Application of CE–MS to a metabonomics study of human urine from cigarette smokers and non-smokers

Abstract

Background: Novel biomarkers of exposure and early adverse effects are needed for comparative studies of combustible and non-combustible tobacco products for regulatory authority evaluation. Metabolic biomarkers reflect both gene and environmental effects. Results: CE–MS has been applied to human urine samples from non-smokers and smokers of cigarettes at two tar levels. Validated chemometric models were able to separate smokers from non-smokers, with discrimination mainly based on the presence of nicotine metabolites. With these removed, it still proved possible to discriminate smokers from non-smokers with models now based on endogenous metabolites. The biochemical relevance of these biomarkers is discussed. Conclusion: This proof-of-principle metabonomics study illustrates the potential of CE–MS to discover novel biomarkers in urine from tobacco users.