Current status and recent advantages in derivatization procedures in human doping control

Derivatization is one of the most important steps during sample preparation in doping control analysis. Its main purpose is the enhancement of chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection of analytes in the full range of laboratory doping control activities. Its application is shown to broaden the detectable range of compounds, even in LC–MS analysis, where derivatization is not a prerequisite. The impact of derivatization initiates from the stage of the metabolic studies of doping agents up to the discovery of doping markers, by inclusion of the screening and confirmation procedures of prohibited substances in athlete's urine samples. Derivatization renders an unlimited number of opportunities to advanced analyte detection.

The effects of caffeine, nicotine, ethanol, and tetrahydrocannabinol on exercise performance

Caffeine, nicotine, ethanol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are among the most prevalent and culturally accepted drugs in western society. For example, in Europe and North America up to 90% of the adult population drinks coffee daily and, although less prevalent, the other drugs are also used extensively by the population. Smoked tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption and marijuana (cannabis) smoking are addictive and exhibit adverse health effects. These drugs are not only common in the general population, but have also made their way into elite sports because of their purported performance-altering potential. Only one of the drugs (i.e., caffeine) has enough scientific evidence indicating an ergogenic effect. There is some preliminary evidence for nicotine as an ergogenic aid, but further study is required; cannabis and alcohol can exhibit ergogenic potential under specific circumstances but are in general believed to be ergolytic for sports performance. These drugs are currently (THC, ethanol) or have been (caffeine) on the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency or are being monitored (nicotine) due to their potential ergogenic or ergolytic effects. The aim of this brief review is to evaluate the effects of caffeine, nicotine, ethanol and THC by: 1) examining evidence supporting the ergogenic or ergolytic effects; 2) providing an overview of the mechanism(s) of action and physiological effects; and 3) where appropriate, reviewing their impact as performance-altering aids used in recreational and elite sports.

Impact of the emergence of designer drugs upon sports doping testing

Historically, dope-testing methods have been developed to target specific and known threats to the integrity of sport. Traditionally, the source of new analytical targets for which testing was required were derived almost exclusively from the pharmaceutical industry. More recently, the emergence of designer drugs, such as tetrahydrogestrinone that are specifically intended to evade detection, or novel chemicals intended to circumvent laws controlling the sale and distribution of recreational drugs, such as anabolic steroids, stimulants and cannabinoids, have become a significant issue. In this review, we shall consider the emergence of designer drugs and the response of dope-testing laboratories to these new threats, in particular developments in analytical methods, instrumentation and research intended to detect their abuse, and we consider the likely future impact of these approaches.

Biomarkers: unrealized potential in sports doping analysis

The fight against doping in sport using analytical chemistry is a mature area with a history of approximately 100 years in horse racing and at least 40 years in human sport. Over that period, the techniques used and the breadth of coverage have developed significantly. These improvements in the testing methods have been matched by the increased sophistication of the methods, drugs and therapies available to the cheat and, as a result, testing has been a reactive process constantly adapting to meet new threats. Following the inception of the World Anti-Doping Agency, research into the methods and technologies available for human doping control have received coordinated funding on an international basis. The area of biomarker research has been a major beneficiary of this funding. The aim of this article is to review recent developments in the application of biomarkers to doping control and to assess the impact this could make in the future.

Determination of Synacthen in urine for sports drug testing by means of nano-ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Doping control analysis of performance-enhancing peptides in urine represents a challenging requirement in modern sports drug testing. Low dosing, effective metabolism and short half-life lead to target concentrations in the low fmol/mL range in urine. Synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (1-24, Syn-ACTH-en) shares all these characteristics and improved analytical performance is required for its sufficient determination by means of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The desired effects for cheating sportsmen are mainly due to enhanced release of corticosteroids as well as androgenic steroids into the circulation after systemic administration of the drug. Immunoaffinity purification with coated magnetic beads and subsequent liquid chromatography with nano-ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (high resolution/high mass accuracy) of Synacthen from urinary specimens is described in the present study. The general proof of principle was obtained by analysis of excretion study urine samples and validation was performed with focus on the limit of detection (3 pg/mL), linearity, precision (<20%), recovery ( approximately 30%), robustness, specificity and stability. For all experiments, the ACTH fragment 1-17 was used as the internal standard.