A versatile method for analysis of saliva, plasma and urine for total thiols using HPLC with UV detection

A simple and rapid HPLC method using 2-chloro-1-methyllepidinium tetrafluoroborate (CMLT) as a derivatization reagent was developed for simultaneous determination of homocysteine (Hcy), glutathione (GSH), γ-glutamylcysteine (γ-GluCys), cysteinylglycine (CysGly), N-acetylcysteine (NACys) and cysteine (Cys) in human saliva, plasma and urine. Separation of the analytes was achieved in just 7min using an HPLC, followed by UV detection at 355nm. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on Aeris PEPTIDE XB-C18 (150mm×4.6mm, 3.6µm) column from Phenomenex with a gradient elution: 0–4.0min, 7–30% B; 4.0–5.5min, 30–7% B; 5.5–7.5min, 7% B; (A: B, v/v); (A) 0.5% CH3COOH and (B) EtOH. Mobile phase was delivered at a flow rate 1.0mLmin−1. Linearity in detector response for total thiols was observed over the range of 0.1–20μmolL−1 for Hcy, GSH and γ-GluCys, 0.25–50μmolL−1 for NACys and CysGly and 5–300 for Cys. The LOQ values for Hcy, GSH, γ-GluCys, NACys, CysGly and Cys were 0.05, 0.05, 0.10, 0.06, 0.12 and 0.08μmolL−1, respectively. The method was successfully implemented to analysis of the samples donated by 15 apparently healthy volunteers and 10 patients. [Display omitted] •Simultaneous HPLC determination of six biothiols in biological samples.•Versatile chromatographic conditions are applicable to three different matrices.•Assay uses less toxic ethanol instead of acetonitrile.•Saliva appears to be a valuable diagnostic fluid alternative to plasma.•The method exploit cheap and user friendly UV detection.