Wolfgang Gries

Urinary metabolite excretion after oral dosage of bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) to five male volunteers - Characterization of suitable biomarkers for human biomonitoring

Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP), a high molecular weight phthalate, is primarily used as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chloride copolymers for technical applications, as a substitute for other phthalates currently being scrutinized because of endocrine disrupting effects. We determined urinary excretion fractions of three specific DPHP metabolites (mono-2-(propyl-6-hydroxy-heptyl)-phthalate (OH-MPHP), mono-2-(propyl-6-oxoheptyl)-phthalate (oxo-MPHP) and mono-2-(propyl-6-carboxy-hexyl)-phthalate (cx-MPHxP)) after oral dosing of five volunteers with 50mg labelled DPHP-d4 and subsequent urine sampling for 48 h. These excretion fractions are used to back calculate external intakes from metabolite measurements in spot urine analysis. Following enzymatic hydrolysis to cleave possible conjugates, we determined these urinary metabolites by HPLC-NESI-MS/MS with limits of quantification (LOQ) between 0.3 and 0.5 μg/l. Maximum urinary concentrations were reached within 3-4h post dose for all three metabolites; elimination half-lives were between 6 and 8h. We identified oxo-MPHP as the major oxidized metabolite in urine representing 13.5±4.0% of the DPHP dose as the mean of the five volunteers within 48 h post dose. 10.7±3.6% of the dose was excreted as OH-DPHP and only 0.48±0.13% as cx-MPHxP. Thus, within 48 h, 24.7±7.6% of the DPHP dose was excreted as these three specific oxidized DPHP metabolites, with the bulk excreted within 24h post dose (22.9±7.3%). These secondary, oxidized metabolites are suitable and specific biomarkers to determine DPHP exposure. In population studies, however, chromatographic separation of these metabolites from other isomeric di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) metabolites is warranted (preferably by GC-MS) in order to distinguish DPHP from general DIDP exposure. Palatinol(®), Hexamoll(®) and DINCH(®) are registered trademarks of BASF SE, Germany.

Analytical method for the sensitive determination of major di-(2-propylheptyl)-phthalate metabolites in human urine.

Di-(2-propylheptyl)-phthalate (DPHP) is a specific phthalic acid ester of isomeric C10 alcohols. It is classified as high molecular weight phthalate and marketed as plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The increase of its production volume and its wide field of application suggest a possible background exposure of the human population as found for other phthalates, making suitable analytical methods necessary. The aim of the presented analytical report is the sensitive and selective determination of the three major DPHP metabolites mono-2-(propyl-6-hydroxy-heptyl)-phthalate (OH-MPHP), mono-2-(propyl-6-oxoheptyl)-phthalate (oxo-MPHP) and mono-2-(propyl-6-carboxy-hexyl)-phthalate (cx-MPHxP) in human urine. Most of the published analytical methods for phthalate metabolites use high pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The methods presented here allow a comparison of chromatographic separation between HPLC-MS/MS and gas chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS), which is useful to distinguish between DPHP and DIDP. The enhanced detection limits range between 0.05-0.1μg/L for GC-HRMS and 0.1-0.2μg/L for HPLC-MS/MS.

Bis-(2-propylheptyl)phthalate (DPHP) metabolites emerging in 24h urine samples from the German Environmental Specimen Bank (1999-2012).

Bis-(2-propylheptyl)-phthalate (DPHP) has been introduced as a substitute for other high molecular weight phthalates primarily used in high temperature applications (e.g. cable wires, roofing membranes). The aim of this study was to investigate how the increased usage of DPHP is reflected in urine samples collected over the last 14 years and to evaluate the current extent of exposure. We analyzed 300 urine samples (24h voids) from the German Environmental Specimen Bank collected in the years 1999, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012, 60 samples per year, from 30 male and 30 female volunteers (age: 20-30 years) for three specific, secondary oxidized DPHP metabolites (with hydroxy, oxo and carboxy modifications of the alkyl side chain). We determined DPHP metabolites with a previously developed GC-HRMS method, enabling us to unambiguously distinguish DPHP metabolites from co-eluting, structurally isomeric di-iso-decyl phthalate (DIDP) metabolites. All samples were blinded before analysis. We detected no DPHP metabolites in urine samples from the years 1999, 2003 and 2006. Thereafter, detection rates increased from 3.3% in 2009 to 21.7% in 2012. Mono-oxo-propylheptylphthalate (oxo-MPHP) was the most abundant metabolite, with concentrations between <LOQ and 0.96μg/l. Extrapolating from oxo-MPHP concentrations in the 24h urine samples we calculated a maximum daily DPHP intake of 0.32μg/kg body weight. Our results show that the general German population is increasingly exposed to DPHP. However, exposure is considerably lower than for DIDP or other high molecular weight phthalates. Future measurements will enable us to monitor the development of DPHP exposure and advise risk management steps, if warranted.

Occurrence of chlorinated and brominated dioxins/furans, PCBs, and brominated flame retardants in blood of German adults

Persistent organic pollutants are widespread in the environment, and are associated with a particular health and ecological concern. The human body burden of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDDs/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenylether (PBDEs), and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) was determined. Blood samples were collected in Germany, originating from 42 randomly selected subjects between 20 and 68 years old. The median (95th percentile) concentrations, expressed as WHO2005-TEQ for PCDD/PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs, were 6.2 (19.1) pg/g l.w. and 4.1 (8.8) pg/g l.w., respectively. PBDDs/Fs were found with a median of 2.8 pgTEQ/g l.w. and a 95th percentile of 8.7 pgTEQ/g l.w. (using similar interim TEF values as for PCDDs/Fs) On a median basis, the contribution of PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs, and PBDDs/Fs to total TEQ were 47%, 31%, and 21%, respectively. The sum of the 6 non-dioxin-like PCBs exhibited a median of 267ng/g l.w. and a 95th percentile of 834ng/g l.w. The median value for the sum of six tetra- to hepta-PBDE congeners was 1.7ng/g l.w. (95th percentile: 4.9ng/g l.w.). BDE 209 was the most abundant congener with a median of 1.8ng/g l.w. HBCDs were only found in some samples, and concentrations ranged between the limit of detection (5ng/g l.w.) and the limit of quantification (16ng/g l.w.). Results for PBDEs and HBCDs are comparable to other European studies. Our study demonstrated that the body burden of PCDD/Fs and PCBs declined continously since the last three decades, but exposure may exceed precautionary guideline levels.

A method for the simultaneous determination of mercapturic acids as biomarkers of exposure to 2-chloroprene and epichlorohydrin in human urine

We developed and validated an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of several chlorine and non-chlorine containing mercapturic acids in urine as specific metabolites of the hazardous chemicals 2-chloroprene and epichlorohydrin. The method involves an online column switching arrangement for online solid phase extraction of the analytes with subsequent analytical separation and detection using LC-MS/MS. The developed method enables for the first time the determination of Cl-MA-I (4-chloro-3-oxobutyl mercapturic acid), Cl-MA-II (4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyl mercapturic acid), Cl-MA-III (3-chloro-2-hydroxy-3-butenyl mercapturic acid) and HOBMA (4-hydroxy-3-oxobutyl mercapturic acid) as potential biomarkers of 2-chloroprene in urine. Additionally, CHPMA (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid) as a specific metabolite of epichlorohydrin in urine and DHBMA (3,4-dihydroxybutyl mercapturic acid) can be determined. The analytical method proved to be both sensitive and reliable with detection limits ranging from 1.4 μg/L (for Cl-MA-III) to 4.2 μg/L (for HOBMA). Intra- and interday imprecision was determined to range from 4.7 to 11.8%. Due to the good accuracy and precision and the low limits of detection the developed method is well suited for application in biomonitoring studies in order to determine occupational exposure to 2-chloroprene and epichlorohydrin.

Excretion of mercapturic acids in human urine after occupational exposure to 2-chloroprene

A pilot study was conducted for human biomonitoring of the suspected carcinogen 2-chloroprene. For this purpose, urine samples of 14 individuals occupationally exposed to 2-chloroprene (exposed group) and of 30 individuals without occupational exposure to alkylating substances (control group) were analysed for six potential mercapturic acids of 2-chloroprene: 4-chloro-3-oxobutyl mercapturic acid (Cl-MA-I), 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyl mercapturic acid (Cl-MA-II), 3-chloro-2-hydroxy-3-butenyl mercapturic acid (Cl-MA-III), 4-hydroxy-3-oxobutyl mercapturic acid (HOBMA), 3,4-dihydroxybutyl mercapturic acid (DHBMA) and 2-hydroxy-3-butenyl mercapturic acid (MHBMA). In direct comparison with the control group, elevated levels of the mercapturic acids Cl-MA-III, MHBMA, HOBMA and DHBMA were found in the urine samples of the exposed group. Cl-MA-I and Cl-MA-II were not detected in any of the samples, whereas HOBMA and DHBMA were found in all analysed urine samples. Thus, for the first time, it was possible to detect HOBMA and Cl-MA-III in human urine. The mercapturic acid Cl-MA-III could be confirmed as a specific metabolite of 2-chloroprene in humans providing evidence for the intermediate formation of a reactive epoxide during biotransformation. The main metabolite, however, was found to be DHBMA showing a distinct and significant correlation with the urinary Cl-MA-III levels in the exposed group. The obtained results give new scientific insight into the course of biotransformation of 2-chloroprene in humans.

Determination of Pyrethroids in Blood Plasma and Pyrethroid/Pyrethrin Metabolites in Urine by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and High-Resolution GC-MS

In this chapter, two analytical methods are presented suitable for the determination of pyrethroids in blood plasma and pyrethroid/pyrethrin metabolites in urine. As pyrethroids such as cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, and bioallethrin are metabolized very fast, they can only be detected within about 24 h after exposure; that is, the method shown should only be applied in case of intoxication. After solid-phase extraction, the sample is analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography–negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry (HRGC–NCIMS) with a detection limit of 5 ng/L blood plasma. In all other cases of exposure (occupational surveillance, environmental, biological monitoring programs, etc.), the determination of metabolites in urine by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) or HRGC–MS should be preferred. The urine method is adequate for the simultaneous determination of the pyrethroid metabolites cisand trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, cis-3-(2,2dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, 3-phenoxybenzoic, and 4fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid as well as of the pyrethrin/bioallethrin-specific metabolite trans-chrysanthemumdicarboxylic acid (-CDCA). After acid hydrolysis and sample extraction with tert-butyl-methylether, the residue is derivatized with 1,1,1,3,3,3hexafluoroisopropanol and analyzed by HRGC–MS (detection limit 0.1 μg/L urine).

Quantitative analysis of unconjugated and total bisphenol A in human urine using solid-phase extraction and UPLC–MS/MS: Method implementation, method qualification and troubleshooting

The aim of the presented investigation was to document challenges encountered during implementation and qualification of a method for bisphenol A (BPA) analysis and to develop and discuss precautions taken to avoid and to monitor contamination with BPA during sample handling and analysis. Previously developed and published HPLC-MS/MS methods for the determination of unconjugated BPA (Markham et al. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 34 (2010) 293-303) [17] and total BPA (Markham et al. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 38 (2014) 194-203) [20] in human urine were combined and transferred into another laboratory. The initial method for unconjugated BPA was developed and evaluated in two independent laboratories simultaneously. The second method for total BPA was developed and evaluated in one of these laboratories to conserve resources. Accurate analysis of BPA at sub-ppb levels is a challenging task as BPA is a widely used material and is ubiquitous in the environment at trace concentrations. Propensity for contamination of biological samples with BPA is reported in the literature during sample collection, storage, and/or analysis. Contamination by trace levels of BPA is so pervasive that even with extraordinary care, it is difficult to completely exclude the introduction of BPA into biological samples and, consequently, contamination might have an impact on BPA biomonitoring data. The applied UPLC-MS/MS method was calibrated from 0.05 to 25ng/ml. The limit of quantification was 0.1ng/ml for unconjugated BPA and 0.2ng/ml for total BPA, respectively, in human urine. Finally, the method was applied to urine samples derived from 20 volunteers. Overall, BPA can be analyzed in human urine with acceptable recovery and repeatability if sufficient measures are taken to avoid contamination throughout the procedure from sample collection until UPLC-MS/MS analysis.

Biomonitoring following a chemical incident with acrylonitrile and ethylene in 2008.

The analytical determination of hemoglobin adducts was used as an effective biomonitoring tool after a fire outbrake at a chemical plant close to Cologne/Germany in 2008. More than 1000 people (e.g. fire-men, police officers, and workers) were potentially exposed to acrylonitrile and ethylene. Air monitoring in the surrounding was performed, and acrylonitrile was measured in concentrations up to 20 ppm, the mean value being 7 ppm (time range: 8 h). As many people were concerned about their individual body burden, biomonitoring was recommended for all people involved. 816 persons took advantage of this opportunity and came for blood sampling to the occupational health department of our company. Regarding the lifespan of erythrocytes up to 3 months, it was possible to analyze hemoglobin adducts of acrylonitrile and ethylene during and after the accident. In case of acrylonitrile the hemoglobin adduct N-(2-cyanoethyl) valine and regarding ethylene, N-(2-hydroxyethyl) valine was determined. As a result, the body burden was in nearly all cases within our internal adduct reference values (CyEtVal<15 μg/L blood or <612 pmol/g globin; HyEtVal<15 μg/L blood or 646 pmol/g globin). In about 1% of the cases, the adduct concentrations were slightly above these reference values. This means that the body burden measured by biomonitoring turned out to be far lower than the one expected from the air data. Therefore, following chemical incidents, in case biomonitoring is meaningful, it is highly recommended beside of air monitoring.

Reliable quantitation of β-hydroxyethoxyacetic acid in human urine by an isotope-dilution GC–MS procedure

An analytical method for the determination of β-hydroxyethoxyacetic acid (HEAA), the main urinary metabolite of 1,4-dioxane was developed and validated. The presented method involves liquid-liquid extraction of HEAA from the urine samples, followed by silylation and subsequent analytical separation and detection using GC-MS. The method is characterized by its simple and fast sample preparation in combination with a robust chromatography. The use of isotope dilution analysis enables an efficient compensation of matrix related effects and analyte losses due to sample workup. The excellent reliability and reproducibility of the method is demonstrated by the good accuracy and precision data. Within-day precision and day-to-day precision ranged from 0.6 to 1.2% and 1.5 to 2.6%, respectively. The mean relative recovery of the method was found to be 98-101%. The LOD and LOQ of HEAA were determined to be 0.2mg/L and 0.6mg/L, respectively. In summary, the presented analytical method is well suited to be used for routine biomonitoring of occupational exposure to 1,4-dioxane.