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Published on: February 27, 2015
Chromatographic techniques for the determination of putative dietary anticancer compounds in biological fluids
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Strathclyde Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract:
Although a great number of papers demonstrate an association between high intake of fruits and vegetables and reduced risk of certain types of cancer, the epidemiological evidence is not conclusive. The identification and quantification of specific dietary anticancer compounds in plasma, urine and tissues is an important aspect of this research. We surveyed the recent literature for original papers which involved the use of separation techniques for the detection and quantification in biological fluids and tissues of putative anticancer compounds which are present in the diet. The compounds included in this review are flavonoids, phytoestrogens, carotenoids, retinoids, vitamin E and ascorbic acid. The review covers papers published in the last 3 years. For each class of compounds we discuss the sample preparation, chromatographic conditions, and validation of the methods used, in order to identify current trends in the bioanalysis of each class of these substances.
Insights
Dietary anticancer compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids are key to cancer prevention research. This review highlights methods for detecting these compounds in biological samples, aiding future nutritional studies.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Cancer epidemiology
Background:
- Epidemiological studies suggest a link between fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced cancer risk, but evidence is not conclusive.
- Identifying and quantifying specific dietary anticancer compounds in biological samples is crucial for understanding this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on the detection and quantification of dietary anticancer compounds in biological fluids and tissues.
- To identify current trends in bioanalytical methods for specific classes of compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature survey of original papers published within the last 3 years.
- Focus on studies utilizing separation techniques for compound detection and quantification.
- Analysis of methods for sample preparation, chromatographic conditions, and validation.
Main Results:
- Compounds reviewed include flavonoids, phytoestrogens, carotenoids, retinoids, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid.
- The review details trends in the bioanalysis of these specific dietary compounds.
Conclusions:
- Accurate bioanalysis of dietary anticancer compounds is essential for advancing cancer prevention research.
- Standardized and validated methods are needed to confirm the role of these compounds in reducing cancer risk.
