Measurement of Phytoestrogens in Human Biological Fluids by LC/MS

Abstract:
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant substances with both estrogenic and anti- estrogenic effects; they are found in numerous types of plant materials consumed in a typical human diet. Interest in phytoestrogens and their physiological effects has been shown in the past few years with observations that dietary phytoestrogens may decrease the risk of breast and prostate cancers, and may play a role in prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, human exposure to these endocrine active natural compounds has also raised concerns due to the developmental effects in the human reproductive system. It is, therefore, important to examine the beneficial and adverse effects of these phytoestrogen compounds. There have been many reports in the literature using GC/MS or HPLC for the analysis of phytoestrogens in human biological fluids. We have developed a procedure using HPLC/MS to measure the levels of phytoestrogens in amniotic fluids. The analytical work is part of a project to study the possible adverse health effects of phytoestrogens and other endocrine disrupting chemicals on neonatal health due to fetal exposure.