Quantification of neurotoxin BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine) in seafood from Swedish markets.
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) produced naturally by cyanobacteria, diatoms and dinoflagellates can be transferred and accumulated up the food chain, and may be a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. This study provides the first systematic screening of BMAA exposure of a large population through the consumption of seafood sold in metropolitan markets. BMAA was distinguished from known isomers by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry after acidic hydrolysis and derivatization. Using deuterium-labeled internal standard, BMAA was quantified as 0.01-0.90 μg/g wet weight of tissues in blue mussel, oyster, shrimp, plaice, char and herring, but was undetectable (<0.01 μg/g) in other samples (salmon, cod, perch and crayfish). Provided that the content of BMAA detected is relevant for intake calculations, the data presented may be used for a first estimation of BMAA exposure through seafood from Swedish markets, and to refine the design of future toxicological experiments and assessments.
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
Liying
L
Jiang
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
Nadezda
N
Kiselova
National Food Administration, SE-75126 Uppsala, Sweden.
Johan
J
Rosén
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
Leopold L
LL
Ilag
D000599:Amino Acids, Diamino / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D003400:Astacoidea / Q000737:chemistry; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000737:chemistry; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D003132:Commerce; D000087522:Cyanobacteria Toxins; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D010125:Ostreidae / Q000737:chemistry; D033561:Penaeidae / Q000737:chemistry; D012015:Reference Standards; D017747:Seafood / Q000032:analysis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013548:Sweden; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
D000599:Amino Acids, Diamino; D000087522:Cyanobacteria Toxins; D009498:Neurotoxins; C001824:beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine