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Analysis of Anthocyanins in Tissues of Pigs Fed Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Author(s) -
Milbury Paul E.,
Graf Brigitte A.,
Blumberg Jeffrey B.,
Kalt Wilhelmina
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.a550-b
Subject(s) - vaccinium , food science , anthocyanin , biology , horticulture
Pharmacokinetic parameters of dietary anthocyanins following consumption of berries have been determined in humans, rats and pigs, showing rapid uptake and excretion of intact anthocyanin glycosides and phase II metabolites. Study of in vivo effects may therefore necessitate study of both parent glycosides and metabolites. Mechanistic details of anthocyanin uptake, absorption, and tissue distribution are still not fully elucidated due partly to difficulty in extracting and measuring them from tissues. Using HPLC with ECD, UV, and MS2 detection, we have quantitatively identified unmetabolized anthocyanin glycosides in various tissues from pigs fed for 8 wk a diet enriched with Vaccinium corymbosum (blueberry). Authentic anthocyanin detection limits were 300 pg on column for HPLC/ECD and 20 pg on column using select ion moitoring on LC/MS2. Several extraction protocols were investigated, optimizing extraction efficiency from tissue while obtaining samples clean enough for LC/MS2 analysis. A flow stream switching protocol proved beneficial to LC/MS2 analysis. Anthocyanin stability appeared to be greater in the presence of tissue extract material than as purified standards. Delphinidin compounds degraded quickly while malvidin compounds were more stable, however, malvidin can be formed by in vivo methylation of other anthocyanins. The value of measuring individual conjugated compounds versus hydrolyzing to aglycones for study of tissue distribution was tested.