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Fitzgerald CCJ, Hedman R, Uduwela DR, Paszerbovics B, Carroll AJ, Neeman T, Cawley A, Brooker L, McLeod MD. Profiling Urinary Sulfate Metabolites With Mass Spectrometry. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:829511. [PMID: 35281273 PMCID: PMC8906285 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.829511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of urinary phase II sulfate metabolites is central to understanding the role and fate of endogenous and exogenous compounds in biological systems. This study describes a new workflow for the untargeted metabolic profiling of sulfated metabolites in a urine matrix. Analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) with data dependent acquisition (DDA) coupled to an automated script-based data processing pipeline and differential metabolite level analysis. Sulfates were identified through k-means clustering analysis of sulfate ester derived MS/MS fragmentation intensities. The utility of the method was highlighted in two applications. Firstly, the urinary metabolome of a thoroughbred horse was examined before and after administration of the anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) testosterone propionate. The analysis detected elevated levels of ten sulfated steroid metabolites, three of which were identified and confirmed by comparison with synthesised reference materials. This included 5α-androstane-3β,17α-diol 3-sulfate, a previously unreported equine metabolite of testosterone propionate. Secondly, the hydrolytic activity of four sulfatase enzymes on pooled human urine was examined. This revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa arylsulfatases (PaS) enzymes possessed higher selectivity for the hydrolysis of sulfated metabolites than the commercially available Helix pomatia arylsulfatase (HpS). This novel method provides a rapid tool for the systematic, untargeted metabolic profiling of sulfated metabolites in a urinary matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rikard Hedman
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Dimanthi R. Uduwela
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Bettina Paszerbovics
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Adam J. Carroll
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Teresa Neeman
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Adam Cawley
- Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, Racing NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lance Brooker
- Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, National Measurement Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Malcolm D. McLeod
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Malcolm D. McLeod,
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2
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Mueller JW, Vogg N, Lightning TA, Weigand I, Ronchi CL, Foster PA, Kroiss M. Steroid Sulfation in Adrenal Tumors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:3385-3397. [PMID: 33739426 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The adrenal cortex produces specific steroid hormones including steroid sulfates such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), the most abundant steroid hormone in the human circulation. Steroid sulfation involves a multistep enzyme machinery that may be impaired by inborn errors of steroid metabolism. Emerging data suggest a role of steroid sulfates in the pathophysiology of adrenal tumors and as potential biomarkers. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Selective literature search using "steroid," "sulfat*," "adrenal," "transport," "mass spectrometry" and related terms in different combinations. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS A recent study highlighted the tissue abundance of estrogen sulfates to be of prognostic impact in adrenocortical carcinoma tissue samples using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging. General mechanisms of sulfate uptake, activation, and transfer to substrate steroids are reasonably well understood. Key aspects of this pathway, however, have not been investigated in detail in the adrenal; these include the regulation of substrate specificity and the secretion of sulfated steroids. Both for the adrenal and targeted peripheral tissues, steroid sulfates may have relevant biological actions beyond their cognate nuclear receptors after desulfation. Impaired steroid sulfation such as low DHEAS in Cushing adenomas is of diagnostic utility, but more comprehensive studies are lacking. In bioanalytics, the requirement of deconjugation for gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry has precluded the study of steroid sulfates for a long time. This limitation may be overcome by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. CONCLUSIONS A role of steroid sulfation in the pathophysiology of adrenal tumors has been suggested and a diagnostic utility of steroid sulfates as biomarkers is likely. Recent analytical developments may target sulfated steroids specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Wolf Mueller
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nora Vogg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg(Germany)
| | - Thomas Alec Lightning
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Isabel Weigand
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Cristina L Ronchi
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg(Germany)
| | - Paul A Foster
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg(Germany)
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
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3
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De Wilde L, Van Renterghem P, Van Eenoo P. Long-term stability study and evaluation of intact steroid conjugate ratios after the administration of endogenous steroids. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:851-863. [PMID: 33982451 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The most frequently detected substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) belong to the anabolic steroids class. The most challenging compounds among this class are the endogenous anabolic steroids, which are detected by quantitative measurement of testosterone (T) and its metabolites with a so-called "steroid profiling" method. The current steroid profile is based on the concentrations and ratios of the sum of free and glucuronidated steroids. Recently, our group developed a steroid profiling method for the detection of three free steroids and 14 intact steroid conjugates, including both the glucuronic acid conjugated and sulfated fraction. The study aimed at evaluating the long-term stability of steroid conjugate concentrations and ratios, and the influence of different endogenous steroids on this extended steroid profile. A single dose of oral T undecanoate (TU), topical T gel, topical dihydrotestosterone (DHT) gel, and oral dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was administered to six healthy male volunteers. One additional volunteer with a homozygote deletion of the UGT2B17 gene (del/del genotype) received a single topical dose of T gel. An intramuscular dose of TU was administered to another volunteer. To avoid fluctuation of steroid concentrations caused by variations in urinary flow rates, steroid ratios were calculated and evaluated as possible biomarkers for the detection of endogenous steroid abuse with low doses. Overall, sulfates do not have substantial additional value in prolonging detection times for the investigated endogenous steroids and administration doses. The already monitored glucuronides were overall the best markers and were sufficient to detect the administered steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie De Wilde
- Department Diagnostic Sciences, Doping Control Laboratory (DoCoLab), Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Renterghem
- Department Diagnostic Sciences, Doping Control Laboratory (DoCoLab), Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Van Eenoo
- Department Diagnostic Sciences, Doping Control Laboratory (DoCoLab), Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
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4
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Gray B, Tuckley L, Cutler C, Biddle S, Hudson S, Gower S, Vanhaecke L. Investigations into the analysis of intact drug conjugates in animal sport doping control - Development and assessment of a rapid and economical approach for screening greyhound urine. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:731-742. [PMID: 32052913 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Animal sport doping control laboratories are constantly reviewing ways in which they can improve their service offering whilst ensuring that they remain economically viable. This paper describes the development and assessment of a rapid and economical method for the detection of intact glucuronide conjugates of three anabolic steroids and their metabolites along with three corticosteroids in canine urine. The analysis of intact drug conjugates for animal sport doping control is generally not performed routinely as it presents a number of analytical challenges, not least of which is the lack of availability of appropriate reference standards. Here, we report the development of a UHPLC-MS/MS method using APCI in the negative ion mode for the detection of intact phase II conjugates, including the importance of in vitro incubations in order to provide appropriate reference materials. Cross-validation of the developed method demonstrated that the detection capability of the intact phase II conjugates of stanozolol, boldenone, nandrolone, and their metabolites along with the corticosteroids dexamethasone and methylprednisolone was equivalent to that achieved in routine race-day screens. The new process has been in operation for approximately 2 years and has been used to analyze in excess of 13500 canine urine samples, resulting in a number of positive screening findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported use of a routine screen for intact drug conjugates within animal sport doping control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Gray
- Bob Gray, LGC Ltd, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lisa Tuckley
- Bob Gray, LGC Ltd, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | | | - Simon Biddle
- Bob Gray, LGC Ltd, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Simon Hudson
- Bob Gray, LGC Ltd, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Simon Gower
- Greyhound Board of Great Britain, 6 New Bridge Street, London, UK
| | - Lynn Vanhaecke
- Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
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5
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Obukhova EN, Buryak AK. Determination of Isomers in Doping Control by Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1061934819090077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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6
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Baglai A, Blokland MH, Mol HG, Gargano AF, van der Wal S, Schoenmakers PJ. Enhancing detectability of anabolic-steroid residues in bovine urine by actively modulated online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography – high-resolution mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2018; 1013:87-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2017.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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7
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Screening for anabolic steroids in sports: Analytical strategy based on the detection of phase I and phase II intact urinary metabolites by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2015; 1389:65-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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8
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Kuuranne T, Saugy M, Baume N. Confounding factors and genetic polymorphism in the evaluation of individual steroid profiling. Br J Sports Med 2015; 48:848-55. [PMID: 24764553 PMCID: PMC4033181 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-093510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the fight against doping, steroid profiling is a powerful tool to detect drug misuse with endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids. To establish sensitive and reliable models, the factors influencing profiling should be recognised. We performed an extensive literature review of the multiple factors that could influence the quantitative levels and ratios of endogenous steroids in urine matrix. For a comprehensive and scientific evaluation of the urinary steroid profile, it is necessary to define the target analytes as well as testosterone metabolism. The two main confounding factors, that is, endogenous and exogenous factors, are detailed to show the complex process of quantifying the steroid profile within WADA-accredited laboratories. Technical aspects are also discussed as they could have a significant impact on the steroid profile, and thus the steroid module of the athlete biological passport (ABP). The different factors impacting the major components of the steroid profile must be understood to ensure scientifically sound interpretation through the Bayesian model of the ABP. Not only should the statistical data be considered but also the experts in the field must be consulted for successful implementation of the steroidal module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiia Kuuranne
- Doping Control Laboratory, United Medix Laboratories Ltd., , Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Yan Y, Ubukata M, Cody RB, Holy TE, Gross ML. High-energy collision-induced dissociation by MALDI TOF/TOF causes charge-remote fragmentation of steroid sulfates. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2014; 25:1404-11. [PMID: 24781458 PMCID: PMC4108546 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-014-0901-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A method for structural elucidation of biomolecules dating to the 1980s utilized high-energy collisions (~10 keV, laboratory frame) that induced charge-remote fragmentations (CRF), a class of fragmentations particularly informative for lipids, steroids, surfactants, and peptides. Unfortunately, the capability for high-energy activation has largely disappeared with the demise of magnetic sector instruments. With the latest designs of tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometers (TOF/TOF), however, this capability is now being restored to coincide with the renewed interest in metabolites and lipids, including steroid-sulfates and other steroid metabolites. For these metabolites, structure determinations are required at concentration levels below that appropriate for NMR. To meet this need, we explored CRF with TOF/TOF mass spectrometry for two groups of steroid sulfates, 3-sulfates and 21-sulfates. We demonstrated that the current generation of MALDI TOF/TOF instruments can generate charge-remote fragmentations for these materials. The resulting collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra are useful for positional isomer differentiation and very often allow the complete structure determination of the steroid. We also propose a new nomenclature that directly indicates the cleavage sites on the steroid ring with carbon numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuetian Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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10
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Validated ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitative analysis of total and free thyroid hormones in bovine serum. J Chromatogr A 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2014.04.032 pmid: 24786658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Validated ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitative analysis of total and free thyroid hormones in bovine serum. J Chromatogr A 2014; 1345:164-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2014.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Tudela E, Deventer K, Geldof L, Van Eenoo P. Urinary detection of conjugated and unconjugated anabolic steroids by dilute-and-shoot liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2014; 7:95-108. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tudela
- Ghent University (UGent); Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology; Technologiepark 30 B-9052 Zwijnaarde Belgium
| | - Koen Deventer
- Ghent University (UGent); Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology; Technologiepark 30 B-9052 Zwijnaarde Belgium
| | - Lore Geldof
- Ghent University (UGent); Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology; Technologiepark 30 B-9052 Zwijnaarde Belgium
| | - Peter Van Eenoo
- Ghent University (UGent); Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology; Technologiepark 30 B-9052 Zwijnaarde Belgium
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13
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Gomez C, Fabregat A, Pozo ÓJ, Marcos J, Segura J, Ventura R. Analytical strategies based on mass spectrometric techniques for the study of steroid metabolism. Trends Analyt Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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14
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Galuska CE, Hartmann MF, Sánchez-Guijo A, Bakhaus K, Geyer J, Schuler G, Zimmer KP, Wudy SA. Profiling intact steroid sulfates and unconjugated steroids in biological fluids by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Analyst 2013; 138:3792-801. [PMID: 23671909 DOI: 10.1039/c3an36817c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Within the combined DFG research project "Sulfated Steroids in Reproduction" an analytical method was needed for determining sulfated and unconjugated steroids with highest specificity out of different biological matrices such as aqueous solution, cell lysate and serum. With regard to this analytical challenge, LC-MS-MS presents the technique of choice because it permits (1) analysis of the intact steroid conjugate, (2) allows for simultaneous determination of multiple analytes (profiling, targeted metabolomics approach) and (3) is independent of phenomena such as cross-reactivity. Sample work up consisted of incubation of sample with internal standards (deuterium labeled steroids) followed by solid phase extraction. Only serum samples required a protein precipitation step prior to solid phase extraction. The extract was divided in two parts: six steroid sulfates (E1S, E2S, AS, 16-OH-DHEAS, PREGS, DHEAS) were analyzed by C18aQ-ESI-MS-MS in negative ion mode and eleven unconjugated steroids (E3, 16-OH-DHEA, E1, E2, (4)A, DHEA, T, 17-OH-PREG, Prog, An, PREG) were analyzed by C18-APCI-MS-MS in positive ion mode. For steroid sulfates, we found high sensitivities with LoQ values ranging from 0.08 to 1 ng mL(-1). Unconjugated steroids showed LoQ values between 0.5 and 10 ng mL(-1). Calibration plots showed excellent linearity. Mean intra- and inter-assay CVs were 2.4% for steroid sulfates and 6.4% for unconjugated steroids. Accuracy - determined in a two-level spike experiment - showed mean relative errors of 5.9% for steroid sulfates and 6.1% for unconjugated steroids. In summary, we describe a novel LC-MS-MS procedure capable of profiling six steroid sulfates and eleven unconjugated steroids from various biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Galuska
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetlogy, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgenstrasse 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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15
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Fabregat A, Pozo OJ, Marcos J, Segura J, Ventura R. Use of LC-MS/MS for the Open Detection of Steroid Metabolites Conjugated with Glucuronic Acid. Anal Chem 2013; 85:5005-14. [DOI: 10.1021/ac4001749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreu Fabregat
- Bioanalysis Research Group, IMIM, Hospital del Mar, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar J. Pozo
- Bioanalysis Research Group, IMIM, Hospital del Mar, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Marcos
- Bioanalysis Research Group, IMIM, Hospital del Mar, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Segura
- Bioanalysis Research Group, IMIM, Hospital del Mar, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Ventura
- Bioanalysis Research Group, IMIM, Hospital del Mar, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Abstract
Testosterone is the major circulating androgen in men but exhibits an age-related decline in the ageing male. Late-onset hypogonadism or androgen deficiency syndrome (ADS) is a 'syndromic' disorder including both a persistent low testosterone serum concentration and major clinical symptoms, including erectile dysfunction, low libido, decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, decreased vitality or depressed mood. Given its unspecific symptoms, treatment goals and monitoring parameters, this review will outline the various uncertainties concerning the diagnosis, therapy and monitoring of ADS to date. Literature was identified primarily through searches for specific investigators in the PubMed database. No date or language limits were applied in the literature search for the present review. The current state of research, showing that metabolomics is starting to have an impact not only on disease diagnosis and prognosis but also on drug treatment efficacy and safety monitoring, will be presented, and the application of metabolomics to improve the clinical management of ADS will be discussed. Finally, the scientific opportunities presented by metabolomics and other -omics as novel and promising tools for biomarker discovery and individualised testosterone replacement therapy in men will be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Haring
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Strasse, D-17475 Greifswald, Germany.
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17
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Fabregat A, Pozo OJ, Marcos J, Segura J, Ventura R. Alternative markers for the long-term detection of oral testosterone misuse. Steroids 2011; 76:1367-76. [PMID: 21782838 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2011.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The screening of testosterone misuse in the doping control field is normally performed by the measurement of the ratio between the concentrations of testosterone and epitestosterone excreted as glucuronides (T/E). Despite the satisfactory results obtained with this approach, the measurement of T/E presents some limitations like the long-term detection of oral testosterone administration. Recently, several testosterone metabolites released after basic treatment of the urine have been reported (androsta-1,4-dien-3,17-dione, androsta-4,6-dien-3,17-dione, 17β-hydroxy-androsta-4,6-dien-3-one and 15-androsten-3,17-dione). In the present work, the usefulness of these metabolites for the detection of oral testosterone misuse has been evaluated and compared with the conventional T/E measurement. For this purpose, 173 urine samples collected from healthy volunteers were analysed in order to obtain reference concentrations for the four metabolites released after alkaline treatment. On the other hand, urine samples collected from five volunteers before and after testosterone undecanoate administration were also analysed. Concentrations of androsta-4,6-dien-3,17-dione and 17β-hydroxy-androsta-4,6-dien-3-one showed a similar behaviour as the T/E, allowing the detection of the misuse for several hours after administration. More promising results were obtained by quantifying androsta-1,4-dien-3,17-dione and 15-androsten-3,17-dione. The time in which the concentrations of these analytes could be differentiated from the basal level was between 3 and 6 times longer than the obtained with T/E, as a result, an improvement in the detection of testosterone abuse can be achieved. Moreover, several ratios between these compounds were evaluated. Some of them improved the detection of testosterone misuse when comparing with T/E. The best results were obtained with those ratios involving androsta-1,4-dien-3,17-dione.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreu Fabregat
- Bioanalysis Research Group, IMIM, Hospital del Mar, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Quantification of glucuronidated and sulfated steroids in human urine by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2011; 400:503-16. [PMID: 21380753 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-4779-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2010] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The urinary steroid profile is constituted by anabolic androgenic steroids, including testosterone and its relatives, that are extensively metabolized into phase II sulfated or glucuronidated steroids. The use of liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is an issue for the direct analysis of conjugated steroids, which can be used as urinary markers of exogenous steroid administration in doping analysis, without hydrolysis of the conjugated moiety. In this study, a sensitive and selective ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) method was developed to quantify major urinary metabolites simultaneously after testosterone intake. The sample preparation of the urine (1 mL) was performed by solid-phase extraction on Oasis HLB sorbent using a 96-well plate format. The conjugated steroids were analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MS(E) with a single-gradient elution of 36 min (including re-equilibration time) in the negative electrospray ionization mode. MS(E) analysis involved parallel alternating acquisitions of both low- and high-collision energy functions. The method was validated and applied to samples collected from a clinical study performed with a group of healthy human volunteers who had taken testosterone, which were compared with samples from a placebo group. Quantitative results were also compared to GC-MS and LC-MS/MS measurements, and the correlations between data were found appropriate. The acquisition of full mass spectra over the entire mass range with QTOF mass analyzers gives promise of the opportunity to extend the steroid profile to a higher number of conjugated steroids.
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19
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Pozo OJ, Van Eenoo P, Deventer K, Elbardissy H, Grimalt S, Sancho JV, Hernandez F, Ventura R, Delbeke FT. Comparison between triple quadrupole, time of flight and hybrid quadrupole time of flight analysers coupled to liquid chromatography for the detection of anabolic steroids in doping control analysis. Anal Chim Acta 2010; 684:98-111. [PMID: 21167991 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2010.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Triple quadrupole (QqQ), time of flight (TOF) and quadrupole-time of flight (QTOF) analysers have been compared for the detection of anabolic steroids in human urine. Ten anabolic steroids were selected as model compounds based on their ionization and the presence of endogenous interferences. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were evaluated. QqQ allowed for the detection of all analytes at the minimum required performance limit (MRPL) established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (between 2 and 10 ng mL(-1) in urine). TOF and QTOF approaches were not sensitive enough to detect some of the analytes (3'-hydroxy-stanozolol or the metabolites of boldenone and formebolone) at the established MRPL. Although a suitable accuracy was obtained, the precision was unsatisfactory (RSD typically higher than 20%) for quantitative purposes irrespective of the analyser used. The methods were applied to 30 real samples declared positives either for the misuse of boldenone, stanozolol and/or methandienone. Most of the compounds were detected by every technique, however QqQ was necessary for the detection of some metabolites in a few samples. Finally, the possibility to detect non-target steroids has been explored by the use of TOF and QTOF. The use of this approach revealed that the presence of boldenone and its metabolite in one sample was due to the intake of androsta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione. Additionally, the intake of methandienone was confirmed by the post-target detection of a long-term metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Pozo
- DoCoLab, UGent, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Technologiepark 30, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium.
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Xu L, Qiu S, Sun CJ, Deng QP, Chen HX, Zhou YL, Zhang XX. Determination of epitestosterone in human urine by off-line immunoaffinity solid-phase extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2010; 878:1443-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2010.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2010] [Revised: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Ahonen LL, Haapala M, Saarela V, Franssila S, Kotiaho T, Kostiainen R. Feasibility of capillary liquid chromatography/microchip atmospheric pressure photoionization mass spectrometry in analyzing anabolic steroids in urine samples. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2010; 24:958-964. [PMID: 20209666 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We examined the feasibility of capillary liquid chromatography/microchip atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry (capLC/microAPPI-MS/MS) for the analysis of anabolic steroids in human urine. The urine samples were pretreated by enzymatic hydrolysis (with beta-glucuronidase from Helix pomatia), and the compounds were liquid-liquid extracted with diethyl ether. After separation the compounds were vaporized by microchip APPI, photoionized by a 10 eV krypton discharge lamp, and detected by selected reaction monitoring. The capLC/microAPPI-MS/MS method showed good sensitivity with detection limits at the level of 1.0 ng mL(-1), good linearity with correlation coefficients between 0.9954 and 0.9990, and good repeatability with relative standard deviations below 10%. These results demonstrate that microchip APPI combined with capLC/MS/MS provides a new potential method for analyzing non-polar and neutral compounds in biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda L Ahonen
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Multi-Residue Determination of Eight Anabolic Steroids by GC-MS in Muscle Tissues from Pigs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1671-2927(09)60098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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Gomes RL, Meredith W, Snape CE, Sephton MA. Analysis of conjugated steroid androgens: deconjugation, derivatisation and associated issues. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2009; 49:1133-40. [PMID: 19304432 PMCID: PMC2684592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2009.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2008] [Revised: 12/31/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is the preferred technique for the detection of urinary steroid androgens for drug testing in athletics. Excreted in either the glucuronide or sulfated conjugated form, steroids must first undergo deconjugation followed by derivatisation to render them suitable for GC analysis. Discussed herein are the deconjugation and the derivatisation preparative options. The analytical challenges surrounding these preparatory approaches, in particular the inability to cleave the sulfate moiety have led to a focus on testing protocols that reply on glucuronide conjugates. Other approaches which alleviate the need for deconjugation and derivatisation are also highlighted.
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Key Words
- 13c/12c, stable carbon isotope ratio
- aps, adenosine-5′-phosphate
- atp, adenosine triphosphate
- bstfa, n,o-bis(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide
- dhea, dehydroepiandrosterone
- es, external standard
- fid, flame ionisation detector
- fu, fishman unit
- g, glucuronide
- gc/c/irms, gas chromatography/combustion/isotopic ratio mass spectrometry
- gc/ms, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
- is, internal standard
- iu, international unit
- lc/ms, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
- l–l, liquid–liquid
- mstfa, n-methyl-n-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide
- paps, 3′,5′-phosphoadenosine
- p-pi, pyrophosphate
- s, sulfate
- spe, solid phase extraction
- t/e ratio, testosterone to epitestosterone ratio
- tmcs, trimethylchlorosilane
- tmis, trimethyliodosilane
- tms, trimethylsilyating
- u, unit
- udpga, uridine diphosphoglucuronic acid
- ru, roy unit
- wada, world anti-doping agency
- conjugated steroids
- biological samples
- forensic drug testing
- deconjugation
- derivatisation
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Gomes
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
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Cho SH, Lee J, Choi MH, Lee WY, Chung BC. Determination of urinary androgen glucuronides by capillary electrophoresis with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr 2009; 23:426-33. [DOI: 10.1002/bmc.1132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Fidani M, Gamberini MC, Pasello E, Palazzoli F, De Iuliis P, Montana M, Arioli F. Evaluation of equine urine reactivity towards phase II metabolites of 17-hydroxy steroids by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2009; 23:65-76. [PMID: 19051232 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.3858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Proper storage conditions of biological samples are fundamental to avoid microbiological contamination that can cause chemical modifications of the target analytes. A simple liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method through direct injection of diluted samples, without prior extraction, was used to evaluate the stability of phase II metabolites of boldenone and testosterone (glucuronides and sulphates) in intentionally poorly stored equine urine samples. We also considered the stability of some deuterated conjugated steroids generally used as internal standards, such as deuterated testosterone and epitestosterone glucuronides, and deuterated boldenone and testosterone sulphates. The urines were kept for 1 day at room temperature, to mimic poor storage conditions, then spiked with the above steroids and kept at different temperatures (-18 degrees C, 4 degrees C, room temperature). It has been possible to confirm the instability of glucuronide compounds when added to poorly stored equine urine samples. In particular, both 17beta- and 17alpha-glucuronide steroids were exposed to hydrolysis leading to non-conjugated steroids. Only 17beta-hydroxy steroids were exposed to oxidation to their keto derivatives whereas the 17alpha-hydroxy steroids were highly stable. The sulphate compounds were completely stable. The deuterated compounds underwent the same behaviour as the unlabelled compounds. The transformations were observed in urine samples kept at room temperature and at a temperature of 4 degrees C (at a slower rate). No modifications were observed in frozen urine samples. In the light of the latter results, the immediate freezing at -18 degrees C of the collected samples and their instant analysis after thawing is the proposed procedure for preventing the transformations that occur in urine, usually due to microbiological contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fidani
- UNIRE Lab. Srl, Via Gramsci 70, 20019 Settimo Milanese (MI), Italy
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Mutlib AE. Application of stable isotope-labeled compounds in metabolism and in metabolism-mediated toxicity studies. Chem Res Toxicol 2008; 21:1672-89. [PMID: 18702535 DOI: 10.1021/tx800139z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Stable isotope-labeled compounds have been synthesized and utilized by scientists from various areas of biomedical research during the last several decades. Compounds labeled with stable isotopes, such as deuterium and carbon-13, have been used effectively by drug metabolism scientists and toxicologists to gain better understanding of drugs' disposition and their potential role in target organ toxicities. The combination of stable isotope-labeling techniques with mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which allows rapid acquisition and interpretation of data, has promoted greater use of these stable isotope-labeled compounds in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies. Examples of the use of stable isotope-labeled compounds in elucidating structures of metabolites and delineating complex metabolic pathways are presented in this review. The application of labeled compounds in mechanistic toxicity studies will be discussed by providing an example of how strategic placement of a deuterium atom in a drug molecule mitigated specific-specific renal toxicity. Other examples from the literature demonstrating the application of stable isotope-labeled compounds in understanding metabolism-mediated toxicities are presented. Furthermore, an example of how a stable isotope-labeled compound was utilized to better understand some of the gene changes in toxicogenomic studies is discussed. The interpretation of large sets of data produced from toxicogenomics studies can be a challenge. One approach that could be used to simplify interpretation of the data, especially from studies designed to link gene changes with the formation of reactive metabolites thought to be responsible for toxicities, is through the use of stable isotope-labeled compounds. This is a relatively unexplored territory and needs to be further investigated. The employment of analytical techniques, especially mass spectrometry and NMR, used in conjunction with stable isotope-labeled compounds to establish and understand mechanistic link between reactive metabolite formation, genomic, and proteomic changes and onset of toxicity is proposed. The use of stable isotope-labeled compounds in early human ADME studies as a way of identifying and possibly quantifying all drug-related components present in systemic circulation is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul E Mutlib
- Biotransformation Department, Drug Safety and Metabolism, Wyeth Research, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, USA.
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Sirén H, Seppänen-Laakso T, Orešič M. Capillary electrophoresis with UV detection and mass spectrometry in method development for profiling metabolites of steroid hormone metabolism. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2008; 871:375-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2008.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Revised: 06/02/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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29
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Chen HX, Zhang XX. Antibody development to testosterone and its application in capillary electrophoresis-based immunoassay. Electrophoresis 2008; 29:3406-13. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.200700660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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30
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Hintikka L, Kuuranne T, Leinonen A, Thevis M, Schänzer W, Halket J, Cowan D, Grosse J, Hemmersbach P, Nielen MWF, Kostiainen R. Liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of glucuronide-conjugated anabolic steroid metabolites: method validation and interlaboratory comparison. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2008; 43:965-973. [PMID: 18563858 DOI: 10.1002/jms.1434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method for simultaneous and direct detection of 12 glucuronide-conjugated anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) metabolites in human urine is described. The compounds selected were the main metabolites detected in human urine after dosing of the most widely abused AAS in sports, e.g. methandienone, methenolone, methyltestosterone, nandrolone and testosterone, and certain deuterium-labeled analogs of these metabolites. Sample preparation and the LC-ESI-MS/MS method were optimized, validated, and the overall process was implemented and the results between seven laboratories were compared. All the metabolites were extracted simultaneously by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS with positive ionization mode and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Recovery of the SPE for the AAS glucuronides was 89-100% and ten out of twelve compounds had detection limits in the range of 1-10 ng/ml in urine. The results for inter/intraday repeatability were satisfactory and the interlaboratory comparison with authentic urine samples demonstrated the ease of method transfer from one instrument setup to another. When equivalent triple quadrupole analyzers were employed the overall performance was independent from instrument manufacturer, electrospray ionisation (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and liquid chromatohraphic (LC) column, whereas major differences were encountered when changing from one analyzer type to another, especially in the analysis of those AAS glucuronides ionized mainly as adducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hintikka
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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31
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Strahm E, Rudaz S, Veuthey JL, Saugy M, Saudan C. Profiling of 19-norsteroid sulfoconjugates in human urine by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2008; 613:228-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2008.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2007] [Revised: 02/26/2008] [Accepted: 02/26/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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32
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Pozo OJ, Van Eenoo P, Van Thuyne W, Deventer K, Delbeke FT. Direct quantification of steroid glucuronides in human urine by liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2008; 1183:108-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2008.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2007] [Revised: 01/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Thevis M, Schänzer W. Mass spectrometry in sports drug testing: Structure characterization and analytical assays. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2007; 26:79-107. [PMID: 16888758 DOI: 10.1002/mas.20107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the sensitive, selective, and unambiguous nature of mass spectrometric analyses, chromatographic techniques interfaced to various kinds of mass spectrometers have become the most frequently employed strategy in the fight against doping. To obtain utmost confidence in analytical assays, mass spectrometric characterization of target analytes and typical dissociation pathways have been utilized as basis for the development of reliable and robust screening as well as confirmation procedures. Methods for qualitative and/or quantitative determinations of prohibited low and high molecular weight drugs have been established in doping control laboratories preferably employing gas or liquid chromatography combined with electron, chemical, or atmospheric pressure ionization followed by analyses using quadrupole, ion trap, linear ion trap, or hyphenated techniques. The versatility of modern mass spectrometers enable specific as well as comprehensive measurements allowing sports drug testing laboratories to determine the misuse of therapeutics such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, stimulants, masking agents or so-called designer drugs in athletes' blood or urine specimens, and a selection of recent developments is summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne, Carl-Diem Weg 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany.
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34
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Conneely G, Aherne M, Lu H, Guilbault GG. Development of an immunosensor for the detection of testosterone in bovine urine. Anal Chim Acta 2007; 583:153-60. [PMID: 17386540 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2006.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2006] [Revised: 05/29/2006] [Accepted: 09/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In the presented work, a disposable immunosensor for the detection of testosterone, an endogenous steroid hormone, in bovine urine has been developed using screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Due to concerns over the use of steroid hormones as growth promoters, the EU prohibits their use in food producing animals. Consequently, rigorous screening procedures have been implemented in all member states to detect the illegal administration of such compounds. Competitive immunoassays were developed, initially by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and subsequently transferred to an electrochemical immunosensor format using disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was the enzyme label of choice and chronoamperometric detection was carried out using a tetramethylbenzidine/hydrogen peroxide (TMB/H2O2) substrate system, at +100 mV. The EC50 values obtained for the assay in buffer and urine gave relatively comparable results, 710 pg mL(-1) and 960 pg mL(-1), respectively. The linear range obtained for the assay in buffer extended from 0.03 ng mL(-1) to 40 ng mL(-1); while that in urine ranged from 0.03 ng mL(-1) to 1.6 ng mL(-1). The corresponding limits of detection (LOD) in buffer and urine were 26 pg mL(-1) and 1.8 pg mL(-1). Cross reactivity profiles of the antibody have been examined, with notable cross reactivities with 19-nortestosterone (11.6%) and boldenone (9.86%). Precision studies for the sensor demonstrated adequate reproducibility (CV<13%, n=3) and repeatability (CV<9%, n=3). Recovery data obtained showed good agreement between spiking studies and known concentrations of analyte. Sensors showed stability for 4 days at +4 degrees C. A sensitive, highly specific, inexpensive, disposable immunosensor, showing excellent overall performance for the detection of testosterone in bovine urine, has been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gráinne Conneely
- Sensors Development Group, Department of Chemistry, University College Cork, Ireland
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35
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Pozo OJ, Deventer K, Van Eenoo P, Delbeke FT. Presence of endogenous interferences in the urinary detection of selected anabolic steroids by liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2007; 21:2785-96. [PMID: 17661313 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The use of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) can give several benefits in the urinary detection of anabolic steroids (AS) such as avoiding the derivatization step or the possible direct detection of conjugated AS. However, the presence of endogenous compounds with similar structures can interfere with this detection, thus decreasing the reliability of the method. The circumvention of these interferences by the use of different MS/MS transitions has been studied. For 17alpha-trenbolone, an unusual odd-electron ion has been selected for detection. Using this approach, the interferences have been reduced drastically. The selection of a more specific precursor ion can also help in the circumvention of interferences. This has been shown for 1-testosterone, 5beta-androst-1-ene-17beta-ol-3-one and oxandrolone where the selection of the uncommon [M+H+MeOH](+) as the precursor ion increased the selectivity of the method. In addition, an approach to identify the endogenous interferences if they have corticosteroid or steroid structure has been evaluated. Precursor ion spectra can be used to define the molecular properties of the interferences and to predict whether it is an endogenous steroid or corticosteroid. The use of some restrictions for the structure can be helpful in outlining a feasible hypothesis. This data and the product ions from likely suspects can be used to identify AS. Using this approach, several endogenous interferences have been elucidated in this case study. The knowledge about the structures of these interferences has been found useful to circumvent their detection in the screening method for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Pozo
- DoCoLab, UGent, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Technologiepark 30, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium.
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36
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Amundsen LK, Sirén H. Partial filling micellar electrokinetic chromatography analysis of androgens and testosterone derivatives using two sequential pseudostationary phases. J Chromatogr A 2006; 1131:267-74. [PMID: 16949594 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2006.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2006] [Revised: 06/16/2006] [Accepted: 07/10/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Separation of anabolic and androgenic steroids by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) has been little studied. Simultaneous separation of the endogenous alpha-epimers testosterone and epitestosterone has not been achieved with any electroseparation technique. Here, a partial filling micellar electrokinetic chromatographic (PF-MEKC) method is described for the analysis of three endogenous steroid hormones (androstenedione, testosterone, epitestosterone) and two synthetic anabolic steroids (fluoxymesterone, methyltestosterone). The resolution efficiency of single-isomer sulphated gamma-cyclodextrins and the surfactants sodium dodecyl sulphate and sodium taurocholate was exploited. The method is based on the sequential introduction of short plugs of two different pseudostationary phases into the capillary. The separation was completed in less than 10 min. The method can be used in quantitative analysis. Linear correlation was obtained between concentration and peak area of 0.996 or better. The repeatability (RSD) of the compound peak areas ranged from 3.6% (methyltestosterone) to 6.2% (androstenedione). Limits of detection were between 73 microg/L (testosterone) and 160 microg/L (fluoxymesterone). As a demonstration of the method, androstenedione, testosterone and epitestosterone were determined in a spiked urine sample.
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Thevis M, Schänzer W. Analytik modifizierter Steroidhormone mittels Flüssigkeitschromatographie/Tandem-Massenspektrometrie Analysis of modified steroid hormones using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1515/jlm.2006.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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38
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Kaushik R, Levine B, LaCourse WR. A brief review: HPLC methods to directly detect drug glucuronides in biological matrices (Part I). Anal Chim Acta 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2005.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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39
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Detection of boldenone and its major metabolites by liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry in urine samples. Anal Chim Acta 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2005.06.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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40
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Shao B, Zhao R, Meng J, Xue Y, Wu G, Hu J, Tu X. Simultaneous determination of residual hormonal chemicals in meat, kidney, liver tissues and milk by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2005.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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41
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Buszewski B, Kowalska S, Krupczyńska K. New Generation of Chromatographic Packings and Columns for Determination of Biologically Active Compounds. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2005. [DOI: 10.1080/10408340500207367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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42
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Brambilla G, Filippis SD. Trends in animal feed composition and the possible consequences on residue tests. Anal Chim Acta 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2004.07.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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43
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Buiarelli F, Coccioli F, Merolle M, Neri B, Terracciano A. Development of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the identification of natural androgen steroids and their conjugates in urine samples. Anal Chim Acta 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2004.09.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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44
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Leinonen A, Kuuranne T, Kotiaho T, Kostiainen R. Screening of free 17-alkyl-substituted anabolic steroids in human urine by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Steroids 2004; 69:101-9. [PMID: 15013688 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2003.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2003] [Revised: 06/16/2003] [Accepted: 10/21/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A qualitative liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for screening of the abuse of 4-chlorodehydromethyltestosterone, danazol, fluoxymesterone, formebolone, metandienone, oxandrolone, and stanozolol. The introduced method measures simultaneously nine different 17-alkyl-substituted anabolic androgenic steroids or their unconjugated metabolites in human urine, using methyltestosterone as an internal standard. Sample preparation involved one-step liquid extraction. Liquid chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed-phase column with methanol-water gradient containing 5 mmol/l ammonium acetate and 0.01% (v/v) acetic acid. Compounds were ionized in the positive mode and detected by multiple reaction monitoring. All steroids within the study could be selectively detected in urine with detection limits of 0.1-2.0 ng/ml. The method showed good linearity up to 250 ng/ml with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9947. With simple and fast sample preparation, low limits of detection, and high selectivity and precision, the developed method provides advantages over the present testing methods and has the potential for routine qualitative screening method of unconjugated 17-alkyl-substituted anabolic steroids in human urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Leinonen
- Doping Control Laboratory, United Laboratories Ltd., Helsinki, Finland
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45
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Abstract
Tandem mass spectrometry is becoming an increasingly important analytical technology in the clinical laboratory environment. Applications in toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring have opened the door for tandem mass spectrometry and now we are seeing a vast array of new applications being developed. It has been the combination of tandem mass spectrometry with sample introduction techniques employing atmospheric pressure ionization that has enabled this technology to be readily implemented in the clinical laboratory. Although its major research applications started with pharmacology and proteomics, tandem mass spectrometry is being used for a great variety of analyses from steroids to catecholamines to peptides. As with chromatographic methods, tandem mass spectrometry is most cost effective when groups of compounds need to be measured simultaneously. However as the price/performance of this technology continues to improve, it will become even more widely utilized for clinical laboratory applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent C Dooley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, IWK Health Centre and Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University Medical School, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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46
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Kuuranne T, Kotiaho T, Pedersen-Bjergaard S, Einar Rasmussen K, Leinonen A, Westwood S, Kostiainen R. Feasibility of a liquid-phase microextraction sample clean-up and liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric screening method for selected anabolic steroid glucuronides in biological samples. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2003; 38:16-26. [PMID: 12526002 DOI: 10.1002/jms.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are metabolized extensively in the human body, resulting mainly in the formation of glucuronide conjugates. Current detection methods for AAS are based on gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis of the hydrolyzed steroid aglycones. These analyses require laborious sample preparation steps and are therefore time consuming. Our interest was to develop a rapid and straightforward method for intact steroid glucuronides in biological samples, using liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) sample clean-up and concentration method combined with liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) analysis. The applicability of LPME was optimized for 13 steroid glucuronides, and compared with conventional liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedures. An LC/MS/MS method was developed for the quantitative detection of AAS glucuronides, using a deuterium-labeled steroid glucuronide as the internal standard. LPME, owing to its high specificity, was shown to be better suited than conventional LLE and SPE for the clean-up of urinary AAS glucuronides. The LPME/LC/MS/MS method was fast and reliable, offering acceptable reproducibility and linearity with detection limits in the range 2-20 ng ml(-1) for most of the selected AAS glucuronides. The method was successfully applied to in vitro metabolic studies, and also tested with an authentic forensic urine sample. For a urine matrix the method still has some unsolved problems with specificity, which should be overcome before the method can be reliably used for doping analysis, but still offering additional and complementary data for current GC/MS analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiia Kuuranne
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 56, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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47
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Antignac JP, Le Bizec B, Monteau F, André F. Study of natural and artificial corticosteroid phase II metabolites in bovine urine using HPLC-MS/MS. Steroids 2002; 67:873-82. [PMID: 12231123 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(02)00048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Corticosteroid compounds are widely used therapeutically for their anti-inflammatory properties and sometimes as growth promoters in food producing animals. In the field of drug residue analysis, knowledge of the main metabolic pathways of target analytes improves the efficiency of the corresponding control. Thus, phase II metabolism of corticosteroids, for which very little literature is available, was investigated in cattle. An LC-MS/MS detection method was developed for five commercially available conjugated corticosteroids, permitting direct monitoring during the development of their separation on anion exchange SPE. This separation method is further applicable to other potential urinary conjugated corticosteroids. Because our purpose was not to identify all the existing corticosteroid phase II metabolites, but to obtain their total relative proportions, enzymatic hydrolysis was optimized and performed on each separated fraction (glucuronides and sulfates). Finally, the phase II metabolic profiles of natural and artificial corticosteroids in bovine urine were studied and compared. LC-MS/MS detection with negative electrospray ionization appeared efficient for both glucuronide and sulfate conjugated corticosteroids, and quaternary ammonium stationary phase permitted their effective separation. The experimental design used for optimization of the enzymatic hydrolysis with a purified Helix pomatia preparation demonstrated optimal values for pH 5.2, temperature of 50 degrees C and incubation duration of 4h. Results on bovine urine samples collected on two animals before and after dexamethasone administration showed important differences regarding the proportion of total conjugated forms between endogenous cortisol, endogenous tetrahydrocortisol, and exogenous dexamethasone. This proportion appeared significantly higher for tetrahydrocortisol (40-65%) than cortisol (2-8%) or dexamethasone (4-27%). This innovative methodology demonstrates the suitability of anion exchange SPE and LC-MS/MS for the study of steroid hormones phase II metabolism, and appears promising to investigate metabolic profile differences linked to the hormone administration mode or origin, with direct application in the field of doping controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Antignac
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Nantes, Nantes, France.
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48
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Leinonen A, Kuuranne T, Kostiainen R. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in anabolic steroid analysis--optimization and comparison of three ionization techniques: electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and atmospheric pressure photoionization. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2002; 37:693-698. [PMID: 12125002 DOI: 10.1002/jms.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The applicability of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the detection of the free anabolic steroid fraction in human urine was examined. Electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and atmospheric pressure photoionization methods were optimized regarding eluent composition, ion source parameters and fragmentation. The methods were compared with respect to specificity and detection limit. Although all methods proved suitable, LC/ESI-MS/MS with a methanol-water gradient including 5 mM ammonium acetate and 0.01% acetic acid was found best for the purpose. Multiple reaction monitoring allowed the determination of steroids in urine at low nanogram per milliliter levels. LC/MS/MS exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of free steroids and may be a suitable technique for screening for the abuse of anabolic steroids in sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Leinonen
- Doping Control Laboratory, United Laboratories Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
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49
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Abstract
The use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has recently exploded in various analytic fields, including toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring (although still far behind pharmacokinetics). There is no doubt that LC-MS is currently competing with gas chromatography (GC)-MS for the status of the reference analytic technique in toxicology. This review presents, for the nonspecialist reader, the principles, advantages, and drawbacks of LC-MS systems using atmospheric pressure interfaces. It also gives an overview of the analytic methods for xenobiotics that could be set up with these instruments for clinical or forensic toxicology. In particular, as far as quantitative techniques are concerned, this review tries to underline the large number and variety of drugs or classes of drugs (drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs) or toxic compounds (e.g., pesticides) that can be readily determined using such instruments, the respective merits of the different ionization sources, and the improvements brought about by tandem MS. It also discusses new applications of LC-MS in the field of toxicology, such as "general unknown" screening procedures and mass spectral libraries using LC-atmospheric pressure ionization (API)-MS or MS-MS, presenting the different solutions proposed to overcome the naturally low fragmentation power of API sources. Finally, the opportunities afforded by the most recent or proposed instrument designs are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Marquet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital, CHU Dupeytren, 87042 Limoges, France.
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50
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Abstract
Steroid assays are important for medical diagnosis of diseases related to steroid disturbances and abuse. This article reviews the recent progress in analytical methods for steroids in the clinical laboratory. The requirements for these methods are rapid, highly sensitive, specific, direct assay of conjugated steroids, the simultaneous analysis, identification of unknown steroids, and ultra-miniaturization of the separation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Nozaki
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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