Direct amino acid analysis method for speciation of selenoamino acids using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with integrated pulsed amperometric detection

Speciation analysis of selenomethylcysteine (SeMeCys), selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocystine (SeCys) has been performed using a direct amino acid analysis method with high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) coupled with integrated pulsed amperometric detection (IPAD). Three selenoamino acids could be baseline-separated from 19 amino acids using gradient elution conditions for amino acids and determined under new six-potential waveform. Detection limits for SeMeCys, SeMet and SeCys were 0.25, 1 and 20 microg/L (25 microL injection, 10 times of the baseline noise), respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 200 microg/L SeMeCys, SeMet and SeCys were 3.1, 4.1 and 2.8%, respectively (n=9, 25 microL injection). The proposed method has been applied for determination of selenoamino acids in extracts of garlic and selenious yeast granule samples. No selenoamino acids were found in garlic. Both SeMet and SeCys were detected in selenious yeast tablet with the content of 45 and 129 microg Se/g, respectively. Selenoamino acids standards were spiked in garlic and yeast granule samples and the recovery ranged from 90 to 106%.

[Determination of selenomethionine in selenium-enriched yeast by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry]

A method has been developed for the determination of selenomethionine in selenium-enriched yeast by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Three extraction methods were compared for extraction efficiency of selenomethionine from the samples. Selenomethionine in the samples was extracted for 24 h with proteinase in Tris buffer. The selenomethionine was derivatized with butanol and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The derivatization was accomplished in two steps, starting with the esterification of the carboxyl group of the selenoamino acid using butanol, followed by the acylation of the amino group with trifluoroacetic acid anhydride. The selected ion for monitoring selenomethionine was at m/z 349. The instrument operating conditions were optimized. The samples were analyzed by GC-MS with external standard method. Standard GC-MS chromatograms and mass spectra for selenomethionine were also obtained. The method was proved to be accurate and reliable. The recoveries of 98.5%-103.7% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.9%-2.4% (n = 6) and the correlation coefficient of 0.9978 were obtained. The detection limit of selenomethionine for the method was 0.5 mg/L (S/N = 3) and the selenomethionine contents of real sample was given.

Certification of a new selenized yeast reference material (SELM-1) for methionine, selenomethinone and total selenium content and its use in an intercomparison exercise for quantifying these analytes

A new selenized yeast reference material (SELM-1) produced by the Institute for National Measurement Standards, National Research Council of Canada (INMS, NRC) certified for total selenium (2,059+/-64 mg kg(-1)), methionine (Met, 5,758+/-277 mg kg(-1)) and selenomethionine (SeMet, 3,431+/-157 mg kg(-1)) content is described. The +/-value represents an expanded uncertainty with a coverage factor of 2. SeMet and Met amount contents were established following a methanesulfonic acid digestion of the yeast using GC-MS and LC-MS quantitation. Isotope dilution (ID) calibration was used for both compounds, using 13C-labelled SeMet and Met. Total Se was determined after complete microwave acid digestion based on ID ICP-MS using a 82Se spike or ICP-OES spectrometry using external calibration. An international intercomparison exercise was piloted by NRC to assess the state-of-the-art of measurement of selenomethione in SELM-1. Determination of total Se and methionine was also attempted. Seven laboratories submitted results (2 National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and 5 university/government laboratories). For SeMet, ten independent mean values were generated. Various acid digestion and enzymatic procedures followed by LC ICP-MS, LC AFS or GC-MS quantitation were used. Four values were based on species-specific ID calibration, one on non-species-specific ID with the remainder using standard addition (SA) or external calibration (EC). For total selenium, laboratories employed various acid digestion procedures followed by ICP-MS, AFS or GC-MS quantitation. Four laboratories employed ID calibration, the remaining used SA or EC. A total of seven independent results were submitted. Results for methionine were reported by only three laboratories, all of which used various acid digestion protocols combined with determination by GC-MS and LC UV. The majority of participants submitted values within the certified range for SeMet and total Se, whereas the intercomparison was judged unsuccessful for Met because only two external laboratories provided values, both of which were outside the certified range.

Application of isotope dilution analysis for the evaluation of extraction conditions in the determination of total selenium and selenomethionine in yeast-based nutritional supplements

Isotope dilution analysis (IDA) has been used to quantify total selenium, total solubilized selenium, and the selenomethionine (SeMet) amount in yeast and yeast-based nutritional supplements after acid microwave digestion and different enzymatic extraction procedures. For this purpose, both a (77)Se-enriched SeMet spike, previously synthesized and characterized in our laboratory, and a (77)Se(VI) spike were used. In the analysis of the nutritional supplements, the SeMet spike was added to the sample and extracted under different conditions, and the (78)Se/(77)Se and (80)Se/(77)Se isotope ratios were measured as peak area ratios after high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection. The formation of SeH(+) and mass discrimination were corrected using a natural SeMet standard injected every three samples. Similarly, total solubilized selenium was measured in the extracts after enzymatic hydrolysis using the (77)Se-enriched SeMet as a spike by direct nebulization without a chromatographic separation. To establish a mass balance, total selenium was also determined by IDA-ICP-MS on the yeast tablets after microwave digestion using (77)Se(VI) as a spike. Results showed that all enzymatic procedures tested were able to solubilize total selenium quantitatively from the solid. However, the recovery for the species SeMet, the major selenium compound detected, was seriously affected by the enzymatic procedure employed and also by the matrix composition of the supplement evaluated. For the yeast sample, SeMet recovery increased from 68 to 76% by the combined use of driselase and protease. For the nutritional supplements, the two most effective procedures appeared to be protease and driselase/protease, with a SeMet recovery ranging from 49 to 63%, depending upon the supplement evaluated. In the case of in vitro gastrointestinal enzymolysis, the results obtained showed 26-37% SeMet recovery, while the rest of selenium was solubilized as other unknown compounds (probably Se-containing peptides).

Composition of chemical species of selenium contained in selenium-enriched shiitake mushroom and vegetables determined by high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Selenium (Se) species in Se-enriched shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICPMS). Two types of Se-enriched shiitake obtained from selenite- or selenate-fertilized mushroom beds were used. More than 80% of Se in both shiitake samples could not be extracted with 0.2 M HCl. Protease digestion released a large amount of selenomethionine from the shiitake enriched with selenite. However, most of the Se in the shiitake enriched with selenate was not released by protease but was released by a cell wall digestive enzyme and most of the Se released was identified as selenate. These results indicate that the main Se species in the shiitake enriched with selenite or selenate is selenomethionine bound to protein or selenate bound to polysaccharides in the cell wall, respectively. Several Se-enriched vegetables grown on a soil fertilized with selenate were also analyzed by HPLC-ICPMS. Four Se species, selenate, Se-methylselenocysteine, selenomethionine, gamma-glutamyl-Se-methylselenocysteine, and an unknown Se compound were detected in the vegetables. The composition of Se species varied with the kinds or parts of vegetables. The main Se species in bulbs, leaves or flowers of the Se-enriched garlic, onions, cabbage and ashitaba were selenate, Se-methylselenocysteine or gamma-glutamyl-Se-methylselenocysteine, while those in fruit bodies of the peppers and pumpkin were selenomethionine bound to protein. Bioavailabilities of Se in the shiitake mushroom enriched with selenite and the vegetables enriched with selenate are expected to be high, but that in shiitake enriched with selenate may be low.

Selenium content and distribution in cow's milk supplemented with two dietary selenium sources

The effect of two sources of Se, selenized yeast (Se-Y) and sodium selenite, added to total mixed rations (TMR) fed to cows on Se milk content and distribution in milk components was studied on three farms for 6 weeks. The maximal increase in milk Se was attained with Se-Y supplemented at 0.3 microg g(-1). The effect was immediate, with an increase of 9 microg L(-1) being observed after only 5 days, and remained steady until the last sample at day 40 of Se supplementation. Se distribution in milk components was constant, 53.6, 42.6, and 9.3% in whey, casein, and fat, respectively, and was unaffected by the form of supplementation. The effect of the level of Se-Y supplementation on milk Se was studied on two farms. Increasing dietary Se-Y from 0 to 0.5 microg g(-1) elevated milk Se content from 20 to 39 microg L(-1). Se-enriched cow's milk at different levels can be produced by varying dietary Se supplementation in the form of selenized yeast.

Identification of the major selenium compound, Se-Methionine, in three yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) dietary supplements by on-line narrowbore liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

On-line monitoring of six Se-compounds was accomplished by using an XTerra MS C18 column coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ES-MS-MS). In view of the nature of the compounds, the positively charged ion pairing agent tetraethylammoniumchloride (TEACl) was added to the mobile phase. The HPLC-ES-MS-MS method was optimized with six commercially available Se-compounds. Substitution of the analytical column by the narrowbore type significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the method. We were able to detect the m/z of these six molecules on-line. Furthermore, all product ions could be monitored. The method was applied to three different yeast-based supplements. They were submitted to proteolytic digestion and screened for their Se-content by HPLC-HG-AFS (hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry). By application of on-line narrowbore HPLC-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry, the main compound present in these three supplements, Se-Methionine, could be measured on its m/z and its product ions. The method can be further extended for on-line measurement of different Se-species in complex matrices

Identification of selenomethionine in selenized yeast using two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis

Selenium-enriched yeast has been commonly used as a nutritional supplement. Here we describe a protocol used to investigate the metabolic fate of inorganic selenium in yeast. We provide definitive, mass spectrometry based evidence for the non-specific incorporation of selenomethionine in the yeast proteome involving the replacement of about 30% of all methionine with selenomethionine.

Chiral Speciation and Determination of DL-Selenomethionine Enantiomers on a Novel Chiral Ligand-Exchange Stationary Phase

A new type of chiral ligand-exchange stationary phase (CLES) was successfully synthesized by treating silica gel with beta-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxy silane and opening the epoxy ring by L-isoleucine. The chiral speciation of DL-selenomethionine (DL-SeMet) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV absorbance on the CLES column was studied. The influences of the contents of copper ion and methanol as well as the pH value in the mobile phase and temperature of the column on the efficiency of resolution of DL-SeMet were investigated in detail. DL-SeMet could be completely resolved within 40 min under the optimal operating conditions of 0.1 mmol/L Cu2+ at 0.05 mol/L KH2PO4 buffer (pH = 5.5) and 35 degrees C temperature of the column. The limits of detection of D- and L-SeMet were 255 ppb and 286 ppb, respectively. This method was applied to determine the D- and L-enantiomers of DL-SeMet in real samples, such as selenized yeast powder and garlic.

Determination of Methionine and Selenomethionine in Selenium-Enriched Yeast by Species-Specific Isotope Dilution with Liquid Chromatography−Mass Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Detection

Selenomethionine (SeMet) and methionine (Met), liberated by acid hydrolysis of selenium-enriched yeast, were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) using standard additions calibrations as well as isotope dilution (ID) based on species-specific (13)C-enriched spikes. LC inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was also employed for the quantification of SeMet, and (74)Se-enriched SeMet was used for ID calibration. The results were evaluated to ascertain the feasibility of using these methods in a campaign to certify selenized yeast. Good agreement was found between the methods, which, when averaged, gave concentrations of 5482.2 +/- 101 and 3256.9 +/- 217.4 microg/g for Met and SeMet, respectively. This corresponds to a 1.68:1 Met-to-SeMet ratio in the yeast. Quantification by ID LC/MS and LC ICPMS yields the most precise sets of results with relative standard deviations in the range 0.5-1.3% (n = 6). A total selenium concentration of 2064.6 +/- 45.4 microg/g was obtained for this yeast material. The extraction efficiency and a mass balance budget were determined. Acid hydrolysis liberated 81.0% of the total selenium present. SeMet comprised 79.0% of the extracted selenium and 63.9% of the total selenium present in the yeast.

Comparison of extraction methods for quantitation of methionine and selenomethionine in yeast by species specific isotope dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Fourteen extraction methods commonly cited in the literature were evaluated for the quantitation of methionine (Met) and selenomethionine (SeMet) in a yeast candidate certified reference material (CRM). Species specific isotope dilution (ID) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to effectively compensate for potential errors, such as losses during derivatization and clean up steps. Despite different extraction methods, the same derivatization procedure using methyl chloroformate was applied with a single exception, which was based on digestion with cyanogen bromide with 2% SnCl2 in 0.1 M HCl. Significant differences in measured Met and SeMet concentrations were obtained when different extraction methods were used. A 4 M methanesulfonic acid reflux digestion was found to be the most efficient for both analytes. Digestion with CNBr with 2% SnCl2 in 0.1 M HCl for the determination of SeMet showed the second highest extraction efficiency. Despite frequent use of enzymatic hydrolysis for the extraction of SeMet from yeast, very low extraction efficiencies for both analytes were obtained for four of eight tested methods. Among these, the highest extraction efficiencies for both analytes were obtained using 20mg pronase and 10mg lipase with incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 h. However, recoveries remained nearly 30 and 50% lower for Met and SeMet, respectively, compared to extraction with methanesulfonic acid. Lowest extraction efficiencies for both analytes were obtained when HCl or tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) digestions were used. Efficient extraction was also achieved using 200 mg (or 400 mg) of protease XIV with incubation at 37 degrees C for 72 h (or 24 h). Concentrations of 3331+/-45 and 3334+/-39 microg g(-1) (mean and one standard deviation, n = 4) for SeMet were obtained using 200 mg (72 h incubation) and 400 mg (24 h incubation) of protease XIV, respectively, in agreement with a value of 3404+/-38 microg g(-1) obtained using a methanesulfonic acid reflux.

Determination of Methionine and Selenomethionine in Yeast by Species-Specific Isotope Dilution GC/MS

A method for the simultaneous determination of methionine (Met) and selenomethionine (SeMet) in yeast using species-specific isotope dilution (ID) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is described. Samples were digested by refluxing for 16 h with 4 M methanesulfonic acid. Analytes were derivatized with methyl chloroformate and extracted into chloroform for GC/MS analysis. In addition to use of commercially available 13C-enriched Met and SeMet spikes for species specific ID analysis, a 74Se-enriched SeMet spike was also available for comparison of results. In selective ion monitoring mode, the intensities of ions at m/z 221, 222, 269, 270, and 263 were used to calculate the 221/222, 269/270, and 269/263 ion ratios for quantification of Met and SeMet. Concentrations of 5959 +/- 33 and 3404 +/- 12 microg g(-1) (one standard deviation, n = 6) with relative standard deviations of 0.55 and 0.36% for Met and SeMet, respectively, were obtained using 13C-enriched spikes. A concentration of 3417 +/- 8 microg g(-1) (one standard deviation, n = 6) was obtained using the 74Se-enriched SeMet spike. The concentration of SeMet measured in the yeast is equivalent to 66.43 +/- 0.24% of total Se and 30.31 +/- 0.11% of total Met is in the form of SeMet. Method detection limits (three times the standard deviation) of 3.4 and 1.0 microg g(-1) were estimated for Met and SeMet, respectively, based on a 0.25-g subsample of yeast with 1 mL of extract used for derivatization. A similar concentration of 5930 +/- 29 microg g(-1) (one standard deviation, n = 4) for Met and a lower concentration of 2787 +/- 49 microg g(-1) (one standard deviation, n = 4) for SeMet were obtained for this yeast sample using species-specific ID analysis based on GC/MS with 13C-enriched Met and SeMet spikes when a 2-h open microwave digestion approach using 8 M methanesulfonic acid was used.

Selenium and selenomethionine levels in prostate cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Selenium (Se) and selenomethionine (Se-Met) have been identified as potential chemopreventive agents of prostate cancer. Using an assay for the speciation (separation and identification) and quantification of selenoamino acids, Se-Met was profiled in serum and prostate tissue from prostate cancer patients. Total Se was measured also.

METHODS

Serum and prostate tissue samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography ion channel plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC ICP-MS). Samples were provided by 25 subjects undergoing radical prostatectomy for the treatment of prostate cancer.

RESULTS

The mean serum Se-Met concentration was 59.4 +/- 19.5 ng/ml. Mean total serum Se levels were 133.8 +/- 29.2 ng/ml. Total Se levels in paired samples from the transitional and peripheral zones of the prostate were also compared. Total mean Se levels in peripheral zone tissue was higher than in transitional zone tissue (0.432 +/- 0.212 microg/g versus 0.293 +/- 0.172 microg/g, P = 0.01). Se-Met was detected in the majority of prostate tissues.

CONCLUSION

This group of prostate cancer patients had total Se levels in serum and in prostate tissue in a range expected for normal Se intake. There was a significantly higher total Se level found in peripheral versus transitional zone tissues. This is the first time that Se-Met has been detected in prostate tissue.

Study of selenium distribution in the protein fractions of the Brazil nut, Bertholletia excelsa

The high selenium content of the Brazil nut, Bertholletia excelsa, makes this seed a healthy food qualified as an antiradical protector. The studied nut contained 126 ppm of selenium. Selenium was found to be distributed in the nut protein fractions. The water-extracted fraction, which represented 17.7% of the cake protein, was the richest in selenium with 153 ppm. Analysis by HPLC-MS showed that selenium was linked by a covalent bond to two amino acids to form selenomethionine and selenocystine. The selenomethionine represented a little less than 1% of the total amount of methionine.

Determination of the absolute configuration of selenomethionine from antarctic krill by RP-HPLC/ICP-MS using chiral derivatization agents

A fast and sensitive method was developed for the determination of the absolute configuration of selenomethionine. The enantiomers of selenomethionine were converted into diastereomeric isoindole derivatives by reaction with o-phthaldialdehyde and N-isobutyryl-L-cysteine. This easy-to-handle reaction proceeds quantitatively in a few minutes at room temperature. Separation and detection of the diastereomers was achieved by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC/ICP-MS) using a conventional C18 reversed-phase column. Detection limits of about 4 microg L(-1) were obtained. The method was applied to the determination of the configuration of selenomethionine extracted from antarctic krill, which turned out to possess the L-configuration.

Selenomethionine contents of NIST wheat reference materials

Values of the total selenium and selenomethionine (Semet) content of four wheat-based reference materials have been obtained by gas chromatography-stable isotope dilution mass spectrometry methods. The total Se method is an established one, and the results obtained with it are consistent with previously-assigned values. The Semet method (previously reported by our laboratory) is based on reaction with CNBr. Our data indicate that the four wheat samples (wheat gluten, durum wheat, hard red spring wheat, and soft winter wheat), though having a 30-fold range in total Se content, all have about 45% of their total Se values in the form of selenomethionine. Investigation of the CNBr-based method suggests that additional experiments are needed to verify that all selenomethionine in the wheat samples is accounted for, but also indicates that the values obtained are within 15% of the true values. As the form in which Se occurs in foods and dietary supplements is important from a nutritional perspective, adding information about Se speciation to total Se values in appropriate reference materials makes these materials more valuable in relevant analytical work.

Establishment of selenium uptake and species distribution in lupine, Indian mustard, and sunflower plants

Selenium has been recognized as essential for all mammals; therefore, its concentration level and speciation are of great concern. Plants are one of the main sources of selenium in the diet. Thus, inorganic selenium uptake and its transformation in different species were evaluated in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), sunflower (Helianthus annus), and white lupine (Lupinus albus). More than 1.2 g x kg(-)(1) (dry matter) of Se was found in the aerial part of Indian mustard when growing on 1 mg x L(-)(1) of Se as Na(2)SeO(4), and approximately half this amount was determined in the leaves of the lupine, which is still quite high. Selenomethionine was the main selenium-containing amino acid identified in most of the extracts by HPLC-ICP-MS. The higher values were 6.8 and 14.5 mg x kg(-)(1) (expressed as Se in dry matter) in the leaves of lupine and sunflower, respectively. This is of great importance because some authors have considered the combination of this enriched material with non-enriched food as a source of selenium supplementation.

Identification and characterization of Se-methyl selenomethionine in Brassica juncea roots

The present work shows the identification and characterization of Se-methyl selenomethionine (SeMMet) as an important Se species in Brassica juncea roots when grown in the presence of Se-methionine (SeMet) as the Se source. SeMMet was isolated by liquid chromatography employing two different liquid chromatographic mechanisms: reversed-phase ion-pairing using heptafluorobutyric acid as counter ion and cation exchange using a pyridinium formate gradient (pH 3). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used for the detection of Se. SeMMet was characterized by electrospray quadrupole time-of-flight MS in both a synthesized standard and in the roots extract using collision-induced dissociation of the selected ion. Preliminary evidence suggests that Brassica juncea may also produce dimethylselenonium propionate, although to a much lesser extent.

Speciation and bioavailability of selenium in yeast-based intervention agents used in cancer chemoprevention studies

This study investigated the speciation and bioavailability of selenium in yeast-based intervention agents from multiple manufacturers from several time points. Sources of selenized yeast included Nutrition 21 (San Diego, CA), which supplied the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) Trial from 1981-1996; Cypress Systems (Fresno, CA; 1997-1999); and Pharma Nord (Vejle, Denmark; 1999-2000), which supplied the Prevention of Cancer by Intervention by Selenium (PRECISE) Trial pilot studies. The low-molecular-selenium species were liberated from the samples by proteolytic hydrolysis followed by separation by ion exchange liquid chromatography and detection by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results for the NPC tablets showed that selenomethionine, together with 3 unidentified selenium compounds, were predominant in the sample hydrolysates. The relative amounts of the 4 selenium species varied (p < 0.05) among several of the 7 tablet batches used during the course of the NPC Trial. In comparison, 5 batches of more recently produced selenized yeasts, which were used as a source of selenium in the PRECISE and other trials, contained less of the unknown compounds and more selenomethionine at 54-60% of the total selenium in the yeasts. One batch of yeast, however (from 1985), which originated from the same producer as the yeast used in the NPC tablets, contained only 27% of selenium in the sample as selenomethionine. Human subjects receiving 200 microg selenium/day in the UK PRECISE Pilot Trial showed a higher concentration (p < 0.01) and higher increase from baseline in plasma selenium than did the same dosage used in the NPC Trial. Differences in intake, speciation, or bioavailability of selenium from the yeast-based supplements in the population groups studied may explain this. Furthermore, the selenium concentration in whole blood from the Danish PRECISE Pilot Trial was higher (p < 0.001) than that obtained with synthetic L-selenomethionine in a comparable group of Danes, both groups having been treated with 300 microg selenium/day.

A study of low level selenium determination by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry in water soluble protein and peptide fractions

Development of a method for very low level selenium determination in water soluble protein and peptide fractions, obtained after various separation procedures, is presented. A hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) detection system was optimised and the influence of Cu(II), Sb(V), As(III) and HNO3 interferences in the measurement of Se by HG-AFS was investigated. A destruction procedure using HNO3 and H2O2 was also optimised and the average recovery of the digestion of a solution of selenomethioneine was 92 +/- 4% (n=14). Combination of this digestion with the detection system gave reliable results. Accuracy was tested by comparison with two independent methods. A very low detection limit (DL) of 0.2 ng/g of measuring solution was achieved. The whole procedure from weighing to measuring was performed in the same Teflon tube. The addition of HNO3 to the fractions before long term storage at -20 degrees C was necessary to prevent adsorption on the test tubes. Selenium was measured in water soluble protein and peptide fractions obtained after extraction, and Sephadex G-75 chromatography performed on liver samples from: i) hens exposed to As2O3, ii) hens fed with a high fat feed and iii) the certified reference material dogfish liver (CRM DOLT-2). Because of the very low DL we were able to observe the Se distribution in chromatographic fractions of samples of organisms which were not exposed to excess amounts of Se. The presence of selenium associated with metallothioneins was observed.

The HI0073/HI0074 protein pair from Haemophilus influenzae is a member of a new nucleotidyltransferase family: structure, sequence analyses, and solution studies

The crystal structure of HI0074 from Haemophilus influenzae, a protein of unknown function, has been determined at a resolution of 2.4 A. The molecules form an up-down, four-helix bundle, and associate into homodimers. The fold is most closely related to the substrate-binding domain of KNTase, yet the amino acid sequences of the two proteins exhibit no significant homology. Sequence analyses of completely and incompletely sequenced genomes reveal that the two adjacent genes, HI0074 and HI0073, and their close relatives comprise a new family of nucleotidyltransferases, with 15 members at the time of writing. The analyses also indicate that this is one of eight families of a large nucleotidyltransferase superfamily, whose members were identified based on the proximity of the nucleotide- and substrate-binding domains on the respective genomes. Both HI0073 and HI0074 were annotated "hypothetical" in the original genome sequencing publication. HI0073 was cloned, expressed, and purified, and was shown to form a complex with HI0074 by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions, analytic size exclusion chromatography, and dynamic light scattering. Double- and single-stranded DNA binding assays showed no evidence of DNA binding to HI0074 or to HI0073/HI0074 complex despite the suggestive shape of the putative binding cleft formed by the HI0074 dimer.

Hydrolysis of proteins with methanesulfonic acid for improved HPLC-ICP-MS determination of seleno-methionine in yeast and nuts

In this work, the use of methanesulfonic acid for protein hydrolysis is proposed for evaluation of Se-methionine in yeast, Brazil nuts, and possibly other selenium-rich biological samples. The hydrolysis was carried out by heating the sample with 4 mol L(-1) acid at reflux for 8 h. Two chromatographic techniques (size-exclusion and ion-pairing) coupled with ICP-MS detection were used to compare the release of Se-methionine from proteins by enzymatic (proteinase K, protease XIV) and acid hydrolyses. A more efficient liberation of Se-methionine was observed by acid hydrolysis. For quantification, the sample extracts were introduced onto a C8 Alltima column, and the separation was achieved with a mobile phase containing 5 mmol L(-1) hexanesulfonic acid in citrate buffer (pH 4.5)/methanol (95:5). The results obtained by standard addition showed 816+/-17 micro g g(-1) and 36.2+/-1.5 micro g g(-1) of selenium in the form of Se-methionine in yeast and nuts, respectively (65% and 75% of total selenium).

The nutritional significance, metabolism and toxicology of selenomethionine

SeMet is a naturally occurring toxic amino acid but at the same time represents the major nutritional source of selenium for higher animals and humans. The ability of SeMet to be incorporated into the body proteins in place of Met furthermore provides a means of reversible Se storage in organs and tissues. This property is not shared by any other naturally occurring selenoamino acid and thus could be associated with a specific physiological function of SeMet. Since higher animals cannot synthesize SeMet, yet from it all needed forms of Se are produced, SeMet meets the criteria of an essential amino acid. Accordingly, SeMet, or enriched food sources thereof, are appropriate forms of Se for human nutritional Se supplementation. However, while SeMet or Se yeast are already widely used in over-the-counter nutritional supplements, infant formulas and parenteral feeding mixtures still contain Se in the form of sodium selenate or sodium selenite, even though these are not the normal nutritional forms of Se. In animal nutrition, these inorganic selenium salts are increasingly replaced by food sources of SeMet such as Se yeast. Synthetic SeMet could also be employed as a feed additive, but its regulatory status is as yet undetermined. The optimal nutritional levels of SeMet for different animal species still need to be determined. The expectation is that lower additions to feedstock of equivalent levels of SeMet will suffice to achieve adequacy than currently approved maximum levels of Se in the form of inorganic Se salts.

Stability of total selenium and selenium species in lyophilised oysters and in their enzymatic extracts

To obtain reliable information on speciation analysis it is necessary to previously evaluate the stability of the species in the sample of interest. Furthermore, in those cases in which sample treatment to extract the species is time-consuming, an evaluation of how to maintain species integrity in the extracts is paramount. Thus, the present paper reports the stability of total Se, SeMet and TMSe+ in freeze-dried oyster and in the enzymatic extracts stored in Pyrex and polyethylene containers at different temperatures (-18, 4 and 20 degrees C). Total selenium determinations and Se speciation were carried out by HG-AAS after acid digestion in a microwave oven and by on-line coupling of cation exchange HPLC-ICP-MS after enzymatic hydrolysis, respectively. The results obtained for the freeze-dried sample showed that total Se and the selenium species evaluated are stable for at least 12 months, under all the conditions tested. However, Se species in the enzymatic extracts are only stable for 10 days if stored at 4 degrees C in Pyrex containers. These results show that the extracts do not necessarily have to be analysed just after sample treatment.

Characterization of selenium species in Brazil nuts by HPLC-ICP-MS and ES-MS

Brazil nuts have been classified as the foodstuffs that contain the highest level of unadulterated selenium, an essential trace element that appears to prevent cancer. To date, characterization of the selenium species in brazil nuts has not yet been investigated. In this work, various sample preparation approaches, including microwave extractions and enzymatic treatments, are examined with the goal of species preservation and subsequent selenium speciation; of these approaches, an enzymatic treatment with Proteinase K proved most effective. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation strategies and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection schemes will also be presented. Extracts are evaluated against available standards for the commercially obtainable seleno-amino acids, selenomethionine (SeMet), selenoethionine (SeEt), and selenocystine (SeCys); selenomethionine was demonstrated to be the most abundant of these seleno-amino acids. Further characterization of unidentified selenium-containing peaks is attempted by the employment of several procedures, including electrospray-mass spectrometry (ES-MS). A peptide structure was identified; however, this was considered a tentative proposal due to the large background produced by the extremely complicated brazil nut matrix.