Volatile substances in blood serum: profile analysis and quantitative determination

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Clinical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in blood serum are increasingly recognized for their diagnostic potential.
• Alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes are among the key VOCs that can be detected and quantified.
• Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are powerful tools for analyzing these complex mixtures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply methods for the quantitative determination of specific volatile substances in human blood serum.
• To investigate the potential of these volatile compounds as biomarkers for chronic renal insufficiency.

Main Methods:

• Gas chromatography coupled with mass fragmentography (GC-MF) was employed for selective and sensitive detection of volatile compounds.
• A 5-ml blood serum sample was utilized to obtain comprehensive volatile profiles.
• Quantitative analysis of 4-heptanone involved an extraction and GC-MF procedure.
• Direct injection of serum was used for the quantitative measurement of ethanol and acetone.

Main Results:

• Normal serum exhibited 4-heptanone concentrations ranging from 10-50 nmole/l.
• Patients with chronic renal insufficiency showed 10- to 40-fold higher concentrations of 4-heptanone compared to normal individuals.
• Acetone levels in patients ranged from 25-85 mumole/l, and ethanol levels ranged from 10-170 mumole/l.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully quantified key volatile compounds in blood serum using advanced analytical techniques.
• Elevated serum 4-heptanone levels are strongly associated with chronic renal insufficiency, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic biomarker.
• Further research is warranted to explore the full clinical utility of these volatile biomarkers.