltrate from the local tissue into the urine, which makes the urine a useful subject for clinical evaluation of relevant diseases. We performed scRNA-seq on voided urine samples. 50–100 mL middle stream urine samples were collected from 12 Chinese healthy adults and combined for droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing after flow cytometric sorting of live cells. We presented the first single-cell atlas of adult human urine and identified multiple previously unrecognized cell types. Based on our scRNA-seq analysis data, a SOX9+ cell population was identified in adult human urine which we speculated to have progenitor potential.
Project description:Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic and debilitating pain disorder of the bladder and urinary tract with poorly understood etiology. A definitive diagnosis of IC/BPS can be challenging because many symptoms of IC/BPS are shared with other urological disorders. An analysis of urine presents an attractive and non-invasive resource for monitoring and diagnosing IC/BPS. Here, a non-targeted LC-MS and LC-MS/MS-based peptidomics analysis of urine samples collected from IC/BPS patients were compared to urine samples from asymptomatic controls.
Project description:Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases as well as premature death. Aromatic amines (AAs) such as o-toluidine, 2-aminonaphthalene and 4-aminobiphenyl are found in cigarette smoke and are well-established human bladder carcinogens presumably acting via the formation of DNA adducts. These amines may be metabolized in the liver to acetylated or glucuronidated forms or oxidized to a hydroxylamine which may react with protein and DNA to form adducts. Free, acetylated and glucuronidated AAs are excreted in urine and can be measured as exposure biomarkers. Using isotope dilution GC-MS/MS, our laboratory quantifies six urinary AAs that are known or suspected carcinogens-o-toluidine, 2,6-dimethylaniline, o-anisidine, 1-aminonaphthalene, 2-aminonaphthalene and 4-aminobiphenyl-for large population studies such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We also monitor two additional corresponding structural isomers-2-aminobiphenyl and 3-aminobiphenyl-to verify isomer separation. A new and improved automated sample preparation method was developed to quantify these AAs, in which, sample cleanup was done via Supported Liquid Extraction (SLE+ ISOLUTE®) on a Hamilton STAR™ workstation. This automated method increased sample throughput by reducing sample cleanup time from 8 to 4 h while maintaining precision (intra and inter-run coefficient of variation <7%) and accuracy (±17%). Recent improvements in our GC/MS method have enhanced our assay sensitivity and specificity, resulting in longer analytical column life and maintaining or reducing the limit of detection for all six analytes. Indigo ASCENTTM software (3.7.1, Indigo BioAutomation, Inc.) is used for peak integration, calibration and quantification. A streamlined sample data flow was created in parallel with the automated method, in which samples can be tracked from receiving to final laboratory information management system output with minimal human intervention, minimizing potential human error. This newly validated, automated method and sample data flow are currently applied in biomonitoring of AAs in the US noninstitutionalized population NHANES 2013-2014 cycle.
Project description:Transcriptomic and GC-MS metabolomic analysis to provide insight into aroma volatile compounds of ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Jonagold’ apples (Malus domestica)