International Journal of Molecular Sciences Article Identification of In Vitro Metabolites of Synthetic Phenolic Antioxidants BHT, BHA, and TBHQ by LC-HRMS/MS Ons Ousji and Lekha Sleno * Chemistry Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Downtown Station, P.O. Box 8888, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada;
[email protected] * Correspondence:
[email protected] Received: 30 October 2020; Accepted: 11 December 2020; Published: 15 December 2020 Abstract: Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and its analogs, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and tert-butyl-hydroquinone (TBHQ), are widely used synthetic preservatives to inhibit lipid oxidation in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Despite their widespread use, little is known about their human exposure and related biotransformation products. The metabolism of these compounds was investigated using in vitro incubations with human and rat liver fractions. Liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry was employed to detect and characterize stable and reactive species formed via oxidative metabolism, as well as phase II conjugates. Several oxidative metabolites have been detected, as well as glutathione, glucuronide, and sulfate conjugates, many of which were not previously reported. A combination of accurate mass measurements, MS/MS fragmentation behavior, and isotope-labeling studies were used to elucidate metabolite structures. Keywords: BHT; BHA; synthetic antioxidant; metabolites; in vitro incubations; liquid chromatography; high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry 1. Introduction Synthetic phenolic antioxidants were developed in the late 1940s [1]. They have been used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic, and petrochemical industries to increase shelf life and to improve the quality, freshness, taste, and texture of consumer products [2]. They are widely used to trap free radicals and delay lipid oxidation in various products [1].