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Pálinkás Z, Békési D, Utczás M. Quantitation of Ecdysterone and Targeted Analysis of WADA-Prohibited Anabolic Androgen Steroids, Hormones, and Metabolic Modulators in Ecdysterone-Containing Dietary Supplements. SEPARATIONS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/separations10040242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of our research was to perform a comprehensive study of ecdysterone (ECD)-containing dietary supplements (DSs). Two analytical methods were optimised according to the expected concentration of the target compounds: quantitation of ECD by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to diode array detector (DAD), and limit test for 47 World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited by LC coupled with tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS). For quantitation of ECD, the method was fully validated with outstanding performance characteristics (LOD: 35 µg·g−1, LOQ: 115 µg·g−1, CV% < 5%), resulting in significantly lower LOD and shorter runtime than published previously. For limit tests, a chromatographic method was developed to obtain excellent separation, while MS/MS parameters were optimised to allow the lowest possible reporting limit (RL: 0.6–10 ng·g−1 or mL−1). Twenty-one ecdysterone-containing DSs from ten brands were analysed. In all cases, the measured ECD content was much lower than labelled, and 20% of the samples contained a prohibited substance. The concentration of ecdysterone and contaminations varied randomly from batch to batch. The developed methods help to prevent the use of contaminated or useless DSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Pálinkás
- Center for Sports Nutrition Science (CSNS), Hungarian University of Sports Science, Alkotás u. 42-48, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Békési
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Semmelweis, Üllői út 26, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Margita Utczás
- Center for Sports Nutrition Science (CSNS), Hungarian University of Sports Science, Alkotás u. 42-48, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
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Magnolini R, Falcato L, Cremonesi A, Schori D, Bruggmann P. Fake anabolic androgenic steroids on the black market - a systematic review and meta-analysis on qualitative and quantitative analytical results found within the literature. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1371. [PMID: 35842594 PMCID: PMC9288681 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13734-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Supraphysiologic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely used to improve body image and sport performance goals. These substances can easily be acquired over the internet, leading to a substantial black market. We reviewed literature that assessed the quality and quantity of AAS found on the black market. Methods We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Google Scholar for articles published before March 2022. Additional hand searches were conducted to obtain studies not found in the primary literature search. Studies were included if they report on qualitative and/or quantitative analytical findings of AAS from the black market. Primary outcomes were proportions of counterfeit or substandard AAS. Eligible articles were extracted; quality appraisal was done using the ToxRTool for in-vitro studies. We used random-effects models to calculate the overall mean estimates for outcomes. The review protocol has been published and registered in INPLASY. Results Overall, 19 studies, which in total comprised 5,413 anabolic samples, met the inclusion criteria, and passed the quality appraisal from two WHO world regions that reported findings, the Americas and Europe. Most studies were nonclinical laboratory studies (95%) and provided samples seized by authorities (74%). In 18 articles, proportions of counterfeit substances and in eight articles, proportions of substandard substances were presented. The overall mean estimate for counterfeit anabolic steroids found on the black market was 36% (95% CI = 29, 43). An additional 37% (95% CI = 17, 63) were of substandard quality. We also demonstrate that these drugs could contain no active ingredient, or in another amount than that labeled, a wrong active ingredient, as well as not all or more active ingredients than were labeled. High heterogeneity among all analyses and significant differences between geographical subgroups were found. Conclusion With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we demonstrate that substantial mean proportions of black-market AAS are counterfeit and of substandard quality. These products pose a considerable individual and public health threat, and the very wide range in proportions of fake black-market AAS puts the user in a situation of unpredictable uncertainty. There is a great need for future prevention and harm-reduction programs to protect users from these substances. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13734-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Magnolini
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Schützengasse 31, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Luis Falcato
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Schützengasse 31, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessio Cremonesi
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children's Hospital Zurich - Eleonore Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Schori
- Department of Social Welfare, Drug Information Centre 'DIZ', City of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philip Bruggmann
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Schützengasse 31, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Fabresse N, Gheddar L, Kintz P, Knapp A, Larabi IA, Alvarez JC. Analysis of pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements seized from the black market among bodybuilders. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 322:110771. [PMID: 33838562 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Substandard/counterfeit drugs are a growing global problem. According to the World Health Organisation, counterfeit medicines are medicines that are mislabelled deliberately and fraudulently regarding their identity and/or source. In high income countries, drugs seized are mainly represented by performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs). The aim of this study was to present the qualitative and quantitative results of toxicological analyses of pharmaceutical and dietary supplements seized from the black market among bodybuilders in France. All dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals seized from the black market and addressed to the laboratory for a qualitative and quantitative analysis between January 2016 and December 2019 were included in the study. A screening was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Identified compounds were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. One hundred and ten products were seized and submitted to the laboratory for identification of active compounds and quantification: 75 pharmaceuticals and 35 dietary supplements. This included 39 oily and 3 aqueous solutions for intramuscular injection, 34 tablets, 13 capsules, 14 powders, 4 liquids and 3 lyophilizates. Among the pharmaceuticals, 25/75 (33%) were substandard (dosage not on the acceptable range defined for original products), 24/75 (32%) were counterfeit (qualitative formulation does not match the label) and 14/75 (19%) were original (qualitative formulation and levels of active ingredients fully matches the declared formulation. The analysis of the 12 remaining products revealed a correct qualitative content for 11/75 (15%), but quantitation could not be carried out because of the lack of reference standards at the time of the analysis. Fifty-four pharmaceuticals contained anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Four out of 54 (7.4%) AAS were found as original, 8/54 (15%) could not be quantified (one with wrong active ingredient), corresponding to 43/54 (80%) AAS being non-original. In contrast, only 1/35 dietary supplement (3%) was adulterated, with a doping substance (1,3-dimethylbutylamine, DMBA). This work allows to show that France is not spared by the trafficking of PIEDs. The use of counterfeit drugs in mainstream population is an underestimated public health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Fabresse
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie - Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, FHU Sepsis, AP-HP, 104 boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France; Plateforme de Spectrométrie de Masse MassSpecLab, INSERM UMR 1173, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université Paris-Saclay (Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), 2 avenue de la source de la Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | | | - Pascal Kintz
- Institut de médecine légale, Strasbourg, France; X-Pertise Consulting, Mittelhausbergen, France
| | - Adeline Knapp
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie - Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, FHU Sepsis, AP-HP, 104 boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France
| | - Islam Amine Larabi
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie - Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, FHU Sepsis, AP-HP, 104 boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France
| | - Jean-Claude Alvarez
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie - Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Raymond Poincaré, FHU Sepsis, AP-HP, 104 boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France; Plateforme de Spectrométrie de Masse MassSpecLab, INSERM UMR 1173, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université Paris-Saclay (Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), 2 avenue de la source de la Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.
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4
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Lemos VF, Ortiz RS, Limberger RP. Forensic analysis of anabolic steroids tablets composition using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (µATR-FTIR) mapping. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:837-845. [PMID: 33502006 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The use of falsified and unregistered drugs is a worldwide public health problem. Because these global market products usually do not follow the Good Manufacturing Practices required by health legislation, its composition may be completely different from the original or may contain relevant concentrations of impurities and toxic contaminants. Since anabolic steroids are among the main irregular therapeutic classes seized in Brazil, here we propose a new methodology for analyzing these products, in tablets form, using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy (µATR-FTIR) mapping. Spectra were acquired from solid tablets by attenuated total reflection, through point mapping methodology. In data processing, a characteristic absorption band for each Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) was integrated and plotted to create its distribution map. This technique was applied in an unprecedented way for the forensic analysis of anabolic steroids and proved to be effective in distinguishing falsified products based on the detection of their APIs. It was possible to detect APIs in 26 out of 30 samples, five of which were classified as falsified only through µATR-FTIR analysis. We were able to create distribution maps of the detected substances associating the microspectroscopic results with characteristic band integration method, which can be used to detect substances and to study samples' homogeneity. We concluded that this methodology is promising for the analysis of anabolic steroid tablets, and can be used in a complementary way with techniques already consolidated in forensic laboratory routine for a better classification of questioned samples between authentic and falsified ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Ferreira Lemos
- General Institute of Forensics of Rio Grande do Sul - IGP-RS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Scorsatto Ortiz
- Rio Grande do Sul Superintendence, Brazilian Federal Police, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Brazilian National Institute of Forensic Science and Technology - INCT FORENSE, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Renata Pereira Limberger
- Department of Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Brazilian National Institute of Forensic Science and Technology - INCT FORENSE, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Micalizzi G, Huszti K, Pálinkás Z, Mandolfino F, Martos É, Dugo P, Mondello L, Utczás M. Reliable identification and quantification of anabolic androgenic steroids in dietary supplements by using gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:128-139. [PMID: 32959986 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present research was the identification and quantification of specific anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) and other sterane structured compounds in dietary supplements (DSs). The adulteration of DSs by these compounds is of a particular concern in athletes, because it might lead to a positive doping result. The research was focused on the optimization of a highly sensitive and selective GC-based analytical strategy using triple quadrupole MS as detector. Chromatographic method and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions of 28 target compounds were optimized. Sample clean-up was carried out by using a solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure, while the derivatization of AASs was performed by using N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA). The method was validated, and the following parameters were investigated: linearity range, limit of detection, accuracy, and precision expressed in terms of intra-day precision. The calibration curves were evaluated by using regression model and resulting in a good determination coefficients (R2 ≥ 0.9912). The residuals were scattered randomly around zero. The limits of detection (LODs) were lower than 7.0 ng g-1 or ng ml-1 . The accuracy assessment was evaluated in different forms of DSs characterized by high sample-to-sample variability (liquid, powder, tablet, capsule, protein, and herbal-based). Intra-day assay precision was in all cases lower than 20%. The developed analytical method was successfully applied to the analysis of 67 commercially available dietary supplements. In five cases, one or more steroid-type compounds were found in the concentration of 5 ng g-1 -100 μg g-1 , which might result adverse analytical findings in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Micalizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Katalin Huszti
- Center of Sports Nutrition Science (CSN), University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Pálinkás
- Center of Sports Nutrition Science (CSN), University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Filippo Mandolfino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Foundation A. Imbesi c/o University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Éva Martos
- Center of Sports Nutrition Science (CSN), University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Paola Dugo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Chromaleont s.r.l., c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Mondello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Chromaleont s.r.l., c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Unit of Food Science and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy.,BeSep s.r.l., c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Margita Utczás
- Center of Sports Nutrition Science (CSN), University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary.,Chromaleont s.r.l., c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Heinsvig PJ, Nielsen LS, Lindholst C. Development of a method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for profiling of oil-based androgenic anabolic steroid products. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1620:460989. [PMID: 32151414 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.460989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A GC-MS based analytical method was developed for the profiling of oil-based AAS products using 15 organic constituents as target compounds. A total of 219 compounds were identified in 109 seized AAS products, among them 15 target compounds were selected. The selection was based on each compound's occurrence, reproducibility, and variance between products. The 15 target compounds did not include the active steroid itself, but only compounds found in the carrier oil. The subsequent method validation included assessment of specificity, linearity, precision, robustness and sample stability. The method was finally applied for the classification of a set of 27 seizures of AAS products supplied by the police. The classification was based on the Pearson correlation coefficient using pre-treated peak area data from the 15 target compounds. A successful classification was obtained, with only a small overlap between linked and unlinked samples. A 1% false-positive rate could be obtained at a threshold of 0.625 in terms of the Pearson distance. The present study thus demonstrates that it is possible to profile and classify AAS products with regard to a common origin. As the profiling method is not specific with regards to the steroid content, it may potentially be used to profile and compare other kinds of oil-based liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Johansson Heinsvig
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section for Toxicology and Drug Analysis, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Louise Stride Nielsen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section for Toxicology and Drug Analysis, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christian Lindholst
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section for Toxicology and Drug Analysis, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
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Ribeiro MVDM, Boralle N, Felippe LG, Pezza HR, Pezza L. 1H NMR determination of adulteration of anabolic steroids in seized drugs. Steroids 2018; 138:47-56. [PMID: 30003910 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Counterfeiting and adulteration of pharmaceuticals is a prevalent problem worldwide and represents a major health risk to the population, with anabolic steroids being one of the main classes of drugs consumed and obtained from dubious sources. In this work, we propose the use of the 1H NMR technique to evaluate formulations containing anabolic steroids, with analysis of 40 samples of anabolic drugs that are used in injectable and capsule forms. The samples analyzed presented the following active ingredients: testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate, testosterone decanoate, testosterone cypionate, testosterone undecanoate, stanozolol, drostanolone propionate, trenbolone acetate, oxymetholone, and methandrostenolone. The 1H NMR spectroscopic measurements were performed using a 600 MHz Bruker Avance III spectrometer, with deuterated chloroform (CDCl3) containing 0.1% TMS as solvent. Of the 40 samples analyzed, eight did not show the presence of the active principle stated on the label. Three types of adulteration were found in the analyzed samples: absence of the active ingredient, adulteration with other substances, and concentration values below those indicated on the label. Sildenafil citrate was found in four samples. The GC-MS technique was used to confirm the adulteration results found using 1H NMR. Quantitative determination by NMR was performed using internal standard and ERETIC 2 methods, and the results obtained were statistically the same.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nivaldo Boralle
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", 14800-060 Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Lidiane Gaspareto Felippe
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", 14800-060 Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Helena Redigolo Pezza
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", 14800-060 Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Pezza
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", 14800-060 Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
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Neves DBDJ, Caldas ED. GC–MS quantitative analysis of black market pharmaceutical products containing anabolic androgenic steroids seized by the Brazilian Federal Police. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 275:272-281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Hanley Santos G, Coomber R. The risk environment of anabolic-androgenic steroid users in the UK: Examining motivations, practices and accounts of use. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 40:35-43. [PMID: 27955960 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The numbers using illicit anabolic-androgenic steroids are a cause of concern for those seeking to reduce health harms. Using the 'risk environment' as a conceptual framework to better comprehend how steroid users' practices and perspectives impact on health risks, this paper examines steroid user motivations, patterns of use, and the ways in which these practices are accounted for. METHODS As part of a wider mixed-method study into performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) use and supply in one mid-sized city in South West England, qualitative interviews were undertaken with 22 steroid users. Participants were recruited from a local safer injecting service, rather than bodybuilding gyms, in order to access a wider cross-section of steroid users. A limitation of this approach is potential sample bias towards those showing more health optimising behaviours. RESULTS The research findings highlight that patterns of steroid use varied according to motivation for use, experience and knowledge gained. Most reported having had little or no knowledge on steroids prior to use, with first use being based on information gained from fellow users or suppliers-sometimes inaccurate or incomplete. In accounting for their practices, many users differentiated themselves from other groups of steroid users-for example, older users expressed concern over patterns of use of younger and (what they saw as) inexperienced steroid users. Implicit in these accounts were intimations that the 'other' group engaged in riskier behaviour than they did. CONCLUSION Examining social contexts of use and user beliefs and motivations is vital to understanding how 'risk' behaviours are experienced so that this, in turn, informs harm reduction strategies. This paper examines the ways in which use of steroids is socially situated and the implications of this for policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisella Hanley Santos
- School of Law, Criminology and Government, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Ross Coomber
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt Campus, Queensland 4122, Australia
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Cho SH, Park HJ, Lee JH, Do JA, Heo S, Jo JH, Cho S. Determination of anabolic-androgenic steroid adulterants in counterfeit drugs by UHPLC-MS/MS. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2015; 111:138-46. [PMID: 25880245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) have been illegally used in counterfeit drugs to improve the performance of athletes. In addition, AASs have been used for cosmetic purpose by non-athletes. To determine the presence of 26 AASs, an analysis method using ultra-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. The validated method was applied to 19 counterfeit drugs collected from the Internet and off-line markets during 2014. Nearly 50% (9/19) of the samples contained one of these 26 AASs. In addition, the concentration ranges of the AASs ranged from 0.09 to 119,228.57 mg/kg in the suspected samples. The determined AASs primarily consisted of testosterone and testosterone 17-propionate (26%) followed by boldenone (21%). These results indicate the adulteration of over-the-counter counterfeit drugs, and the continuous monitoring of counterfeit drugs or dubious dietary supplements containing anabolic steroids is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Hyun Cho
- Advanced Analysis Team, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung Joon Park
- Advanced Analysis Team, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Advanced Analysis Team, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ah Do
- Advanced Analysis Team, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Heo
- Advanced Analysis Team, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hwa Jo
- Advanced Analysis Team, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyeul Cho
- Advanced Analysis Team, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 363-700, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Incidence of anabolic steroid counterfeiting in Brazil. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 228:e81-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 02/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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