A novel biological marker for intrauterine alcohol exposure: In vitro production of fatty acid ethyl esters in human meconium

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) have recently evolved as a potential biological marker for intrauterine ethanol exposure in the meconium of alcohol-exposed neonates. Purpose: To determine interindividual variability of FAEE production in human meconium in vitro. Methods: Meconium samples (0.1-0.2 g) were incubated at 37°C for 4 hours with (1) phosphate buffer (0.1M, pH 7.4); (2) ethanol (100 mg/dL); or (3) ethanol but pre-boiled in phosphate buffer for 20 minutes. FAEE were extracted with acetone:hexane (2:5) followed by solid phase extraction on an aminopropyl column. Individual FAEE including ethyl laurate, myristate, palmitate, stearate, oleate, and linoleate were quantified by GC-FID. Results: Significant interindividual variations were observed for four of the FAEE after incubation with ethanol. Results are expressed in ng/g dry meconium as a range of FAEE produced. Palmitate Stearate Oleate Linoleate W/EtOH 0-8400 0-6420 0-4660 0-1880 Conclusions: FAEE can be produced in vitro in human meconium at various levels. Whether this production of FAEE contributes significantly to the overall in utero production and accumulation of this biomarker requires further investigation.