Abstract

Cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, serves as an effective biomarker for nicotine use and exposure at low levels (< 1 ppb). Nicotine exposure is ubiquitous and can occur through second and even third-hand sources. Several studies have investigated nicotine and its metabolites potential role on uridine 5’-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase activity, also known as UGT’s, but there has been no conclusive evidence that these compounds regulate UGT activity in humans. UGT’s are a class of enzymes which catalyze the transfer of glucuronic acid to hydrophobic molecules. These enzymes are responsible for the excretion of several drugs, pollutants, endobiotic and xenobiotic compounds such as phthalate diesters. The purpose of this project is to develop an HPLC/MSMS method for cotinine using a previously existing HPLC/MSMS method. This method separates, detects and quantifies eleven over-the-counter medications in human urine samples. By adding cotinine to this existing method, human urine samples can be analyzed for the presence of compounds that could regulate UGT activity. In addition, this method allows scientists to distinguish nicotine users from non-users, as well as distinguishing first-hand and second-hand exposure. This method can analyze eleven common over-the-counter medications as well as cotinine in various matrices such as urine samples. This information allows scientists to look for potential correlations between OTC medication use, tobacco use or second-hand exposure and UGT activity.

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