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Bohlin KP, Pohanka A, Andersson A, Villén T, Ekström L. Detection of anabolic agents including selective androgen receptor modulators in samples outside of sport. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:827-834. [PMID: 37986708 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2008. Similarly, to anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), SARMs are detrimental to health not only in athletes but also in the general population. However, studies of the occurrence of SARMs outside of sport are scarce. Swedish healthcare samples from the Drugs of Abuse Laboratory at Karolinska were analyzed using WADA-accredited screening methods at the Doping Control Laboratory in Stockholm to estimate the frequency of SARM use outside of the WADA laboratories. Twenty (4%) of the male urine samples (n = 542) were positive for SARMs, whereas none of the analyzed female samples (n = 100) contained any SARMs. The top three SARMs found were LGD-4033 followed by RAD140 and ostarine. Two or more SARMs were found in >50% of the SARM-positive samples. AASs were identified in 40% of samples containing SARMs. A difference between genders was observed where 34% male and 7% female samples contained AAS. Many samples displayed testosterone/epitestosterone values indicative of testosterone intake, without presence of other AAS, and hence, there is a risk that these samples are being falsely reported as negative. Our results indicate that SARM use might be a concern outside of sport. Subsequently, in addition to AAS, the healthcare system should also be informed about SARM abuse and the associated adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Petterson Bohlin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Doping Control Laboratory, Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Pohanka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Doping Control Laboratory, Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Andersson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Doping Control Laboratory, Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Villén
- Drugs of Abuse Laboratory, Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Ekström
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Doping Control Laboratory, Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Vauhkonen PK, Laajala TD, Lindroos KM, Mäyränpää MI. Female doping: observations from a data lake study in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:242. [PMID: 37161416 PMCID: PMC10170745 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02399-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Doping is a well-recognized risk factor for several potentially severe health effects. Scientific literature concerning the need for medical treatment for such adversities is still sparse. This is especially true for women, due to lower doping use prevalence compared to men. Our study explored the nature of medical contacts and deviance in red blood cell parameters of female patients with doping use in Finnish specialized health care. METHODS This was a retrospective register study. The study sample was gathered from the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland (HUS) Datalake. An exhaustive search for doping related terms was performed to find patients with doping use documentation within free-text patient records. Medical record data was supplemented with laboratory data and medical diagnoses covering a total observation time of two decades. Statistical analysis included Fisher's Exact Test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS We found 39 female patients with history of doping use and specialized health care contacts in the HUS-area between 2002-2020. At initial contact (i.e., the first documentation of doping use), the mean age of these patients was 33.6 years (min 18.1, max 63.5, SD 10.6). The most frequently used doping agents were anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). The initial contacts were significantly more often acute in nature among patients with active doping use than among patients with only previous use (no use within one year; p = 0.002). Psychiatric and substance use disorder (SUD) morbidity was high (46.2% and 30.8%, respectively). Eight patients (20.5%) had received specialized health care for acute poisoning with alcohol or drugs, and nine (23.1%) for bacterial skin infections. Less than 45% of patients with active AAS use presented with off-range red blood cell parameters. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that female patients with a history of doping use encountered in specialized health care may exhibit high psychiatric and SUD related morbidity. Also, majority of patients with AAS use had red blood cell parameters within-range. Further studies are required to assess the generalizability of these findings to patients within primary health care services, and to determine the usefulness of hematological parameters as indicators of AAS use in female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Katriina Vauhkonen
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30 (Mannerheimintie 166), 00271, Helsinki, Finland.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 3), 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Teemu Daniel Laajala
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, Yliopistonmäki (Vesilinnantie 5), 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Katarina Mercedes Lindroos
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30 (Mannerheimintie 166), 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Ilari Mäyränpää
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21 (Haartmaninkatu 3), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 340, FI-00029, Helsinki, Finland
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3
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Piatkowski T, Robertson J, Lamon S, Dunn M. Gendered perspectives on women's anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) usage practices. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:56. [PMID: 37098574 PMCID: PMC10127974 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00786-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The masculinizing effects from anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) appear to be different between men and women, leading to calls for more gender-specific information regarding women and AAS use. This study sought to gather perspectives from both men and women on the unique challenges surrounding women's use of AAS, irrespective of their personal use. Secondly, the study interrogated how women's AAS practices differ from those of men specifically. METHODS The data presented in this paper come from a subsample of participants who participated in a larger study investigating women and performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) use in Australia. Participants were included in the current analysis if they were: (i) males or females who competed with or coached female strength athletes using AAS and (ii) female and male strength athletes who used AAS. The final sample comprised 21 participants of which there was a proportion of males (n = 7) and females (n = 7) using AAS. RESULTS Women's choices in AAS selection were predominantly around oral compounds (e.g. Oxandrolone) as well as other PIEDs (e.g. Clenbuterol). Some women report the use of injectable AAS represents a change in the profile of the typical female user as it reportedly comes alongside drastic physical and psychological changes. CONCLUSIONS The unique challenges facing women who use AAS are largely isolation and stigma, with little evidence-based practice or education being available to them online or through peer-groups. Future work may consider piloting harm reduction strategies that may be co-designed with this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Piatkowski
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jonathan Robertson
- Deakin Business School, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Sport Research, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Severine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Dunn
- Centre for Sport Research, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.
- School of Health and Social Development/Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
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Song Z. SERUM-HORMONAL VARIATIONS IN JUNIOR BASKETBALL PLAYERS UNDER INTENSIVE TRAINING. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202228062022_0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction Basketball is a long-duration, high-intensity ball game. High competition and athletic combat require athletes to perform at an excellent technical and tactical level. Therefore, studying physiological indicators related to serum-hormone levels of basketball players is an effective way to implement scientific physical monitoring of athletes. Objective This paper aims to understand the intense training effect on hormone-related physiological indicators in young basketball players. Objective This paper aims to understand the effect of intense training on physiological indicators related to serum-hormonal levels in young basketball players. Methods Serum hormone indices of 11 healthy young players without organic or genetic diseases were compared before, 2, 4, and 24 hours after an intense training protocol. Results Creatine and blood urea levels. After 24 hours, the levels were close to those found pre-workout. Conclusion Basketball training can improve the anaerobic capacity of young players. There is a high correlation between changes in serum hormones in young people and their physical fitness. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.
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Krumm B, Botrè F, Saugy JJ, Faiss R. Future opportunities for the Athlete Biological Passport. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:986875. [PMID: 36406774 PMCID: PMC9666424 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.986875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) was introduced to complement the direct anti-doping approach by indirectly outlining the possible use of prohibited substances or methods in sports. The ABP proved its effectiveness, at least through a deterrent effect, even though the matrices used for longitudinal monitoring (urine and blood) are subject to many intrinsic (e.g., genetic) and extrinsic (e.g., environmental conditions) confounding factors. In that context, new and more specific biomarkers are currently under development to enhance both the sensitivity and the specificity of the ABP. Multiple strategies are presently being explored to improve this longitudinal monitoring, with the development of the current modules, the investigation of new strategies, or the screening of new types of doping. Nevertheless, due to the variability induced by indirect biomarkers, the consideration of confounding factors should continuously support this research. Beyond tremendous advances in analytical sensitivity, machine learning-based approaches seem inevitable to facilitate an expert interpretation of numerous biological profiles and promote anti-doping efforts. This perspective article highlights the current innovations of the Athlete Biological Passport that seem the most promising. Through different research axes, this short manuscript provides an opportunity to bring together approaches that are more widely exploited (e.g., omics strategies) and others in the early stages of investigation (e.g., artificial intelligence) seeking to develop the ABP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Krumm
- Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Botrè
- Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Rome, Italy
| | - Jonas J. Saugy
- Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Faiss
- Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Raphael Faiss
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Bækken LV, Holden G, Gjelstad A, Lauritzen F. Ten years of collecting hematological athlete biological passport samples—perspectives from a National Anti-doping Organization. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:954479. [PMID: 35928963 PMCID: PMC9343672 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.954479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The hematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) aims to reveal blood doping indirectly by looking at selected biomarkers of doping over time. For Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs), the ABP is a vital tool in the fight against doping in sports through improved target testing and analysis, investigations, deterrence, and as indirect evidence for use of prohibited methods or substances. The physiological characteristics of sport disciplines is an important risk factor in the overall risk assessment and when implementing the hematological module. Sharing of experiences with implementing the hematological ABP between ADOs is key to further strengthen and extend its use. In this study, we present 10 years of experience with the hematological ABP program from the perspectives of a National ADO with special attention to sport disciplines' physiological characteristics as a potential risk factor for blood doping. Not surprisingly, most samples were collected in sport disciplines where the aerobic capacity is vital for performance. The study highlights strengths in Anti-Doping Norway's testing program but also areas that could be improved. For example, it was shown that samples were collected both in and out of season in a subset of the data material that included three popular sports in Norway (Cross-Country Skiing, Nordic Combined, and Biathlon), however, from the total data material it was clear that athletes were more likely to be tested out of competition and on certain days of the week and times of the day. The use of doping control officers with a flexible time schedule and testing outside an athlete's 60 min time-slot could help with a more even distribution during the week and day, and thus reduce the predictability of testing. In addition to promoting a discussion on testing strategies, the study can be used as a starting point for other ADOs on how to examine their own testing program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse V. Bækken
- Nordic Athlete Passport Management Unit, Norwegian Doping Control Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Lasse V. Bækken
| | - Geir Holden
- Department of Testing, Investigations and Legal, Anti-doping Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Astrid Gjelstad
- Science and Medicine, Anti-doping Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Section of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Lehtihet M, Stephanou C, Börjesson A, Bhuiyan H, Pohanka A, Ekström L. Studies of IGF-I and Klotho Protein in Relation to Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid and Growth Hormone Administrations. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:829940. [PMID: 35434614 PMCID: PMC9008280 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.829940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested to longitudinally monitor Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) as a biomarker for the detection of recombinant growth hormone (GH). Subsequently, it is of interest to understand any confounders of endogenous IGF-I. Herein we have studied if serum IGF-I concentration is affected by the intake of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and the potential connection between IGF-I and klotho protein. Moreover, the usefulness of klotho as a biomarker for recombinant GH intake was assessed in healthy male volunteers. An ongoing administration of AAS did not affect the levels of IGF-I. Klotho protein was ~30% higher in men with an ongoing AAS use compared to those with previous (>2 months ago) AAS use, and the serum klotho protein correlated negatively with luteinizing hormone (LH) (rs = −0.38, p = 0.04) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (rs = −0.35, p = 0.05) levels. Serum IGF-I and klotho concentrations showed no correlation in the AAS using population but showed a strong negative correlation in healthy volunteers (rs = −0.86, p = 0.006). The intake of recombinant GH did not affect the serum concentrations of the klotho levels. In conclusion, IGF-I was not affected by supra-physiological AAS doses in men. Interestingly, an association between AAS intake and serum klotho was seen. The usefulness of klotho as an androgen biomarker warrants further studies, whereas klotho can be discarded as a promising biomarker for GH doping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Lehtihet
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Annica Börjesson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hasanuzzaman Bhuiyan
- Doping Control Laboratory, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anton Pohanka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Doping Control Laboratory, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lena Ekström
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Lena Ekström
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Piacentino D, Sani G, Kotzalidis GD, Cappelletti S, Longo L, Rizzato S, Fabi F, Frati P, Fineschi V, Leggio L. Anabolic androgenic steroids used as performance and image enhancing drugs in professional and amateur athletes: Toxicological and psychopathological findings. Hum Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:e2815. [PMID: 34528289 PMCID: PMC8727496 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) as performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), once restricted to professional athletes, now includes amateurs and regular gym visitors. AAS use is associated with psychopathology, yet this relationship is complex and not fully understood. We aimed to assess the presence of AASs and other misused substances in athletes' biological samples and link toxicological to psychopathological findings. METHODS A multicentre, cross-sectional study in fitness centres in Italy recruited 122 professional and amateur athletes training in several sports (84 men; age range = 18-45 years). Athletes completed questionnaires, interviews, and toxicology testing for AASs, other PIEDs, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed psychotropics. Toxicology was conducted in blood, urine, and hair. RESULTS Self-reported and toxicologically detected use rates of AASs and other misused substances showed slight-to-fair agreement (Fleiss' κ = 0.104-0.375). There was slight-to-moderate agreement among the three biological samples used for AAS testing (κ = 0.112-0.436). Thirty-one athletes (25.4%) tested positive for AASs. More sport hours/week, narcissistic or antisocial personality disorders, and higher nonplanning impulsiveness scores predicted AAS use (pseudo-R2 = 0.665). AAS users did not differ significantly from non-users in major psychopathology, but their Hypomania Checklist-32 score, which also predicted AAS use, was significantly higher (p < 0.001), suggesting increased odds for cyclothymic disorder or subthreshold hypomania. CONCLUSIONS Our results have implications for studying AAS users, as they identify a cluster of variables that may be relevant in future understanding of AAS use risks (e.g., personality disorders). Possible disagreements between AAS assessment methods should be considered when implementing harm reduction interventions, such as needle and syringe distribution, health education, and counselling, as well as surveillance programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Piacentino
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, MD, USA,Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA,Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy,Correspondence: Daria Piacentino, M.D., Ph.D., M.S., Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, NIDA IRP and NIAAA DICBR, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Room 02A406, Baltimore, MD 21224, Phone: 443-740-2793,
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios D. Kotzalidis
- Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Cappelletti
- Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences (SAIMLAL) Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Longo
- Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rizzato
- Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabi
- Centre for Statistical and Social Studies (CE3S), Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences (SAIMLAL) Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences (SAIMLAL) Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, MD, USA,Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA,Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA,Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Huml L, Tauchen J, Rimpelová S, Holubová B, Lapčík O, Jurášek M. Advances in the Determination of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: From Standard Practices to Tailor-Designed Multidisciplinary Approaches. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 22:4. [PMID: 35009549 PMCID: PMC8747103 DOI: 10.3390/s22010004] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs), a group of compounds frequently misused by athletes and, unfortunately, also by the general population, have lately attracted global attention; thus, significant demands for more precise, facile, and rapid AAS detection have arisen. The standard methods ordinarily used for AAS determination include liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. However, good knowledge of steroid metabolism, pretreatment of samples (such as derivatization), and well-trained operators of the instruments are required, making this procedure expensive, complicated, and not routinely applicable. In the drive to meet current AAS detection demands, the scientific focus has shifted to developing novel, tailor-made approaches leading to time- and cost-effective, routine, and field-portable methods for AAS determination in various matrices, such as biological fluids, food supplements, meat, water, or other environmental components. Therefore, herein, we present a comprehensive review article covering recent advances in AAS determination, with a strong emphasis on the increasingly important role of chemically designed artificial sensors, biosensors, and antibody- and fluorescence-based methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš Huml
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic; (O.L.); (M.J.)
| | - Jan Tauchen
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Silvie Rimpelová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Barbora Holubová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Oldřich Lapčík
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic; (O.L.); (M.J.)
| | - Michal Jurášek
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic; (O.L.); (M.J.)
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Ekström L, Broström S, Dahl ML, Börjesson A. A Summary of Online Enquiries Submitted to Anti-doping Hotline 2005–2018. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:787954. [PMID: 36304044 PMCID: PMC9580816 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.787954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS) abuse in the society is considered a health problem and has been associated with cardiovascular toxicity, endocrine disruption, as well as psychiatric symptoms such as aggression and cognitive dysfunction. Men and women abusing AAS, as well as persons in close relationship to AAS abusers, may encounter concerns. Subsequently, the Anti-Doping Hotline was formed 1993 to answers questions about doping in the society. Here we have reviewed 7,123 enquiries posted on the Anti-Doping Hotline website between 2005 and 2018 to see what type of questions were raised. Most questions (n = 2,924) involved AAS, 60% from abusers themselves, and 17% from a person close to an AAS abusers. Only 2.3% of the questions concerned AAS abusing women. Of the AAS specific questions most were from persons who sought personal advice regarding risks and side effects. Notably, the AAS abusers themselves were concerned about somatic side effects (e.g., gynecomastia) and problems related to the AAS injection. The persons in close relationship to an AAS abusers on the other hand, expressed concerns about psychiatric changes including mood swings and aggressivity. In addition to AAS, 26 and 13% of the questions involved dietary supplements and other doping substances, respectively. A gradual decrease of questions regarding ephedrine was noted, whereas the numbers of SARMs related questions increased during this time. Our results show that there is a continuous need to provide medical, nursing, and social support and counseling to AAS abusers and their next of kin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Ekström
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Broström
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marja-Liisa Dahl
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annica Börjesson
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Annica Börjesson
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the most recent evidence regarding nonprescribed androgen use among women and trans men. RECENT FINDINGS Fourteen heterogeneous studies met inclusion criteria. Three provided lifetime prevalence estimates among particular subgroups (from 0.5 to 8%), whereas one longitudinal study found adverse childhood experiences predicted later nonprescribed androgen use. Mental health and substance problems appear to correlate with severity of use, but evidence is mixed as to whether female users had lower or equal mental health burdens compared to male users. Studies that discuss motivation highlighted the dynamic risk management that underlies decisions to continue use; benefits have to outweigh undesired effects, whereas some sexual side effects are re-framed to be positive. Finally, a theme among qualitative studies is the gendered experiences of nonprescribed androgen use, and the search for knowledge and communities created by women. SUMMARY Prevalence, side effects, and trajectories of use appear to be different for women than men. Women users need gender-specific information, although some are able to navigate male-dominated knowledge sources and are creating a female ethnopharmacology that privileges women's experiences. Health research, including epidemiology, gravely needs a gender perspective when examining nonprescribed androgen use, and one that is inclusive of transgender people.
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12
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Savkovic S, Ly LP, Desai R, Howa J, Nair V, Eichner D, Handelsman DJ. Detection of testosterone microdosing in healthy females. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:653-666. [PMID: 34811948 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The ready detectability of synthetic androgens by mass spectrometry (MS)-based antidoping tests has reoriented androgen doping to using testosterone (T), which must be distinguished from its endogenous counterpart making detection of exogenous T harder. We investigated urine and serum steroid and hematological profiling individually and combined to determine the optimal detection model for T administration in women. Twelve healthy females provided six paired blood and urine samples over 2 weeks prior to treatment consisting of 12.5-mg T in a topical transdermal gel applied daily for 7 days. Paired blood and urine samples were then obtained at the end of treatment and Days 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 days later. Compliance with treatment and sampling was high, and no adverse effects were reported. T treatment significantly increased serum and urine T, serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), urine 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (5α-diol) epitestosterone (E), and urine T/E ratio with a brief window of detection (2-4 days) as well as total and immature (medium and high fluorescence) reticulocytes that remained elevated over the full 14 posttreatment days. Carbon isotope ratio MS and the OFF score and Abnormal Blood Profile score (ABPS) were not discriminatory. The optimal multivariate model to identify T exposure combined serum T, urine T/E ratio with three hematological variables (% high fluorescence reticulocytes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and volume) with the five variables providing 93% correct classification (4% false positive, 10% false negatives). Hence, combining select serum and urine steroid MS variables with reticulocyte measures can achieve a high but imperfect detection of T administration to healthy females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Savkovic
- Andrology Department, Concord Hospital & ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lam P Ly
- Andrology Department, Concord Hospital & ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Reena Desai
- Andrology Department, Concord Hospital & ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Howa
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Vinod Nair
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Daniel Eichner
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Department, Concord Hospital & ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Abstract
Adrenarche is the maturational increase in adrenal androgen production that normally begins in early childhood. It results from changes in the secretory response to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) that are best indexed by dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) rise. These changes are related to the development of the zona reticularis (ZR) and its unique gene/enzyme expression pattern of low 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 with high cytochrome b5A, sulfotransferase 2A1, and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5. Recently 11-ketotestosterone was identified as an important bioactive adrenarchal androgen. Birth weight, body growth, obesity, and prolactin are related to ZR development. Adrenarchal androgens normally contribute to the onset of sexual pubic hair (pubarche) and sebaceous and apocrine gland development. Premature adrenarche causes ≥90% of premature pubarche (PP). Its cause is unknown. Affected children have a significantly increased growth rate with proportionate bone age advancement that typically does not compromise growth potential. Serum DHEAS and testosterone levels increase to levels normal for early female puberty. It is associated with mildly increased risks for obesity, insulin resistance, and possibly mood disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome. Between 5% and 10% of PP is due to virilizing disorders, which are usually characterized by more rapid advancement of pubarche and compromise of adult height potential than premature adrenarche. Most cases are due to nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Algorithms are presented for the differential diagnosis of PP. This review highlights recent advances in molecular genetic and developmental biologic understanding of ZR development and insights into adrenarche emanating from mass spectrometric steroid assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Rosenfield
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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14
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Saad K, Salama S, Horvatovich P, Al Maadheed M, Georgakopoulos C. Olympic anti-doping laboratory: the analytical technological road from 2016 Rio De Janeiro to 2021 Tokyo. Bioanalysis 2021; 13:1511-1527. [PMID: 34617444 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2021-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The summer Olympic Games is the major mega sports event since the first modern era Olympiad, held in Athens, Greece in 1896. International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the responsibility of the organization of the summer and winter Games ensuring the broadcast in all corners of earth. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the responsible organization of the fight against doping in sports. IOC and WADA support the event's country WADA Accredited Laboratory to incorporate the maximum of the new analytical technologies to become applicable during the event's antidoping testing. The current study reviewed the last 5 years progresses of the antidoping system with emphasis on the laboratory field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Saad
- Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ), Doha, 27775, Qatar
| | - Sofia Salama
- Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ), Doha, 27775, Qatar
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15
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Eklund E, Andersson A, Ekström L, Hirschberg AL. Urinary Steroid Profile in Elite Female Athletes in Relation to Serum Androgens and in Comparison With Untrained Controls. Front Physiol 2021; 12:702305. [PMID: 34526910 PMCID: PMC8435769 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.702305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In female athletes, the interpretation of doping tests is complex due to hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use, both influencing the urinary steroid profile. Exercise is suggested to affect circulating steroid hormone levels, and in women, the urinary steroid profile differs between in competition testing and out of competition testing. No previous study has investigated the relationship between amount of exercise and the urinary steroid profile in female elite athletes. Purpose To compare the urinary steroid profile between female Olympic athletes and age- and BMI-matched untrained controls, and to study the urinary steroid profile in relation to serum hormones and amount of exercise. Methods In this cross-sectional study conducted at the Women’s Health Research Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, 94 female elite athletes and 86 untrained controls were included. Serum estrogens and testosterone and the urinary steroid profile were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Exercise hours/week were evaluated by questionnaire. Results Although serum steroid hormones were comparable between groups, the athletes demonstrated approximately 30% lower urinary steroid metabolites of testosterone, epitestosterone, androsterone, etiocholanolone, 5α-androstan-3α, 17β-diol, and 5β-androstan-3α, 17β-diol compared to the controls. The urinary steroid metabolites correlated positively with serum steroid hormones. In the athletes, urinary steroid metabolites: androsterone (rs = −0.28, p = 0.007), epitestosterone (rs = −0.22, p = 0.034), 5αAdiol (rs = −0.31, p = 0.002) and testosterone (rs = −0.24, p = 0.026), were negatively correlated with amount of training (hours per week). Conclusion The urinary concentrations of steroid metabolites were lower in elite athletes than in sedentary controls, although serum steroids were comparable between groups. Moreover, exercise time was negatively associated with the urinary concentrations. Our findings suggest alternative excretion routes of androgens in the athletes related to training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Eklund
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Andersson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Ekström
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Castanier C, Bougault V, Teulier C, Jaffré C, Schiano-Lomoriello S, Vibarel-Rebot N, Villemain A, Rieth N, Le-Scanff C, Buisson C, Collomp K. The Specificities of Elite Female Athletes: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:622. [PMID: 34206866 PMCID: PMC8303304 DOI: 10.3390/life11070622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Female athletes have garnered considerable attention in the last few years as more and more women participate in sports events. However, despite the well-known repercussions of female sex hormones, few studies have investigated the specificities of elite female athletes. In this review, we present the current but still limited data on how normal menstrual phases, altered menstrual phases, and hormonal contraception affect both physical and cognitive performances in these elite athletes. To examine the implicated mechanisms, as well as the potential performances and health risks in this population, we then take a broader multidisciplinary approach and report on the causal/reciprocal relationships between hormonal status and mental and physical health in young (18-40 years) healthy females, both trained and untrained. We thus cover the research on both physiological and psychological variables, as well as on the Athlete Biological Passport used for anti-doping purposes. We consider the fairly frequent discrepancies and summarize the current knowledge in this new field of interest. Last, we conclude with some practical guidelines for eliciting improvements in physical and cognitive performance while minimizing the health risks for female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Castanier
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | | | - Caroline Teulier
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | | | - Sandrine Schiano-Lomoriello
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Nancy Vibarel-Rebot
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Aude Villemain
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Nathalie Rieth
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Christine Le-Scanff
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Corinne Buisson
- Département des Analyses, AFLD, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
| | - Katia Collomp
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
- Département des Analyses, AFLD, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
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17
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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Marchiani S, Filippi S, Morelli A, Sarchielli E, Sforza A, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Consequences of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse in Males; Sexual and Reproductive Perspective. World J Mens Health 2021; 40:165-178. [PMID: 34169679 PMCID: PMC8987149 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The real epidemiology and the possible consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use still represent a very tricky task due to the difficulties in the quantification and detection of these drugs. Chronic use of AAS, frequently combined with other illicit substances, can induce tremendous negative effects on the reproductive system, but it is also associated with an increased overall and cardiovascular mortality risk. In the present review we summarize and discuss the available evidence regarding the negative impact of AAS on the male reproductive system, providing practical suggestions to manage these problems. For this purpose a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of AAS abusers vs. controls on several hormonal, reproductive and metabolic parameters was performed. In addition, in order to overcome possible limitations related to the combined use of different AAS preparations, we also retrospectively re-analyzed data on animal models treated with supraphysiological dosage of testosterone (T), performed in our laboratory. Available data clearly indicated that AAS negatively affect endogenous T production. In addition, increased T and estradiol circulating levels were also observed according to the type of preparations used. The latter leads to an impairment of sperm production and to the development of side effects such as acne, hair loss and gynecomastia. Furthermore, a worse metabolic profile, characterized by reduced high density lipoprotein and increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels along with an increased risk of hypertension has been also detected. Finally sexual dysfunctions, often observed upon doping, represent one the most probable unfavorable effects of AAS abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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18
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Salamin O, Nicoli R, Langer T, Boccard J, Grundisch CS, Xu C, Rudaz S, Kuuranne T, Pitteloud N, Saugy M. Longitudinal evaluation of multiple biomarkers for the detection of testosterone gel administration in women with normal menstrual cycle. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:833-850. [PMID: 33817997 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In women, hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle may impose a great source of variability for some biomarkers of testosterone (T) administration, which can ultimately disrupt the sensitivity of their longitudinal monitoring. In this study, the sensitivity of the current urinary and haematological markers of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), as well as serum steroid biomarkers, was investigated for the monitoring of a 28-day T gel treatment combined with endogenous fluctuation of the menstrual cycle in 14 healthy female subjects. Additionally, the analysis of urinary target compounds was performed on a subset of samples for endogenous/exogenous origin via isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). In serum, concentrations of T and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased significantly during the treatment, whereas in urine matrix the most affected biomarkers were found to be the ratios of testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol/epitestosterone (5αAdiol/E). The detection capability of both urinary biomarkers was heavily influenced by [E], which fluctuated depending on the menstrual cycle, and resulted in low sensitivity of the urinary steroidal ABP module. On the contrary, an alternative approach by the longitudinal monitoring of serum T and DHT concentrations with the newly proposed T/androstenedione ratio showed higher sensitivity. The confirmatory IRMS results demonstrated that less than one third of the tested urine samples fulfilled the criteria for positivity. Results from this study demonstrated that the 'blood steroid profile' represents a powerful complementary approach to the 'urinary module' and underlines the importance of gathering bundle of evidence to support the scenario of an endogenous prohibited substance administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Salamin
- Center of Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences-REDs, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raul Nicoli
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Langer
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Boccard
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University Medical Centre, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Biomedical and Metabolomic Analyses, Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carine Schweizer Grundisch
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cheng Xu
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Serge Rudaz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University Medical Centre, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Biomedical and Metabolomic Analyses, Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martial Saugy
- Center of Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences-REDs, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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19
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Elings Knutsson J, Andersson A, Baekken LV, Pohanka A, Ekström L, Hirschberg AL. Disposition of Urinary and Serum Steroid Metabolites in Response to Testosterone Administration in Healthy Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:697-707. [PMID: 33274381 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Little is known about how exogenous testosterone (T) affects the steroid profile in women. More knowledge would give the antidoping community keys as to how to interpret tests and detect doping. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to investigate the steroid profile in serum and urine in young healthy women after T administration. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 48 healthy young women were assigned to daily treatment with T cream (10 mg) or placebo (1:1) for 10 weeks. Urine and blood were collected before and at the end of treatment. Serum steroids were analyzed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and urine levels of T, epitestosterone (E), and metabolites included in the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) were analyzed with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS In serum, T and dihydrotestosterone levels increased, whereas sex hormone-binding globulin and 17-hydroxyprogesterone decreased after T treatment as compared to placebo. In urine, T and 5α-androstanediol increased in the T group. The median T increase in serum was 5.0-fold (range, 1.2-18.2) and correlated to a 2.2-fold (range, 0.4-14.4) median increase in T/E in urine (rs = 0.76). Only 2 of the 24 women receiving T reached the T/E cutoff ratio of 4, whereas when the results were added to the ABP, 6 of 15 participants showed atypically high T/E (40%). In comparison, 22/24 women in the T group increased serum T more than 99.9% of the upper confidence interval of nontreated values. CONCLUSION It seems that the T/E ratio is not sufficient to detect exogenous T in women. Serum total T concentrations could serve as a complementary marker of doping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jona Elings Knutsson
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Andersson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lasse Vestli Baekken
- Nordic Athlete Passport Management Unit, Anti-Doping Norway, Sognsveien, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anton Pohanka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Ekström
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Abstract
Hyperandrogenic anovulation refers to the constellation of disorders that present in women with irregular menses, hirsutism and/or acne across the lifespan. Understanding the clinical signs and symptoms of each diagnosis in the differential and laboratory testing to confirm or exclude a diagnosis allows a clinician to appropriately counsel and treat the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Wierman
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Endocrinology MS8106, 12801 East 17 Avenue, RC1S, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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21
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Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H. Annual banned-substance review: Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing 2019/2020. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:8-35. [PMID: 33185038 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Analytical chemistry-based research in sports drug testing has been a dynamic endeavor for several decades, with technology-driven innovations continuously contributing to significant improvements in various regards including analytical sensitivity, comprehensiveness of target analytes, differentiation of natural/endogenous substances from structurally identical but synthetically derived compounds, assessment of alternative matrices for doping control purposes, and so forth. The resulting breadth of tools being investigated and developed by anti-doping researchers has allowed to substantially improve anti-doping programs and data interpretation in general. Additionally, these outcomes have been an extremely valuable pledge for routine doping controls during the unprecedented global health crisis that severely affected established sports drug testing strategies. In this edition of the annual banned-substance review, literature on recent developments in anti-doping published between October 2019 and September 2020 is summarized and discussed, particularly focusing on human doping controls and potential applications of new testing strategies to substances and methods of doping specified the World Anti-Doping Agency's 2020 Prohibited List.
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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
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22
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Schulze J, Suominen T, Bergström H, Ericsson M, Björkhem Bergman L, Ekström L. Urinary steroid profile in relation to the menstrual cycle. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:550-557. [PMID: 33142032 PMCID: PMC7984021 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The interpretation of the steroidal module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) in female athletes is complex due to the large variation of the endogenous urinary steroids. The menstrual cycle seems to be one of the largest confounders of the steroid profile. The duration of the different phases in the menstrual cycle differs between women and is difficult to predict only by counting days after menstruation. Here, we have determined the follicle, ovulation, and luteal phases, by assessing the menstrual hormones in serum samples collected from 17 healthy women with regular menses. Urine samples were collected three times per week during two consecutive cycles to measure the urinary steroid concentrations used in the ABP. The metabolite that was mostly affected by the menstrual phases was epitestosterone (E), where the median concentration was 133% higher in the ovulation phase compared to the follicle phase (p < 0.0001). The women with a large coefficient of variation (CV) in their first cycle also had a large CV in their second cycle and vice versa. The inter-individual difference was extensive with a range of 11%-230% difference between the lowest and the highest T/E ratio during a cycle. In conclusion, E and ratios with E as denominator are problematic biomarkers for doping in female athletes. The timing of the sample collection in the menstrual cycle will have a large influence on the steroid profile. The results of this study highlight the need to find additional biomarkers for T doping in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Schulze
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology C1:68Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Tina Suominen
- Helsinki Doping Control Laboratory, Forensic Toxicology UnitFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)HelsinkiFinland
| | - Helena Bergström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Clinical GeriatricsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Magnus Ericsson
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology C1:68Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- French Doping Control Laboratory, Agence Française de lutte contre le dopage (AFLD) Département des AnalysesFrance
| | - Linda Björkhem Bergman
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Clinical GeriatricsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Lena Ekström
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology C1:68Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology C1:68Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska HospitalStockholmSweden
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Development and validation of an UHPLC–MS/MS method for extended serum steroid profiling in female populations. Bioanalysis 2020; 12:753-768. [DOI: 10.4155/bio-2020-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Quantitative endogenous steroid profiling in blood appears as a complementary approach to the urinary module of the World Anti-Doping Agency's Athlete Biological Passport Steroidal Module for the detection of testosterone doping. To refine this approach further, a UHPLC–MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 14 free and 14 conjugated steroids in serum. Results: The method was validated for quantitative purposes with satisfactory results in terms of selectivity, linearity range, trueness, precision and combined uncertainty (<20%). The validated method was then applied to serum samples from both healthy women and women diagnosed with mild hyperandrogenism. Conclusion: The UHPLC–MS/MS method showed promising capability in quantifying free and conjugated steroids in serum and determining variations of their concentration/distribution within serum samples from different populations.
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Börjesson A, Möller C, Hagelin A, Vicente V, Rane A, Lehtihet M, Dahl ML, Gårevik N, Ekström L. Male Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Users with Personality Disorders Report More Aggressive Feelings, Suicidal Thoughts, and Criminality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56060265. [PMID: 32481676 PMCID: PMC7353874 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56060265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are mainly used for aesthetic and performance-enhancing reasons. Their use is a growing public health problem and concern for society because of their adverse effects. The primary aim of this study was to identify psychiatric and personality disorders and to measure anxiety and depression in AAS users. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six males who actively contacted the Anti-Doping Hot-Line and wished to stop using AAS were included. Structured Clinical Interviews Diagnosis-I and -II were used to diagnose psychiatric and personality disorders. The Brief Scale for Anxiety and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (subscales from the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale) were used to measure changes in anxiety and depression. Structured Clinical Interviews Diagnosis-I and -II were performed at one time point. Anxiety and depression were measured at inclusion and after six months. Urine samples were collected for an analysis of AAS and drugs of abuse. Results: All participants reported some adverse effects that they associated with AAS use. In total, 56% and 52% of the cohort fulfilled the criteria for Structured Clinical Interviews Diagnosis-I and -II diagnoses, respectively. A significantly increased risk of reporting aggressive feelings/behaviors (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.9; Confidence Interval (CI) 0.99-25, p = 0.04), suicidal thoughts/attempts (OR = 4.6, CI 95; 0.99-21, p = 0.04) and criminality (OR = 6.5, CI 1-39, p = 0.03) was found among individuals with AAS use fulfilling the criteria for personality disorders compared with those without such AAS use. The Brief Scale for Anxiety score decreased from the median of 15 at inclusion to 10 at the follow-up visit six months later (p = 0.01, n = 19). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that among individuals with AAS use, those with a personality disorder report more aggressive behaviors, suicidal thoughts/suicidal attempts, and criminality than those without a personality disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annica Börjesson
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.); (A.R.); (M.-L.D.); (N.G.); (L.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-8-585-811-92
| | - Christian Möller
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, 422 49 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Hagelin
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.); (A.R.); (M.-L.D.); (N.G.); (L.E.)
| | - Veronica Vicente
- The Ambulance Medical Service in Stockholm (AISAB), Academic EMS, 121 63 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Rane
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.); (A.R.); (M.-L.D.); (N.G.); (L.E.)
| | - Mikael Lehtihet
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, S:t Görans Hospital, 122 19 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Marja-Liisa Dahl
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.); (A.R.); (M.-L.D.); (N.G.); (L.E.)
| | - Nina Gårevik
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.); (A.R.); (M.-L.D.); (N.G.); (L.E.)
- Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Ekström
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.); (A.R.); (M.-L.D.); (N.G.); (L.E.)
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