1
|
Goodrum JM, Peek K, Moore C, Eichner D, Miller GD. Is blood blood? Comparing quantitation of endogenous steroids and luteinizing hormone in concurrently collected venous serum and Tasso+ SST capillary serum samples. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38794805 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The monitoring of endogenous steroids in urine has been an important component of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) for the last decade. Recently, the quantitation of endogenous steroids in blood has been incorporated into the ABP to increase sensitivity in circumstances where the excretion of urinary ABP biomarkers is low. Current ABP guidelines mandate the use of venous blood draws for blood steroid sample collections, however, recent efforts have focused on investigating the use of less invasive sample collection methods, such as capillary blood collected from the upper arm. The focus of this study was to compare the analytical results of venous and capillary blood collected weekly from 20 individuals, 10 males and 10 females, over six weeks. The two primary biomarkers of the blood steroid ABP module, testosterone (T) and the testosterone/androstenedione (T/A4) ratio, were compared, as well as luteinizing hormone (LH) and the T/LH ratio in male participants, two biomarkers known to be responsive to T use. All biomarkers showed excellent agreement between venous and capillary blood. Longitudinal stability between sample types within individuals was also comparable for all biomarkers. Finally, storage of simultaneously collected capillary samples at room temperature and frozen conditions was compared with evaluate the potential impact of non-cold chain shipping conditions. Most biomarkers showed excellent agreement between frozen and room temperature storage conditions. These results indicate capillary blood collections represent a promising alternative to venous blood collections for the blood steroid module of the ABP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Goodrum
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Katy Peek
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Chad Moore
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Daniel Eichner
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Miller
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ponzetto F, Parasiliti-Caprino M, Leoni L, Marinelli L, Nonnato A, Nicoli R, Kuuranne T, Ghigo E, Mengozzi G, Settanni F. LC-MS/MS measurement of endogenous steroid hormones and phase II metabolites in blood volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) for doping control purposes. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 557:117890. [PMID: 38537673 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.117890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) is emerging as a valuable technique in the collection of dried biological specimens, offering a potential alternative to traditional sampling methods. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of 30 μL VAMS for the measurement of endogenous steroid hormones. METHODS A novel LC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantification of 18 analytes in VAMS samples, including main endogenous free steroids and phase II metabolites of androgens. The method underwent validation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requirements. Subsequently, it was applied to authentic VAMS samples obtained from 20 healthy volunteers to assess the stability of target analytes under varying storage conditions. RESULTS The validation protocol assessed method's selectivity, matrix effect, extraction recovery, quantitative performance, carry-over and robustness. The analysis of authentic samples demonstrated the satisfactory stability of monitored steroids in VAMS stored at room temperature, 4 °C, -20 °C and -80 °C for up to 100 days and subjected to up to 3 freezing-thawing cycles. CONCLUSIONS The validated LC-MS/MS method demonstrated its suitability for the measurement of steroids in dried blood VAMS. The observed stability of steroidal compounds suggests promising prospects for future applications of VAMS, both in anti-doping contexts and clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ponzetto
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Mirko Parasiliti-Caprino
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Leoni
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonello Nonnato
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Raul Nicoli
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine Geneva and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine Geneva and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulio Mengozzi
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, City of Health and Science University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Settanni
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, City of Health and Science University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Loria F, Grabherr S, Kuuranne T, Leuenberger N. Use of RNA biomarkers in the antidoping field. Bioanalysis 2024; 16:475-484. [PMID: 38497758 PMCID: PMC11216508 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2023-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that various RNA molecules can serve as biomarkers for clinical diagnoses. Over the last decade, the high specificities and sensitivities of RNA biomarkers have led to proposals that they could be used to detect prohibited substances and practices in sports. mRNAs and circulating miRNAs have the potential to improve the detection of doping and expand the performance of the Athlete Biological Passport. This review provides a summary of the use of RNA biomarkers to detect human and equine doping practices, including a discussion of the use of dried blood spots as a stable matrix that supports and improves the general process of RNA biomarker detection. The advantages of RNA biomarkers over protein biomarkers are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Loria
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne & Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, 1000, Switzerland
| | - Silke Grabherr
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne & Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, 1000, Switzerland
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne & Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, 1000, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Leuenberger
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne & Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, 1000, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Langer T, Nicoli R, Schweizer-Grundisch C, Grabherr S, Kuuranne T, Musenga A. Comparison of analytical approaches for the detection of oral testosterone undecanoate administration in men. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38205661 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
For antidoping laboratories, the determination of an illicit testosterone (T) administration in urine samples remains a difficult process as it requires the determination of the exogenous origin by carbon isotope ratios (CIRs) of testosterone and its metabolites. As a complement to the urinary analysis, targeting testosterone esters (e.g. testosterone undecanoate [TU]) in serum samples by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) could represent a simpler approach compared with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). These two approaches both lead to the direct detection of the administration of exogenous T but with a difference in effort and complexity of the analysis. To compare the detection window obtained with the two strategies, serum and the corresponding urine samples collected from an administration study with oral TU were analysed. Results showed that, at all timepoints where the intact TU was detected in serum, the CIRs of urinary steroids were also not in agreement with an endogenous origin. IRMS analysis required more effort but resulted in slightly longer detection windows than the ester analysis. Finally, this comparison study showed that, in the presence of a suspicious urinary steroid profile, the LC-MS/MS steroid esters analysis in the corresponding serum samples can be very helpful. If steroid esters are not detected, the IRMS analysis can then be conducted on the urine sample afterwards. Overall, the combination of matrices might facilitate the detection of prohibited T administration in sports, especially for athletes with naturally low T/E ratios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Langer
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Raul Nicoli
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carine Schweizer-Grundisch
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silke Grabherr
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Musenga
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H. Annual banned-substance review 16 th edition-Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing 2022/2023. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:5-29. [PMID: 37985429 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
In this 16th edition of the annual banned-substance review on analytical approaches in human sports drug testing, literature on recent developments in this particular section of global anti-doping efforts that was published between October 2022 and September 2023 is summarized and discussed. Most recent additions to the continuously growing portfolio of doping control analytical approaches and investigations into analytical challenges in the context of adverse analytical findings are presented, taking into account existing as well as emerging challenges in anti-doping, with specific focus on substances and methods of doping recognized in the World Anti-Doping Agency's 2023 Prohibited List. As in previous years, focus is put particularly on new or enhanced analytical options in human doping controls, appreciating the exigence and core mission of anti-doping and, equally, the conflict arising from the opposingly trending extent of the athlete's exposome and the sensitivity of instruments nowadays commonly available in anti-doping laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Genève and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bressan C, Alechaga É, Monfort N, Ventura R. Evaluation of sulfate metabolites as markers of topical testosterone administration in Caucasian and Asian populations. Drug Test Anal 2023. [PMID: 38012839 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Sulfate metabolites of endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids (EAAS) have been shown to prolong the detection times compared with the conventional urinary markers of the steroid profile for oral and intramuscular administrations of testosterone (T). In this work, the sensitivity of sulfate EAAS markers for the detection of T gel administration has been evaluated in six Caucasian and six Asian male volunteers. Fourteen sulfate metabolites were measured in basal and post-administration samples after multiple doses of T gel (100 mg/day, three consecutive days), and the detection times based on individual thresholds for each volunteer were evaluated. Sulfate concentrations did not show adequate sensitivity, but the results of sulfate ratios were much more promising. Androsterone sulfate/testosterone sulfate (A-S/T-S), epiandrosterone sulfate/epitestosterone sulfate (epiA-S/E-S), epiA-S/T-S, and etiocholanolone sulfate/epitestosterone sulfate (Etio-S/E-S) provided the most consistent detectability for all volunteers and populations, with detection times ranging from 60 to 96 h since the first dose. Additional ratios improved detectability to up to 7 days, but only in particular volunteers. In general, sensitivity was similar to or better than the conventional testosterone/epitestosterone ratio (T/E) of the steroid profile, which further reinforces the conclusion that sulfate EAAS metabolites can be a good complement for the current steroid profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bressan
- Catalonian Antidoping Laboratory, Doping Control Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Élida Alechaga
- Catalonian Antidoping Laboratory, Doping Control Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Monfort
- Catalonian Antidoping Laboratory, Doping Control Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Ventura
- Catalonian Antidoping Laboratory, Doping Control Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Goodrum JM, Moore C, Crouch AK, Eichner D, Miller GD. Influence of multiple human chorionic gonadotropin administrations on serum and urinary steroid Athlete Biological Passport profiles in males. Drug Test Anal 2023; 15:1371-1381. [PMID: 37749856 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is a longitudinal tool used in anti-doping to monitor biological parameters known to change with performance-enhancing drug use. The ABP consists of multiple modules, including two aimed at detecting the use of endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids: the urinary and serum steroid modules. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a protein hormone potentially abused by male athletes to increase the production of endogenous testosterone. To date, no studies have investigated the impact of extended hCG administration on the urinary and serum steroid modules of the ABP. The goal of this study was to identify the impact of multiple hCG administrations on the parameters tracked as part of the urinary and serum steroid modules of the ABP. Ten recreationally active, healthy male individuals self-administered seven 250 μg hCG injections over 3 weeks. Serum and urine samples were collected before, during, and 2 weeks following the final injection. All ABP parameters were quantified in the respective matrix, and steroid profiles were created with Anti-Doping Administration and Management System adaptive model upper and lower limits for both matrices. In both serum and urine profiles, testosterone increased; however, the testosterone/epitestosterone ratio in urine and the testosterone/androstenedione ratio in serum showed minimal changes. Additionally, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) was quantified using an immunoassay, and a serum testosterone/LH ratio was generated. Serum LH values decreased during administration causing large increases in the serum T/LH ratio, indicating this ratio may be a more sensitive parameter for detecting hCG abuse than urinary testosterone/epitestosterone or serum testosterone/androstenedione.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Goodrum
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Chad Moore
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Andre K Crouch
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Daniel Eichner
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Miller
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, South Jordan, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|