Metabolomics and Trace Element Analysis of Camel Tear by GC-MS and ICP-MS

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2017 Jun;177(2):251-257. doi: 10.1007/s12011-016-0889-7. Epub 2016 Nov 11.

Abstract

Camel tear metabolomics and elemental analysis are useful in getting the information regarding the components responsible for maintaining the protective system that allows living in the desert and dry regions. The aim of this study was to correlate that the camel tears can be used as artificial tears for the evaluation of dryness in the eye. Eye biomarkers of camel tears were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The major compounds detected in camel tears by GC-MS were alanine, valine, leucine, norvaline, glycine, cadaverine, urea, ribitol, sugars, and higher fatty acids like octadecanoic acid and hexadecanoic acid. GC-MS analysis of camel tears also finds several products of metabolites and its associated metabolic participants. ICP-MS analysis showed the presence of different concentration of elemental composition in the camel tears.

Keywords: Camel tear; Elements; Gas chromatography mass spectrophotometer; Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Camelus*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Metabolomics*
  • Tears / chemistry*
  • Tears / metabolism
  • Trace Elements / analysis*
  • Trace Elements / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Trace Elements