Side-chain modified bile acids: chromatographic separation of 23-methyl epimers

Owing to the re-flourished interest towards the bile acids (BAs) as versatile signalling hormones endowed with diverse endocrine functions, the development of reliable analytical protocols monitoring the synthesis of new BA-based receptor modulators, still represents a cogent concern. On this basis, for the first time, a HPLC study has been engaged with the aim to set up suitable chromatographic conditions for the analysis of three different epimeric couples of 23-methyl-substituted unconjugated BAs. Three different methods (one for each couple) have been successfully established and then validated. Good precision and accuracy (evaluated both in the short and long period) as well as appreciably low LOD and LOQ values have turned out. Moreover, the engagement of an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) has proven its high effectiveness for the analysis of such steroidal species.