1
|
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 2024:109441. [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] [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 %.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pfeffer S, Gmeiner G, Forsdahl G. Methylation of phase II metabolites of endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids to improve analytical performance. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38643973 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The study of intact phase II metabolites of endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids (EAAS) gives important information about metabolism and has the potential to improve the detection of doping with testosterone. For analysis with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), chemical derivatization at the steroid moiety is a technique to improve the positive ionization efficiency of glucuronidated/sulfated EAAS under collision-induced dissociation (CID) conditions. However, regarding the chromatographic performance, there are still challenges to address, for example, poor peak shape, which is mainly caused by nondefined adsorption in the chromatographic system. Here, we show a novel derivatization technique for the analysis of selected phase II metabolites of EAAS, where the acidic moiety of the glucuronide/sulfate is methylated with different methylation reagents to reduce nondefined adsorption. The methylation reagent trimethylsilyl-diazomethane (TMSD) was preferred over the other tested reagents methyl iodide (MeI) and dimethyl sulfate (DMS). Glucuronidated and sulfated testosterone and epitestosterone were methylated, and their chromatographic performance and CID ion mass spectra obtained in positive ionization mode were investigated. The peak width and peak height were significantly improved for all substances. Methylated testosterone sulfate showed the best results with a 3.5 times narrower peak and 14 times increased intensity compared with underivatized testosterone sulfate. Furthermore, CID ion mass spectra obtained in positive ionization mode showed product ions characteristically for the steroidal backbone for all substances. This preliminary study shows the potential of methylation as a supplementary derivatization technique, which can assist in the development of more sensitive methods due to the improvements in method performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pfeffer
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Doping Control Laboratory, Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Guenter Gmeiner
- Doping Control Laboratory, Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Guro Forsdahl
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Doping Control Laboratory, Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, Seibersdorf, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marinelli L, Bichiri A, Cagnina S, Castella L, Ghigo E, Motta G. Efficacy of topical minoxidil in enhancing beard growth in a group of transgender assigned female at birth individuals on gender affirming hormone therapy. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02373-8. [PMID: 38644453 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02373-8] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Testosterone therapy represents the cornerstone of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) among t-AFAB (transgender Assigned Female At Birth) people. Minoxidil is a vasodilator drug approved for topical use for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical minoxidil in enhancing beard growth in a group of t-AFAB people on GAHT. METHODS Sixteen t-AFAB individuals with an incomplete beard development, on GAHT for at least 6 months, were enrolled. Topical minoxidil was applied to the interested facial areas. Before starting (T0), after 3 (T3) and 6 (T6) months, we evaluated facial hair growth using the Ferriman-Gallwey modified score (FGm). RESULTS Subjects were 26 (2.7) years old and on GAHT for 18.5 [15-54] months; using a paired match evaluation, a statistically significant facial hair growth was observed over time, in particular at T6 (median upper lip FGm 3.5 [3-4] vs 2 [1-2] at T0 and chin FGm 4 [3.25-4] vs 1 [1-2] at T0; p ≤ 0.002). Comparing the minoxidil group with a control group (n = 16) matched for age and BMI who developed a full-grown beard only with GAHT, a logistic multivariable analysis identified hirsutism before GAHT was independently positively associated with the development of a full beard [OR 15.22 (95% CI 1.46-158.82); p = 0.023]. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study demonstrating the efficacy of topical minoxidil in enhancing facial hair growth among t-AFAB people on GAHT. Further studies will be necessary to assess whether the obtained improvements will persist after discontinuing the medication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - A Bichiri
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - S Cagnina
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - L Castella
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - E Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ponzetto F, Parasiliti-Caprino M, Leoni L, Marinelli L, Nonnato A, Nicoli R, Kuuranne T, Ghigo E, Mengozzi G, Settanni F. LC-MS/MS measurement of endogenous steroid hormones and phase II metabolites in blood volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) for doping control purposes. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 557:117890. [PMID: 38537673 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.117890] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) is emerging as a valuable technique in the collection of dried biological specimens, offering a potential alternative to traditional sampling methods. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of 30 μL VAMS for the measurement of endogenous steroid hormones. METHODS A novel LC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantification of 18 analytes in VAMS samples, including main endogenous free steroids and phase II metabolites of androgens. The method underwent validation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requirements. Subsequently, it was applied to authentic VAMS samples obtained from 20 healthy volunteers to assess the stability of target analytes under varying storage conditions. RESULTS The validation protocol assessed method's selectivity, matrix effect, extraction recovery, quantitative performance, carry-over and robustness. The analysis of authentic samples demonstrated the satisfactory stability of monitored steroids in VAMS stored at room temperature, 4 °C, -20 °C and -80 °C for up to 100 days and subjected to up to 3 freezing-thawing cycles. CONCLUSIONS The validated LC-MS/MS method demonstrated its suitability for the measurement of steroids in dried blood VAMS. The observed stability of steroidal compounds suggests promising prospects for future applications of VAMS, both in anti-doping contexts and clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ponzetto
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Mirko Parasiliti-Caprino
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Leoni
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonello Nonnato
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Raul Nicoli
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine Geneva and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine Geneva and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulio Mengozzi
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, City of Health and Science University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Settanni
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, City of Health and Science University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thomas A, Thevis M. Recent advances in mass spectrometry for the detection of doping. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:27-39. [PMID: 38214680 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2305432] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The analysis of doping control samples is preferably performed by mass spectrometry, because obtained results meet the highest analytical standards and ensure an impressive degree of reliability. The advancement in mass spectrometry and all its associated technologies thus allow for continuous improvements in doping control analysis. AREAS COVERED Modern mass spectrometric systems have reached a status of increased sensitivity, robustness, and specificity within the last decade. The improved sensitivity in particular has, on the other hand, also led to the detection of drug residues that were attributable to scenarios where the prohibited substances were not administered consciously but rather by the unconscious ingestion of or exposure to contaminated products. These scenarios and their doubtless clarification represent a great challenge. Here, too, modern MS systems and their applications can provide good insights in the interpretation of dose-related metabolism of prohibited substances. In addition to the development of new instruments itself, software-assisted analysis of the sometimes highly complex data is playing an increasingly important role and facilitating the work of doping control laboratories. EXPERT OPINION The sensitive analysis and evaluation of a higher number of samples in a shorter time is made possible by the ongoing developments in mass spectrometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thomas
- Institute of Biochemistry/Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- Institute of Biochemistry/Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), Cologne/Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H. Annual banned-substance review 16 th edition-Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing 2022/2023. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:5-29. [PMID: 37985429 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3602] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
In this 16th edition of the annual banned-substance review on analytical approaches in human sports drug testing, literature on recent developments in this particular section of global anti-doping efforts that was published between October 2022 and September 2023 is summarized and discussed. Most recent additions to the continuously growing portfolio of doping control analytical approaches and investigations into analytical challenges in the context of adverse analytical findings are presented, taking into account existing as well as emerging challenges in anti-doping, with specific focus on substances and methods of doping recognized in the World Anti-Doping Agency's 2023 Prohibited List. As in previous years, focus is put particularly on new or enhanced analytical options in human doping controls, appreciating the exigence and core mission of anti-doping and, equally, the conflict arising from the opposingly trending extent of the athlete's exposome and the sensitivity of instruments nowadays commonly available in anti-doping laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Genève and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lu Y, Yan J, Ou G, Fu L. A Review of Recent Progress in Drug Doping and Gene Doping Control Analysis. Molecules 2023; 28:5483. [PMID: 37513354 PMCID: PMC10386588 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The illicit utilization of performance-enhancing substances, commonly referred to as doping, not only infringes upon the principles of fair competition within athletic pursuits but also poses significant health hazards to athletes. Doping control analysis has emerged as a conventional approach to ensuring equity and integrity in sports. Over the past few decades, extensive advancements have been made in doping control analysis methods, catering to the escalating need for qualitative and quantitative analysis of numerous banned substances exhibiting diverse chemical and biological characteristics. Progress in science, technology, and instrumentation has facilitated the proliferation of varied techniques for detecting doping. In this comprehensive review, we present a succinct overview of recent research developments within the last ten years pertaining to these doping detection methodologies. We undertake a comparative analysis, evaluating the merits and limitations of each technique, and offer insights into the prospective future advancements in doping detection methods. It is noteworthy that the continual design and synthesis of novel synthetic doping agents have compelled researchers to constantly refine and innovate doping detection methods in order to address the ever-expanding range of covertly employed doping agents. Overall, we remain in a passive position for doping detection and are always on the road to doping control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuze Lu
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jiayu Yan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Gaozhi Ou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Li Fu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Materials for Sensor of Zhejiang Province, College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Visconti G, de Figueiredo M, Salamin O, Boccard J, Vuilleumier N, Nicoli R, Kuuranne T, Rudaz S. Straightforward quantification of endogenous steroids with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: Comparing calibration approaches. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1226:123778. [PMID: 37393882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Different calibration strategies are used in liquid chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) bioanalysis. Currently, the surrogate matrix and surrogate analyte represent the most widely used approaches to compensate for the lack of analyte-free matrices in endogenous compounds quantification. In this context, there is a growing interest in rationalizing and simplifying quantitative analysis using a one-point concentration level of stable isotope-labeled (SIL) standards as surrogate calibrants. Accordingly, an internal calibration (IC) can be applied when the instrument response is translated into analyte concentration via the analyte-to-SIL ratio performed directly in the study sample. Since SILs are generally used as internal standards to normalize variability between authentic study sample matrix and surrogate matrix used for the calibration, IC can be calculated even if the calibration protocol was achieved for an external calibration (EC). In this study, a complete dataset of a published and fully validated method to quantify an extended steroid profile in serum was recomputed by adapting the role of SIL internal standards as surrogate calibrants. Using the validation samples, the quantitative performances for IC were comparable with the original method, showing acceptable trueness (79%-115%) and precision (0.8%-11.8%) for the 21 detected steroids. The IC methodology was then applied to human serum samples (n = 51) from healthy women and women diagnosed with mild hyperandrogenism, showing high agreement (R2 > 0.98) with the concentrations obtained using the conventional quantification based on EC. For IC, Passing-Bablok regression showed proportional biases between -15.0% and 11.3% for all quantified steroids, with an average difference of -5.8% compared to EC. These results highlight the reliability and the advantages of implementing IC in clinical laboratories routine to simplify quantification in LC-MS bioanalysis, especially when a large panel of analytes is monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gioele Visconti
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Miguel de Figueiredo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Salamin
- Center of Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences - REDs, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Boccard
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Vuilleumier
- Department of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Raul Nicoli
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne and Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Serge Rudaz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|