Analytical method for the determination of sphinganine and sphingosine in serum as a potential biomarker for fumonisin exposure

The toxins produced by Fusarium moniliforme, which include fumonisins, are possible human carcinogens. Fumonisins are inhibitors of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis. Alterations of the ratio of sphinganine (Sa) to sphingosine (So) in urine and serum has been proposed as a possible biomarker of exposure to this toxin. A new method was developed for their analysis in tissues and urine. This work describes the further adaptation of the method to the analysis of Sa and So in serum and its validation in sera of untreated and fumonisin B-1 (FB1) treated rats and mice. No significant differences in the Sa/So ratios were observed in the FB, treated rats. In mice, the increase was only of marginal statistical significance. Determination of Sa/So ratios in human sera could readily be made in small volumes (from 0.3 to 0.5 ml) of serum. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.