Development of a Rapid Detection Method for Ethylene Glycol and Glycolic Acid in Feline Samples: A Response to Increasing Antifreeze Poisoning Incidents in Korea

Hyun Young Chae, Jae Won Byun, Go Eun Shin, Kyung Hyun Lee, Ah Young Kim, Bok Kyung Ku, Md Akil Hossain, Tae Wan Kim, Jeong Woo Kang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Recently, cases of antifreeze poisoning in companion animals, particularly cats, have surged in the Republic of Korea. Ethylene glycol (EG), the toxic primary component of antifreeze, is metabolized into glycolic acid (GA), leading to severe metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and death. Traditional detection methods, although effective, are often time-consuming owing to complex sample preparation. This study involved a novel analytical method utilizing GC-MS for EG and LC-MS/MS for GA detection, which streamlined the detection process by eliminating the need for derivatization. The method was validated for accuracy and reliability, enabling the rapid and precise identification of EG and GA in biological samples. This study also included the successful application of this method in a case where initial exposure to antifreeze was not apparent, which highlighted the effectiveness of this method in diagnosing poisoning even in cases where clinical history is unclear. The development of this rapid diagnostic approach addresses the urgent need for the efficient detection of antifreeze poisoning, improving animal welfare and supporting forensic investigations.

Original languageEnglish
Article number11030
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume25
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2024

Keywords

  • antifreeze poisoning
  • ethylene glycol
  • glycolic acid
  • rapid diagnostic method

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