Development and validation of a quantitative ultra performance LC® hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography MS/MS method to measure fructose and sorbitol in human plasma

Fructose and sorbitol are utilized as biomarkers for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Measurement of fructose and sorbitol levels helps understanding disease progression, drug response and underlying mechanism.Stable isotope-labeled fructose and sorbitol were used as surrogate standards and internal standards. Human plasma samples were processed and analyzed by ultra performance LC®-MS/MS via chromatographic separation on a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography analytical column without derivatization. Assay was validated with biomarker fit-for-purpose concept.A 12-min ultra performance LC®-MS/MS method was developed and validated to directly measure fructose and sorbitol in human plasma with acceptable intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy.This sensitive, selective, and high-throughput assay with suitable dynamic ranges was successfully applied to clinical studies to provide reliable fructose and sorbitol biomarker data.