A simple method to diagnose adrenoleukodystrophy using a dried blood spot on filter paper.

A new, simple method for the diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) using a dried blood spot sample, is described. Fatty acid from the dried blood spot was extracted and methylated simultaneously with HCl-methanol. Fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Mechanism of biosynthesis of methylsulfones from PCBs and related compounds.

Mercapto-, methylthio-, methylsulfinyl- and methysulfonyl metabolites of PCBs 2,5,2',5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene and some other chlorobenzenes were identified in adipose tissues of mice, rats and guinea pigs by using GC/MS/COM systems. By means of administration of CD3-methionine, it was confirmed that the methyl group in methylthio metabolites was derived from the methionine. Moreover, after pretreatment with either esterification of urinary metabolites in guinea pigs with 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene and 1,3-dichlorobenzene or N-acetylation after esterification, it was confirmed that cysteinylglycine, cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, cysteamine, mercaptopyruvate, mercaptolactate, mercaptacetate, thiol and disulfide conjugates were detected as a serial modified derivatives of glutathione moiety.