Hydroxymethylfurfural: an enemy or a friendly xenobiotic? A bioanalytical approach

Abstract

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a well-known heterocyclic Maillard reaction product, has often been studied for its potential toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects. Recent clinical studies, however, have strongly suggested that HMF might have exciting antitumor potential. We report on the development and validation of a bioanalytical assay for HMF that could be suitable as a basis for pharmacokinetic models in cancer patients. Two strategies were tested, i.e., direct and indirect methodologies. A direct isocratic LC determination at 283 nm was designed. Two indirect attempts involved derivatization coupled to HPLC-UV. It was possible to resolve the stereoisomers of the HMF derivative, and factors influencing their equilibrium ratio are discussed. HMF was extracted from the biomatrix by solid-phase extraction using different cartridges. A comparative study was made of the implemented methods as well as the extraction protocols. Both indirect assays proved to be more sensitive and were used to assess HMF quantitatively in human plasma. However, the newly introduced derivatization conditions led to the highest sensitivity with a LOD (S/N ratio = 3) of at least 2 pmol analyte on column. The assay selectivity was satisfactory in pre- and post-dose real samples. The mean recoveries of the assays were 79% and 89%, with acceptable accuracies and reproducibilities. Figure Schematic representation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in human plasma.

Effect of Microwave Treatment on Microbial Contamination of Honeys and in Their Physicochemical and Thermal Properties

“…The same was observed by Kowalski et al [2012], the increase caused by microwaves of the HMF is not gradual and its formation did not take place in the individual honeys in the same way, depending on fl oral origin. On the other hand, sample eight showed high concentration of HMF before treatment, associated to, probably, adultera- [Michail et al, 2007].…”

High temperature-short time glycation to improve heat stability of whey protein and reduce color formation

“…In addition to concerns about negative impacts on health (Michail et al, 2007;N€ assberger, 1990), HMF is commonly used as a marker compound in foods and model systems (Garcia-Villanova, Guerra-Hernandez, Martinez-Gomez, & Montilla, 1993). This is because HMF is not only an intermediate product of Maillard reaction (Morales, Romero, & Jim enez-P erez, 1997) but also a degradation product of sugars at high temperatures (Kroh, 1994).…”

Effects of pressure on the glucose–ammonium sulphite caramel solutions

“…Among the low-molecular-mass products, large quantities of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (HMF) are formed in certain foods (Rufián-Henares & de la Cueva, 2008;Wolfrom, Schuetz, & Cavalieri, 1948). Some recent studies show that HMF has often been found for its potential toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects (Brusick, Jagannath, Galloway, & Nestmann, 1992;MacKenzie et al, 1992;Michail et al, 2007;Myers & Howell, 1992;Nassberger, 1990;Rasmussen, Hessov, & Bojsen-Moller, 1982;Ulbricht, Northup, & Thomas, 1984). For example, the studies reported that HMF has significant adverse effects on human blood cells (Michail et al, 2007;Nassberger, 1990).…”