Diagnostic methods for identifying aristolochic acid in biological samples

Narrative Review.

Abstract

Introduction: Aristolochic acid (AA) is derived from the Aristolochia family and has been widely used as herbal medicine for various diseases. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have classified aristolochic acid as a Group 1 carcinogen because of its nephrotoxicity and carcinogenic properties, thereby restricting its use.

Objective of the review: This article is a narrative review aiming to systematically examine the diagnostic methods for detecting aristolochic acid in the body. The goal is to establish a more accurate diagnosis regarding the pathologies induced by its consumption.

Essential points: During the biotransformation of AA, AA-DNA adducts are formed, which are highly mutagenic and inhibit DNA replication. These adducts are recognized as specific biomarkers. Methods for identifying aristolochic acid include next-generation sequencing (WGS), dual spectroscopic strategy, UPLC-MS/MS, terminal transferase-dependent PCR, and parametric magnetic resonance.

Conclusion: These methods provide experimental approaches relevant to the scientific community. However, implementing these methods remains challenging due to resource constraints needed.