1
|
Pálinkás Z, Békési D, Utczás M. Quantitation of Ecdysterone and Targeted Analysis of WADA-Prohibited Anabolic Androgen Steroids, Hormones, and Metabolic Modulators in Ecdysterone-Containing Dietary Supplements. SEPARATIONS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/separations10040242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of our research was to perform a comprehensive study of ecdysterone (ECD)-containing dietary supplements (DSs). Two analytical methods were optimised according to the expected concentration of the target compounds: quantitation of ECD by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to diode array detector (DAD), and limit test for 47 World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited by LC coupled with tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS). For quantitation of ECD, the method was fully validated with outstanding performance characteristics (LOD: 35 µg·g−1, LOQ: 115 µg·g−1, CV% < 5%), resulting in significantly lower LOD and shorter runtime than published previously. For limit tests, a chromatographic method was developed to obtain excellent separation, while MS/MS parameters were optimised to allow the lowest possible reporting limit (RL: 0.6–10 ng·g−1 or mL−1). Twenty-one ecdysterone-containing DSs from ten brands were analysed. In all cases, the measured ECD content was much lower than labelled, and 20% of the samples contained a prohibited substance. The concentration of ecdysterone and contaminations varied randomly from batch to batch. The developed methods help to prevent the use of contaminated or useless DSs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Pálinkás
- Center for Sports Nutrition Science (CSNS), Hungarian University of Sports Science, Alkotás u. 42-48, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Békési
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Semmelweis, Üllői út 26, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Margita Utczás
- Center for Sports Nutrition Science (CSNS), Hungarian University of Sports Science, Alkotás u. 42-48, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Miguita AGC, Augusti R, Nascentes CC, Sena MM. Screening method for the characterization of anabolic steroids seized in Brazil using paper spray mass spectrometry and chemometric tools. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2022; 57:e4886. [PMID: 36200132 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports the use of paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) combined with chemometric models to analyze seized samples of anabolic steroids. Because many forensic laboratories typically demand high-throughput analysis for this type of sample, we developed a quicker and simpler alternative analytical method for routine analysis with minimal sample preparation. Oily samples (n = 39) resulting from seizures carried out by Brazilian Federal and State Police units were selected for this study. These samples were analyzed by PS-MS in the positive ion mode and full scan (50-1000 m/z), providing spectra containing patterns of the respective active ingredients present in each product. A principal component analysis (PCA) model was built, which discriminated samples mainly according to their active ingredients and allowed to detect and characterize some cases of product counterfeiting. The variable selection method ordered predictors selection was employed jointly with PCA to improve sample cluster separation and to provide model simplification. The final PCA model was built with three principal components and using only 28 spectral variables. This model accounted for 69.82% of the variance and discriminated samples according to their specific active ingredients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodinei Augusti
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Martins Sena
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology and Bioanalytics (INCT Bio), Campinas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Magnolini R, Falcato L, Cremonesi A, Schori D, Bruggmann P. Fake anabolic androgenic steroids on the black market - a systematic review and meta-analysis on qualitative and quantitative analytical results found within the literature. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1371. [PMID: 35842594 PMCID: PMC9288681 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13734-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Supraphysiologic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely used to improve body image and sport performance goals. These substances can easily be acquired over the internet, leading to a substantial black market. We reviewed literature that assessed the quality and quantity of AAS found on the black market. Methods We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Google Scholar for articles published before March 2022. Additional hand searches were conducted to obtain studies not found in the primary literature search. Studies were included if they report on qualitative and/or quantitative analytical findings of AAS from the black market. Primary outcomes were proportions of counterfeit or substandard AAS. Eligible articles were extracted; quality appraisal was done using the ToxRTool for in-vitro studies. We used random-effects models to calculate the overall mean estimates for outcomes. The review protocol has been published and registered in INPLASY. Results Overall, 19 studies, which in total comprised 5,413 anabolic samples, met the inclusion criteria, and passed the quality appraisal from two WHO world regions that reported findings, the Americas and Europe. Most studies were nonclinical laboratory studies (95%) and provided samples seized by authorities (74%). In 18 articles, proportions of counterfeit substances and in eight articles, proportions of substandard substances were presented. The overall mean estimate for counterfeit anabolic steroids found on the black market was 36% (95% CI = 29, 43). An additional 37% (95% CI = 17, 63) were of substandard quality. We also demonstrate that these drugs could contain no active ingredient, or in another amount than that labeled, a wrong active ingredient, as well as not all or more active ingredients than were labeled. High heterogeneity among all analyses and significant differences between geographical subgroups were found. Conclusion With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we demonstrate that substantial mean proportions of black-market AAS are counterfeit and of substandard quality. These products pose a considerable individual and public health threat, and the very wide range in proportions of fake black-market AAS puts the user in a situation of unpredictable uncertainty. There is a great need for future prevention and harm-reduction programs to protect users from these substances. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13734-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Magnolini
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Schützengasse 31, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Luis Falcato
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Schützengasse 31, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessio Cremonesi
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children's Hospital Zurich - Eleonore Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Schori
- Department of Social Welfare, Drug Information Centre 'DIZ', City of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philip Bruggmann
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Schützengasse 31, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cui P, Wang Q, Li Z, Wu C, Li G, Zhao J, Liu M. A feasibility study on improving the non-invasive detection accuracy of bottled Shuanghuanglian oral liquid using near infrared spectroscopy. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 274:121120. [PMID: 35303496 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The ultimate goal of the study is to present a strategy to improve the accuracy of near-infrared spectroscopy detection of Shuanghuanglian oral liquid in glass bottles without damaging the primary packaging. we adopted the multi-position spectral modeling (MPSM) method to correct the spectral variation caused by the difference of bottle and measuring position, so as to improve the measurement accuracy and find the best site combination for measuring Shuanghuanglian oral liquid. Baicalin, total flavonoids and soluble solid contents were considered as the quality indicators of the oral liquid, and partial least squares (PLS) models were employed for the single-position and multi-position spectra, respectively. The root mean square error of the validation set (RMSEP) of the optimum multi-position models are 0.7412 mg/mL for baicalin, 1.1259 mg/mL for total flavonoids and 0.9491% for soluble solids contents. Compared with the traditional single-position spectral modeling method (SPSM method), MPSM method improved the prediction accuracy of baicalin, total flavonoids and soluble solid contents by 26.84%, 31.97% and 58.14% respectively. The results showed that the MPSM method can improve the measurement accuracy of bottled oral liquid and is an effective method to eliminate the uncertainty of measurement conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengdi Cui
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qiuyue Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Zheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Chenlu Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Gang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Ming Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coimbra MA, Barbosa FS, Scheid C, Macedo SMD, Yonamine M, Merib JO, Oliveira TF, Eller S. Mass spectrometry determination of seized oil-based anabolic-androgenic steroids products. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 328:111012. [PMID: 34587560 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in illegal commercial products has been pointed as a global threat for public health. Due the correlation with adverse toxicological effects, there is a growing interest in the implementation of straightforward methods for the determination of AAS in seized products. This work exploited the development of a mass spectrometry approach to characterize the illegal oil formulations containing AAS. METHODS The optimization of sample preparation was performed through a simplex-centroid design and the best condition was described as follow: an aliquot of 5 μL of sample were added with 995 μL of acetonitrile and water (75:25, v/v). The solution was vortexed and centrifuged. After that, 10 μL of supernatant were added with 35 μL of acetonitrile and water and internal standard (testosterone-d3, 1.25 ng). An aliquot of 5 μL was injected into the analytical system. RESULTS The method developed was validated and successfully applied in 115 seized samples. Testosterone and its esters had the highest incidence, found in more than 50% of the samples. Besides that, drugs such as boldenone, methandienone, and trenbolone have also been found, where the low quality of the samples was evidenced by the wide variation in the concentration of the drugs, always quantified in sub-doses. Finally, at least one AAS was detected in each sample analyzed. The statistical results were grouped by principal components analysis, to better understand the profile of the seized samples. CONCLUSION This work successfully established a fast and simple method for determination of AAS and can be applied to verify the profile of seized samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masurquede A Coimbra
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fábio S Barbosa
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Camila Scheid
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Sandra M D Macedo
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Yonamine
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Josias O Merib
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tiago F Oliveira
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Sarah Eller
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Androgens are potent drugs requiring prescription for valid medical indications but are misused for invalid, unproven, or off-label reasons as well as being abused without prescription for illicit nonmedical application for performance or image enhancement. Following discovery and first clinical application of testosterone in the 1930s, commercialization of testosterone and synthetic androgens proliferated in the decades after World War II. It remains among the oldest marketed drugs in therapeutic use, yet after 8 decades of clinical use, the sole unequivocal indication for testosterone remains in replacement therapy for pathological hypogonadism, organic disorders of the male reproductive system. Nevertheless, wider claims assert unproven, unsafe, or implausible benefits for testosterone, mostly representing wishful thinking about rejuvenation. Over recent decades, this created an epidemic of testosterone misuse involving prescription as a revitalizing tonic for anti-aging, sexual dysfunction and/or obesity, where efficacy and safety remains unproven and doubtful. Androgen abuse originated during the Cold War as an epidemic of androgen doping among elite athletes for performance enhancement before the 1980s when it crossed over into the general community to become an endemic variant of drug abuse in sufficiently affluent communities that support an illicit drug industry geared to bodybuilding and aiming to create a hypermasculine body physique and image. This review focuses on the misuse of testosterone, defined as prescribing without valid clinical indications, and abuse of testosterone or synthetic androgens (androgen abuse), defined as the illicit use of androgens without prescription or valid indications, typically by athletes, bodybuilders and others for image-oriented, cosmetic, or occupational reasons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Andrology Department, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Magnetic Micro-Solid-Phase Extraction Using a Novel Carbon-Based Composite Coupled with HPLC-MS/MS for Steroid Multiclass Determination in Human Plasma. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26072061. [PMID: 33916782 PMCID: PMC8038327 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26072061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A micron-sized sorbent, Magn-Humic, has been prepared by humic acids pyrolysis onto silica-coated magnetite. The material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area measurements and applied for simultaneous magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of glucocorticoids, estrogens, progestogens, and androgens at ng mL−1 levels from human plasma followed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). Due to the low affinity for proteins, steroids extraction was done with no need for proteins precipitation/centrifugation. As highlighted by a design of experiments, MSPE was performed on 250 µL plasma (after 1:4 dilution) by 50 mg Magn-Humic (reusable for eight extractions) achieving quantitative recovery and satisfying clean-up. This was improved by washing (2 mL 2% v/v formic acid) prior to analytes elution by 0.5 mL 1:1 v/v methanol-acetonitrile followed by 0.5 mL methanol; eluate reduction to 0.25 mL compensated the initial sample dilution. The accuracy was assessed in certified blank fetal bovine serum and in human plasma, gaining satisfactory recovery in the range 65–122%, detection limits in the range 0.02–0.3 ng mL−1 (0.8 ng mL−1 for 17-β-estradiol) and suitable inter-day precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) <14%, n = 3). The method was evaluated in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, matrix-effect, instrumental carry-over, and it was applied to human plasma samples.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fabresse N, Gheddar L, Kintz P, Knapp A, Larabi IA, Alvarez JC. Analysis of pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements seized from the black market among bodybuilders. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 322:110771. [PMID: 33838562 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Substandard/counterfeit drugs are a growing global problem. According to the World Health Organisation, counterfeit medicines are medicines that are mislabelled deliberately and fraudulently regarding their identity and/or source. In high income countries, drugs seized are mainly represented by performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs). The aim of this study was to present the qualitative and quantitative results of toxicological analyses of pharmaceutical and dietary supplements seized from the black market among bodybuilders in France. All dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals seized from the black market and addressed to the laboratory for a qualitative and quantitative analysis between January 2016 and December 2019 were included in the study. A screening was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Identified compounds were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. One hundred and ten products were seized and submitted to the laboratory for identification of active compounds and quantification: 75 pharmaceuticals and 35 dietary supplements. This included 39 oily and 3 aqueous solutions for intramuscular injection, 34 tablets, 13 capsules, 14 powders, 4 liquids and 3 lyophilizates. Among the pharmaceuticals, 25/75 (33%) were substandard (dosage not on the acceptable range defined for original products), 24/75 (32%) were counterfeit (qualitative formulation does not match the label) and 14/75 (19%) were original (qualitative formulation and levels of active ingredients fully matches the declared formulation. The analysis of the 12 remaining products revealed a correct qualitative content for 11/75 (15%), but quantitation could not be carried out because of the lack of reference standards at the time of the analysis. Fifty-four pharmaceuticals contained anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Four out of 54 (7.4%) AAS were found as original, 8/54 (15%) could not be quantified (one with wrong active ingredient), corresponding to 43/54 (80%) AAS being non-original. In contrast, only 1/35 dietary supplement (3%) was adulterated, with a doping substance (1,3-dimethylbutylamine, DMBA). This work allows to show that France is not spared by the trafficking of PIEDs. The use of counterfeit drugs in mainstream population is an underestimated public health issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Fabresse
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie - Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, FHU Sepsis, AP-HP, 104 boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France; Plateforme de Spectrométrie de Masse MassSpecLab, INSERM UMR 1173, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université Paris-Saclay (Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), 2 avenue de la source de la Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | | | - Pascal Kintz
- Institut de médecine légale, Strasbourg, France; X-Pertise Consulting, Mittelhausbergen, France
| | - Adeline Knapp
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie - Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, FHU Sepsis, AP-HP, 104 boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France
| | - Islam Amine Larabi
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie - Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, FHU Sepsis, AP-HP, 104 boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France
| | - Jean-Claude Alvarez
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie - Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, FHU Sepsis, AP-HP, 104 boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France; Plateforme de Spectrométrie de Masse MassSpecLab, INSERM UMR 1173, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université Paris-Saclay (Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), 2 avenue de la source de la Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The pharmaceuticalisation of 'healthy' ageing: Testosterone enhancement for longevity. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 95:103159. [PMID: 33583680 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The United Nations estimates that the world's population will reach 8.5 billion by 2030, and the populations of most countries are expected to grow older. This is case for many developed countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, and member states of the European Union. Older cohorts will comprise a larger proportion of overall populations, driven in part by our increases in life expectancy. An ageing population poses challenges for governments; notably, older people tend to have multiple, chronic health conditions which can place a burden of health budgets. At the same time, we are witnessing a shift in how we respond to the health needs of our populations, with global drug policy acknowledging that some substances are contributing to increased morbidity and mortality (e.g. opioids) while others may have beneficial therapeutic effects (e.g. psylocibin, cannabis). There is general agreement that as men age their levels of testosterone decrease, and there is some evidence to suggest that there have been population-level declines in testosterone which are not associated with age. Anecdotally, testosterone is accessed by men seeking to self-medicate in the belief that they are experiencing low testosterone levels. There has also been a rise in anti-ageing clinics in the United States, providing access to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The non-medical use of testosterone can result in a number of adverse health events, including complications from the use of black market or underground products. Placing testosterone under a new prescribing regime may address some of these concerns, but is society ready for this change, and if so, what would this regime look like? This paper will explore the issue of how society responds to enhancement for longevity, or how we increasingly use pharmaceuticals to address and prevent illness, with a specific focus on testosterone and testosterone deficiency.
Collapse
|
10
|
Galba J, Piešťanský J, Kováč A, Olešová D, Cehlár O, Kertys M, Kozlík P, Chaľová P, Tirčová B, Slíž K, Mikuš P. Fast and Sensitive Screening of Oxandrolone and Its Major Metabolite 17-Epi-Oxandrolone in Human Urine by UHPLC-MS/MS with On-Line SPE Sample Pretreatment. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020480. [PMID: 33477515 PMCID: PMC7831107 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxandrolone, a synthetic testosterone analog, is used for the treatment of several diseases associated with weight loss. Unfortunately, oxandrolone is abused by many athletes and bodybuilders due to its strong anabolic effect. We have developed and validated a highly sensitive and rapid on-line SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of oxandrolone and simultaneous identification of its major metabolite 17-epi-oxandrolone in urine matrices. Enrichment of the analytes via an integrated solid-phase extraction was achieved using an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 Column. Subsequently, the chromatographic separation of the on-line preconcentrated sample fraction was achieved using an Acquity HSS T3 C18 Column. For the structural identification of these analytes, a high-resolution mass spectrometer Synapt-G2Si coupled to the Acquity M-class nano-LC system with ionKey source was used. A highly sensitive determination of oxandrolone was achieved using a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer XEVO TQD. The method was successfully validated in the linear range of oxandrolone from 81.63 pg·mL−1 (limit of quantification, LOQ) to 5000 pg·mL−1 in the human urine matrix. It was applied to the analysis of real urine samples obtained from a healthy volunteer after the oral administration of one dose (10 mg) of oxandrolone. Concentration vs. time dependence was tested in the time interval of 4 h–12 days (after oral administration) to demonstrate the ability of the method to detect the renal elimination of oxandrolone from the human body. Favorable performance parameters along with successful application indicate the usefulness of the proposed method for its routine use in antidoping control labs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Galba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.G.); (J.P.); (P.C.); (K.S.)
- Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, 84510 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Piešťanský
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.G.); (J.P.); (P.C.); (K.S.)
- Toxicological and Antidoping Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrej Kováč
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84510 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.K.); (D.O.); (O.C.)
| | - Dominika Olešová
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84510 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.K.); (D.O.); (O.C.)
| | - Ondrej Cehlár
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84510 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.K.); (D.O.); (O.C.)
| | - Martin Kertys
- Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia;
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Petr Kozlík
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic;
| | - Petra Chaľová
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.G.); (J.P.); (P.C.); (K.S.)
| | - Barbora Tirčová
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Science, Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, 974 09 Banska Bystrica, Slovakia;
| | - Kristián Slíž
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.G.); (J.P.); (P.C.); (K.S.)
- Toxicological and Antidoping Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Mikuš
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.G.); (J.P.); (P.C.); (K.S.)
- Toxicological and Antidoping Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-2-50-117-243
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Underwood M, van de Ven K, Dunn M. Testing the boundaries: Self-medicated testosterone replacement and why it is practised. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 95:103087. [PMID: 33342615 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testosterone is used therapeutically in medical settings. Non-prescribed testosterone use is typically illegal, described as 'enhancement' or 'doping', and considered a problem. However, research has found that some non-prescribed testosterone use may be therapeutic (i.e. self-medication). Little is known about testosterone self-medication. It has been noted among individuals who use image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs), but never systematically explored. APPROACH This paper describes the findings of a 4-year ethnographic study in online forums and social media groups frequented by people who use IPEDs. It focusses on 31 men who used enhancement doses of testosterone, but who described some of their testosterone use as 'testosterone replacement therapy' (TRT). In particular, it focuses on the 26 (84%) of these individuals who self-medicated TRT. Data was analysed thematically (using NVivo) in order to answer the question: 'how and why is testosterone self-medicated?'. Using Bacchi's (2016) problematization approach to policy analysis, this paper also asks, 'what happens to the 'problem' of non-prescribed testosterone use if such use is therapeutic?'. FINDINGS Self-medicated TRT was found to be very similar to TRT as practised in medical contexts. Self-medication was often practised because of an inability to access testosterone through health practitioners (who were either reluctant or unable to prescribe). However, some individuals were found to prefer self-medication because of price, ease of access, reliability of supply, and because health practitioners were perceived as lacking expertise regarding testosterone use. CONCLUSION By documenting the therapeutic use of testosterone outside of medical settings, this paper calls into question previous conceptualisations of all illicit testosterone use as 'abuse', and the utility of the repair/enhancement dichotomy as a foundation for discussions of drug use. It suggests that in some cases the problem may not be non-prescribed testosterone use per se, but policies that prevent access to medical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mair Underwood
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072 Australia.
| | - Katinka van de Ven
- Centre for Rural Criminology, School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia; Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Human Enhancement Drugs Network (HEDN), NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Dunn
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H. Annual banned‐substance review – Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:7-26. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research ‐ Institute of Biochemistry German Sport University Cologne Cologne Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents Cologne Germany
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Genève and Lausanne Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne Epalinges Switzerland
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research ‐ Institute of Biochemistry German Sport University Cologne Cologne Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents Cologne Germany
| |
Collapse
|