Simultaneous detection of xenon and krypton in equine plasma by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for doping control.

This research introduces a method to simultaneously detect the noble gases xenon and krypton in horse plasma as a way to control doping in equine sports. The method achieves good precision and specificity, with low limits of detection for both gases.

Background

• xenon and krypton are noble gases. Xenon activates hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which regulate the body’s response to low levels of oxygen. This property is allegedly used in human sports to increase erythropoiesis – the production of red blood cells.
• Krypton is another noble gas that has a reported narcosis effect. This makes it a potential and cheaper way to stimulate erythropoiesis. Consequently, these gases have raised concern about their misuse as doping agents in equine sports.

Aim of the Research

• The purpose of the study was to create a method for simultaneously detecting xenon and krypton in horse plasma as a step towards doping control in equine sports.

Methodology

• Xenon- or krypton-fortified equine plasma samples were prepared according to reported protocols.
• The noble gases were simultaneously detected using gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with headspace injection.
• The researchers targeted three xenon isotopes (at m/z 129, 131, and 132), and four krypton isotopes (at m/z 82, 83, 84, and 86) in selected reaction monitoring mode. The use of precursor ions and product ions at identical mass settings allowed for the clear identification of the target analytes.

Results

• The detected limits for xenon and krypton were approximately 19 pmol/mL and 98 pmol/mL, respectively.
• The method offered less than 15% precision for both analytes.
• There are good levels of specificity since background analyte signals were not observed in negative equine plasma samples (n = 73).

Conclusions

• The research succeeded in developing a simultaneous detection method for xenon and krypton in equine plasma that could significantly aid doping control in horse sports.
• The study also evaluated the loss of analytes under various storage temperatures, although these results are not explicitly stated in the abstract.