There has been an emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in forensic casework globally. Although the reported prevalence of these compounds has been relatively low in comparison to traditional drugs of abuse, published case studies suggest that some NPS have significant pharmacological effects that may cause severe impairment and/or death. Because of these effects, it is important that toxicology laboratories have the capability of identifying these compounds to complete a comprehensive toxicological analysis for human performance and post-mortem investigations. Recently, mass spectrometry has gained favor over traditional screening assays such as immunoassays for the identification of NPS in biological specimens. This trend is mainly a result of the fact that mass spectrometry provides the required sensitivity and selectivity for a broader range of analytes. High resolution tandem mass spectrometry has been suggested for analysis of NPS, as this technique further increases selectivity by increasing mass accuracy and providing MS/MS spectral data. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the applicability of using high resolution mass spectrometry to screen for and confirm a large number of novel psychoactive substances. The present study consisted of three main tasks, which included 1) the creation of a large high resolution MS/MS spectral library and database, 2) the development of a solid phase extraction (SPE) method and acquisition methods, and 3) a collision induced dissociation (CID) study of regioisomeric NPS compounds. The MS/MS spectral library created contains spectral data for 252 NPS. In addition, 875 NPS entities were included in the compound database. The library and database can be used by toxicology laboratories to aid in the identification of NPS in casework using MS/MS spectral data and full scan MS data, respectively. The analytical method developed used SPE and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The HRMS method demonstrated limits of detection ranging from 0.5- 5 ng/mL for NPS from various structural drug classes. The CID experiments demonstrated that relative ion abundance alone could be used to differentiate some sets of regioisomers. The present work can aid toxicology laboratories in the identification of NPS and demonstrates the applicability of HRMS for their screening and confirmation.

The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human health and therefore imbalances in gut microbiota functioning can lead to the development of metabolic disorders. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites, bile acids (BA) and other metabolites are the essential compounds for the metabolome. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that can be absorbed onto the lumen by food. Since many PFAS has shown to possess a long list of adverse effects on human health, the short term impact of PFAS on gut microbiota functioning using an in vitro model that mimics fermentation in the human colon was explored. Samples obtained from in vitro fecal fermentation were then analysed through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-qToF-MS) using targeted and non-targeted approaches. Fecal samples were donated by four donors which were put through a fermentation over 24 hours and treated with no PFAS mixture (control), low concentration mixture of PFAS (PFAS-L) and high concentration mixture of PFAS (PFAS-H). The PFAS mixture contained perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA). For the fermentation, samples were collected after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours. The samples were spun down and the supernatant was collected. Two approaches were applied to explore the metabolism in the fermentation extracts: The first one was a “targeted SCFA and TCA cycle metabolites analysis’’ and the second one was “untargeted analysis of polar and nonpolar metabolites’’. Results show that all TCA cycle metabolites displayed different trends with the compound and little to no variation between the treatments. However, although there was no significant difference, 4 core compounds of the TCA metabolism were lower after treatment with PFAS-L or PFAS-H. For the untargeted method, 78 of 2855 compounds were identified. When comparing control samples, PFAS-H and PFAS-L, 200 features showed statistically significant differences. Most of these had higher concentrations for PFAS-treated samples. When PFAS-H was compared only with PFAS-L, 30 features were found to be statistically significant, indicating that distinct concentrations of PFAS differentially affect gut microbiota metabolism. For future identification, further analysis must be done, preferably with MS/MS, to obtain more structural information for these significant metabolites, since the masses of the fraction ions are needed to narrow down the search in databases used to obtain the identity of an ion. PFAS and the concentration seem to have an impact on the gut microbiota, the study should be done with additional donors to archive trends applicable to a whole population.

Il est maintenant avéré que les contaminants présents dans les milieux aquatiques peuvent être toxiques à l’état de traces voire d’ultra traces. Il est donc important de développer des méthodes d’analyse performantes et sensibles pouvant atteindre ces niveaux de concentration. Dans cette optique, les techniques chromatographiques couplées à la spectrométrie de masse (GC-MS et LC-MS/MS) sont généralement utilisées pour l’analyse des polluants organiques. Les composés présents dans les milieux aquatiques possèdent des propriétés physico-chimiques très variées, d’apolaires à très polaires. Ainsi, développer une analyse simultanée pour toutes ces molécules représente un challenge analytique. Dans ce travail de thèse, plusieurs étapes du processus analytique ont été évaluées : la préparation de l’échantillon par extraction sur phase solide (SPE), la séparation par chromatographie et la détection par spectrométrie de masse. Une liste de composés modèles couramment retrouvés dans les milieux aquatiques a été établie pour conduire ces essais. Les méthodes d’extraction en phase solide hors ligne et en ligne ont été développées dans une optique d’analyse multirésidus à un niveau de traces. Les méthodes chromatographiques, gazeuse et liquide, couplées à la spectrométrie de masse ont été étudiées pour favoriser une analyse exhaustive et sensible. La dernière partie a consisté à appliquer les méthodes développées pour une approche d’analyse non ciblée. / It is now widely recognized that contaminants present in aquatic environments can be toxic at traces or even ultra-traces level. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient and sensitive analytical methods to reach these levels of concentration. In that respect, chromatographic techniques coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS and LC-MS / MS) are commonly used for the analysis of organic pollutants. The substances encountered in aquatic environments display a large range of physico-chemical properties, from apolar to very polar. Thus, developing a simultaneous analysis for all these molecules represents an analytical challenge. In this pHD work, several steps of the analytical process have been investigated: sample preparation by solid phase extraction (SPE), chromatographic separation and the detection by mass spectrometry. A list of model compounds commonly determined in aquatic environments was established to conduct the tests. Solid phase extraction methods, offline and online, were developed in a multiresidue analysis aim at traces level. Chromatographic methods, gaseous and liquid, coupled to mass spectrometry were studied to obtain an exhaustive and sensitive analysis. The last part consisted to apply the developed methods for a non-targeted analysis approach.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a great challenge to toxicologists due to the ability of illicit drug manufacturers to alter NPS chemical structures quickly and with ease to circumvent legislation regulating their use. Each time a new structure is introduced, there is a possibility that it has not been previously recorded in law enforcement or scientific databases. Many toxicology laboratories use targeted analytical methods that rely on libraries of known compounds to identify drugs in samples. However, these libraries do not include large numbers of NPS which could result in non-identification or detection. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has been suggested as a method for screening a wide variety of analytes due to its higher sensitivity and mass accuracy as compared to some other forms of mass spectrometry. This technique can generate characteristic MS/MS spectral data for use in compound identification. The main goal of this research was to create a high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) library of NPS and metabolites, as well as validate a method for screening and confirmation of these substances. The study consisted of three main tasks which included; the development of a large high-resolution MS/MS spectral library and database, validation of a method for screening and confirmation of over 800 NPS and metabolites, and screening of blind-spiked and authentic urine specimens to determine real-world applicability of the HRMS library and method. During validation, several isomeric and structurally related NPS were observed which could not be adequately separated using traditional LC methods. A fourth task was therefore added to investigate improved separation using two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC). Increased resolving power is achieved in 2D-LC through the coupling of multiple orthogonal separation systems. Ultimately, an on-line, comprehensive method was developed using orthogonal reversed-phase columns in each dimension (RP x RP) for improved separation of co-eluting and isomeric synthetic cannabinoids. This work can aid laboratories in the identification of NPS through the use of a validated LC-QTOF-MS method for screening and confirmation and HRMS spectral library. In instances where isomeric and structurally related NPS are not sufficiently separated, RP x RP methods can be explored.

No description available.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are synthetic drugs that pose serious public health and safety concerns as their ingestion by recreational drug users continues to cause adverse events and death. A multitude of NPS have been implicated in forensic investigations in the United States, but the identification of these emerging substances is challenging and complex, requiring advanced analytical capabilities and novel analysis workflows. The most common and effective manner for identifying NPS is by the use of mass spectrometry, while the true utility of this technology lies within non-targeted acquisition techniques. This research sought to utilize novel drug screening technologies and customized methodologies to characterize current NPS use in high risk populations through the analysis of biological sample extracts discarded from a partnering forensic toxicology reference laboratory. Specifically, NPS detection, identification, and characterization were the primary foci to produce increased awareness and education on a national level. To accomplish these goals, two novel workflows were developed: sample mining and data mining. A liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) assay was developed, validated, and implemented for forensic toxicology analytical testing. A SCIEX TripleTOF™ 5600+ QTOF-MS with SWATH® acquisition coupled to a Shimadzu Nexera XR UHPLC was used. Resulting data were compared against an extensive in-house library database containing more than 800 analytes. The LC-QTOF-MS assay was applied to the re-analysis of biological sample extracts to discover emergent NPS, their metabolites, and trends in use patterns. In total, 3,543 biological sample extracts were analyzed during this research and 21 emerging NPS were detected, some for the first time, through sample mining. Among these emerging substances were the NPS opioids: isopropyl-U-47700, 3,4-methylenedioxy-U-47700, and fluorofuranylfentanyl; the NPS opioid precursors: N-methyl norfentanyl and benzylfuranylfentanyl; the NPS hallucinogens: 2F-deschloroketamine, methoxy-PCP, and hydroxy-PCP; the NPS stimulants: 3,4-methylenedioxy-alpha-PHP, eutylone, and N-ethyl hexedrone; and the NPS benzodiazepine: flualprazolam. With respect to trends, NPS opioid positivity declined over time during this research; however, fentanyl positivity was persistent. Heroin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) positivity appeared to decline slightly, but further temporal evaluation is necessary. NPS were less likely to be found in combination with other NPS; only one NPS substance was found in 82.5% of NPS-positive samples. Fentanyl poly-drug use was common, including concurrent or proximate use with traditional opioids (42.8%), NPS opioids (27.3%), cocaine (26.4%), methamphetamine (13.1%), NPS stimulants (4.2%), and other substances. The evaluation of in vitro metabolism for five emerging NPS detected for the first time during this research (3,4-methylenedioxy-U-47700, ortho-fluorofuranylfentanyl, 2F-deschloroketamine, eutylone, and N-ethyl hexedrone) resulted in the characterization of major metabolic pathways and the identification of metabolites presence in vivo by data mining of extract datafiles. These major metabolites provide utility for forensic laboratories to prolong detection windows for NPS. The primary metabolite identified for 3,4-methylenedioxy-U-47700 was N-demethyl-3,4-methylenedioxy-U-47700; the primary metabolite identified for ortho-fluorofuranylfentanyl was fluoro-4-ANPP; the primary metabolite identified for 2F-deschloroketamine was 2F-deschloro-norketamine; and the primary metabolites identified for eutylone and N-ethyl hexedrone were products of hydrogenation to the beta-ketone. As shown through this research, NPS continue to appear in forensic toxicology casework and novel assays for their detection and characterization are critical to remaining at the forefront of emerging drug trends and recreational drug use. LC-QTOF-MS was a vital piece of the analytical puzzle for discovering and characterizing emerging NPS and their metabolites. Analytical chemists must continue research involving NPS to broaden our understanding of synthetic drugs and their public health and safety impacts. / Chemistry

A presença de compostos de uso veterinário em produtos de origem animal é uma grande preocupação em termos de saúde pública. A utilização descontrolada de antibióticos como medicamentos veterinários pode levar ao desenvolvimento de resistência bacteriana, podendo prejudicar a eficácia destas drogas no uso em humanos. Os aminoglicosídeos são antibióticos extensivamente utilizados na criação de animais para o tratamento de infecções bacterianas ou para a promoção do crescimento. A União Europeia estabeleceu níveis máximos de resíduos permitidos (LMRs) para os aminoglicosídeos em vários alimentos de origem animal. O governo brasileiro implementou um plano de controle que avalia os resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em produtos de origem animal. Neste trabalho, foram desenvolvidos método quantitativo por cromatografia a líquido acoplada a espectrometria de massas triplo quadrupolo em modo tandem (LC-MS/MS) e método de screening utilizando cromatografia a líquido acoplada a espectrometria de massas com analisador por tempo-de-voo (LC-qTOF-MS) para a determinação simultânea dos aminoglicosídeos espectinomicina, tobramicina, gentamicina, kanamicina, higromicina, apramicina, estreptomicina, diidroestreptomicina, amicacina e neomicina em leite e em músculo bovino, de aves e suíno. Como método de extração utilizou-se procedimento com ácido tricloroacético e clean up por precipitação a baixa temperatura e C18 a granel. Os métodos por LC-MS/MS e LC-qTOF-MS foram validados de acordo com a Diretiva da Comissão Europeia 2002/657/CE. Os resultados obtidos no método quantitativo para recuperação, precisão, linearidade, especificidade, limites de decisão (CCα) e capacidades de detecção (CCβ) nestas matrizes foram considerados satisfatórios. Os dados de limite de detecção (LOD) e limite de quantificação (LOQ) foram estabelecidos a partir dos LMRs, variando de 5 a 100 ng g-1 para LOD e 12,5 a 250 ng g-1 para LOQ. As recuperações variaram de 36,8 a 98%, e os coeficientes de variação ficaram entre 0,9 e 20,2%, observando-se que todas as curvas foram feitas com nas próprias matrizes a fim de minimizar os efeitos de matriz que são intrínsecos para os casos estudados neste trabalho. Os valores de CCβ obtidos no método qualitativo foram entre 25 e 250 ng g-1, considerados satisfatórios para os analitos nessas matrizes. O método proposto mostrou-se simples, fácil e adequado para a análise de um grande número de amostras por dia a um baixo custo. / The presence of several substances in animal products has been a major public concern. The use of antibiotics drugs as veterinary medicines might lead to the development of bacterial resistance, which might undermine the efficacy of these drugs in human use. The aminoglycosides are antibiotics that have been extensively employed in animal husbandry for the treatment of bacterial infections, but also as growth promotion. The European Union has issued strict maximum residue levels (MRLs) for aminoglycosides in several animal origin products. The Brazilian government implemented a control plan that assesses the residues of veterinary medicines in animal products. A quantitative method based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and a screening method by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry with time-of-flight system (LC-qTOF-MS) has been developed for simultaneous determination of the aminoglycosides spectonomycin, tobramycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, hygromycin, apramycin, streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, amikacin and neomycin in milk and in bovine, poultry and swine muscles. A simple extraction method was developed using trichloroacetic acid and clean up with low temperature precipitation and C18 bulk. The LC–MS/MS and LC-qTOF-MS methods were validated according to the European Union Commission Directive 2002/657/EC. Adequate performance characteristics were obtained for recovery, precision, calibration curve, specificity, decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCβ) in all matrices tested. The detection limit (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) was established from MRL ranging from 5 to 100 ng g-1 for LOD and 12.5 to 250 ng g-1 to LOQ. Recoveries ranged from 36.8 to 98.0% and the coefficient of variation from 0.9 to 20.2%, noting that all curves have been made into their own matrices in order to minimize the matrix effects which are intrinsic to the cases studied in this work. The CCβ values obtained in qualitative method were between 25 and 250 ng g-1, considered satisfactory for the analytes in those matrices. The proposed method proved to be simple, easy, and adequate for high-throughput analysis of a large number of samples per day at low cost.

A presença de compostos de uso veterinário em produtos de origem animal é uma grande preocupação em termos de saúde pública. A utilização descontrolada de antibióticos como medicamentos veterinários pode levar ao desenvolvimento de resistência bacteriana, podendo prejudicar a eficácia destas drogas no uso em humanos. Os aminoglicosídeos são antibióticos extensivamente utilizados na criação de animais para o tratamento de infecções bacterianas ou para a promoção do crescimento. A União Europeia estabeleceu níveis máximos de resíduos permitidos (LMRs) para os aminoglicosídeos em vários alimentos de origem animal. O governo brasileiro implementou um plano de controle que avalia os resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em produtos de origem animal. Neste trabalho, foram desenvolvidos método quantitativo por cromatografia a líquido acoplada a espectrometria de massas triplo quadrupolo em modo tandem (LC-MS/MS) e método de screening utilizando cromatografia a líquido acoplada a espectrometria de massas com analisador por tempo-de-voo (LC-qTOF-MS) para a determinação simultânea dos aminoglicosídeos espectinomicina, tobramicina, gentamicina, kanamicina, higromicina, apramicina, estreptomicina, diidroestreptomicina, amicacina e neomicina em leite e em músculo bovino, de aves e suíno. Como método de extração utilizou-se procedimento com ácido tricloroacético e clean up por precipitação a baixa temperatura e C18 a granel. Os métodos por LC-MS/MS e LC-qTOF-MS foram validados de acordo com a Diretiva da Comissão Europeia 2002/657/CE. Os resultados obtidos no método quantitativo para recuperação, precisão, linearidade, especificidade, limites de decisão (CCα) e capacidades de detecção (CCβ) nestas matrizes foram considerados satisfatórios. Os dados de limite de detecção (LOD) e limite de quantificação (LOQ) foram estabelecidos a partir dos LMRs, variando de 5 a 100 ng g-1 para LOD e 12,5 a 250 ng g-1 para LOQ. As recuperações variaram de 36,8 a 98%, e os coeficientes de variação ficaram entre 0,9 e 20,2%, observando-se que todas as curvas foram feitas com nas próprias matrizes a fim de minimizar os efeitos de matriz que são intrínsecos para os casos estudados neste trabalho. Os valores de CCβ obtidos no método qualitativo foram entre 25 e 250 ng g-1, considerados satisfatórios para os analitos nessas matrizes. O método proposto mostrou-se simples, fácil e adequado para a análise de um grande número de amostras por dia a um baixo custo. / The presence of several substances in animal products has been a major public concern. The use of antibiotics drugs as veterinary medicines might lead to the development of bacterial resistance, which might undermine the efficacy of these drugs in human use. The aminoglycosides are antibiotics that have been extensively employed in animal husbandry for the treatment of bacterial infections, but also as growth promotion. The European Union has issued strict maximum residue levels (MRLs) for aminoglycosides in several animal origin products. The Brazilian government implemented a control plan that assesses the residues of veterinary medicines in animal products. A quantitative method based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and a screening method by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry with time-of-flight system (LC-qTOF-MS) has been developed for simultaneous determination of the aminoglycosides spectonomycin, tobramycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, hygromycin, apramycin, streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, amikacin and neomycin in milk and in bovine, poultry and swine muscles. A simple extraction method was developed using trichloroacetic acid and clean up with low temperature precipitation and C18 bulk. The LC–MS/MS and LC-qTOF-MS methods were validated according to the European Union Commission Directive 2002/657/EC. Adequate performance characteristics were obtained for recovery, precision, calibration curve, specificity, decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCβ) in all matrices tested. The detection limit (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) was established from MRL ranging from 5 to 100 ng g-1 for LOD and 12.5 to 250 ng g-1 to LOQ. Recoveries ranged from 36.8 to 98.0% and the coefficient of variation from 0.9 to 20.2%, noting that all curves have been made into their own matrices in order to minimize the matrix effects which are intrinsic to the cases studied in this work. The CCβ values obtained in qualitative method were between 25 and 250 ng g-1, considered satisfactory for the analytes in those matrices. The proposed method proved to be simple, easy, and adequate for high-throughput analysis of a large number of samples per day at low cost.

A presença de compostos de uso veterinário em produtos de origem animal é uma grande preocupação em termos de saúde pública. A utilização descontrolada de antibióticos como medicamentos veterinários pode levar ao desenvolvimento de resistência bacteriana, podendo prejudicar a eficácia destas drogas no uso em humanos. Os aminoglicosídeos são antibióticos extensivamente utilizados na criação de animais para o tratamento de infecções bacterianas ou para a promoção do crescimento. A União Europeia estabeleceu níveis máximos de resíduos permitidos (LMRs) para os aminoglicosídeos em vários alimentos de origem animal. O governo brasileiro implementou um plano de controle que avalia os resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em produtos de origem animal. Neste trabalho, foram desenvolvidos método quantitativo por cromatografia a líquido acoplada a espectrometria de massas triplo quadrupolo em modo tandem (LC-MS/MS) e método de screening utilizando cromatografia a líquido acoplada a espectrometria de massas com analisador por tempo-de-voo (LC-qTOF-MS) para a determinação simultânea dos aminoglicosídeos espectinomicina, tobramicina, gentamicina, kanamicina, higromicina, apramicina, estreptomicina, diidroestreptomicina, amicacina e neomicina em leite e em músculo bovino, de aves e suíno. Como método de extração utilizou-se procedimento com ácido tricloroacético e clean up por precipitação a baixa temperatura e C18 a granel. Os métodos por LC-MS/MS e LC-qTOF-MS foram validados de acordo com a Diretiva da Comissão Europeia 2002/657/CE. Os resultados obtidos no método quantitativo para recuperação, precisão, linearidade, especificidade, limites de decisão (CCα) e capacidades de detecção (CCβ) nestas matrizes foram considerados satisfatórios. Os dados de limite de detecção (LOD) e limite de quantificação (LOQ) foram estabelecidos a partir dos LMRs, variando de 5 a 100 ng g-1 para LOD e 12,5 a 250 ng g-1 para LOQ. As recuperações variaram de 36,8 a 98%, e os coeficientes de variação ficaram entre 0,9 e 20,2%, observando-se que todas as curvas foram feitas com nas próprias matrizes a fim de minimizar os efeitos de matriz que são intrínsecos para os casos estudados neste trabalho. Os valores de CCβ obtidos no método qualitativo foram entre 25 e 250 ng g-1, considerados satisfatórios para os analitos nessas matrizes. O método proposto mostrou-se simples, fácil e adequado para a análise de um grande número de amostras por dia a um baixo custo. / The presence of several substances in animal products has been a major public concern. The use of antibiotics drugs as veterinary medicines might lead to the development of bacterial resistance, which might undermine the efficacy of these drugs in human use. The aminoglycosides are antibiotics that have been extensively employed in animal husbandry for the treatment of bacterial infections, but also as growth promotion. The European Union has issued strict maximum residue levels (MRLs) for aminoglycosides in several animal origin products. The Brazilian government implemented a control plan that assesses the residues of veterinary medicines in animal products. A quantitative method based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and a screening method by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry with time-of-flight system (LC-qTOF-MS) has been developed for simultaneous determination of the aminoglycosides spectonomycin, tobramycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, hygromycin, apramycin, streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, amikacin and neomycin in milk and in bovine, poultry and swine muscles. A simple extraction method was developed using trichloroacetic acid and clean up with low temperature precipitation and C18 bulk. The LC–MS/MS and LC-qTOF-MS methods were validated according to the European Union Commission Directive 2002/657/EC. Adequate performance characteristics were obtained for recovery, precision, calibration curve, specificity, decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCβ) in all matrices tested. The detection limit (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) was established from MRL ranging from 5 to 100 ng g-1 for LOD and 12.5 to 250 ng g-1 to LOQ. Recoveries ranged from 36.8 to 98.0% and the coefficient of variation from 0.9 to 20.2%, noting that all curves have been made into their own matrices in order to minimize the matrix effects which are intrinsic to the cases studied in this work. The CCβ values obtained in qualitative method were between 25 and 250 ng g-1, considered satisfactory for the analytes in those matrices. The proposed method proved to be simple, easy, and adequate for high-throughput analysis of a large number of samples per day at low cost.

The gut microbiota plays a major part in maintaining the health of a human host. Countless of crucial functions in the body, including immune responses, cell signaling and energy metabolism to name a few, are conducted by the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Accordingly, it is of interest to gain knowledge on what can alter the gut microbiota, as these alterations by extension can give rise to adverse health effects. In this study, the impact of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)- and organochlorine pesticide (OCP) exposure on tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids, as well as other polar and semi-polar metabolites, which are all related to the gut microbiota, were investigated. An in vitro fermentation of faecal samples exposed to a PCB/OCP mixture was performed, and liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-qToF-MS) targeted and non-targeted approaches were applied to the extracts. The results obtained suggested that PCBs and OCPs most likely have an effect on the levels of several features of the gut metabolome with either increased or decreased levels upon exposure. Bile acids and TCA metabolites appear to follow a trend of decreasing levels, while no apparent effects could be seen for the SCFAs. Furthermore, distinct concentrations of the PCB/OCP mixture appear to induce different changes in gut microbiota functioning, which highlights the importance of performing dose-response studies when exploring biological effects of these compounds. The identification of different metabolite profiles during fermentation also allows for the possibility of further investigation of potential biomarkers to assess PCB/OCP exposure.