At present, numerous researchers have suggested that isoprene can be utilized as a marker in human breath for blood cholesterol. It could be a quick method to establish the alterations in blood cholesterol levels in individuals, as the utilization of isoprene is a non-invasive method.
Isoprene is washed from the muscles as the participant exercises. This is thought to be via the pulmonary gas exchange process. It is then exhaled and the process can be charted with an initial rise in expired concentration before a drop and plateau.
The Hiden HPR-20 Transient MS. Image Credit: Hiden Analytical
The HPR-20 Transient MS was employed for this test and was demonstrated to be ideal because of its wide dynamic range, quick response, and high sensitivity. It was coupled with a breathing mask which was altered with a heated Quartz Inlet Capillary (QIC).
Results
The test itself was made up of one minute at rest before five minutes of gentle exercise on a stationary bicycle and then another five minutes of rest. For the subjects (who were of a variety of ages and fitness levels), this was far less than maximum exertion, and they could control the resistance of the bike to modify the perceived effort level.
Figure 1. Trend data showing the change in isoprene concentration in expired breath during a submaximal exercise test. Image Credit: Hiden Analytical
The initial level of isoprene was ~50 ppbv, as demonstrated in the graph. As it increases to around 200 ppbv, Figure 1 then demonstrates the ‘washing out’ of the isoprene from the muscles.
Next, there is a reduction to a stable value which is less than the initial level, suggesting that the levels of isoprene in the blood did not grow back to the level observed in the first rest period. It returned to the original level after another hour of rest.
Figure 2 demonstrates the fast response times of the HPR20 Transient MS, which was able to analyze each breath in real-time. This enabled end tidal and breathing rate to be determined, which is a vast improvement over online measurements, which are unable to provide this level of detail.
Figure 2. MASsoft v7 Data showing breath by breath isoprene levels during an exercise test. Image Credit: Hiden Analytical
Conclusions
The Hiden HPR-20 TMS is the ideal product for high sensitivity, high speed analysis of compounds in human breath. The real time analysis of exhaled isoprene is proven to be viable.
About Hiden Analytical
Hiden Analytical was founded in 1981 and is presently situated in a 2,130 m2 manufacturing plant in Warrington, England with a staff of over 50. As a privately owned company their reputation is built on creating close and positive relationships with their clients. Many of these customers are working at the forefront of new technology - in the fields of plasma research, surface science, vacuum processing and gas analysis. To maintain this reputation we have, over the years, established exceptional levels of technical expertise in these areas within the company.
Hiden Analytical is committed to providing systems which meet specifications of both new and existing clients, but further, enable the advancement of their work, whether it be pure research or the improvements or monitoring of products and process performance. Hiden Analytical have a common vision, not only to supply the systems and instruments with first class performance specifications, long term reliability and professional service support, but also, and in many cases more importantly, to maintain close contact to ensure that our systems provide all that our customers expect, and more, from their investment in their organisation.
Hiden has had an ISO 9001 Quality System since 27 June 1995, registered through National Quality Assurance Ltd., which itself is accredited by the UK’s national standardisation agency UKAS (UK Accreditation Service). The system has been reviewed since then by assessor visits every nine months, including on-site installation. The Quality System was upgraded to the new ISO 9000:2000 standard in late 2002.
Other notable products cover residual gas analysis to ultra high vacuum (UHV) levels with the HAL series of quadrupole mass spectrometers. For plasma diagnostics, the EQP combined mass / energy analyser and ESPION advanced Langmuir probe are market leaders. Gas and liquid analysis from atmospheric pressure or process pressures is achieved by the QIC series of instruments incorporating the acclaimed quartz inlet capillary (QIC). The latest development is the CATLAB microreactor module for the combined roles of catalyst characterisation and rapid, reproducible screening of catalyst activity.
Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.