Osaka Metropolitan University researchers developed a new protocol for selective and highly sensitive detection, and in the process discovered five types of 2-oxo-imidazole-containing dipeptides (2-oxo-IDPs) using mass spectrometry. Present in living organisms, the 2-oxo-IDPs exhibit very high antioxidant activity, according to a press release from the university. Furthermore, the 2-oxo-IDPs were found to be abundant in beef, pork and chicken.

The research team, led by Professor Hideshi Ihara from the Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Science, was the first to discover 2-oxo-IDPs. The researchers later found them to be remarkably high in antioxidant activity.

In their study, the researchers established a method for selective and highly sensitive detection of five types of 2-oxo-IDPs using mass spectrometry, which enables quantitative detection of trace 2-oxo-IDPs in living organisms. Using this method, they revealed for the first time that beef, pork, chicken, and other meats contain antioxidants, not only IDPs but a variety of different 2-oxo-IDPs. Their findings were published in Antioxidants.

“We hope that this research method, which enables advanced analysis of 2-oxo-IDPs, will be applied not only to basic biology but also to medicine, agriculture, and pharmacy, where it will help improve peoples’ health and prevent diseases,” said Professor Ihara.