TMAU Test and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

As mentioned in my latest Update post dated April 1 in this Blog, Eliapharma has been working on analyzing TMA levels, TMAO levels, and creatinine of the first 38 specimens received. However, Samir was not satisfied with the sensitivity level of the test, as he explains below,

We have performed a method of analysis developed in the past, but this method was not as sensitive as we would have liked, because in order to bring more sensitivity to the test, we have had to compromise the selectivity of the method. Consequently, Eliapharma is obtaining two analytical columns that we have purchased from Japan, which combines polar and non polar groups. Once we obtain and install these columns, I am confident that we will be successful in obtaining excellent chromatography, sensitivity, and selectivity.

Samir Nassr, M.Sc., CEO
Eliapharma Services Inc.
230 Bernard Belleau suite 166
Laval, QC, Canada, H7V 4A9

Once we obtain and install these columns, I am confident that we will be successful in obtaining excellent chromatography, sensitivity, and selectivity.
Samir Nassr, M.Sc., CEO

ABOUT THE ACCURACY OF THE TEST: Many labs have been using a gas chromatography equipment for TMAU testing; and a newer system has come out in the market, the Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. If I am not mistaken, I believe that there is a lab in New Zealand and another in Korea that have the new liquid LC/MS. Scientists in the Korea Institute of Science and Technology have written a paper in the Korean Chemical Society Jounal (KCS), Determination of Urinary Trimethylamine and Trimethylamine N-oxide by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Using Mixed-Mode Stationary Phases(1).

Since TMA is a small molecule and thus is more difficult to detect and measure, Eliapharma's CEO was not satisfied with the results he got in his first 2 and 3 rounds of tests, and he made some adjustments on the equipment until he was better satisfied with it, but still not 100% satisfied. After an indepth analysis, Samir has determined that he needs to purchase two columns (attachments), Capcell Pak CR part no. 93026 to attach to his LC-MS/MS Bioanalysis equipment for this test in order to achieve greater sensitivity and selectivity in the results. So he has ordered it (price $1,500). Samir will not give us to distribute the 3 results of all the tests he's done, until he gets this part and runs the test of all the samples again. Once these columns are attached to the LC/MS, it would guarantee excellent chromatography, sensitivity, and selectivity when working with this small molecules such as TMA.

Meanwhile, Samir informs us that he will run the test again with any and all samples he may have at the time at his lab, before the columns arrive. He will then give these results to MEBO, and if anyone who has tested wishes to discuss these results with me in advance to have a rough idea of how their choline load has affected them, they may email me to set up a private phone call. However, it will be necessary to wait until the columns have been received and the test re-done for accurate results for the sufferer to give to their doctor.

With the shipment of new kits that will go out from the lab on Monday, there will have been 61 samples tested if all are returned before the columns are received.

Everyone's patience is greatly appreciated.

María

María de la Torre
President and Executive Director

A Public Charity

www.meboresearch.org
maria.delatorre@meboresearch.org
MEBO's Blog (English)
El Blog de MEBO (español)

(1)Sang Kyu Lee, Dong-Hyun Kim, Changbae Jin, and Hye Hyun Yoo; Bull. Korean Chem. Soc. 2010, Vol.31, No.2, DOI 10.5012/bkcs.2010.31.02.483

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