A review of strategies for untargeted urinary metabolomic analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract

Background Human urine gives evidence of the metabolism in the body and contains different metabolites at various concentrations. A number of analytical techniques including mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have been used to obtain metabolites levels in urine samples. However, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is one of the most widely used techniques for urinary metabolomics studies due to its higher sensitivity, resolution, reproducibility, reliability, relatively low cost and ease of operation compared to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and NMR. Aim of Review This review looks at various aspects of urine preparation prior to analysis by GC-MS including sample storage, urease pretreatment, derivatization, use of internal standard and quality control samples for data correction. In addition, most common types of inlet liners, ionization techniques and columns are discussed and a summary of mass analyzers are also highlighted. Lastly, the role of retention index in metabolite identification and data normalization methods are presented. Key scientific concepts of review The purpose of this review is summarizing methods of sample storage, pretreatment, and GC-MS analysis that are mostly used in urine metabolomics studies. Specific emphasis is given to the critical steps within the GC-MS urine metabolomics that those new to this field need to be aware of and the remaining challenges that require further attention and studies.