The simple and sensitive measurement of malondialdehyde in selected specimens of biological origin and some feed by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography

A method for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in specimens of animal tissues and feed has been developed using high performance liquid chromatography. The MDA concentration in acidified urine samples was determined after its conversion with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) to a hydrazone (MDA-DNPH). Samples of blood plasma, muscle, liver and feed were prepared by saponification followed by derivatisation with DNPH to MDA-DNPH. The MDA concentration in chicken and hen feed samples was analysed after saponification and derivatisation followed by extractions with hexane. The free MDA in plasma samples was determined after deproteinization followed by derivatisation of MDA with DNPH. The chromatographic separation of MDA-DNPH samples was conducted using Phenomenex C18-columns (Synergi 2.5 μm, Hydro-RP, 100 Å, the length of 100 mm) with an inner diameter of 2 or 3 mm. MDA in processed biological samples was analysed using a linear gradient of acetonitrile in water, and the photodiode detector was set to 307 or 303 nm for detection. The current method that was utilised was based on the high-efficient derivatisation of MDA and was more sensitive compared to previously used methods. The selective and sensitive photodetection of the column effluent was found to be suitable for the routine analysis of MDA in urine, plasma, muscles and liver of animals and some feed samples. Because urine or blood plasma samples can be derivatised in a simple manner, the proposed method can also be suitable for the routine, non-invasive evaluation of oxidative stress in animals and humans.