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Wang Q, Mesaros C. Advances and challenges in liquid chromatography-spectrometry (LC-MS) methodology for quantifying androgens and estrogens in human serum and plasma. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 245:106618. [PMID: 39313162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Accurate quantification of androgens and estrogens is critical for elucidating their roles in endocrine disorders and advancing research on their functions in human biology and pathophysiology. This review highlights recent advances and ongoing challenges in liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC- MS) methodology for quantifying androgens and estrogens in human serum and plasma. We summarized current approaches for analyzing the different forms of androgens and estrogens, along with their reported levels in publications from 2010 to the present. These published levels pointed out the inconsistencies in reference intervals across studies. To address these issues, advances in derivatization methods and chromatographic separation techniques are reviewed. Future perspectives for improving the accuracy and consistency of hormone quantification in clinical and research settings were also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Wang
- Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Clementina Mesaros
- Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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2
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Raps M, Kleider C, Lehmann L. Quantitative analysis of 34 sex (pro)hormones, conjugates and bioactive oxidation products thereof in human plasma by GC- and LC-MS/MS and systematic investigation of overestimations of analyte concentrations not accounted for by method validation. Steroids 2024; 208:109441. [PMID: 38768743 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
When investigating endocrine disorders, it is essential to assess a comprehensive quantitative profile of sex (pro)hormones in plasma including conjugates. Thus, the present study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive mass spectrometry-based multimethod combining the direct analysis of unconjugated sex (pro)hormones and oxidation products thereof (by GC), as well as their sulfates and glucuronides present in higher concentrations (by LC) with the indirect quantification of glucuronides present in lower concentrations after selective glucuronide hydrolysis (by GC) and its application to plasma derived from ten pre- and postmenopausal women and men each. Even guideline-compliant validation experiments cannot completely reflect overestimation of analyte concentrations due to effects depending on the individual ratio of analytes (i.e. chemical formation of analytes or incomplete removal of interfering analytes). Thus, the extent of processes not accounted for by the calibration strategy were investigated and maximum over- or underestimations of analyte concentrations were assessed for each plasma sample individually. 34 analytes were successfully calibrated, validated (median accuracy 101.1 %, median inter-day precision 8.1 %) and 31 were detected above the detection limit in plasma samples. The sporadic maximum individual over- or underestimation of analyte concentrations amounted to less than 20 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Raps
- University of Würzburg, Chair of Food Chemistry, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Carolin Kleider
- University of Würzburg, Chair of Food Chemistry, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Leane Lehmann
- University of Würzburg, Chair of Food Chemistry, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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3
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Swart AC, van Rooyen D, du Toit T, Heyns B, Molphy J, Wilson M, Leahy R, Atkin SL. Circulating adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones heterogeneity in active young males and the contribution of 11-oxy androgens. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16226. [PMID: 39003307 PMCID: PMC11246537 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66749-9] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The classical androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, together with dehydroepiandrosterone, the precusrsor to all androgens, are generally included in diagnostic steroid evaluations of androgen excess and deficiency disorders and monitored in androgen replacement and androgen suppressive therapies. The C11-oxy androgens also contribute to androgen excess disorders and are still often excluded from clinical and research-based steroids analysis. The contribution of the C11-oxy androgens to the androgen pool has not been considered in androgen deficiency. An exploratory investigation into circulating adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones in men was undertaken as neither the classical androgens nor the C11-oxy androgens have been evaluated in the context of concurrent measurement of all adrenal steroid hormones. Serum androgens, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, progesterones and androgens were assessed in 70 healthy young men using ultra high performance supercritical fluid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Testosterone, 24.5 nmol/L was the most prominent androgen detected in all participants while dihydrotestosterone, 1.23 nmol/L, was only detected in 25% of the participants. The 11-oxy androgens were present in most of the participants with 11-hydroxyandrostenedione, 3.37 nmol, in 98.5%, 11-ketoandrostenedione 0.764 in 77%, 11-hydroxytestosterone, 0.567 in 96% and 11-ketotestosterone: 0.440 in 63%. A third of the participants with normal testosterone and comparable 11-ketotestosterone, had significantly lower dehydroepiandrosterone (p < 0.001). In these males 11-hydroxyandrostenedione (p < 0.001), 11-ketoandrostenedione (p < 0.01) and 11-hydroxytestosterone (p < 0.006) were decreased. Glucocorticoids were also lower: cortisol (p < 0.001), corticosterone (p < 0.001), cortisone (p < 0.006) 11-dehydrocorticosterone (p < 0.001) as well as cortisol:cortisone (p < 0.001). The presence of dehydroepiandrosterone was associated with 16-hydroxyprogesterone (p < 0.001), which was also significantly lower. Adrenal and gonadal steroid analysis showed unexpected steroid heterogeneity in normal young men. Testosterone constitutes 78% of the circulating free androgens with the 11-oxy androgens abundantly present in all participants significantly contributing 22%. In addition, a subset of men were identified with low circulating dehydroepiandrosterone who showed altered adrenal steroids with decreased glucocorticoids and decreased C11-oxy androgens. Analysis of the classical and 11-oxy androgens with the additional measurement of dehydroepiandrosterone and 16-hydroxyprogesterone may allow better diagnostic accuracy in androgen excess or deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Swart
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
| | - Desmaré van Rooyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Therina du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Bianca Heyns
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - John Molphy
- Research Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mathew Wilson
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roisin Leahy
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Stephen L Atkin
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Busaiteen, Bahrain
- Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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4
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Detlefsen AJ, Paulukinas RD, Mesaros C. High sensitivity LC-MS methods for quantitation of hydroxy- and keto-androgens. Methods Enzymol 2023; 689:355-376. [PMID: 37802578 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.04.009] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The quantitation of androgens is necessary to diagnose and monitor the development of diseases such as prostate cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome. Androgen measurements also support the laboratory-based study of androgen metabolism in cellular and animal models. The methods described in this chapter combine chemical derivatization of hydroxy- and keto-androgens with stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (SID-LC-MS). Chemical derivatization of hydroxy-androgens by picolinic acid and keto-androgens by Girard P enhances the ionization and detection sensitivity of androgens, while chromatographic separation and [13C]-labeled internal standards add specificity that allow for simultaneous quantitation of multiple androgens. This chapter describes the materials and protocols necessary for chemical derivatization, enzymatic synthesis of internal standards, and LC-MS detection of keto- and hydroxy-androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Detlefsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ryan D Paulukinas
- Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Clementina Mesaros
- Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Paulukinas RD, Mesaros CA, Penning TM. Conversion of Classical and 11-Oxygenated Androgens by Insulin-Induced AKR1C3 in a Model of Human PCOS Adipocytes. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6585535. [PMID: 35560164 PMCID: PMC9162389 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in women. A common symptom of PCOS is hyperandrogenism (AE); however, the source of these androgens is uncertain. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) catalyzes the formation of testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in peripheral tissues, which activate the androgen receptor (AR). AKR1C3 is induced by insulin in adipocytes and may be central in driving the AE in PCOS. We elucidated the conversion of both classical and 11-oxygenated androgens to potent androgens in a model of PCOS adipocytes. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) discontinuous kinetic assays to measure product formation by recombinant AKR1C3, we found that the conversion of 11-keto-Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (11K-4AD) to 11-ketotestosterone (11K-T) and 11-keto-5α-androstane-3,17-dione (11K-5AD) to 11-keto-5α-dihydrotestosterone (11K-DHT) were superior to the formation of T and DHT. We utilized a stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometric (SID-LC-HRMS) assay for the quantification of both classical and 11-oxygenated androgens in differentiated Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome adipocytes in which AKR1C3 was induced by insulin. Adipocytes were treated with adrenal derived 11β-hydroxy-Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (11β-OH-4AD), 11K-4AD, or Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (4AD). The conversion of 11β-OH-4AD and 11K-4AD to 11K-T required AKR1C3. We also found that once 11K-T is formed, it is inactivated to 11β-hydroxy-testosterone (11β-OH-T) by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1). Our data reveal a unique role for HSD11B1 in protecting the AR from AE. We conclude that the 11-oxygenated androgens formed in adipocytes may contribute to the hyperandrogenic profile of PCOS women and that AKR1C3 is a potential therapeutic target to mitigate the AE of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Paulukinas
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Clementina A Mesaros
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Trevor M Penning
- Correspondence: Dr. Trevor M. Penning, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, 1315 BRB II/III, 421 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6061, USA.
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6
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Faqehi AM, Denham SG, Naredo G, Cobice DF, Khan S, Simpson JP, Sabil G, Upreti R, Gibb F, Homer NZ, Andrew R. Derivatization with 2-hydrazino-1-methylpyridine enhances sensitivity of analysis of 5α-dihydrotestosterone in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1640:461933. [PMID: 33588275 PMCID: PMC7938423 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.461933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative analysis of low abundance androgens in human plasma. Quantitation of androgens over physiological range in men and post-menopausal women. Use of hydrazine derivatives improves analytical sensitivity.
Liquid Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the gold-standard approach for androgen analysis in biological fluids, superseding immunoassays in selectivity, particularly at low concentrations. While LC-MS/MS is established for analysis of testosterone and androstenedione, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) presents greater analytical challenges. DHT circulates at low nanomolar concentrations in men and lower in women, ionizing inefficiently and suffering from isobaric interference from other androgens. Even using current LC-MS/MS technology, large plasma volumes (>0.5 mL) are required for detection, undesirable clinically and unsuitable for animals. This study investigated derivatization approaches using hydrazine-based reagents to enhance ionization efficiency and sensitivity of analysis of DHT by LC-MS/MS. Derivatization of DHT using 2-hydrazino-1-methylpyridine (HMP) and 2-hydrazino-4-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrimidine (HTP) were compared. A method was validated using an UHPLC interfaced by electrospray with a triple quadruple mass spectrometer , analyzing human plasma (male and post-menopausal women) following solid-phase extraction. HMP derivatives were selected for validation affording greater sensitivity than those formed with HTP. HMP derivatives were detected by selected reaction monitoring (DHT-HMP m/z 396→108; testosterone-HMP m/z 394→108; androstenedione-HMP m/z 392→108). Chromatographic separation of androgen derivatives was optimized, carefully separating isobaric interferents and acceptable outputs for precision and trueness achieved following injection of 0.4 pg on column (approximately 34 pmol/L). HMP derivatives of all androgens tested could be detected in low plasma volumes: male (100 µL) and post-menopausal female (200 µL), and derivatives were stable over 30 days at -20°C. In conclusion, HMP derivatization, in conjunction with LC-MS/MS, is suitable for quantitative analysis of DHT, testosterone and androstenedione in low plasma volumes, offering advantages in sensitivity over current methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Mm Faqehi
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, United Kingdom.
| | - Scott G Denham
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Gregorio Naredo
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Diego F Cobice
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, United Kingdom.
| | - Shazia Khan
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Joanna P Simpson
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, United Kingdom.
| | - Ghazali Sabil
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Upreti
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, United Kingdom
| | - Fraser Gibb
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, United Kingdom.
| | - Natalie Zm Homer
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Ruth Andrew
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, United Kingdom; Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
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7
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Analysis of testosterone-hydroxylated metabolites in human urine by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Anal Biochem 2020; 597:113670. [PMID: 32119849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone regulates the male reproductive system and acts directly or indirectly on nearly all systems during fetal, pubertal and adult life. Testosterone homeostasis depends on its synthesis and degradation. The major biotransformation reactions are hydroxylation by different cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms. There are no described methods to determine the profile of testosterone-hydroxylated metabolites in human urine. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method to determine testosterone-hydroxylated metabolites in human urine using UPLC-MS. Seven testosterone-hydroxylated metabolites, androstenedione, and testosterone, were identified by comparison of their tret and positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) data, with those of analytical standards. The method developed is sensitive, specific, repeatable, and precise. Limits of detection and quantitation for all compounds ranged from 1.360 to 13.054 ng/ml and 4.234-39.679 ng/ml, respectively. The percentages of recovery were between 81.2 and 128.8%. The applicability of the analytical method was confirmed by analysis of urine samples obtained from two groups of healthy men (25-30 and 50-75 years old). All analytes were identified with slightly different metabolites profiles in both groups. In conclusion, the UPLC-MS method developed here was validated for the analysis of testosterone-hydroxylated metabolites in human urine.
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Knuuttila M, Hämäläinen E, Poutanen M. Applying mass spectrometric methods to study androgen biosynthesis and metabolism in prostate cancer. J Mol Endocrinol 2019; 62:R255-R267. [PMID: 30917337 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent development of gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS) has provided novel tools to define sex steroid concentrations. These new methods overcome several of the problems associated with immunoassays for sex steroids. With the novel MS-based applications we are now able to measure small concentrations of the steroid hormones reliably and with high accuracy in both body fluids and tissue homogenates. The sensitivity of the tandem mass spectrometry assays allows us also for the first time to reliably measure picomolar or even femtomolar concentrations of estrogens and androgens. Furthermore, due to a high sensitivity and specificity of MS technology, we are also able to measure low concentrations of steroid hormones of interest in the presence of pharmacological concentration of other steroids and structurally closely related compounds. Both of these features are essential for multiple preclinical models for prostate cancer. The MS assays are also valuable for the simultaneous measurement of multiple steroids and their metabolites in small sample volumes in serum and tissue biopsies of prostate cancer patients before and after drug interventions. As a result, novel information about steroid hormone synthesis and metabolic pathways in prostate cancer has been obtained. In our recent studies, we have extensively applied a GC-MS/MS method to study androgen biosynthesis and metabolism in VCaP prostate cancer xenografts in mice. In the present review, we shortly summarize some of the benefits of the GC-MS/MS and novel LC-MS/MS assays, and provide examples of their use in defining novel mechanisms of androgen action in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Knuuttila
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Esa Hämäläinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and HUSLAB, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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9
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Ke Y, Dury A, Labrie F. A highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantitation of serum androstane-3α, 17β-diol and androstane-3β, 17β-diol in post-menopausal women. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1113:30-36. [PMID: 30877984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sensitive and accurate measurement of androstane-3β,17β-diol and androstane-3α,17β-diol in the circulation is important for clinical research and accurate clinical diagnosis. This report describes a highly sensitive, specific, precise and reliable assay for the simultaneous accurate measurement of serum androstane-3α,17β-diol and androstane-3β,17β-diol in postmenopausal women. The LLOQ of 1 pg/mL has been achieved with nicotinic acid derivatization, which is superior to picolinic acid by a factor of 5 to 10 in terms of signal to noise ratio. The difference is attributed to the higher acidity of picolinic acid which forms a more stable intermediate, thus decreasing derivatization efficiency. Potential interference from androstane-3α, 17α-diol, androstane-3β, 17α-diol, and 5-androstenediol has been well separated from the two target diols. The high level of specificity has been determined by well-developed chromatography and ion ratio monitoring. A good linearity in the range of 1 pg/mL to 200 pg/mL (0.03 pg to 6 pg on column) was obtained for both compounds at R > 0.998. The bias and coefficients of variation of all the QC levels are within the range of 10% while the recovery in both charcoal-stripped and unstripped human serum is around 85%. The matrix effect was evaluated and the results well met the acceptance criteria according to the guidelines of bioanalytical method development and validation. Using this newly developed method, the concentrations of both androstane-3α,17β diol and androstane-3β,17β diol were measured in normal postmenopausal serum, where the concentrations range from 2 pg/mL to 32 pg/mL for androstane-3α,17β diol and from 1 pg/mL to 10 pg/mL for androstane-3β,17β diol, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyong Ke
- Endoceutics Inc., 2795 Laurier Blvd, Suite 500, Quebec G1V 4M7, QC, Canada.
| | - Alain Dury
- Endoceutics Inc., 2795 Laurier Blvd, Suite 500, Quebec G1V 4M7, QC, Canada
| | - Fernand Labrie
- Endoceutics Inc., 2795 Laurier Blvd, Suite 500, Quebec G1V 4M7, QC, Canada
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11
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Chen M, Wangtrakuldee P, Zang T, Duan L, Gathercole LL, Tomlinson JW, Penning TM. Human and murine steroid 5β-reductases (AKR1D1 and AKR1D4): insights into the role of the catalytic glutamic acid. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 305:163-170. [PMID: 30928400 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian steroid 5β-reductases belong to the Aldo-Keto Reductase 1D sub-family and are essential for the formation of A-ring 5β-reduced steroids. Steroid 5β-reduction is required for the biosynthesis of bile-acids and the metabolism of all steroid hormones that contain a Δ4-3-ketosteroid functionally to yield the 5β-reduced metabolites. In mammalian AKR1D enzymes the conserved catalytic tetrad found in all AKRs (Y55, H117, K84 and D50) has changed in that the conserved H117 is replaced with a glutamic acid (E120). E120 may act as a "superacid" to facilitate enolization of the Δ4-ketosteroid. In addition, the absence of the bulky imidazole side chain of histidine in E120 permits the steroid to penetrate deeper into the active site so that hydride transfer can occur to the steroid C5 position. In murine steroid 5β-reductase AKR1D4, we find that there is a long-form, with an 18 amino-acid extension at the N-terminus (AKR1D4L) and a short-form (AKR1D4S), where the latter is recognized as AKR1D4 by the major data-bases. Both enzymes were purified to homogeneity and product profiling was performed. With progesterone and cortisol, AKR1D4L and AKR1D4S catalyzed smooth conversion to the 5β-dihydrosteroids. However, with Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione as substrate, a mixture of products was observed which included, 5β-androstane-3,17-dione (expected) but 3α-hydroxy-5β- androstan-17-one was also formed. The latter compound was distinguished from its isomeric 3β-hydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one by forming picolinic acid derivatives followed by LC-MS. These data show that AKR1D4L and AKR1D4S also act as 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases when presented with Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione and suggest that E120 alters the position the steroid to enable a correct trajectory for hydride transfer and may not act as a "superacid".
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Chen
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Phumvadee Wangtrakuldee
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tianzhu Zang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ling Duan
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Laura L Gathercole
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK; Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University, UK
| | - Jeremy W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University, UK
| | - Trevor M Penning
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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12
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Desai R, Harwood DT, Handelsman DJ. Simultaneous measurement of 18 steroids in human and mouse serum by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry without derivatization to profile the classical and alternate pathways of androgen synthesis and metabolism. CLINICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY (DEL MAR, CALIF.) 2019; 11:42-51. [PMID: 34841072 PMCID: PMC8620903 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinms.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently identified alternate, or backdoor, pathway of DHT synthesis provides important novel information on androgen biosynthesis beyond the classical pathway. We report a rapid and versatile liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to simultaneously and accurately quantify key steroids in human or mouse serum involved in either the classical or backdoor androgen synthesis pathways. METHODS Serum (200 µL) fortified with isotopically labelled internal standards underwent liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) with MTBE and extracts were analysed on a LC-MS/MS. The targeted steroids for quantification were testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α diol), 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (3β diol), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A4), androsterone (AD), estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), progesterone (P4), pregnenolone (P5), androstenediol (Adiol), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP4) and 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OHP5), corticosterone (B), cortisol (F), allopregnanolone (Allo-P5) and dihydroprogesterone (DHP). RESULTS The limits of quantification (LOQ) were 5 pg/mL for E2 and E1, 25 pg/mL for T, 50 pg/mL for A4 and 0.10 ng/mL for DHT, 17OHP5, P4, P5, AD, Adiol, DHEA, AlloP5 and 0.20 ng/mL for 17OHP4, 3α diol, 3β diol, DHP, 0.25 ng/mL for B and 1 ng/mL for F. Accuracy, precision, reproducibility and recovery were within acceptable limits for bioanalytical method validation. The method is illustrated in human and mouse, male and female serum. CONCLUSIONS The presented method is sufficiently sensitive, specific and reproducible to meet the quality criteria for routine laboratory application for accurate quantitation of 18 steroid concentrations in male and female serum from humans or mice for the purpose of profiling androgen synthesis and metabolism pathways.
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Key Words
- 17OHP4, 17-hydroxyprogesterone
- 17OHP5, 17hydroxypregnenolone
- 3α diol, 5α-androstane-3α17β-diol
- 3β diol, 5α-androstane-3β17β-diol
- A4, androstenedione
- AD, androsterone
- APPI, atmospheric pressure photoionization
- Adiol, androstenediol
- AlloP5, allopregnanolone
- Androgen
- B, corticosterone
- CSP, Charcoal Stripped Plasma
- DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone
- DHP, dihydroprogesterone
- DHT, dihydrotestosterone
- Dihydrotestosterone
- E1, estrone
- E2, estradiol
- F, cortisol
- IS, internal standard
- LOD, lower limit of detection
- LOQ, lower limit of quantification
- Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
- ME, matrix effect
- MTBE, methyl tert-butyl ether
- NMI, National Measurement Institute
- P4, progesterone
- P5, pregnenolone
- S/N, signal-to-noise ratio
- Steroidogenesis
- T, testosterone
- Testosterone
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Desai
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia
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13
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Bleach R, McIlroy M. The Divergent Function of Androgen Receptor in Breast Cancer; Analysis of Steroid Mediators and Tumor Intracrinology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:594. [PMID: 30416486 PMCID: PMC6213369 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is the most widely expressed steroid receptor protein in normal breast tissue and is detectable in approximately 90% of primary breast cancers and 75% of metastatic lesions. However, the role of AR in breast cancer development and progression is mired in controversy with evidence suggesting it can either inhibit or promote breast tumorigenesis. Studies have shown it to antagonize estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) DNA binding, thereby preventing pro-proliferative gene transcription; whilst others have demonstrated AR to take on the mantle of a pseudo ERα particularly in the setting of triple negative breast cancer. Evidence for a potentiating role of AR in the development of endocrine resistant breast cancer has also been mounting with reports associating high AR expression with poor response to endocrine treatment. The resurgence of interest into the function of AR in breast cancer has resulted in various emergent clinical trials evaluating anti-AR therapy and selective androgen receptor modulators in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Trials have reported varied response rates dependent upon subtype with overall clinical benefit rates of ~19-29% for anti-androgen monotherapy, suggesting that with enhanced patient stratification AR could prove efficacious as a breast cancer therapy. Androgens and AR have been reported to facilitate tumor stemness in some cancers; a process which may be mediated through genomic or non-genomic actions of the AR, with the latter mechanism being relatively unexplored in breast cancer. Steroidogenic ligands of the AR are produced in females by the gonads and as sex-steroid precursors secreted from the adrenal glands. These androgens provide an abundant reservoir from which all estrogens are subsequently synthesized and their levels are undiminished in the event of standard hormonal therapeutic intervention in breast cancer. Steroid levels are known to be altered by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise; understanding their potential role in dictating the function of AR in breast cancer development could therefore have wide-ranging effects in prevention and treatment of this disease. This review will outline the endogenous biochemical drivers of both genomic and non-genomic AR activation and how these may be modulated by current hormonal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie McIlroy
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Gorityala S, Yang S, Montano MM, Xu Y. Simultaneous determination of dihydrotestosterone and its metabolites in mouse sera by LC-MS/MS with chemical derivatization. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1090:22-35. [PMID: 29778874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Androgens play a vital role in prostate cancer development, and their elimination and blockade are essential in the disease management. DHT is the key ligand for androgen receptor (AR) in the prostate. It is locally synthesized from testosterone. In the prostate, DHT is predominantly metabolized to α-diol and β-diol. Recent studies indicate that impaired DHT catabolism is associated with prostate cancer, signifying the necessity of a sensitive quantitative method for the determination of DHT and its metabolites. In this work, an LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of DHT and its metabolites was developed and validated. Steroid-free sera were prepared and used for the preparation of sera calibrators and quality controls (QCs). DHT and its metabolites along with their respective stable heavy isotope labeled analytes representing internal standards were first extracted with methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and derivatized with picolinic acid (PA). The derivatized analytes were then extracted again with MTBE, dried under nitrogen and reconstituted in the mobile phase (80% methanol and 0.2% formic acid in water). Baseline chromatographic separation of the derivatized analytes was achieved isocratically on XTerra C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm) using the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. Quantitation was performed using multiple-reaction-monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization. The method has calibration ranges from 0.0500 ng/mL to 50.0 ng/mL for DHT and its two metabolites with acceptable assay precision, accuracy, recovery, and matrix factor. It was applied to the determination of DHT and its metabolites in an animal study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Gorityala
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Shuming Yang
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Monica M Montano
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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15
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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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16
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Schiffer L, Arlt W, Storbeck KH. Intracrine androgen biosynthesis, metabolism and action revisited. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 465:4-26. [PMID: 28865807 PMCID: PMC6565845 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Androgens play an important role in metabolic homeostasis and reproductive health in both men and women. Androgen signalling is dependent on androgen receptor activation, mostly by testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone. However, the intracellular or intracrine activation of C19 androgen precursors to active androgens in peripheral target tissues of androgen action is of equal importance. Intracrine androgen synthesis is often not reflected by circulating androgens but rather by androgen metabolites and conjugates. In this review we provide an overview of human C19 steroid biosynthesis including the production of 11-oxygenated androgens, their transport in circulation and uptake into peripheral tissues. We conceptualise the mechanisms of intracrinology and review the intracrine pathways of activation and inactivation in selected human tissues. The contribution of liver and kidney as organs driving androgen inactivation and renal excretion are also highlighted. Finally, the importance of quantifying androgen metabolites and conjugates to assess intracrine androgen production is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Schiffer
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
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17
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Penning TM. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-SO 4 Depot and Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:309-331. [PMID: 30029732 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-SO4 of adrenal origin is the major C19 steroid in the serum. It is a precursor of intratumoral androgen biosynthesis in patients with advanced prostate cancer following chemical or surgical castration. DHEA is a product of the P450c17 (17α-hydroxylase-17,20-lyase) enzyme. Despite inhibition of P450c17 with new agents, e.g., Abiraterone acetate, Orterenol, and Galeterone, the level of enzyme inhibition rarely exceeds 90% leaving behind a significant depot for androgen biosynthesis within the tumor. For DHEA-SO4 to be utilized there is uptake by organic anion transporter polypeptides, deconjugation catalyzed by steroid sulfatase, and adaptive upregulation of prostate steroidogenic enzymes that will convert DHEA into either testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. The depot of DHEA-SO4 that remains after P450c17 inhibition and the adaptive responses that occur within the tumor to promote DHEA utilization contribute to mechanisms of drug resistance observed with P450c17 inhibitors. Knowledge of these mechanisms identify new targets for therapeutics that could be used to surmount drug resistance in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor M Penning
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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18
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High-throughput and direct measurement of androgen levels using turbulent flow chromatography liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (TFC-LC-TQMS) to discover chemicals that modulate dihydrotestosterone production in human prostate cancer cells. Biotechnol Lett 2017; 40:263-270. [PMID: 29164416 PMCID: PMC5813082 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-017-2480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a high-throughput screening system to measure the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in cultured human prostate cancer cells using turbulent flow chromatography liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (TFC-LC-TQMS). RESULTS After optimizing the cell reaction system, this method demonstrated a screening capability of 103 samples, including 78 single compounds and 25 extracts, in less than 12 h without manual sample preparation. Consequently, fucoxanthin, phenethyl caffeate, and Curcuma longa L. extract were validated as bioactive chemicals that inhibited DHT production in cultured DU145 cells. In addition, naringenin boosted DHT production in DU145 cells. CONCLUSION The method can facilitate the discovery of bioactive chemicals that modulate the DHT production, and four phytochemicals are potential candidates of nutraceuticals to adjust DHT levels in male hormonal dysfunction.
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19
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Kannenberg F, Fobker M, Schulte E, Pierściński G, Kelsch R, Zitzmann M, Nofer JR, Schüring AN. The Simultaneous measurement of serum testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Clin Chim Acta 2017; 476:15-24. [PMID: 29122541 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2017.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simultaneous measurement of testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is important for diagnosing androgen deficiency states and hyperandrogenism in males and females, respectively. However, immunoassays used for T and DHT determination suffer from inadequate specificity and sensitivity, while tandem mass spectrometry is expensive and demanding in use. METHODS AND RESULTS We developed a selective gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for parallel T and DHT measurement. The assay showed a linear response up to 46.5nmol/L, intra- and interassay imprecision and inaccuracy <15% and recoveries in spiked samples >90% for both analytes. The limit of quantitation was 0.117nmol/L for T and 0.168nmol/L for DHT. Comparison with immunoassays revealed good agreement for T in males, but a bias in favour of immunoassays at low concentrations for T in females and DHT in both sexes. We established reference ranges for T and DHT and suggest interval partitioning for T according to age in men and menstrual cycle in women. Assay validation in a clinical setting suggests that measuring DHT or T/DHT ratio may help identify patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. CONCLUSION We developed a selective, simple and inexpensive GC-MS method for parallel measurement of T and DHT with potential use in the clinical laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Kannenberg
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Manfred Fobker
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Erhard Schulte
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Reinhard Kelsch
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Immunology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Zitzmann
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jerzy-Roch Nofer
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Andreas N Schüring
- UKM Kinderwunschzentrum, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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20
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Zang T, Taplin ME, Tamae D, Xie W, Mesaros C, Zhang Z, Bubley G, Montgomery B, Balk SP, Mostaghel EA, Blair IA, Penning TM. Testicular vs adrenal sources of hydroxy-androgens in prostate cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2017; 24:393-404. [PMID: 28663228 PMCID: PMC5593253 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (NADT) is one strategy for the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer; however, the long-term outcomes of NADT with radical prostatectomy including biochemical failure-free survival are not promising. One proposed mechanism is incomplete androgen ablation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficiency of serum hydroxy-androgen suppression in patients with localized high-risk prostate cancer under NADT (leuprolide acetate plus abiraterone acetate and prednisone) and interrogate the primary sources of circulating hydroxy-androgens using our recently described stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography mass spectrometric method. For the first time, three androgen diols including 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol (5-adiol), 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-adiol), 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (3β-adiol), the glucuronide or sulfate conjugate of 5-adiol and 3α-adiol were measured and observed to be dramatically reduced after NADT. By comparing patients that took leuprolide acetate alone vs leuprolide acetate plus abiraterone acetate and prednisone, we were able to distinguish the primary sources of these androgens and their conjugates as being of either testicular or adrenal in origin. We find that testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 3α-adiol and 3β-adiol were predominately of testicular origin. By contrast, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), epi-androsterone (epi-AST) and their conjugates, 5-adiol sulfate and glucuronide were predominately of adrenal origin. Our findings also show that NADT failed to completely suppress DHEA-sulfate levels and that two unappreciated sources of intratumoral androgens that were not suppressed by leuprolide acetate alone were 5-adiol-sulfate and epi-AST-sulfate of adrenal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhu Zang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational TherapeuticsPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental ToxicologyPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mary-Ellen Taplin
- Harvard Medical SchoolLank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Tamae
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational TherapeuticsPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental ToxicologyPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wanling Xie
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational BiologyHarvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Clementina Mesaros
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational TherapeuticsPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental ToxicologyPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational TherapeuticsCenter for Cancer Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zhenwei Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational BiologyHarvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Glenn Bubley
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterGenitourinary Medical Oncology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce Montgomery
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Steven P Balk
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterGenitourinary Medical Oncology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Ian A Blair
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational TherapeuticsPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental ToxicologyPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational TherapeuticsCenter for Cancer Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Trevor M Penning
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational TherapeuticsPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental ToxicologyPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational TherapeuticsCenter for Cancer Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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