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König S, Rzeppa S, Thieme D, Keiler AM. Agreement of steroid profiles in Athlete Biological Passport residues and corresponding serum samples. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:761-765. [PMID: 36068927 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The steroid module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is based on the analysis of six endogenous steroids in urine samples and a Bayesian statistical approach. However, the urinary steroid concentrations may be affected by confounders like microbial degradation, possible co-administration of diuretics as masking agents, insufficient conjugate hydrolysis or UGT2B17 gene polymorphisms affecting glucuronidation. Therefore, it can be helpful to use other matrices (ABP blood and serum samples) to quantify steroids and thereby support noticeable deviations in the Athlete Biological Passport, for example, abnormally increased urinary testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratios. Aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility to re-use plasma obtained from athlete ABP blood samples for measuring a steroid profile. Therefore, testosterone, androstenedione, cortisol and cortisone were quantified in 36 intra-individual matching ABP blood and serum samples. The steroid levels measured in both matrices showed a high agreement indicating a good stability uninfluenced by storage temperature and duration. Our results pointed out the possibility to expand the athlete ABP blood analysis for steroid profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon König
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rzeppa
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Detlef Thieme
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Annekathrin M Keiler
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
- Environmental Monitoring & Endocrinology, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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2
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Galmiche M, Monat MA, Lopez DA, Lamboley C, Connolly P, Girel S, Guillarme D, Meister I, Rudaz S. Substantial benefits of an inert biphenyl column for the analysis of steroids and their phase II metabolites in biological samples. J Sep Sci 2024; 47:e2400436. [PMID: 39169650 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202400436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Steroids can be used as biomarkers in clinical metabolomics and other fields related to human toxicology. This chemical group is known for its complexity, considering its number of isobaric compounds and the wide variety of phases I and II metabolic pathways that parent compounds can undergo. For a successful analysis of steroids in biological samples, liquid chromatography separation must be finely tuned. It is especially challenging for glucuronidated and sulfated steroids derivatives that bear polar heads and can be affected by non-specific adsorption. The benefits of a biphenyl stationary phase chemistry for the selectivity of the separation of steroids and their phase II metabolites and the extent to which nonspecific adsorption phenomena could degrade chromatographic performance were investigated. Replacing a conventional hardware by a passivated hardware allowed to considerably reduce peaks width and asymmetry of sulfated species. The addition of weak ion pairing agents in the mobile phase could also help to reduce non-specific adsorption but are detrimental to mass spectrometry detection. As confirmed by the successful detection of 52 steroids in plasma, the use of a biphenyl stationary phase complemented by a passivated column hardware is of great help for a successful biomedical analysis of steroids and their phase II metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Galmiche
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Anaïs Monat
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Sergey Girel
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Davy Guillarme
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Meister
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serge Rudaz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Fanelli F, Peitzsch M, Bruce S, Cantù M, Temchenko A, Mezzullo M, Lindner JM, Hawley JM, Ackermans MT, Van den Ouweland J, Koeppl D, Nardi E, MacKenzie F, Binz PA, Rauh M, Keevil BG, Vogeser M, Eisenhofer G, Heijboer AC, Pagotto U. Report from the HarmoSter study: different LC-MS/MS androstenedione, DHEAS and testosterone methods compare well; however, unifying calibration is a double-edged sword. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:1080-1091. [PMID: 38205643 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-1138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) applications for circulating androgen measurements are technically diverse. Previously, variable results have been reported for testosterone. Data are scarce for androstenedione and absent for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). We assessed the agreement of androstenedione, DHEAS and testosterone LC-MS/MS measurements among nine European centers and explored benefits of calibration system unification. METHODS Androgens were measured twice by laboratory-specific procedures in 78 patient samples and in EQA materials. Results were obtained by in-house and external calibration. Intra- and inter-laboratory performances were valued. RESULTS Intra-laboratory CVs ranged between 4.2-13.2 % for androstenedione, 1.6-10.8 % for DHEAS, and 4.3-8.7 % and 2.6-7.1 % for female and male testosterone, respectively. Bias and trueness in EQA materials were within ±20 %. Median inter-laboratory CV with in-house vs. external calibration were 12.0 vs. 9.6 % for androstenedione (p<0.001), 7.2 vs. 4.9 % for DHEAS (p<0.001), 6.4 vs. 7.6 % for female testosterone (p<0.001) and 6.8 and 7.4 % for male testosterone (p=0.111). Median bias vs. all laboratory median with in-house and external calibration were -13.3 to 20.5 % and -4.9 to 18.7 % for androstenedione, -10.9 to 4.8 % and -3.4 to 3.5 % for DHEAS, -2.7 to 6.5 % and -11.3 to 6.6 % for testosterone in females, and -7.0 to 8.5 % and -7.5 to 11.8 % for testosterone in males, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Methods showed high intra-laboratory precision but variable bias and trueness. Inter-laboratory agreement was remarkably good. Calibration system unification improved agreement in androstenedione and DHEAS, but not in testosterone measurements. Multiple components, such as commutability of calibrators and EQA materials and internal standard choices, likely contribute to inter-laboratory variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Fanelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephen Bruce
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco Cantù
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine EOLAB, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Temchenko
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Johanna M Lindner
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - James M Hawley
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital South Manchester, Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Mariette T Ackermans
- Faculty of Science, Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jody Van den Ouweland
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Daniel Koeppl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elena Nardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Finlay MacKenzie
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Pierre-Alain Binz
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Brian G Keevil
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital South Manchester, Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Vogeser
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annemieke C Heijboer
- Endocrine Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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4
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Kaleta M, Oklestkova J, Klíčová K, Kvasnica M, Koníčková D, Menšíková K, Strnad M, Novák O. Simultaneous Determination of Selected Steroids with Neuroactive Effects in Human Serum by Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1990-2005. [PMID: 38655788 PMCID: PMC11099924 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00824] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are a group of steroid molecules that are involved in the regulation of functions of the nervous system. The nervous system is not only the site of their action, but their biosynthesis can also occur there. Neuroactive steroid levels depend not only on the physiological state of an individual (person's sex, age, diurnal variation, etc.), but they are also affected by various pathological processes in the nervous system (some neurological and psychiatric diseases or injuries), and new knowledge can be gained by monitoring these processes. The aim of our research was to develop and validate a comprehensive method for the simultaneous determination of selected steroids with neuroactive effects in human serum. The developed method enables high throughput and a sensitive quantitative analysis of nine neuroactive steroid substances (pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, allopregnanolone, testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and epiandrosterone) in 150 μL of human serum by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The correlation coefficients above 0.999 indicated that the developed analytical procedure was linear in the range of 0.90 nmol/L to 28.46 μmol/L in human serum. The accuracy and precision of the method for all analytes ranged from 83 to 118% and from 0.9 to 14.1%, respectively. This described method could contribute to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of various diseases. Similarly, it can also be helpful in the search for new biomarkers and diagnostic options or therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kaleta
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
- Department
of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Oklestkova
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Klíčová
- Department
of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
- Department
of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Kvasnica
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
| | - Dorota Koníčková
- Department
of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
- Department
of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Menšíková
- Department
of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
- Department
of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Strnad
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Novák
- Laboratory
of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany
of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc 783 71, Czech Republic
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5
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Derwand D, Zierau O, Thieme D, Keiler AM. Up to the maximum-testosterone dose-dependent effects on anabolic and androgen responsive tissues in orchiectomized rats. Andrology 2024; 12:231-240. [PMID: 37254653 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13466] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high number of synthetic androgenic-anabolic steroids, testosterone is still misused for doping in amateur and professional sports. However, only few studies investigated the dose-response effects of testosterone beyond its physiological concentrations and in over 90 years of research, no saturation dosage has been experimentally described for exogenous testosterone administration. OBJECTIVES We want to elucidate the physiological and pathophysiological effects of supra-physiological testosterone application and close this gap in testosterone dose-response data. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male orchiectomized rats were treated with different testosterone doses ranging from 0.1 to 50 mg/kg body weight for 3 weeks. Several physiological endpoints (e.g., body weight, organ and muscle weight, muscle strength, muscle fiber size) were examined during and after the termination of the treatment with an adjusted Hershberger assay, open-field-test, and (immuno-)histologic. RESULTS The wet weights of androgen responsive organs (penis, prostate, seminal vesicle) showed a significant increase in a dose-dependent manner. Histological evaluation of the prostate showed a significant higher percentage of KI67 positive prostate nuclei in the highest dosage group and an increasing hyperplasia with increasing testosterone administered. A significant anabolic effect was only observed in Levator ani wet weight, and to minor degree for the cardiac muscle. Regarding other skeletal muscles (Musculus soleus and Musculus gastrognemicus), no significant testosterone effects were observed. We showed a significant increasing dosage-response effect for testosterone in androgen responsive organs with saturation at the two highest concentration of 10 and 50 mg/kg body weight. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The dose-dependent androgenic effects of testosterone were well observable and the anabolic effects on muscle tissue were visible although to a lesser degree, without the support of aerobic exercise and a protein rich diet. Future studies should investigate a combinatorial effect of testosterone and training. Nevertheless, with the chosen range of applied testosterone, we showed a saturation of testosterone effects in prostate, seminal vesicle, penis, and Levator ani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Derwand
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Zierau
- Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Detlef Thieme
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Annekathrin Martina Keiler
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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6
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Vitku J, Horackova L, Kolatorova L, Duskova M, Skodova T, Simkova M. Derivatized versus non-derivatized LC-MS/MS techniques for the analysis of estrogens and estrogen-like endocrine disruptors in human plasma. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 260:115083. [PMID: 37269613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenols, parabens, alkylphenols and triclosan are anthropogenic substances with a phenolic group that have been introduced to the environment in recent decades. As they possess hormone-like effects, they have been termed endocrine disruptors (EDs), and can interfere with steroid pathways in organisms. To evaluate the potential impact of EDs on steroid biosynthesis and metabolism, sensitive and robust methods enabling the concurrent measurement of EDs and steroids in plasma are needed. Of crucial importance is the analysis of unconjugated EDs, which possess biological activity. The aim of the study was to develop and validate LC-MS/MS methods with and without a derivatization step for the analysis of unconjugated steroids (estrone-E1, estradiol-E2, estriol-E3, aldosterone-ALDO) and different groups of EDs (bisphenols, parabens, nonylphenol-NP and triclosan-TCS), and compare these methods on a set of 24 human plasma samples using Passing-Bablok regression analysis. Both methods were validated according to FDA and EMA guidelines. The method with dansyl chloride derivatization allowed 17 compounds to be measured: estrogens (E1, E2, E3), bisphenols (bisphenol A-BPA, BPS, BPF, BPAF, BPAP, BPZ, BPP), parabens (methylparaben-MP, ethylparaben-EP, propylparaben-PP, butylparaben-BP, benzylparaben-BenzylP), TCS and NP, with lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) between 4 and 125 pg/mL. The method without derivatization enabled 15 compounds to be analyzed: estrogens (E1, E2, E3), ALDO, bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF, BPAF, BPAP, BPZ), parabens (MP, EP, PP, BP, BenzylP) with LLOQs between 2 and 63 pg/mL, and NP and BPP in semiquantitative mode. Adding 6 mM ammonium fluoride post column into mobile phases in the method without derivatization achieved similar or even better LLOQs than the method with the derivatization step. The uniqueness of the methods lies in the simultaneous determination of different classes of unconjugated (bioactive) fraction of EDs together with selected steroids (estrogens + ALDO in the method without derivatization), which provides a useful tool for evaluating the relationships between EDs and steroid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Vitku
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - L Horackova
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; University of Chemistry and Technology, Department of Natural Compounds, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - L Kolatorova
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - M Duskova
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - T Skodova
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - M Simkova
- Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Narodni 8, 116 94 Prague, Czech Republic; University of Chemistry and Technology, Department of Natural Compounds, Prague, Czech Republic
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7
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Fanelli F, Bruce S, Cantù M, Temchenko A, Mezzullo M, Lindner JM, Peitzsch M, Binz PA, Ackermans MT, Heijboer AC, Van den Ouweland J, Koeppl D, Nardi E, Rauh M, Vogeser M, Eisenhofer G, Pagotto U. Report from the HarmoSter study: inter-laboratory comparison of LC-MS/MS measurements of corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol and cortisone. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:67-77. [PMID: 36288389 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) panels that include glucocorticoid-related steroids are increasingly used to characterize and diagnose adrenal cortical diseases. Limited information is currently available about reproducibility of these measurements among laboratories. The aim of the study was to compare LC-MS/MS measurements of corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol and cortisone at eight European centers and assess the performance after unification of calibration. METHODS Seventy-eight patient samples and commercial calibrators were measured twice by laboratory-specific procedures. Results were obtained according to in-house and external calibration. We evaluated intra-laboratory and inter-laboratory imprecision, regression and agreement against performance specifications derived from 11-deoxycortisol biological variation. RESULTS Intra-laboratory CVs ranged between 3.3 and 7.7%, 3.3 and 11.8% and 2.7 and 12.8% for corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol and cortisone, with 1, 4 and 3 laboratories often exceeding the maximum allowable imprecision (MAI), respectively. Median inter-laboratory CVs were 10.0, 10.7 and 6.2%, with 38.5, 50.7 and 2.6% cases exceeding the MAI for corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol and cortisone, respectively. Median laboratory bias vs. all laboratory-medians ranged from -5.6 to 12.3% for corticosterone, -14.6 to 12.4% for 11-deoxycortisol and -4.0 to 6.5% for cortisone, with few cases exceeding the total allowable error. Modest deviations were found in regression equations among most laboratories. External calibration did not improve 11-deoxycortisol and worsened corticosterone and cortisone inter-laboratory comparability. CONCLUSIONS Method imprecision was variable. Inter-laboratory performance was reasonably good. However, cases with imprecision and total error above the acceptable limits were apparent for corticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol. Variability did not depend on calibration but apparently on imprecision, accuracy and specificity of individual methods. Tools for improving selectivity and accuracy are required to improve harmonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Fanelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stephen Bruce
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco Cantù
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine EOLAB, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Temchenko
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Johanna M Lindner
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pierre-Alain Binz
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mariette T Ackermans
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke C Heijboer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jody Van den Ouweland
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Daniel Koeppl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elena Nardi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Vogeser
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S.Orsola di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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8
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Fraissinet F, Pereira T, Violin A, Feugray G, Bach-Ngohou K, Brunel V. A novel fully-automated method to measure steroids in serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Mass Spectrom Adv Clin Lab 2022; 27:24-32. [PMID: 36593910 PMCID: PMC9804132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsacl.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Steroids play a key role in numerous physiological processes. Steroid determination is a useful tool to explore various endocrine diseases. Because of its specificity, mass spectrometry is considered to be a reference method for the determination of steroids in serum compared to radioimmunoassay. This technology could progress towards more automation for the optimal organization of clinical laboratories and ultimately for the benefit of patients. Methods A fully automated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and fully validated to determine five steroids in serum. Sample preparation was based on protein precipitation with filtration followed by online solid phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was performed using a biphenyl stationary phase. Results The method was successfully validated according to European Medicine Agency guidelines. Coefficients of variation did not exceed, respectively, 8.4% and 8.1% for intra- and inter-assay precision. Method comparison with radioimmunoassay showed a proportional bias for all compounds, except for testosterone in men. Comparison with another LC-MS/MS method demonstrated acceptable concordance for all steroids, although a small bias was observed for androstenedione. Conclusion The novelty of this method is that it has been fully automated. Automation provides benefits in traceability and allows significant savings in cost and time.
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Key Words
- 11DF, 11-deoxycortisol
- 17OHP, 17-hydroxyprogesterone
- 2D-UHPLC-MS/MS, Two dimensional ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
- Automation
- D4, delta4-androstenedione
- DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone
- EMA, European Medicine Agency
- GC–MS/MS, Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
- LC-MS/MS, Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
- LLE, Liquid-liquid extraction
- LLOQ, Lower limit of quantification
- Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
- MRM, Multiple reaction monitoring
- PTFE, Polytetrafluoroethylene
- QC, Quality control
- RIA, Radioimmunoassay
- Radioimmunoassay
- SLE, Supported liquid extraction
- SPE, Solid phase extraction
- SRM, Standard reference material
- Steroids
- T, Testosterone
- Testosterone
- UHPLC, Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography
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Affiliation(s)
- François Fraissinet
- Department of General Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, 76000 Rouen, France,Corresponding author.
| | - Tony Pereira
- Department of General Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Alizée Violin
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biochemistry, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Guillaume Feugray
- Department of General Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, 76000 Rouen, France,Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1096 Rouen, France
| | - Kalyane Bach-Ngohou
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biochemistry, F-44000 Nantes, France,Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Valéry Brunel
- Department of General Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, 76000 Rouen, France
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9
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Rakete S, Schubert T, Vogeser M. Semi-automated serum steroid profiling with tandem mass spectrometry. J Mass Spectrom Adv Clin Lab 2022; 27:40-48. [PMID: 36619216 PMCID: PMC9813517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsacl.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Highly selective and sensitive multi-analyte methods for the analysis of steroids are attractive for the diagnosis of endocrine diseases. Commercially available kits are increasingly used for this purpose. These methods involve laborious solid phase extraction, and the respective panels of target analytes are incomplete. We wanted to investigate whether an improvement of kit solutions is possible by introducing automated on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) and combining originally separate analyte panels. Methods Sample preparation was performed using automated on-line SPE on a high-pressure stable extraction column. Chromatographic separation, including isobaric compounds, was achieved using a 0.25 mM ammonium fluoride-methanol gradient on a small particle size biphenyl column. Standard compounds and internal standard mixtures of two panels of a commercially available kit were combined to achieve an optimized and straightforward detection of 15 endogenous steroids. Validation was performed according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines with slight modifications. Results Validation was successfully performed for all steroids over a clinically relevant calibration range. Deviations of intra- and inter-assay accuracy and precision results passed the criteria and no relevant matrix effects were detected due to highly effective sample preparation. External quality assessment samples showed the applicability as a routine diagnostic method, which was affirmed by the analyses of anonymized clinical samples. Conclusions It was found possible to complement a commercially available kit for quantitative serum steroid profiling based on isotope dilution LC-MS/MS by implementing automated on-line SPE, thereby improving the practicality and robustness of the measurement procedure.
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Key Words
- A4, Androstendione
- ALDO, Aldosterone
- APCI, Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization
- CAH, Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- CE, Collision energy
- CE-IVD, Certified in-vitro-diagnostic device
- CV, Coefficient of variation
- DHEA, Dehydro-epiandrosterone
- DHEA-S, Dehydro-epiandrosterone sulfate
- DHT, Dihydrotestosterone
- DOC, 11-deoxycorticosterone
- E, Cortisone
- E2, Estradiol
- EMA, European Medicines Agency
- EQA, External quality assessment
- ESI, Electrospray ionisation
- F, Cortisol
- IVD, In-vitro-diagnostic
- IVDR, EU In vitro Diagnostic Regulation
- LC, Liquid chromatography
- LC–MS/MS, Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
- LDT, Laboratory developed test
- LLOQ, Lower limit of quantification
- MRM, Multiple reaction monitoring
- On-line solid phase extraction (SPE)
- P4, Progesterone
- QC, Quality control
- Robustness
- S/N, Signal-to-noise ratio
- SID, Stable-isotope dilution
- SPE, Solid phase extraction
- SST, System suitability test
- Serum steroid profiling
- Stable-isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SID LC-MS/MS)
- UHPLC, Ultra high performance liquid chromatography
- ULOQ, Upper limit of quantification
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Vogeser
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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10
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Design and Validation of a Sensitive Multisteroid LC-MS/MS Assay for the Routine Clinical Use: One-Step Sample Preparation with Phospholipid Removal and Comparison to Immunoassays. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314691. [PMID: 36499017 PMCID: PMC9736865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid analysis in clinical laboratories is dominated by immunoassays (IAs) that have a high sample turnover but are inherently limited in trueness, precision, and sensitivity. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has proved to be a far more capable tool, delivering better sensitivity, specificity, and the possibility of parallel analysis of multiple steroids and metabolites, providing the endocrinologist with more reliable and comprehensive diagnostic information. An LC-MS/MS assay with gradient elution over less than eight minutes and a one-step sample preparation combining protein precipitation with phospholipid removal of off-line solid-phase extraction was developed and validated. It allowed the quantification of 11-deoxycorticosterone (11-DOC), 11-deoxycortisol (11-DF), 17-OH-progesterone (17P), 21-deoxycortisol (21-DF), androstenedione (ANDRO), aldosterone (ALDO), corticosterone (CC), cortisol (CL), cortisone (CN), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), progesterone (PROG), and testosterone (TES) in human serum. Interday imprecision was generally better than 15%, trueness was proven by recovery experiments with ISO 17034-certified reference materials, proficiency testing (UK NEQAS), and measuring serum reference standards. In-house comparison against IVD-CE-certified immunoassays (IA) for 17P, ANDRO, CL, DHEAS, E2, PROG, and TES was conducted by assessing leftover routine patient samples and purpose-built patient serum pools. None of the compared routine IAs were meeting the standards of the LC-MS/MS. Insufficient overall comparability was found for ANDRO and 17P (mean bias > +65%). Accuracy limitations at lower concentrations were present in IAs for PROG, E2, and TES.
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11
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Fanelli F, Cantù M, Temchenko A, Mezzullo M, Lindner JM, Peitzsch M, Hawley JM, Bruce S, Binz PA, Ackermans MT, Heijboer AC, Van den Ouweland J, Koeppl D, Nardi E, MacKenzie F, Rauh M, Eisenhofer G, Keevil BG, Vogeser M, Pagotto U. Report from the HarmoSter study: impact of calibration on comparability of LC-MS/MS measurement of circulating cortisol, 17OH-progesterone and aldosterone. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 60:726-739. [PMID: 35172417 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2021-1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is recommended for measuring circulating steroids. However, assays display technical heterogeneity. So far, reproducibility of corticosteroid LC-MS/MS measurements has received scant attention. The aim of the study was to compare LC-MS/MS measurements of cortisol, 17OH-progesterone and aldosterone from nine European centers and assess performance according to external quality assessment (EQA) materials and calibration. METHODS Seventy-eight patient samples, EQA materials and two commercial calibration sets were measured twice by laboratory-specific procedures. Results were obtained by in-house (CAL1) and external calibrations (CAL2 and CAL3). We evaluated intra and inter-laboratory imprecision, correlation and agreement in patient samples, and trueness, bias and commutability in EQA materials. RESULTS Using CAL1, intra-laboratory CVs ranged between 2.8-7.4%, 4.4-18.0% and 5.2-22.2%, for cortisol, 17OH-progesterone and aldosterone, respectively. Trueness and bias in EQA materials were mostly acceptable, however, inappropriate commutability and target value assignment were highlighted in some cases. CAL2 showed suboptimal accuracy. Median inter-laboratory CVs for cortisol, 17OH-progesterone and aldosterone were 4.9, 11.8 and 13.8% with CAL1 and 3.6, 10.3 and 8.6% with CAL3 (all p<0.001), respectively. Using CAL1, median bias vs. all laboratory-medians ranged from -6.6 to 6.9%, -17.2 to 7.8% and -12.0 to 16.8% for cortisol, 17OH-progesterone and aldosterone, respectively. Regression lines significantly deviated from the best fit for most laboratories. Using CAL3 improved cortisol and 17OH-progesterone between-method bias and correlation. CONCLUSIONS Intra-laboratory imprecision and performance with EQA materials were variable. Inter-laboratory performance was mostly within specifications. Although residual variability persists, adopting common traceable calibrators and RMP-determined EQA materials is beneficial for standardization of LC-MS/MS steroid measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Fanelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Cantù
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine EOLAB, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Temchenko
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna, Italy
| | - Johanna M Lindner
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - James M Hawley
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital South Manchester, Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen Bruce
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Alain Binz
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mariette T Ackermans
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke C Heijboer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jody Van den Ouweland
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Koeppl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elena Nardi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Finlay MacKenzie
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Brian G Keevil
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital South Manchester, Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Vogeser
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Chinthakindi S, Kannan K. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of primary aromatic amines in human urine. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1180:122888. [PMID: 34392047 PMCID: PMC8429219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aromatic amines are widely used in personal care products and human exposure to this class of chemicals is widespread. Bioanalytical methods to determine trace levels of aromatic amines in human urine are scarce. In this study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine 39 primary aromatic amines (AAs) along with nicotine and cotinine in human urine. Chromatographic separation of the 41 analytes was achieved on an Ultra Biphenyl (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 5 µm) column. Mass spectrometry was operated in electrospray ionization positive ion multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method exhibited excellent linear dynamic range (0.1-50 ng/mL) with correlation coefficients (r) > 0.999 for all analytes. Urine samples (2 mL) were hydrolyzed using 10 M NaOH at 95 °C for 15 h and target analytes were extracted using methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Addition of 15 µL of 0.25 M HCl to the sample extracts improved the recoveries of several target analytes. The method was validated through the analysis of fortified quality control (QC) samples and a certified standard reference material (SRM). Relative recoveries (%) of target analytes fortified in QC samples were in the range of 75-114% for 37 of the 41 analytes while the other analytes exhibited lower recoveries (16-74%). The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) of target analytes were in the range of 0.025-0.20 ng/mL and 0.1-1.0 ng/mL, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day precision of the method assessed through the analysis of fortified urine QC samples at three different concentrations were < 11.7% and < 15.9% (measured as RSD), respectively. The method was applied in the analysis of urine samples from the general population and known smokers; aniline, para-anisidine, para-toluidine, ortho/meta-toluidine, 3-chloroaniline, 4-chloroaniline, 3,4-dichloroaniline, and 4,4'-methylenedianiline were found in all smoker's urine at sum concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 9.16 ng/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Chinthakindi
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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13
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Lee KM, Han SM, Lee S, Jeong TY, Kim HJ, Min H, Kim KH, Cha S, Oh WK, Lee J. Fluoride-assisted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous analysis of propofol and its metabolites without derivatization in urine. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1652:462360. [PMID: 34246057 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The misuse of propofol for recreational purposes has become a serious social issue. Accordingly, practical and sensitive analytical methods to investigate the chronic abuse and toxicity of propofol are required. However, current propofol determination methods using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) suffer from problems associated with loss in sample preparation due to its volatility and its poor ionization efficiency and collision-induced dissociation in mass spectrometry. Herein, we have developed a sensitive and accurate fluoride-assisted LC-MS/MS method combined with direct-injection for propofol determination. Ionization via fluoride-ion attachment/induced deprotonation, effected by ammonium fluoride in the mobile phase, was found to dramatically improve the sensitivity of propofol without derivatization. Furthermore, direct injection without derivatization enables the simultaneous analysis of propofol and its phase II metabolites without analyte loss. The optimal concentration of ammonium fluoride in the mobile phase was found to be 1 mM under methanol conditions. The linearity is good (R2 ≥ 0.999) and the intra- and inter-day precisions for propofol determination are between 1.9 and 8.7%. The accuracies range from 87.5% to 105.4% and the limits of detection and quantitation for propofol in urine are 0.15 and 0.44 ng mL-1, respectively. The present method was successfully applied to human urine and showed a sufficient sensitivity to determine propofol and five phase II metabolites over 48 h in human urine after administration. Consequently, the fluoride-assisted LC-MS/MS method was demonstrated to be sensitive, accurate, and practical for the determination of propofol and its metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Mi Lee
- Korea Bioactive Natural Material Bank, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Moon Han
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwa Lee
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Young Jeong
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jun Kim
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hophil Min
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hun Kim
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwon Cha
- Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Keun Oh
- Korea Bioactive Natural Material Bank, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jaeick Lee
- Doping Control Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Olesti E, Boccard J, Visconti G, González-Ruiz V, Rudaz S. From a single steroid to the steroidome: Trends and analytical challenges. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 206:105797. [PMID: 33259940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
For several decades now, the analysis of steroids has been a key tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of numerous endocrine pathologies. Thus, the available methods used to analyze steroids in biological samples have dramatically evolved over time following the rapid pace of technology and scientific knowledge. This review aims to synthetize the advances in steroids' analysis, from classical approaches considering only a few steroids or a limited number of steroid ratios, up to the new steroid profiling strategies (steroidomics) monitoring large sets of steroids in biological matrices. In this context, the use of liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry has emerged as the technique of choice for the simultaneous determination of a high number of steroids, including phase II metabolites, due to its sensitivity and robustness. However, the large dynamic range to be covered, the low natural abundance of some key steroids, the selectivity of the analytical methods, the extraction protocols, and the steroid ionization remain some of the current challenges in steroid analysis. This review provides an overview of the different analytical workflows available depending on the number of steroids under study. Special emphasis is given to sample treatment, acquisition strategy, data processing, steroid identification and quantification using LC-MS approaches. This work also outlines how the availability of steroid standards, the need for complementary analytical strategies and the improvement of calibration approaches are crucial for achieving complete steroidome quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia Olesti
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland
| | - Julien Boccard
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland
| | - Gioele Visconti
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Víctor González-Ruiz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland
| | - Serge Rudaz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
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15
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Gravitte A, Archibald T, Cobble A, Kennard B, Brown S. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry applications for quantification of endogenous sex hormones. Biomed Chromatogr 2020; 35:e5036. [PMID: 33226656 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, presents a powerful tool for the quantification of the sex steroid hormones 17-β estradiol, progesterone and testosterone from biological matrices. The importance of accurate quantification with these hormones, even at endogenous levels, has evolved with our understanding of the role these regulators play in human development, fertility and disease risk and manifestation. Routine monitoring of these analytes can be accomplished by immunoassay techniques, which face limitations on specificity and sensitivity, or using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. LC-MS/MS is growing in capability and acceptance for clinically relevant quantification of sex steroid hormones in biological matrices and is able to overcome many of the limitations of immunoassays. Analyte specificity has improved through the use of novel derivatizing agents, and sensitivity has been refined through the use of high-resolution chromatography and mass spectrometric technology. This review highlights these innovations, among others, in LC-MS/MS steroid hormone analysis captured in the literature over the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Gravitte
- James H Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Timothy Archibald
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Allison Cobble
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Benjamin Kennard
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Stacy Brown
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
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16
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Sobańska AW. Emerging or Underestimated Silica-Based Stationary Phases in Liquid Chromatography. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2020; 51:631-655. [PMID: 32482079 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2020.1760782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Several newly synthesized or forgotten silica-based stationary phases proposed for liquid chromatography are described, including non-endcapped, short-chain alkyl phases; hydrophilic and polar-endcapped stationary phases; polar-embedded alkyl phases; long-chain alkyl phases. Stationary phases with aromatic, cyanopropyl, diol and aminopropyl functionalities are also reviewed. Stationary phases of particular interest are biomolecular materials - based on immobilized cholesterol, aminoacids, peptides, proteins or lipoproteins. Packing materials involving macrocyclic chemistry (crown ethers; calixarenes; aza-macrocycles; oligo-and polysaccharides including these of marine origin - chitin- or chitosan-based; macrocyclic antibiotics) are discussed. Since many stationary phases developed for one type of applications (e.g. chiral separation) have been found useful in solving other analytical problems (e.g. drug's plasma protein binding ability), it seemed reasonable to discuss particular chemistries behind the stationary phases presented in this review rather than specific types of interactions or chromatographic modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna W Sobańska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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17
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Mezzullo M, Pelusi C, Fazzini A, Repaci A, Di Dalmazi G, Gambineri A, Pagotto U, Fanelli F. Female and male serum reference intervals for challenging sex and precursor steroids by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 197:105538. [PMID: 31734493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Measuring some sex and precursor steroids is still challenging even by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and few normal values are available. We developed a LC-MS/MS method for estradiol, estrone, dihydrotestosterone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone measurement, compared it with direct immunoassays, and generated sex, age, menopausal and menstrual status specific reference intervals. Liquid-liquid extraction was optimized on 300 μL serum spiked with isotopic internal standards. A 2D-LC system allowed on-line purification and separation in 11 min run. Electrospray ionization was enhanced by ammonium fluoride. MS-detection was obtained by multiple reaction monitoring. Direct ECLIA for estradiol (n = 80) and RIA for estrone (n = 41) were compared with LC-MS/MS. Reference values were estimated in healthy, lean women in reproductive age (n = 118), menopausal women (n = 33) and men (n = 159). The assay showed satisfying imprecision, trueness, recovery and selectivity. Adequate functional sensitivity was achieved for measuring estrone (18.1 pmol/L) and 17-hydroxypregnenolone (117 pmol/L) in all subjects, and estradiol (35.9 pmol/L) and dihydrotestosterone (134 pmol/L) in women in reproductive age and men, but not in menopausal women. Compared with LC-MS/MS, immunoassays showed good agreement for estradiol but severe disagreement for estrone. Estrogens exhibited sex, menopausal and menstrual variations. Dihydrotestosterone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone depended on sex and menopause, the latter also declining with age in men. Strictly defined reference intervals in the adult female and male population were generated for challenging steroids such as estrogens, dihydrotestosterone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone by a novel LC-MS/MS method. Our achievement can be used to deepen the comprehension of several endocrine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mezzullo
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Policlinic, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Carla Pelusi
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Policlinic, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessia Fazzini
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Policlinic, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Repaci
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Policlinic, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Guido Di Dalmazi
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Policlinic, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Gambineri
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Policlinic, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Policlinic, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Flaminia Fanelli
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Policlinic, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
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Genotypic variation in phenolic composition of Cyclopia pubescens (honeybush tea) seedling plants. J Food Compost Anal 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Honour JW, Conway E, Hodkinson R, Lam F. The evolution of methods for urinary steroid metabolomics in clinical investigations particularly in childhood. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 181:28-51. [PMID: 29481855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The metabolites of cortisol, and the intermediates in the pathways from cholesterol to cortisol and the adrenal sex steroids can be analysed in a single separation of steroids by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to MS to give a urinary steroid profile (USP). Steroids individually and in profile are now commonly measured in plasma by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with MS/MS. The steroid conjugates in urine can be determined after hydrolysis and derivative formation and for the first time without hydrolysis using GC-MS, GC-MS/MS and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The evolution of the technology, practicalities and clinical applications are examined in this review. The patterns and quantities of steroids changes through childhood. Information can be obtained on production rates, from which children with steroid excess and deficiency states can be recognised when presenting with obesity, adrenarche, adrenal suppression, hypertension, adrenal tumours, intersex condition and early puberty, as examples. Genetic defects in steroid production and action can be detected by abnormalities from the GC-MS of steroids in urine. New mechanisms of steroid synthesis and metabolism have been recognised through steroid profiling. GC with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) has been used for the tentative identification of unknown steroids in urine from newborn infants with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Suggestions are made as to areas for future research and for future applications of steroid profiling. As routine hospital laboratories become more familiar with the problems of chromatographic and MS analysis they can consider steroid profiling in their test repertoire although with LC-MS/MS of urinary steroids this is unlikely to become a routine test because of the availability, cost and purity of the internal standards and the complexity of data interpretation. Steroid profiling with quantitative analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) after chromatography now provides the most versatile of tests of adrenal function in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Honour
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 74 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6AU, UK.
| | - E Conway
- Clinical Biochemistry, HSL Analytics LLP, Floor 2, 1 Mabledon Place, London, WC1H 9AX, UK
| | - R Hodkinson
- Clinical Biochemistry, HSL Analytics LLP, Floor 2, 1 Mabledon Place, London, WC1H 9AX, UK
| | - F Lam
- Clinical Biochemistry, HSL Analytics LLP, Floor 2, 1 Mabledon Place, London, WC1H 9AX, UK
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Karvaly G, Kovács K, Mészáros K, Kocsis I, Patócs A, Vásárhelyi B. The comprehensive characterization of adrenocortical steroidogenesis using two-dimensional ultra-performance liquid chromatography – electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 153:274-283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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