Studies on anabolic steroids

Stanozolol-N-glucuronide metabolites in human urine samples as suitable targets in terms of routine anti-doping analysis

The exogenous anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) stanozolol stays one of the most detected substances in professional sports. Its detection is a fundamental part of doping analysis, and the analysis of this steroid has been intensively investigated for a long time. This contribution to the detection of stanozolol doping describes for the first time the unambiguous proof for the existence of 17-epistanozolol-1'N-glucuronide and 17-epistanozolol-2'N-glucuronide in stanozolol-positive human urine samples due to the access to high-quality reference standards. Examination of excretion study samples shows large detection windows for the phase-II metabolites stanozolol-1'N-glucuronide and 17-epistanozolol-1'N-glucuronide up to 12 days and respectively up to almost 28 days. In addition, we present appropriate validation parameters for the analysis of these metabolites using a fully automatic method online solid-phase extraction (SPE) method already published before. Limits of identification (LOIs) as low as 100 pg/ml and other validation parameters like accuracy, precision, sensitivity, robustness, and linearity are given.

Analytical approaches applied to the analysis of apprehended formulations of anabolic androgenic steroids

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) comprise a class of synthetic androgens resulting from chemical modifications of testosterone, known for their illicit consumption, which can result inextensive side effects. Extraction procedures applied to the analysis of their formulations are still limited to a few methodologies, despite the increasing numbers of confiscations of AASs. In this sense, the aims of this work were to evaluate the extraction of active ingredients from formulations of anabolic agents using solid-liquid or liquid-iquid, ultrasonic bath, ultrasonicprobe, and microwave-assisted extraction. The results indicated that the extraction procedures influenced the detected concentration of AASs, as the use of ultrasonic probe and microwave irradiation increased the overall extraction of anabolic agents compared with solid-liquid, liquid-liquid, and ultrasonic bath. Regarding oxymetholone, for instance, the microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasonic probe extracted, respectively, 37.46 ± 1.36 and 35.69 ± 0.98 mg/tablet, while solid-liquid extracted 29.63 ± 0.40 mg/tablet of the activeingredient. Therefore, alternative methods such as microwave-assisted extraction or theultrasonic probe could be used for the analysis of formulations of AASs assisting with the identification of illicit and toxic components.

A validated stability-indicating TLC-densitometric method for the determination of stanozolol in pharmaceutical formulations

BACKGROUND

Stanozolol is a synthetic derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and one of the frequently detected anabolic steroids in doping analysis. The current work describes the development and validation of the stability-indicating TLC-densitometric method for sensitive and specific estimation of stanozolol even its degradation product being there. Precoated silica gel TLC aluminium plates were utilized as the stationary phase and the eluent comprised of petroleum ether: acetone (6:4, v/v). Densitometric analysis of stanozolol was achieved at λmax 750 nm in the absorbance mode after staining with phosphomolybdic acid (PMA). Stress degradation of stanozolol was carried out under various reaction conditions including acid, base and neutral hydrolysis, wet and dry heating treatment, oxidation, and photo-degradation. Resulted stress samples and pharmaceutical products were analyzed with the developed TLC method.

RESULTS

This system showed a compact spot for stanozolol at Rf value of 0.46 ± 0.02. The data of linear regression analysis indicated a good linear relationship over the range of 200-1200 ng/spot concentrations. The method was validated for robustness, precision and recovery. The LOD and LOQ were 1.6 and 5.1 ng/spot, respectively. Under various stressed conditions, stanozolol showed degradation only under acidic hydrolysis. Peak of a degraded product was well resolved from the stanazolol with reasonably different Rf value and identified as 17, 17-dimethyl-l8-nor-5α-androst-13(14)-eno [3,2c] pyrazole through 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic techniques and ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS analysis.

CONCLUSION

Result reflected that the stanozolol is majorly affected by the acidic condition. Statistical analysis indicated the application of the developed stability-indicating TLC-densitometric method for routine analysis of stanozolol in the presence of its degradation product.

Metabolism of stanozolol: chemical synthesis and identification of a major canine urinary metabolite by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation ion trap mass spectrometry

The canine phase I and phase II metabolism of the synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid stanozolol was investigated following intramuscular injection into a male greyhound. The major phase I biotransformation was hydroxylation to give 6alpha-hydroxystanozolol which was excreted as a glucuronide conjugate and was identified by comparison with synthetically derived reference materials. An analytical procedure was developed for the detection of this stanozolol metabolite in canine urine using solid phase extraction, enzyme hydrolysis of glucuronide conjugates and analysis by positive ion electrospray ionisation ion trap LC-MS.

Schemes of metabolic patterns of anabolic androgenic steroids for the estimation of metabolites of designer steroids in human urine

Unified metabolism schemes of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in human urine based on structure classification of parent molecules are presented in this paper. Principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to AAS molecules referred in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of prohibited substances, resulting to their classification into six distinct groups related to structure features where metabolic alterations usually occur. The metabolites of the steroids participating to these six groups were treated using the Excel(c) classification filters showing that common metabolism routes are derived for each of the above PCA classes, leading to the proposed metabolism schemes of the present study. This rule-based approach is proposed for the prediction of the metabolism of unknown, chemically modified steroids, otherwise named as designer steroids. The metabolites of three known, in the literature, AAS are estimated using the proposed metabolism schemes, confirming that their use could be a useful tool for the prediction of metabolic pathways of unknown AAS.

Synthetic anabolic agents: steroids and nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulators

The central role of testosterone in the development of male characteristics, as well as its beneficial effects on physical performance and muscle growth, has led to the search for synthetic alternatives with improved pharmacological profiles. Hundreds of steroidal analogs have been prepared with a superior oral bioavailability, which should also possess reduced undesirable effects. However, only a few entered the pharmaceutical market due to severe toxicological incidences that were mainly attributed to the lack of tissue selectivity. Prominent representatives of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are for instance methyltestosterone, metandienone and stanozolol, which are discussed as model compounds with regard to general pharmacological aspects of synthetic AAS. Recently, nonsteroidal alternatives to AAS have been developed that selectively activate the androgen receptor in either muscle tissue or bones. These so-called selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are currently undergoing late clinical trials (IIb) and will be prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency from January 2008. Their entirely synthetic structures are barely related to steroids, but particular functional groups allow for the tissue-selective activation or inhibition of androgen receptors and, thus, the stimulation of muscle growth without the risk of severe undesirable effects commonly observed in steroid replacement therapies. Hence, these compounds possess a high potential for misuse in sports and will be the subject of future doping control assays.

Metabolic studies of turinabol in horses

Turinabol (4-chloro-17alpha-methyl-17beta-hydroxy-1,4-androstadien-3-one) is a synthetic oral anabolic androgenic steroid. As in the case of other anabolic steroids, it is a prohibited substance in equine sports. The metabolism of turinabol in human has been reported previously; however, little is known about its metabolic fate in horses. This paper describes the studies of both the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of turinabol in racehorses with an objective to identify the most appropriate target metabolites for detecting turinabol administration. For the in vitro studies, turinabol was incubated with fresh horse liver microsomes. Metabolites in the incubation mixture were isolated by liquid-liquid extraction and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after trimethylsilylation. The results showed that the major biotransformation of turinabol was hydroxylation at the C6, C16 and C20 sites to give metabolites 6beta-hydroxyturinabol (M1), 20-hydroxyturinabol (M2), two stereoisomers of 6beta,16-dihydroxyturinabol (M3a, M3b) and 6beta,20-dihydroxyturinabol (M4). The metabolite 6beta-hydroxyturinabol was confirmed using an authentic reference standard. The structures of all other turinabol metabolites were tentatively identified by mass spectral interpretation. For the in vivo studies, two horses were administered orally with turinabol. Pre- and post-administration urine samples were collected for analysis. Free and conjugated metabolites were isolated using solid-phase extraction and analysed by GC-MS as described for the in vitro studies. The results revealed that turinabol was extensively metabolised and the parent drug was not detected in urine. Two metabolites detected in the in vitro studies, namely 20-hydroxyturinabol and 6beta,20-dihydroxyturinabol, these were also detected in post-administration urine samples. In addition, 17-epi-turinabol (M5) and six other metabolites (M6a-M6c and M7a-M7c), derived from D-ring hydroxylation and A-ring reduction, were also detected. Except for 17-epi-turinabol, none of these metabolites has ever been reported in any species. All in vivo metabolites were detected within 48 h after administration.

High amounts of 17-methylated anabolic-androgenic steroids in effervescent tablets on the dietary supplement market

In numerous studies it has been demonstrated that several nutritional supplements contain prohormones not declared on the label. In the current study two products (effervescent tablets) containing high amounts of the 17-methylated anabolic androgenic steroids metandienone (product 1: 16.8 mg/tablet) and stanozolol (product 2: 14.5 mg/tablet) were identified. Additionally in both products norandrostenedione was detected, in product 2 with minor amounts of several other steroids. The substances identified can cause enormous health risks. In addition, the use of the analyzed tablets can lead to positive doping results for metabolites of the respective steroids in sports. This study again shows the insufficient surveillance of the production and trade of dietary supplements. Consumers should be aware of the enormous health and doping risks connected with the use of such products. For GC-MS identification of the analytes the trimethylsilyl derivatives of the steroids and the mixed N-t-butyldimethylsilyl,O-trimethylsilyl derivatives were used. The quantitation of metandienone, norandrostenedione, and stanozolol was performed using HPLC-DAD.

Use of ion trap gas chromatography–multiple mass spectrometry for the detection and confirmation of 3′hydroxystanozolol at trace levels in urine for doping control

Stanozolol, a synthetic anabolic androgenic steroid, is often abused in sports to enhance performance. Consequently, the anti-doping laboratories daily screen for its metabolites (3'hydroxystanozolol and 4beta hydroxystanozolol) in all urines, mainly by GC-MS, after enzymatic hydrolysis and TMS derivatization. A sensitive and specific method by GC-MS(3) has been developed for the identification in urine of 3'hydroxystanozolol at trace levels. Full mass spectra and diagnostic ions are presented and a case report is commented. In this case, it was possible to attest the presence of a low concentration of stanozolol metabolite in a sample obtained from a competition test. This would have not been possible with other analytical techniques used in the laboratory. Through this case report, it was also possible to demonstrate the importance of sampling and the difficulties that has to face the laboratory when the pre-analytical step is not correctly performed.

Mass spectrometry of stanozolol and its analogues using electrospray ionization and collision-induced dissociation with quadrupole-linear ion trap and linear ion trap-orbitrap hybrid mass analyzers

Mass spectrometric identification and characterization of growth-promoting anabolic-androgenic steroids in biological matrices has been a major task for doping control as well as food safety laboratories. The fragmentation behavior of stanozolol, its metabolites 17-epistanozolol, 3'-OH-stanozolol, 4alpha-OH-stanozolol, 4beta-OH-stanozolol, 17-epi-16alpha-OH-stanozolol, 16alpha-OH-stanozolol, 16beta-OH-stanozolol, as well as the synthetic analogues 4-dehydrostanozolol, 17-ketostanozolol, and N-methyl-3'-OH-stanozolol, was investigated after positive electrospray ionization and subsequent collision-induced dissociation utilizing a quadrupole-linear ion trap and a novel linear ion trap-orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer. Stable isotope labeling, H/D-exchange experiments, MS3 analyses and high-resolution/high mass accuracy measurements of fragment ions were employed to allow proposals for charge-driven as well as charge-remote fragmentation pathways generating characteristic product ions of stanozolol at m/z 81, 91, 95, 105, 119, 135 and 297 and 4-hydroxylated stanozolol at m/z 145. Fragment ions were generated by dissociation of the steroidal A- and B-ring retaining the introduced charge within the pyrazole function of stanozolol and by elimination of A- and B-ring fractions including the pyrazole residue. In addition, a charge-remote fragmentation causing the neutral loss of methanol was observed, which was suggested to be composed by the methyl residue at C-18 and the hydroxyl function located at C-17.

Improvement in steroid screening for doping control with special emphasis on stanozolol

The Medical Commission of the International Olympic Committee forbids the use of anabolic androgenic steroids and beta2-agonists to improve athletic performance. In this work we have selected examples of anabolic androgenic compounds and their metabolites to evaluate the GC-MS analysis of some trimethylsilyl derivatives. The aim is to set the best GC conditions to improve the detection within the whole range of analyte elution temperatures. The initial column temperature was changed to 105 or 140 degrees C followed by 40 degrees C min(-1) to 200 degrees C and then 15 degrees C min(-1) to 300 degrees C. Using 140 degrees C as the initial oven temperature it was possible to obtain narrower initial analyte distributions for the compounds that elutes at the beginning of the chromatogram as clenbuterol, mabuterol, epimethylenediol and norandrosterone, without loss of derivatized metabolites signal. Later. eluting analytes, such as the stanozolol metabolites, furazabol and oxandrolone were not affected. Temperatures below 140 degrees C. resulted in partial derivatization for some analytes mainly stanozolol related structures. Therefore evaluation of derivatization conditions as occurring in three steps, the vial, vaporization chamber and capillary column, was thoroughly assessed. The new program temperature improves the signal-to-noise ratio for some compounds and shows adequate resolution for endogenous compounds. Some of the difficult key separations necessary for doping control enforcement were also obtained with the proposed method.

Metabolism of methandrostenolone in the horse: a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric investigation of phase I and phase II metabolism

The phase I and phase II metabolism of the anabolic steroid methandrostenolone was investigated following oral administration to a standardbred gelding. In the phase I study, metabolites were isolated from the urine by solid-phase extraction, deconjugated by acid catalysed methanolysis and converted to their O-methyloxime trimethylsilyl derivatives. GC-MS analysis indicated the major metabolic processes to be sequential reduction of the A-ring and hydroxylation at C6 and C16. In the phase II study, unconjugated, beta-glucuronidated and sulfated metabolites were fractionated and deconjugated using a combination of liquid-liquid extraction, enzyme hydrolysis, solid-phase extraction and acid catalysed methanolysis. Derivatization followed by GC-MS analysis revealed extensive conjugation to both glucuronic and sulfuric acids, with only a small proportion of metabolites occurring in unconjugated form.

Confirmatory analysis of residues of stanozolol and its major metabolite in bovine urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A reliable method for the confirmation of the synthetic hormone stanozolol and its major metabolite, 16beta-hydroxystanozolol, in bovine urine by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry has been developed. [2H3]Stanozolol was used as internal standard. Sample preparation involved enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid-liquid extraction and purification on an amino solid-phase extraction column. The analytes were ionized using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization with a heated nebulizer interface operating in the positive ion mode, where only the protonated molecules, [M+H]+, at m/z 329 and m/z 345, for stanozolol and 16beta-hydroxystanozolol, respectively, were generated. These served as precursor ions for collision-induced dissociation and three diagnostic product ions for each analyte were identified for the unambiguous hormone confirmation by selected reaction monitoring liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The accuracy ranged from 19.7 to 14.9% and from 18.9 to 13.2% for stanozolol and 16beta-hydroxystanozolol, respectively. The precision ranged from 12.4 to 2.4% and from 13.1 to 1.8% for stanozolol and 16beta-hydroxystanozolol, respectively. The limit of quantification of the method was 1 ng/ml in the bovine urine for both stanozolol and 16beta-hydroxystanozolol. The developed method fulfils the European Union requirements for confirmatory methods.

The metabolism of norethandrolone in the horse: characterization of 16-, 20- and 21-oxygenated metabolites by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

After oral administration to a thoroughbred gelding, the anabolic steroid norethandrolone was converted into a complex mixture of oxygenated metabolites. These metabolites were extracted from the urine, deconjugated by methanolysis and converted to their O-methyloxime trimethylsilyl derivatives. Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis indicated the major metabolites to be 19-norpregnane-3,16,17-triols, 19-norpregnane-3,17,20-triols and 3,17-dihydroxy-19-norpregnan-21-oic acids. Some minor metabolites were also detected.

Determination of 16beta-hydroxystanozolol in urine and faeces by liquid chromatography-multiple mass spectrometry

This paper describes the optimisation of the detection of stanozolol and its major metabolite 16beta-hydroxystanozolol in faeces and urine from cattle. Faeces are extracted directly with diisopropyl ether. Urine is first submitted to an enzymatic hydrolysis and then extracted over a modified diatomaceous earth column (Chem-Elut) with a mixture of diisopropyl ether-isooctane. In a final step an acidic back extraction is performed. For the LC-MS-MS detection two approaches are discussed. In a first approach the final extract is detected without derivatization, while the second approach makes use of a derivatization step for 16beta-hydroxystanozolol. While the MS-MS spectrum without derivatization exhibits extensive fragmentation, the spectrum of the derivative shows two abundant diagnostic ions with much more reproducible ion ratios. The derivatization method and the method without derivatization enable the detection of 16beta-hydroxystanozolol up to 0.03 microg l(-1) in urine and 0.07 microg kg(-1) in faeces. Until now there is no literature available for the detection of 16beta-hydroxystanozolol in faeces and urine at the ppt level.

Introduction to the application of capillary gas chromatography of performance-enhancing drugs in doping control

Performance-enhancing drugs banned by antidoping rules are detected in doping control preferably by hyphenated chromatographic techniques, capillary gas chromatography in particular. Based on the prohibited classes of substances and on the general aspects of sample collection and preparation, a survey is given about the usual procedures of screening, identification and confirmation of the most important doping agents: stimulants, narcotics, anabolics, diuretics, beta-blockers. In addition to gas chromatography itself, the application of various MS techniques doping is outlined.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric identification of main metabolites of stanozolol in cattle after oral and subcutaneous administration

An analytical method has been developed in order to control the illegal use of stanozolol as growth promoter in livestock. The procedure was based on enzymatic hydrolysis, purification on a Clean Screen DAU column and derivatization with heptafluorobutyric anhydride prior to GC-MS analysis. This method allowed us to study the metabolism of stanozolol in cattle after oral and subcutaneous administrations. Urinary metabolites were identified by mass spectrometry. Stanozolol and 16-hydroxystanozolol were detected after oral administration, while 16-hydroxystanozolol and 4,16-dihydroxystanozolol were found after subcutaneous administration.

Biotransformation of 17-alkylsteroids in the equine: gas chromatographic-mass spectral identification of ten intermediate metabolites of methyltestosterone

The metabolism of the orally active anabolic steroid methyltestosterone in the equine was investigated by administration of the drug along with a tritiated radiolabel tracer. In this study some of the metabolites were identified and a radio immunoassay screen and immunoaffinity chromatography gel for methyltestosterone were also evaluated. Pathway intermediates, in particular the 17-methylandrostanediols, were studied to gain an insight into the most likely stereochemistry of the major metabolites. The predominant phase I biotransformations involve reduction of the A ring 3-oxo and 4-ene groups to yield predominantly 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstane products and hydroxylation of the steroid nucleus at several positions. Epimerisation of the 17 alpha-methyl group also occurred. Ten steroids could be positively identified by comparison with authentic reference materials and many other triol, tetrol and pentols were also observed. Phase II metabolites and sulphate conjugates in particular, were common.

Long-term detection and identification of metandienone and stanozolol abuse in athletes by gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry

The misuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in human sports is controlled by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of urine specimens obtained from athletes. The analysis is improved with modern high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The detection and identification of metabolites of stanozolol (I) [3'-hydroxystanozolol (II) and 4 beta-hydroxystanozolol (III)] and metandienone (IV) I17 beta-methyl-5 beta-androst-1-ene-3 alpha,17 alpha-diol (V) and 18-nor-17,17-dimethyl-5 beta-androsta-1,13-dien-3 alpha-ol (VI)] with GC-HRMS at 3000 resolution yielded a large increase in the number of positive specimens. A total of 116 anabolic steroid positives were found in this laboratory in 1995 via GC-MS and GC-HRMS screening of 6700 human urine specimens collected at national and international sporting events and at out-of-competition testing. Of the 116 positive cases, 41 were detected using conventional (quadrupole) GC-MS screening. The other 75 positives were identified via GC-HRMS screening. To confirm the HRMS screening result, the urine sample was reanalyzed using a specific sample workup procedure to selectively isolate the metabolites of the identified substance. II and III were selectively isolated via immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) using an antibody which was prepared for methyltestosterone and shows high cross reactivity to II and III. V and VI were isolated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation.

Testing for natural and synthetic anabolic agents in human urine

This paper describes a comprehensive method for the detection of natural and synthetic anabolic agents, including some veterinary preparations such as trenbolone, zeranol (a non-steroidal agent) and clenbuterol (a beta 2-agonist). For the natural steroids such as testosterone, the precise determination of urinary androgens during routine procedures allowed the description of statistical distribution of relevant parameters of the endogenous steroid profile amongst male athletes. The validity of the results is discussed, taking into account some factors that may cause the degradation of the specimen.

Preliminary study of the metabolism of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone in horses utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometric techniques

Little is known about the metabolism of 17 alpha-alkyl anabolic steroids in horses. In this study, the metabolism of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone is investigated by oral administration of a (1 + 1) mixture of the steroid and its deuteriated analogue. Both compounds were synthesized from dehydroisoandrosterone (DHA), using a Grignard reaction followed by an Oppenauer oxidation. Post-administration urine extracts were analysed by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using both electron impact (IE) and chemical ionization (CI). Interpretation of the data was facilitated by observation of the fragment ions present in the mass spectra. Notably, the D-ring fragment ions were indicative of 15- or 16-hydroxylation, where 16-hydroxy metabolites showed ion pairs at m/z 218/221 and at m/z 231/234 while 15-hydroxy compounds gave the 231/234 ion pair alone. Unaltered D-rings showed fragment ions at m/z 143/146. The data showed that the main phase 1 metabolic processes were partial and complete reduction of the 3-oxo-4-ene group, 15-hydroxylation, 16-hydroxylation, 17-epimerization and hydroxylation at at least two other undetermined sites, postulated as the 6 and 11 positions. Phase 2 metabolism, in the form of glucuronide and sulfate formation, was also common. The information provided by this investigation will result in improved effectiveness of confirmatory analytical procedures for 17 alpha-alkyl anabolic steroids.

Short-column gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for the detection of underivatized anabolic steroids in urine

Short-column (3.5 m) gas chromatography (GC)/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been investigated for the detection of structurally related, underivatized anabolic steroids in urine. The approach described here demonstrates the ability to rapidly and qualitatively detect underivatized anabolic steroids in spiked urine matrices. In this approach, underivatized steroids are determined using a short-column GC separation, ionized by positive ion chemical ionization, and detected by selected reaction monitoring MS/MS. This approach permits positive identification of underivatized anabolic steroids based on retention time and the production of characteristic product ions. Preliminary detection limits studies in spiked urine samples showed quantitative results between 2 and 40 ng steroid per milliliter of uterine. The potential advantages of this approach compared to present screening methods based on conventional (30 m) GC/MS are its rapidity and selectivity. Reliable qualitative identification can be performed with a short-column GC/MS/MS analysis of less than 6 min with a reduction in sample preparation time due to the elimination of the derivatization step.

Optimization of short-column gas chromatography/electron ionization mass spectrometry conditions for the determination of underivatized anabolic steroids

A gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric method based on the use of short capillary gas chromatograph columns (3-5 m) and electron ionization mass spectrometry has been optimized and evaluated for the determination of underivatized anabolic steroids. The short-column gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric method was shown to result in short analysis times and to require minimal sample preparation, but suffered from some loss in sensitivity and chromatographic resolution compared with conventional gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques for derivatized steroids. Therefore, short-column gas chromatographic conditions were optimized to maximize the sample transfer efficiency (sensitivity) from the gas chromatograph into the ion source of the mass spectrometer, while maintaining chromatographic integrity and minimizing thermal decomposition. Mass spectrometric conditions were optimized to maximize ionization efficiency with respect to the intensity of the molecular ion and degree of fragmentation such that positive identification of each steroid could be made based on the resulting mass spectra. Under optimized conditions, we have shown that underivatized anabolic steroids spiked into urine samples can be determined at low-nanogram levels using short-column chromatography/full-scan electron ionization mass spectrometry.

Studies on anabolic steroids. 9. Tertiary sulfates of anabolic 17 alpha-methyl steroids: synthesis and rearrangement

A simple and convenient method has been developed to prepare sulfates of anabolic 17 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-methyl steroids. The sulfates of methandienone, 17 alpha-methyltestosterone, mestanolone, oxandrolone, and stanozolol were prepared. Different A-ring functions were not affected under the sulfation condition. The buffered hydrolyses of these sulfates provided the 17-epimers of the original steroids and 17,17-dimethyl-18-nor-13(14)-ene steroids, presumably via the 17-carbocations.

Studies on anabolic steroids--12. Epimerization and degradation of anabolic 17 beta-sulfate-17 alpha-methyl steroids in human: qualitative and quantitative GC/MS analysis

The epimerization and dehydration reactions of the 17 beta-hydroxy group of anabolic 17 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-methyl steroids have been investigated using the pyridinium salts of 17 beta-sulfate derivatives of methandienone 1, methyltestosterone 4, oxandrolone 7, mestanolone 10 and stanozolol 11 as model compounds. Rearrangement of the sulfate conjugates in buffered urine (pH 5.2) afforded the corresponding 17-epimers and 18-nor-17,17-dimethyl-13(14)-enes in a ratio of 0.8:1. These data indicated that both epimerization and dehydration of the 17 beta-sulfate derivatives were not dependent upon the respective chemical features of the steroids studied, but were instead inherent to the chemistry of the tertiary 17 beta-hydroxy group of these steroids. Interestingly, in vivo studies carried out with human male volunteers showed that only methandienone 1, methyltestosterone 4 and oxandrolone 7 yielded the corresponding 17-epimers 2, 5 and 8 and the 18-nor-17,17-dimethyl-13(14)-enes 3, 6 and 9 in ratios of 0.5:1, 2:1 and 2.7:1, respectively. No trace of the corresponding 17-epimers and 18-nor-17,17-dimethyl-13(14)-enes derivatives of mestanolone 10 and stanozolol 11 was detected in urine samples collected after administration of these steroids. These data suggested that the in vivo formation of the 17-epimers and 18-nor-17,17-dimethyl-13(14)-enes derivatives of 17 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-methyl steroids is also dependent upon phase I and phase II metabolic reactions other than sulfation of the tertiary 17 beta-hydroxyl group, which are probably modulated by the respective chemical features of the steroidal substrates. The data reported in this study demonstrate that the 17-epimers and 18-nor-17,17-dimethyl-13(14)-enes are not artifacts resulting from the acidic or microbial degradation of the parent steroids in the gut as previously suggested by other authors, but arise from the rearrangement of their 17 beta-sulfate derivatives. Unchanged oxandrolone 7 was solely detected in the unconjugated steroid fraction whereas unchanged steroids 1, 4 and 11 were recovered from the glucuronide fraction. These data are indirect evidences suggesting that the glucuronide conjugates of compounds 1 and 4 are probably enol glucuronides and that of compound 11 is excreted in urine as a N-glucuronide involving its pyrazole moiety. The urinary excretion profiles of the epimeric and 18-nor-17,17-dimethyl-13(14)-ene steroids are presented and discussed on the basis of their structural features.

Studies on anabolic steroids--11. 18-hydroxylated metabolites of mesterolone, methenolone and stenbolone: new steroids isolated from human urine

New metabolites of mesterolone, methenolone and stenbolone bearing a C18 hydroxyl group were isolated from the steroid glucuronide fraction of urine specimens collected after administration of single 50 mg doses of these steroids to human subjects. Mesterolone gave rise to four metabolites which were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as 18-hydroxy-1 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstan-3,17-dione 1, 3 alpha,18-dihydroxy-1 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstan-17-one 2, 3 beta,18-dihydroxy-1-alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstan-17-one 3 and 3 alpha,6 xi,18-trihydroxy-1 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstan-17-one 4. These data suggest that mesterolone itself was not hydroxylated at C18, but rather 1 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstan-3,17-dione, an intermediate metabolite which results from oxidation of mesterolone 17-hydroxyl group. In addition to hydroxylation at C18, reduction of the 3-keto group and further hydroxylation at C6 were other reactions that led to the formation of these metabolites. It is of interest to note that in the case of both methenolone and stenbolone, only one 18-hydroxylated urinary metabolite namely 18-hydroxy-1-methyl-5 alpha-androst-1-ene-3,17-dione 5 and 18-hydroxy-1-methyl-5 alpha-androst-1-ene-3,17-dione 6 were both detected in post-administration urine specimens. These data indicate that the presence of a methyl group at the C1 or C2 positions in the steroids studied is a structural feature that seems to favor interaction of hepatic 18-hydroxylases with these steroids. These data provide further evidence that 18-hydroxylation of endogenous steroids can also occur in extra-adrenal sites in man.

The methyl-5 alpha-dihydrotestosterones mesterolone and drostanolone; gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric characterization of the urinary metabolites

Before including the detection of the methyl-5 alpha-dihydrotestosterones mesterolone (1 alpha-methyl-17 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one) and drostanolone (2 alpha-methyl-17 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one) in doping control procedures, their urinary metabolites were characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Several metabolites were found after enzymatic hydrolysis and conversion of the respective metabolites to their trimethylsilyl-enol-trimethylsilyl ether derivatives. The major metabolites of mesterolone and drostanolone were identified as 1 alpha-methyl-androsterone and 2 alpha-methyl-androsterone, respectively. The parent compounds and the intermediate 3 alpha,17 beta-dihydroxysteroid metabolites were detected as well. The reduction into the corresponding 3 beta-hydroxysteroids was a minor metabolic pathway. All metabolites were found to be conjugated to glucuronic acid.

Studies on anabolic steroids--4. Identification of new urinary metabolites of methenolone acetate (Primobolan) in human by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The metabolism of methenolone acetate (17 beta-acetoxy-1-methyl-5 alpha-androst-1-en-3-one), a synthetic anabolic steroid, has been investigated in man. After oral administration of a 50 mg dose of the steroid to two male volunteers, twelve metabolites were detected in urine either in the glucuronide, sulfate or free steroid fractions. Methenolone, the parent steroid was detected in urine until 90 h after administration. Its cumulative urinary excretion accounted for 1.63% of the ingested dose. With the exception of 3 alpha-hydroxy-1-methylen-5 alpha-androstan-17-one, the major biotransformation product of methonolone acetate, metabolites were excreted in urine at lower levels, through minor metabolic routes. Most of methenolone acetate metabolites were isolated from the glucuronic acid fraction, namely methenolone, 3 alpha-hydroxy-1-methylen-5 alpha-androstan-17-one, 3 alpha-hydroxy-1 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstan-17-one, 17-epimethenolone, 3 alpha,6 beta-dihydroxy-1-methylen-5 alpha-androstan-17-one, 2 xi-hydroxy-1-methylen-5 alpha-androstan-3,17-dione, 6 beta-hydroxy-1-methyl-5 alpha-androst-1-en-3,17-dione, 16 alpha-hydroxy-1-methyl-5 alpha-androst-1-en-3,17-dione and 3 alpha,16 alpha-dihydroxy-1-methyl-5 alpha-androst-1-en-17-one. Interestingly, the metabolites detected in the sulfate fraction were isomeric steroids bearing a 16 alpha- or a 16 beta-hydroxyl group, whereas 1-methyl-5 alpha-androst-1-en-3,17-dione was the sole metabolite isolated from the free steroid fraction. Steroids identity was assigned on the basis of the mass spectral features of their TMS ether, TMS enol-TMS ether, MO-TMS, and d9-TMS ether derivatives and by comparison with reference and structurally related steroids. The data indicated that methenolone acetate was metabolized into several compounds resulting from oxidation of the 17-hydroxyl group and reduction of A-ring substituents, with or without concomitant hydroxylation at the C6 and C16 positions.