DETERMINATION OF LIGNANS AND ISOFLAVONOIDS IN PLASMA BY ISOTOPE-DILUTION GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS-SPECTROMETRY

A quantitative method based on ion-exchange chromatography and isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using deuterated intern al standards for the determination of plasma lignans and isoflavonoid phytoestrogens has been developed. These compounds are potential antic ancer compounds originating from the diet. The method allows the assay of seven different compounds, while unconjugated (free) and sulfated compounds are determined separately from glucuronides and sulfoglucuro nides. Results of plasma analyses in Finnish women and in Japanese men are presented. Total concentrations of individual compounds vary grea tly between the subjects (from pmol/l to mumol/l), with the Finnish ve getarians and Japanese subjects having higher values. The Finns have r elatively high lignan and the Japanese very high isoflavonoid values. It is concluded that the new method allows the determination of the wh ole plasma lignan and isoflavonoid phytoestrogen profile.