Development of a UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of 7 bile acids in feces: application to UC mice

This study aimed to establish a method for the simultaneous quantification of 7 bile acid components in mouse feces and to apply this method to investigate the variations in bile acid profiles among control, DSS, and mice treated with Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus extract (AOE). The findings may provide insights into the potential regulatory effects of AOE on bile acid metabolism in ulcerative colitis (UC).

A murine model of UC was established by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induction. Following treatment with AOE, fecal samples were collected from each experimental group. Mouse fecal samples were extracted with methanol, and bile acid concentrations were determined using UPLC-MS/MS with chenodeoxycholic acid-d4 as the internal standard. Separation was performed on a Kinetex® 2.6 μm C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm) with a gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile. An electrospray ion source was employed to scan in multiple reaction monitoring mode in negative ion mode.

The method established by our research institute is simple to operate, with high accuracy, sensitivity, and strong specificity, enabling rapid quantification of seven bile acid components in mouse feces. Fecal analysis revealed that bile acid alterations are associated with UC progression and suggesting AOE's therapeutic potential.