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Analysis of Serotonin in Human Feces Using Solid Phase Extraction and Column-Switching LC-MS/MS
Yukiko Hirabayashi1, Kiminori Nakamura2, Tsuyoshi Sonehara1
1Research and Development Group, Hitachi, Ltd., 1-280 Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan.
Mass Spectrometry (Tokyo, Japan)
|June 18, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to accurately measure serotonin levels in feces, an indicator of gut health. This technique overcomes common contaminants, providing reliable data for 96 subjects, including pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Serotonin, a key neurotransmitter, is primarily synthesized in the intestines.
- Fecal serotonin levels serve as a valuable indicator of the intestinal environment.
- Human fecal samples contain diverse contaminants that can interfere with accurate serotonin measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for quantifying serotonin in human feces.
- To overcome challenges posed by fecal matrix contaminants.
- To establish reliable serotonin measurements for gut health assessment.
Main Methods:
- Development of a new method utilizing solid phase extraction (SPE) and column-switching liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
- Incorporation of a stable isotope-labeled serotonin internal standard to correct for matrix effects.
- Analysis of 220 fecal samples from 96 subjects, including pregnant and post-delivery women.
Main Results:
- The developed SPE method demonstrated recovery rates between 55.9-81.0% (intraday) and 56.5-78.1% (interday).
- Endogenous serotonin content varied significantly across subjects, ranging from 0.09-14.13 ng/mg in pregnant/post-delivery women and 0.30-9.93 ng/mg in others.
- The method effectively removed contaminants, enabling accurate serotonin determination.
Conclusions:
- The novel SPE and column-switching LC-MS/MS method provides a robust approach for accurate fecal serotonin quantification.
- This technique is crucial for reliable assessment of the intestinal environment and gut health.
- The findings establish reference ranges for fecal serotonin in a diverse cohort, including pregnant women.
