A high-throughput LC-MS/MS assay for quantification of artesunate and its metabolite dihydroartemisinin in human plasma and saliva.
OBJECTIVE
Saliva is an alternative sampling matrix to plasma, offering a noninvasive technique, but requires a highly sensitive bioanalytical method.


METHODS
An API 3000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source operated in the positive ion mode was used for the analysis.


RESULTS
A high-throughput LC-MS/MS method using SPE for the quantification of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin in plasma and saliva has been optimized and validated according to US FDA guidelines. For both analytes the LLOQ was determined to 5 ng/ml and the calibration range was 5-1000 ng/ml for artesunate and 5-2000 ng/ml for dihydroartemisinin.


CONCLUSIONS
For the first time, a bioanalytical method for determination of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin in human saliva has been described, showing possible applicability in clinical saliva samples in addition to plasma samples.
Unit for Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, Department of Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Sofia
S
Birgersson
Therese
T
Ericsson
Antje
A
Blank
Cornelia von
Cv
Hagens
Michael
M
Ashton
Kurt-Jürgen
KJ
Hoffmann
D053000:Analytic Sample Preparation Methods; D037621:Artemisinins / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000077332:Artesunate; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D002138:Calibration; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D004355:Drug Stability; D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D037621:Artemisinins; D000077332:Artesunate; C039060:artenimol