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Analytical tools for urocanic acid determination in human samples: A review
Fabiana Vieira Lima1,2, Tércio Elyan Azevedo Martins2,3, Ana Lucia Morocho-Jácome2
1Division to Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Healthy Science, University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus, Brazil.
Journal of Separation Science
|October 22, 2020
Summary
Urocanic acid isomerization in skin, induced by UV radiation, impacts immunosuppression and cancer. This review details analytical methods, like HPLC and mass spectrometry, for studying these isomers in human samples.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Photobiology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomarker Analysis
Background:
- Urocanic acid (UCA) is a skin chromophore.
- UCA photoisomerization (trans to cis) by UV radiation mediates immunosuppression and carcinogenesis.
- Understanding UCA isomer dynamics is crucial for assessing UV-induced damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current analytical methods for determining urocanic acid isomers in human samples.
- To highlight methods suitable for noninvasive or minimally invasive sample collection.
- To assess the suitability of various techniques for clinical investigations.
Main Methods:
- High-performance capillary electrophoresis
- Confocal Raman spectroscopy
- Gas chromatography
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- Mass spectrometry (MS)
Main Results:
- HPLC methods enable noninvasive in vivo analysis.
- Confocal Raman spectroscopy allows for real-time analysis.
- HPLC coupled with MS or UV detection is widely investigated.
- MS detection offers high sensitivity, low detection limits, and accurate identification.
Conclusions:
- Analytical methods are essential for studying urocanic acid isomer effects.
- HPLC and MS are highly effective for sensitive and accurate urocanic acid isomer determination.
- These methods support clinical investigations into UV-related skin conditions.
