Ion exchange purification of estrogens

Profiling oestrogens and testosterone in human urine by stable isotope dilution/benchtop gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Oestrogens, such as oestrone (E(1)), 17β-oestradiol (E(2)), oestriol (E(3)) and their biologically active metabolites 2-methoxyoestrone (2-MeOE(1)), 2-hydroxyoestradiol (2-OHE(2)) 16-ketooestradiol (16-OE(2)), 16-epioestriol (16-epiE(3)), as well as testosterone (T) play an important role in physiological and pathological developmental processes during human development. We therefore aimed at developing an isotope dilution/bench top gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (ID/GC-MS) method, based on benchtop GC-MS, for the simultaneous determination ('profiling') of the above analytes in children. The method consisted of equilibration of urine (5 ml) with a cocktail containing stable isotope-labelled analogues of the analytes as internal standards ([2,4-(2)H(2)]E(1), [2,4,16,16-(2)H(4)]E(2), [2,4,17-(2)H(3)]E(3), [16,16,17-(2)H(3)]T, [1,4,16,16-(2)H(4)]2-MeOE(1), [1,4,16,16,17-(2)H(5)]2-OHE(2), [2,4,15,15,17-(2)H(5)]16-OE(2) and [2,4-(2)H(2)]16-epiE(3)). Then, solid-phase extraction (C(18) cartridges), enzymatic hydrolysis (sulphatase from Helix pomatia (type H-1)), re-extraction, purification by anion exchange chromatography and derivatisation to trimethylsilyl ethers followed. The samples were analysed by GC-MS (Agilent GC 6890N/5975MSD; fused silica capillary column 25 m × 0.2 mm i.d., film 0.10 μm). Calibration plots were linear and showed excellent reproducibility with coefficients of determination (r(2)) between 0.999 and 1.000. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) were <2.21% for all quantified metabolites. Sensitivity was highest for 2-OHE(2) (0.25 pg per absolute injection: signal-to-noise ratio (S/N)=3) and lowest for 16-epiE(3) (2 pg per absolute injection: S/N=2.6), translating into corresponding urine sample analyte concentrations of 0.025 ng ml(-1) and 0.2 ng ml(-1), respectively. Accuracy - determined in a two-level spike experiment - showed relative errors ranging between 0.15% for 16-OE(2) and 11.63% for 2-OHE(2). Chromatography showed clear peak shapes for the components analysed. In summary, we describe a practical, sensitive and specific ID/GC-MS assay capable of profiling the above-mentioned steroids in human urine from childhood onwards.

Sodium ascorbate improves yield of urinary steroids during hydrolysis with Helix pomatia juice

Urinary steroid profile analysis requires enzymatic hydrolysis of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates and this is achieved simultaneously using Helix pomatia juice (HPJ), but steroids with 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene structure undergo transformation and yield of 5alpha-reduced corticosteroid glucuronides is poor. We describe the use of sodium ascorbate to solve these problems and provide a basis for its mode of action. Steroid conjugates were extracted from urine, hydrolyzed in acetate buffer with HPJ and sodium ascorbate and analyzed as methyloxime-trimethylsilylether derivatives by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Ranges of temperature, pH and ascorbate, substrate and HPJ concentrations were compared for urine and pure standards. Activity of other antioxidants and that of bacterial cholesterol oxidase were examined. Helix pomatia enzyme preparations from different commercial sources were compared. Loss of 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroids was enzyme-dependant, since it required HPJ, was saturable, subject to substrate competition and heat-inactivated. Products were 3-oxo-4-ene steroids and 4,6-diene and 6-oxy derivatives of these but the latter were not formed from 3-oxo-4-ene precursors. Ascorbate, other antioxidants or oxygen exclusion diminished activity. These characteristics were shared by cholesterol oxidase. Yield of 5alpha-reduced steroids was diminished by pre-incubation of HPJ before ascorbate addition and this was reversed if ascorbate was added to the pre-incubation mixture. We conclude that transformation of 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroids by HPJ is due to cholesterol oxidase and is diminished by antioxidants or oxygen denial. Yield of 5alpha-reduced steroids is low due to oxidative damage of beta-glucuronidase during hydrolysis, prevented by ascorbate. These features are shared by most commercial Helix pomatia enzyme preparations tested.

Simultaneous determination of anabolic and catabolic steroid hormones in meat by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A rapid and economical method for the determination in meat of androgens, estrogens, progestogens and corticoids, including some precursors and metabolites, has been developed. The extracted steroids are separated in a polar, a neutral, and a phenolic fraction by C8-SPE followed by a liquid-liquid extraction of the phenolates. Each fraction is separately purified by normal-phase SPE. The different steroid fractions can be analysed either together to obtain a comprehensive hormone pattern in one step or separately to enhance detection selectivity and sensitivity. Using a universally applicable silylation of the hydroxyl and keto groups, detection limits of 0.02-0.1 microg/kg are reached by GC-MS (EI) in the selected ion monitoring mode.

Identification of oestrogen metabolites in human urine by capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry

Oestrogen metabolites from the urine of males and pregnant and non-pregnant females were enriched by a procedure involving column chromatography on adsorber resins, gels and ion exchangers, enzymatic solvolysis and extraction, thereby separating the oestrogens from most of the interfering material. After derivatization of the oestrogens as their trimethylsilyl ethers profiles were measured with a fused silica column and a flame ionization detector by gas chromatography. Using a combination of capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry approximately 50 oestrogen metabolites were detected in the human urine of males and females, of which 19 were unknown urine compounds. Not all could be identified definitely owing to the lack of reference material. Mass spectra of trimethylsilylated oestrogens with functional groups at position 11 (11-dehydroestradiol, 11-dehydroestrone and 11 beta-hydroxyestrone) were discussed in their common and discernible fragmentations.

A gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric screening, confirmation, and quantification method for estrogenic compounds

A method is described for the screening, quantification and confirmation of a variety of estronenic substances in animal tissues. A solid-phase extraction technique combined with a liquid/liquid extraction allows for rapid sample preparation and high throughput for the following compounds in bovine liver, muscle and kidney: diethylstilbestrol, dienestrol, hexestrol, zeranol, taleranol, zearalanone, zearalenone, zearalenol, estradiol and estriol. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and selected ion monitoring is used for the determination with detection limits ranging from 50 to 150 ppt.

Conversion of androgen to estrogen by the rat fetal and neonatal female gonad: effects of dcAMP and FSH

Female gonads of fetal (on days 14.5, 16.5, 18.5 and 20.5 postcoitum) and neonatal rats (on days 4.5 and 8.5 postpartum) were cultured in Medium 199 in the presence of [3H]testosterone and the conversion into [3H]estrone and [3H]estradiol was estimated. Formation of both estrogens was found in all fetal and neonatal ovaries explanted in control medium. Dibutyryl cAMP (1 mM) had a clear-cut stimulatory effect as early as 16.5 days postcoitum, but had little or no effect at 8.5 days postpartum. In contrast, ovine or rat FSH (0.3 or 1 microgram/ml, respectively) increased the aromatase activity only from 20.5 days postcoitum. The effects of FSH and dibutyryl cAMP were more obvious after preculture for 48 h in control medium. These results indicate that: a biochemical sex differentiation, revealed by the difference in aromatase activity levels between ovaries and testes or other tissues occurs in female gonads as early as 14.5 days postcoitum; aromatase activity in the ovaries increases markedly after birth; functional FSH receptors are absent before 20.5 days postcoitum in the ovaries.

Studies on the role of intestinal bacteria in metabolism of synthetic and natural steroid hormones

Administration of antimicrobial agents to subjects taking oral contraceptives has been reported to lead to contraceptive failure and subsequent pregnancy. In women taking oral contraceptives antimicrobial agents could have an effect on both endogenous hormone levels and on the metabolism of the exogenously administered steroids. To investigate these possibilities, antimicrobial agents were administered for short periods to normal women taking various steroid drugs: Megestrol acetate (MA), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethisterone (NET), a combination of NET and ethinylestradiol (EE) or a combination of lynestrenol and EE. During ampicillin administration the 24-h morning plasma concentrations of MA, MPA and NET were increased compared to the control values. In the MA and MPA experiments the afternoon values were determined and also found to be increased. In the subjects taking oral contraceptives plasma EE concentration showed a tendency to decrease during ampicillin administration on the third, fourth or fifth morning of ampicillin administration, but was never lower than the pretreatment values. In other experiments plasma estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2), urinary total E1, E2 and estriol (E3) and fecal unconjugated and conjugated E1, E2 or E3 were determined by RIA before, during and after administration of oxytetracycline (2 X 500 mg/day for 5 days) to 5 young male subjects. Furthermore urinary and fecal estrogens were determined in 1 male subject after administration of erythromycin for 6 days and in 2 normally menstruating women after tetracycline and trimethoprim administration, respectively. During treatment with antimicrobial drugs an increase in the excretion of fecal conjugated and, with the exception of the oxytetracycline experiments, also of unconjugated estrogens paralleled a decrease in urinary estrogen excretion, especially for E2 and E3. In both urine and feces the E1/E2 and E1 + E2/E3 ratios increased due to diminished reductive metabolism of estrogens in the gut. No significant effects on plasma unconjugated estrogen concentrations were observed. The results suggest that the intestinal bacterial flora plays a significant role in estrogen metabolism. However, further studies are necessary, because our results do not explain why administration of antibiotics may cause contraceptive failure.

Steroid metabolism in human teratocarcinoma cell line PA 1

Human ovarian teratocarcinoma cells of line PA 1, (Zeuthen et al., 1979[1]) used as model for early embryonic cells, were analyzed for their in vitro capacity to convert steroids. The cells were incubated for 20 h with radioactive pregnenolone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone or estradiol-17 beta, or with non-radioactive progesterone, 6 alpha- or 6 beta-hydroxyprogesterone, 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one, dehydroepiandrosterone or estradiol-17 beta. The metabolites were analyzed by thin layer chromatography or studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results indicate that PA 1 cells are able to metabolize, although to a restricted amount, a variety of steroids, most markedly progesterone. The metabolites were almost exclusively found in the medium. The main metabolite of progesterone was 3 beta, 6 alpha-dihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one. Minor formation of progesterone from pregnenolone could be detected. Human chorionic gonadotropin did not have any effect on pregnenolone metabolism. No formation of estradiol-17 beta or estrone from dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione or testosterone could be detected. However, estradiol-17 beta was shown to be converted mainly to estrone. These findings indicate that undifferentiated PA 1 teratocarcinoma cells like certain mouse teratocarcinoma cells, seem not to be steroidogenic but are capable of metabolizing naturally occurring steroid hormones and their precursors.

Selective chromatographic fractionation of catechol estrogens on anion exchangers in borate form

The borate form of anion exchangers has been investigated for its utility in the field of estrogen analysis. The borate form of a weak (DEAE-Sephadex A-25) and a strong (QAE-Sephadex A-25) anion exchanger was easily prepared by appropriate washing of the gels, without the need of time consuming immobilization techniques. Estrogens with vicinal cis-hydroxyls were strongly retained in both gels through formation of borate complexes and readily separated from estrogens not possessing such groups. Moreover, borate complex formation with the labile o-dihydroxyphenyl moiety of catechol estrogens fully protected them from decomposition during chromatography. Quantitative recovery of catechol estrogens was thereby obtained without use of antioxidants. The borate form of QAE-Sephadex A-25 was capable, in addition, of separating estrogens not possessing vicinal cis-hydroxyls from the corresponding neutral steroids.

Assay of estrogens in human feces

A radioimmunological method for the determination of unconjugated and conjugated estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) in feces of women and men is described and validated. Positive proof of specificity was obtained by GC/MS identification of the three estrogens in feces of a non-pregnant woman. In addition estradiol-17 alpha was detected in the estradiol fraction and an unknown tetrol in the E3 fraction. It is shown that the method fulfills the reliability criteria and that it is possible to measure these estrogens in 1 g feces samples. Estrogen excretion varies during the menstrual cycle with the greatest excretion around ovulation time. The relative amount of E2 is much higher in feces than in urine and bile reflecting reductive metabolism in the gut. About 10-15% of E1, E2 and E3 occurs in the conjugated form in feces. Quantitative data for young women during the menstrual cycle, for postmenopausal women and for men are presented. Men and postmenopausal women excrete similar amounts of estrogen in feces, but during the menstrual cycle much higher concentrations are found. Calculations reveal that fecal excretion of these estrogens represents about 5-10% of total excretion of estrogens in urine and feces. It is concluded that estrogen metabolism in the intestinal tract may be of similar biological significance to that in the liver.

Estrogens in seminal plasma of human and animal species: identification and quantitative estimation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry associated with stable isotope dilution

Estrone, 2-methoxyestrone and estradiol-17 beta have been definitely identified in seminal plasma of man, bull, boar and stallion by high resolution gas chromatography associated with selective monitoring of characteristic ions of suitable derivatives. Quantitative estimations were performed by isotope dilution with deuterated analogues and by monitoring molecular ions of trimethylsilyl ethers of labelled and unlabelled compounds. Concentrations of unconjugated and total estrogens are reported together with the statistical evaluation of accuracy and precision.