Gas Chromatography-electron Capture Detection Method for Determination of Polyols in the Urine

Polyols or sugar alcohols are sugar-derived metabolites. The origin, metabolic fate and functions of most of them are not clear. The monitoring of polyols can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, especially those of unknown etiology. The main aim of the study was to develop and demonstrate the efficiency, reliability, sensitivity of the gas chromatography - electron capture detection method for the quantification of polyols: D-arabitol, ribitol and erythritol in urine. In the case of polyols there is a problem with the preparation of samples for analysis. Enrichment and separation of analytes and extract purification are difficult because of their relatively high polarity. That is why we have developed the method of sample preparation based on solid phase extraction with using non-porous graphitized carbon. The elaborated method was applied in autistic children in relation to the pentose phosphate pathway metabolism.