Optimization of a Monobromobimane (MBB) Derivatization and RP-HPLC-FLD Detection Method for Sulfur Species Measurement in Human Serum after Sulfur Inhalation Treatment

• Main Authors: Barbara Roda (Author), Nan Zhang (Author), Laura Gambari (Author), Brunella Grigolo (Author), Cristina Eller-Vainicher (Author), Luigi Gennari (Author), Alessandro Zappi (Author), Stefano Giordani (Author), Valentina Marassi (Author), Andrea Zattoni (Author), Pierluigi Reschiglian (Author), Francesco Grassi (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2022-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

(1) Background: Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a widely recognized gasotransmitter, with key roles in physiological and pathological processes. The accurate quantification of H₂S and reactive sulfur species (RSS) may hold important implications for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. However, H₂S species quantification in biological matrices is still a challenge. Among the sulfide detection methods, monobromobimane (MBB) derivatization coupled with reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) is one of the most reported. However, it is characterized by a complex preparation and time-consuming process, which may alter the actual H₂S level; moreover, a quantitative validation has still not been described. (2) Methods: We developed and validated an improved analytical protocol for the MBB RP-HPLC method. MBB concentration, temperature and sample handling were optimized, and the calibration method was validated using leave-one-out cross-validation and tested in a clinical setting. (3) Results: The method shows high sensitivity and allows the quantification of H₂S species, with a limit of detection of 0.5 µM. Finally, it can be successfully applied in measurements of H₂S levels in the serum of patients subjected to inhalation with vapors rich in H₂S. (4) Conclusions: These data demonstrate that the proposed method is precise and reliable for measuring H₂S species in biological matrices and can be used to provide key insights into the etiopathogenesis of several diseases and sulfur-based treatments.

Item Description

10.3390/antiox11050939
2076-3921