High-sensitivity chemiluminescence immunoassays for detection of growth hormone doping in sports

Detection of the GH analog somatrogon in sports drug testing: Immunological approaches and LC-HRMS/MS

Due to the presumed lipolytic and anabolic properties, the misuse of human growth hormone (hGH) and its synthetic analogs in sports is prohibited both in- and out-of-competition. Within this research project, the detectability of somatrogon, a recombinant fusion glycoprotein of 22 kDa hGH and the C-terminal peptide (CTP) of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) β-subunit, with current WADA-approved doping control assays for hGH and hCG was investigated. For that purpose, cross-reactivity tests and a somatrogon administration study were conducted, and only "Kit 2" of the GH isoform differential immunoassays proved applicable to the detection of somatrogon administration in serum. In urine, the immunoassay specific for total hCG yielded presumptively positive findings for several post-administration samples, which can probably be attributed to the presence of an immunoreactive fragment of the hCG β-subunit. As the detectability of somatrogon with these approaches was found to be limited, a highly specific detection assay (LOD: 10 ng/mL) for the drug in serum samples was developed by using affinity purification with GH receptor (GHR)-conjugated magnetic beads, proteolytic digestion, and liquid chromatography high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS). Following optimization, the approach was comprehensively characterized, and authentic post-administration serum samples were successfully analyzed as proof-of-concept, indicating a detection window of at least 96 h. Consequently, the presented method can be employed to confirm the presence of somatrogon in serum samples, where only "Kit 2" of the currently used immunoassay kits yielded an abnormally high Rec/Pit ratio.

Recent advances in mass spectrometry for the detection of doping

INTRODUCTION

The analysis of doping control samples is preferably performed by mass spectrometry, because obtained results meet the highest analytical standards and ensure an impressive degree of reliability. The advancement in mass spectrometry and all its associated technologies thus allow for continuous improvements in doping control analysis.

AREAS COVERED

Modern mass spectrometric systems have reached a status of increased sensitivity, robustness, and specificity within the last decade. The improved sensitivity in particular has, on the other hand, also led to the detection of drug residues that were attributable to scenarios where the prohibited substances were not administered consciously but rather by the unconscious ingestion of or exposure to contaminated products. These scenarios and their doubtless clarification represent a great challenge. Here, too, modern MS systems and their applications can provide good insights in the interpretation of dose-related metabolism of prohibited substances. In addition to the development of new instruments itself, software-assisted analysis of the sometimes highly complex data is playing an increasingly important role and facilitating the work of doping control laboratories.

EXPERT OPINION

The sensitive analysis and evaluation of a higher number of samples in a shorter time is made possible by the ongoing developments in mass spectrometry.

A combined top-down and bottom-up LC-HRMS/MS method for the quantification of human growth hormone in plasma and serum

OBJECTIVE

The precise and accurate quantification of human growth hormone (GH) in plasma/ serum is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like GH deficiency or acromegaly. However, the ligand-binding assays (LBAs) currently used for routine testing show considerable methodological variability. Here, we present a complementary, combined top-down and bottom-up LC-MS-based method to quantify (intact) GH in plasma and serum, which concurrently provides a basis for a MS-based analysis of GH in doping controls.

DESIGN

Extraction of GH from plasma/ serum was accomplished by protein precipitation, followed by an immunocapture step using protein A-coupled magnetic beads and a polyclonal anti-GH antibody. The intact protein was subsequently analyzed top-down on a 2D-LC-HRMS/MS system. In addition, sample extracts were digested with trypsin and analyzed for signal peptides corresponding to 'total', 22 kDa and 20 kDa GH (bottom-up). Both assays were validated according to current guidelines and compared to the GH isoform differential immunoassay used in routine doping control analysis. GH concentrations in serum samples of healthy adults, patients with acromegaly, and in samples obtained after administration of recombinant GH were analyzed as proof-of-principle.

RESULTS

The intact monomeric 22 kDa isoform of GH was selectively quantified in a representative working range of 0.5 to 10 ng/ml by top-down LC-HRMS/MS. Subsequent bottom-up analysis provided additional data on 'total' and 20 kDa GH. Top-down and bottom-up assay results for the 22 kDa isoform correlated well with the corresponding immunoassay results (R2 > 0.95). For a possible application of the method in an anti-doping context, the ratio between 22 kDa and 'total' GH was evaluated, indicating differences between the various donor groups, but only with limited significance.

CONCLUSION

The top-down and bottom-up LC-HRMS/MS method developed here presents a valuable tool for the quantification of GH in plasma/ serum complementary to established LBAs used at present in clinical measurements. Albeit the examination of the GH isoform proportions by the LC-MS method does not yet allow for the assessment of GH abuse, the obtained findings provide an important basis to enable LC-MS-based GH analysis of doping control samples in the future.

DropWise: current role and future perspectives of dried blood spots (DBS), blood microsampling, and their analysis in sports drug testing

For decades, blood testing has been an integral part of routine doping controls. The breadth of information contained in blood samples has become considerably more accessible for anti-doping purposes over the last 10 years through technological advancements regarding analytical instrumentation as well as enhanced sample collection systems. Particularly, microsampling of whole blood and serum, for instance as dried blood spots (DBS), has opened new avenues in sports drug testing and substantially increased the availability and cost-effectiveness of doping control specimens. Thus, microvolume blood specimens possess the potential to improve monitoring of blood hormone and drug levels, support evaluation of circulating drug concentrations in competition, and enhance the stability of labile markers and target analytes in blood passport analyses as well as peptide hormone and steroid ester detection. Further, the availability of the fraction of lysed erythrocytes for anti-doping purposes warrants additional investigation, considering the sequestering capability of red blood cells (RBCs) for certain substances, as a complementary approach in support of the clean sport.

Growth hormone concentration and risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: The REasons for Geographic And Racial Disparities in Stroke (REGARDS) study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Identifying individuals at elevated risk for mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease, may help guide testing and treatment. Risk factors for mortality differ by sex and race. We investigated the association of growth hormone (GH) with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a racially diverse cohort in the United States.

METHODS

Among an age, sex and race stratified subgroup of 1046 Black and White participants from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Disparities in Stroke (REGARDS) study, 881 had GH available; values were log2 transformed. Associations with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were assessed in the whole subgroup, and by sex and race, using multivariable Cox-proportional hazard models and C-index.

RESULTS

The mean age was 67.4 years, 51.1% were women, and 50.2% were Black participants. The median GH was 280 (interquartile range 79-838) ng/L. There were 237 deaths and 74 cardiovascular deaths over a mean of 8.0 years. In multivariable Cox analysis, GH was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality per doubling (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.25) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06-1.37). The association did not differ by sex or race (interaction p > 0.05). The addition of GH to a model of clinical variables significantly improved the C-index compared to clinical model alone for all-cause and cardiovascular death.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher fasting GH was associated with higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and improved risk prediction, regardless of sex or race.

Investigations into the In Vitro Metabolism of hGH and IGF-I Employing Stable-Isotope-Labelled Drugs and Monitoring Diagnostic Immonium Ions by High-Resolution/High-Accuracy Mass Spectrometry

Studying the metabolism of prohibited substances is an essential element in anti-doping research in order to facilitate and improve detectability. Whilst pharmacokinetic studies on healthy volunteers are valuable, they are often difficult, not least due to safety reasons and ethical constraints, especially concerning peptidic substances, which must be administered parenterally. Hence, there is a growing need for suitable in vitro models and sophisticated analytical strategies to investigate the metabolism of protein- and peptide-derived drugs. These include human growth hormone (hGH) and its main mediator insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), both prohibited in professional sports for their anabolic and lipolytic effects, while challenging in their detection, as they occur naturally in the human body.Within this study, the in vitro metabolism of hGH and IGF-I was investigated using a stable-isotope-labelled reporter ion screening strategy (IRIS). A combination of liquid chromatography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and characteristic immonium ions generated by internal dissociation of the stable-isotope-labelled peptidic metabolites enabled the detection of specific fragments. Several degradation products for hGH and IGF-I were identified within this study. These metabolites, potentially even indicative for subcutaneous administration of the drugs, could serve as promising targets for the detection of hGH and IGF-I misuse in future anti-doping applications.

The Proteomic Signature of Recombinant Growth Hormone in Recreational Athletes

OBJECTIVE

Administration of human growth hormone (hGH) is prohibited in competitive sport and its detection in an athlete's sample triggers an adverse analytical finding. However, the biological processes that are modulated by recombinant hGH are not well characterized and associated blood serum proteins may constitute new biomarkers for hGH misuse.

METHODS

Thirty-five recreational athletes were enrolled in a study to investigate the time- and dose-dependent response of serum protein levels to recombinant hGH administration. Participants were randomly assigned to 4 groups, receiving 1 of 3 different doses of recombinant hGH or a placebo. Bio samples were collected at 22 time points over a period of 13 weeks, starting 4 weeks before treatment, during 3 weeks of treatment, and at 6 weeks' follow-up. A total of 749 serum samples were analyzed for 1305 protein markers using the SOMAscan proteomics platform.

RESULTS

We identified 66 proteins that significantly associated with recombinant hGH administration and dosage, including well known hGH targets, such as IGF1, but also previously unknown hGH-related proteins (eg, protease inhibitors, WFIKKN1, and chemokines, CCL2). Network analysis revealed changes in specific biological pathways, mainly related to the immune system and glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis suggests that hGH administration affects biological processes more strongly than previously acknowledged. Some of the proteins were dysregulated even after hGH treatment and could potentially be developed into biomarkers for hGH misuse. Moreover, our findings suggest new roles for hGH-associated proteins in the etiology of hGH-related diseases and may indicate new risks that may be associated with hGH misuse.

Development of a microplate duplex immunoassay to simplify detection of growth hormone doping: Proof of concept

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits athletes from using recombinant growth hormone (GH). The validated method used in antidoping laboratories for the direct detection of exogenous GH in serum requires two immunoluminometric assays (ILMAs): The first mainly measures the concentration of the full-length (22 kDa) form of GH (recGH), and the second measures concentrations of multiple GH fragments produced by the pituitary gland (22 kDa, 20 kDa and other forms) (pitGH). The tube-by-tube analysis is laborious. A recent development opened new possibilities to simplify the detection of recGH in serum: multiplexed immunoassays that detect multiple targets in a single well of a 96-well plate using an ELISA-like procedure with high sensitivity. Our aim was to evaluate this technology by developing a customized assay for GH detection. One pair of antibodies with specificities similar to those of the recGH assay and one pair of antibodies compatible with pitGH detection were selected for a single duplex assay. Forty-eight serum samples (negative athlete samples and positive samples following GH administration) were analyzed using the two methods. The microplate duplex assay discriminated between the negative athlete samples and the positive controls, although the rec/pit ratios from the duplex assay were lower than those obtained with the ILMAs. This new assay would offer a modern alternative to ILMAs, with fewer analytical steps and a smaller sample volume. However, an adaptation of the decision limits seems mandatory.

Circulating levels of growth hormone in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a cardiovascular autonomic disorder with poorly understood etiology and underlying pathophysiology. Since cardiovascular morbidity has been linked to growth hormone (GH), we studied GH levels in patients with POTS. We conducted an age-sex-matched case-control study in patients with POTS (age 31 ± 9 years; n = 42) and healthy controls (32 ± 9 years; n = 46). Plasma GH levels were measured using high-sensitivity chemiluminescence sandwich immunoassay. The burden of orthostatic intolerance symptoms was assessed by the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ), consisting of a symptom assessment scale (OHSA) and a daily activity scale (OHDAS). POTS patients had significantly higher composite OHQ score than controls, more symptoms and less activity. Supine heart rate and diastolic blood pressure (BP), but not systolic BP, were significantly higher in POTS. Median plasma GH levels were significantly lower in POTS (0.53 ng/mL) than controls (2.33 ng/mL, p = 0.04). GH levels were inversely related to OHDAS in POTS and supine systolic BP in POTS and controls, but not heart rate neither group. POTS is associated with lower GH levels. Impairment of daily life activities is inversely related with GH in POTS. A higher supine diastolic BP is inversely associated with GH levels in POTS and healthy individuals.

Use of capillary dried blood for quantification of intact IGF-I by LC–HRMS for antidoping analysis

Background: IGF-I is used as a biomarker to detect Growth Hormone doping in athletes’ blood samples. Objective: Our aim was to develop and validate a fast, high-throughput and accurate quantification of intact IGF-I from volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) dried blood using LC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS). Methodology & results: IGF-I was extracted from the VAMS, released from its binding proteins, concentrated using microelution SPE and analyzed by LC–HRMS. The method was successfully validated in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency's requirements. Subsequently, IGF-I measurements from capillary dried blood and serum were compared. Conclusion: The combination of VAMS, microelution SPE and LC–HRMS is a promising strategy applicable to IGF-I quantification in athletes’ samples.

Athlete Biological Passport: Need and Challenges

The Athlete Biological Passport programme was initiated in 2009 by the World Anti-Doping Agency for making the anti-doping programme more effective and stronger. There are three modules in this ABP programme: haematological, steroidal and endocrinological. Currently, the first two modules have been implemented. The newer products such as recombinant human erythropoietin, recombinant proteins, and peptides are similar to those produced naturally. Hence, detection of these substances even with advanced techniques is difficult. Therefore, the concept of ABP came into existence which is based on longitudinal monitoring of biological markers and their variations over a period of time. The ABP does not rely upon the detection of a particular prohibited substance but it reflects the changes in biological markers collated over an athlete's career. Hence, athletes can be monitored through constant interpretation of the passport data. There are many advantages with the implementation of this programme; however, there are various issues which may lead to false interpretation of passport data that must be taken into consideration.

The Use and Abuse of Growth Hormone in Sports

GH is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a performance-enhancing anabolic agent. Doping with GH likely began in the early 1980s and became more prevalent with the advent of recombinant technology well before any scientific evidence of benefit. The expectation that GH improves physical function stems from its anabolic and lipolytic properties. Athletic performance depends on muscle strength and the energy required to power muscle function. In recreational athletes, GH selectively improves anaerobic sprint capacity but has not been proven to significantly enhance muscle strength, power, or maximum rate of oxygen consumption. GH is secreted as a family of isoform peptides in a pulsatile manner reflecting intermittent secretion and rapid clearance. Its anabolic actions are largely mediated by IGF-I, which stimulates whole-body protein synthesis, including skeletal muscle and collagen proteins. Two methods have been validated for detecting GH abuse in athletes. The first (the isoform method) is based on distinguishing pure recombinant 22-kDa GH from the heterogeneous isoforms secreted from the pituitary. The second (the marker method) is based on measuring blood levels of GH-responsive proteins, specifically IGF-I and the N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (P-III-NP). Only a handful of athletes have been caught since the implementation of GH doping tests in 2004. The low rate likely reflects the limitation of in-competition testing using current methods. Improved detection rates may be achieved by more out-of-competition testing, introducing athletes' biological passports, and the development of novel methods. Governance, operational, technical, and political factors influence the effectiveness of an anti-doping program.

Longitudinally monitoring of P-III-NP, IGF-I, and GH-2000 score increases the probability of detecting two weeks' administration of low-dose recombinant growth hormone compared to GH-2000 decision limit and GH isoform test and micro RNA markers

To detect doping with growth hormone (GH), GH isoform and biomarkers tests are available. Both methods use population-based decision limits. Future testing in anti-doping is progressing toward individual-based reference ranges, and it is possible that with such an approach the sensitivity to detect GH doping may increase. In addition to monitoring different proteins, the use of miRNAs as future GH biomarkers has been discussed. Here we have longitudinally studied the serum concentrations of IGF-I, P-III-NP and the different GH isoforms in nine healthy men prior to, during and after two weeks' administration with low doses (1 and 4 IU/day) of recGH. Moreover, three putative miRNAs were analyzed. The results show that 80% of the participants were identified as atypical findings using the GH isoform test. However, the participants were only positive 1.5-3 hours directly after an injection. Only one of the participants reached a GH-2000 score indicative of doping when a population-based decision limit was applied. When IGF-I and P-III-NP were longitudinally monitored, 88% of the participants were identified above an individual upper threshold arbitrarily calculated as three standard deviations above the mean values of four baseline samples. The miRNA levels displayed large intra-subject variations that did not change in relation to recGH administration. Our results show that the GH isoform test is very sensitive in detecting low doses of recGH but with a short detection window. Moreover, longitudinally monitoring of IGF-I and P-III-NP may be a promising future approach to detect GH doping.

Growth hormone: isoforms, clinical aspects and assays interference

The measurement of circulating concentrations of growth hormone (GH) is an indispensable tool in the diagnosis of both GH deficiency and GH excess. GH is a heterogeneous protein composed of several molecular isoforms, but the physiological role of these different isoforms has not yet been fully understood. The 22KD GH (22 K-GH) is the main isoform in circulation, followed by 20KD GH (20 K-GH) and other rare isoforms. Studies have been performed to better understand the biological actions of the different isoforms as well as their importance in pathological conditions. Generally, the non-22 K- and 20 K-GH isoforms are secreted in parallel to 22 K-GH, and only very moderate changes in the ratio between isoforms have been described in some pituitary tumors or during exercise. Therefore, in a diagnostic approach, concentrations of 22 K-GH accurately reflect total GH secretion. On the other hand, the differential recognition of GH isoforms by different GH immunoassays used in clinical routine contributes to the known discrepancy in results from different GH assays. This makes the application of uniform decision limits problematic. Therefore, the worldwide efforts to standardize GH assays include the recommendation to use 22 K-GH specific GH assays calibrated against the pure 22 K-GH reference preparation 98/574. Adoption of this recommendation might lead to improvement in diagnosis and follow-up of pathological conditions, and facilitate the comparison of results from different laboratories.

Analysis of new growth promoting black market products

Detecting agents allegedly or evidently promoting growth such as human growth hormone (GH) or growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) in doping controls has represented a pressing issue for sports drug testing laboratories. While GH is a recombinant protein with a molecular weight of 22 kDa, the GHRPs are short (3-6 amino acids long) peptides with GH releasing properties. The endogenously produced GH (22 kDa isoform) consists of 191 amino acids and has a monoisotopic molecular mass of 22,124 Da. Within this study, a slightly modified form of GH was discovered consisting of 192 amino acids carrying an additional alanine at the N-terminus, leading to a monoisotopic mass of 22,195 Da. This was confirmed by top-down and bottom-up experiments using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry. Additionally, three analogues of GHRPs were identified as Gly-GHRP-6, Gly-GHRP-2 and Gly-Ipamorelin, representing the corresponding GHRP extended by a N-terminal glycine residue. The structure of these peptides was characterised by means of high resolution (tandem) mass spectrometry, and for Gly-Ipamorelin and Gly-GHRP-2 their identity was additionally confirmed by custom synthesis. Further, established in-vitro experiments provided preliminary information considering the potential metabolism after administration.

Biomarkers of GH action in children and adults

Growth hormone (GH) and IGF-I levels in serum are used as biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of GH-related disorders but have not been subject to structured validation. Auxological parameters in children and changes in body composition in adults, as well as metabolic parameters and patient related outcomes are used as clinical and surrogate endpoints. New treatment options, such as long acting GH and GH antagonists, require reevaluation of the currently used biochemical biomarkers. This article will review biomarkers, surrogate endpoints and clinical endpoints related to GH treatment in children and adults as well as in acromegaly.

Doping control analysis at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games

This paper summarises the results obtained from the doping control analyses performed during the Summer XXXI Olympic Games (August 3-21, 2016) and the XV Paralympic Games (September 7-18, 2016). The analyses of all doping control samples were performed at the Brazilian Doping Control Laboratory (LBCD), a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A new facility at Rio de Janeiro Federal University (UFRJ) was built and fully operated by over 700 professionals, including Brazilian and international scientists, administrative staff, and volunteers. For the Olympic Games, 4913 samples were analysed. In 29 specimens, the presence of a prohibited substance was confirmed, resulting in adverse analytical findings (AAFs). For the Paralympic Games, 1687 samples were analysed, 12 of which were reported as AAFs. For both events, 82.8% of the samples were urine, and 17.2% were blood samples. In total, more than 31 000 analytical procedures were conducted. New WADA technical documents were fully implemented; consequently, state-of-the-art analytical toxicology instrumentation and strategies were applied during the Games, including different types of mass spectrometry (MS) analysers, peptide, and protein detection strategies, endogenous steroid profile measurements, and blood analysis. This enormous investment yielded one of the largest Olympic legacies in Brazil and South America. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Direct and label-free detection of the human growth hormone in urine by an ultrasensitive bimodal waveguide biosensor

A label-free interferometric transducer showing a theoretical detection limit for homogeneous sensing of 5 × 10^-8 RIU, being equivalent to a protein mass coverage resolution of 2.8 fg mm^-2 , is used to develop a high sensitive biosensor for protein detection. The extreme sensitivity of this transducer combined with a selective bioreceptor layer enables the direct evaluation of the human growth hormone (hGH) in undiluted urine matrix in the 10 pg mL^-1 range.

Determination of Recent Growth Hormone Abuse Using a Single Dried Blood Spot

BACKGROUND

Although it is being increasingly applied, blood collection for drug testing in sport presents some logistic issues that complicate full applicability on a large scale. The use of dried blood spots (DBS) could benefit compliant blood testing considerably owing to its simplicity, minimal invasiveness, analyte stability, and reduced costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of DBS to the methodology approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for detection of doping by recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in serum.

METHODS

A protocol for a single DBS analysis using the hGH isoforms differential immunoassays (kit 1 and kit 2) was developed and validated. A clinical study with healthy volunteers injected for 3 consecutive days with a low subcutaneous dose (0.027 mg · kg−1 · day−1 · person−1) of rhGH was conducted. Finger prick DBS and paired-time serum samples from arm venipuncture were compared.

RESULTS

The analysis of the DBS-based protocol indicated that with only a single blood spot it was possible to detect positivity for growth hormone abuse. In spite of the low rhGH dose administered and independently of the kit used, the window of detection for DBS was confirmed in all analyzed samples up to 8 h after rhGH administration and extended up to 12 h in 50% of the cases. Serum positivity was detected in all studied samples for 12 h after administration.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the usefulness of DBS as a biological matrix for testing recent growth hormone abuse.

Growth hormone for risk stratification and effects of therapy in acute myocardial infarction

CONTEXT

Excess growth hormone (GH) is associated with early mortality.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the association of GH with prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and the effects of secondary prevention therapies.

METHODS

GH was measured using a high-sensitivity assay in 953 AMI patients (687 males, mean age 66.1 ± 12.8 years).

RESULTS

During 2 years follow-up, there were 281 major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Patients with MACE had higher GH levels (median [range], 0.91 [0.04-26.28] μg/L) compared to event-free survivors (0.59 [0.02-21.6], p < 0.0005). In multivariate Cox survival analysis, GH was a significant predictor of MACE (hazard ratios 1.43, p = 0.026 and 1.49, p = 0.01, respectively) with significant interactions with beta blocker therapy (p = 0.047) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ACE/ARB) therapy (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

GH levels post-AMI are prognostic for MACE and may indicate those patients who benefit from beta blocker and ACE/ARB therapy.

Mass spectrometry - an alternative in growth hormone measurement

Growth hormone (GH) constitutes a set of closely related protein isoforms. In clinical practice, the disagreement of test results between commercially available ligand-binding assays is still an ongoing issue, and incomplete knowledge about the particular function of the different forms leaves an uncertainty of what should be the appropriate measurand. Mass spectrometry is promising to be a way forward. Not only is it capable of providing SI-traceable reference values for the calibration of current GH-tests, but it also offers an independent approach to highly reliable mass-selective quantification of individual GH-isoforms. This capability may add to reliability in doping control too. The article points out why and how.

Pitfalls of insulin-like growth factor-i and growth hormone assays

Accurate measurement of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are the key to correct diagnosis of acromegaly and GH deficiency. Unfortunately, there is much variation involved when these hormones are measured at different sites and using different assay methods. There is an ongoing global effort to standardize the measurement process to obtain more comparable results in the future. This review discusses common pitfalls in the measurement of GH and IGF-I and guides laboratories in their analyses of these hormones.

Fasting levels of high-sensitivity growth hormone predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality: the Malmö Diet and Cancer study

BACKGROUND

Both pathological excess and deficiency of growth hormone (GH) are associated with cardiovascular mortality.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to test whether fasting levels of growth hormone measured with a high-sensitivity assay (hs-GH) predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality at the population level.

METHODS

We studied 4,323 participants (age 46 to 68 years; mean age 58 years; 59% women) of the Swedish, population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer study examined in 1991 to 1994. Using multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, we related baseline levels of fasting hs-GH to incidence of coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 16.2 years, hs-GH (hazard ratio [HR]/SD increment of natural logarithm of fasting hs-GH) was independently associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease (397 events; HR: 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.23; p = 0.04), stroke (251 events; HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.34; p = 0.01), congestive heart failure (107 events; HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.52; p = 0.02), all-cause mortality (645 events; HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.26; p < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (186 events; HR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.24 to 1.66; p < 0.001). The addition of hs-GH to a model with conventional cardiovascular risk factors significantly reclassified risk, with a category-free net reclassification improvement (>0) of 0.542 (95% CI: 0.205 to 0.840) in cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher values of hs-GH were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

hGH isoform differential immunoassays applied to blood samples from athletes: decision limits for anti-doping testing

OBJECTIVE

To detect hGH doping in sport, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratories use the ratio of the concentrations of recombinant hGH ('rec') versus other 'natural' pituitary-derived isoforms of hGH ('pit'), measured with two different kits developed specifically to detect the administration of exogenous hGH. The current joint compliance decision limits (DLs) for ratios derived from these kits, designed so that they would both be exceeded in fewer than 1 in 10,000 samples from non-doping athletes, are based on data accrued in anti-doping labs up to March 2010, and later confirmed with data up to February-March 2011. In April 2013, WADA asked the authors to analyze the now much larger set of ratios collected in routine hGH testing of athletes, and to document in the peer-reviewed literature a statistical procedure for establishing DLs, so that it be re-applied as more data become available.

DESIGN

We examined the variation in the rec/pit ratios obtained for 21,943 screened blood (serum) samples submitted to the WADA accredited laboratories over the period 2009-2013. To fit the relevant sex- and kit-specific centiles of the logs of the ratios, we classified 'rec/pit' ratios based on low 'rec' and 'pit' values as 'negative' and fitted statistical distributions to the remaining log-ratios. The flexible data-driven quantile regression approach allowed us to deal with the fact that the location, scale and shape of the distribution of the modeled 'rec/pit' ratios varied with the concentrations of the 'rec' and 'pit' values. The between-kit correlation of the ratios was included in the fitting of the DLs, and bootstrap samples were used to quantify the estimation error in these limits. We examined the performance of these limits by applying them to the data obtained from investigator-initiated hGH administration studies, and in athletes in a simulated cycling stage race.

RESULTS

The mean and spread of the distribution of the modeled log-ratios depended in different ways on the magnitude of the rec and pit concentrations. Ultimately, however, the estimated limits were almost invariant to the concentrations, and similar to those obtained by fitting simpler (marginal) log-normal and Box-Cox transformed distributions. The estimated limits were similar to the (currently-used) limits fitted to the smaller datasets analyzed previously. In investigator-initiated instances, the limits distinguished recent use of rec-hGH from non-use.

CONCLUSIONS

The distributions of the rec/pit ratios varied as a function of the rec and pit concentrations, but the patterns in their medians and spreads largely canceled each other. Thus, ultimately, the kit- and sex-specific ratio DL obtained from the simpler model was very close to the 'curve of DLs' obtained from the more complex one. Both were close to previously established limits.

Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement

Despite the high prevalence of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use, media attention has focused almost entirely on PED use by elite athletes to illicitly gain a competitive advantage in sports, and not on the health risks of PEDs. There is a widespread misperception that PED use is safe or that adverse effects are manageable. In reality, the vast majority of PED users are not athletes but rather nonathlete weightlifters, and the adverse health effects of PED use are greatly underappreciated. This scientific statement synthesizes available information on the medical consequences of PED use, identifies gaps in knowledge, and aims to focus the attention of the medical community and policymakers on PED use as an important public health problem. PED users frequently consume highly supraphysiologic doses of PEDs, combine them with other PEDs and/or other classical drugs of abuse, and display additional associated risk factors. PED use has been linked to an increased risk of death and a wide variety of cardiovascular, psychiatric, metabolic, endocrine, neurologic, infectious, hepatic, renal, and musculoskeletal disorders. Because randomized trials cannot ethically duplicate the large doses of PEDs and the many factors associated with PED use, we need observational studies to collect valid outcome data on the health risks associated with PEDs. In addition, we need studies regarding the prevalence of PED use, the mechanisms by which PEDs exert their adverse health effects, and the interactive effects of PEDs with sports injuries and other high-risk behaviors. We also need randomized trials to assess therapeutic interventions for treating the adverse effects of PEDs, such as the anabolic-androgen steroid withdrawal syndrome. Finally, we need to raise public awareness of the serious health consequences of PEDs.

Standardization of hormone determinations

Standardization of hormone determinations is important because it simplifies interpretation of results and facilitates the use of common reference values for different assays. Progress in standardization has been achieved through the introduction of more homogeneous hormone standards for peptide and protein hormones. However, many automated methods for determinations of steroid hormones do not provide satisfactory result. Isotope dilution-mass spectrometry (ID-MS) has been used to establish reference methods for steroid hormone determinations and is now increasingly used for routine determinations of steroids and other low molecular weight compounds. Reference methods for protein hormones based on MS are being developed and these promise to improve standardization.

Detecting growth hormone misuse in athletes

Athletes have been misusing growth hormone (GH) for its anabolic and metabolic effects since the early 1980s, at least a decade before endocrinologists began to treat adults with GH deficiency. Although there is an ongoing debate about whether GH is performance enhancing, recent studies suggest that GH improves strength and sprint capacity, particularly when combined with anabolic steroids. The detection of GH misuse is challenging because it is an endogenous hormone. Two approaches have been developed to detect GH misuse; the first is based on the measurement of pituitary GH isoforms and the ratio of 22-kDa isoform to total GH. The second is based on the measurement of insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (P-III-NP) which increase in a dose-dependent manner in response to GH administration. Both methodologies have been approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and have led to the detection of a number of athletes misusing GH.

The effect of a period of intensive exercise on the isoform test to detect growth hormone doping in sports

OBJECTIVE

The major objective of this study was to investigate the effects of several days of intense exercise on growth hormone (hGH) testing using the World Anti-Doping Agencies hGH isoform differential immunoassays. Additionally the effects of circadian variation and exercise type on the isoform ratios were also investigated.

STUDY DESIGN

15 male athletes performed a simulated nine day cycling stage race. Blood samples were collected twice daily over a period of 15 days (stage race+three days before and after). hGH isoforms were analysed by the official WADA immunoassays (CMZ Assay GmbH).

RESULTS

All measured isoform ratios were far below the WADA decision limits for an adverse analytical finding. Changes in the isoform ratios could not be clearly connected to circadian variation, exercise duration or intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that the hGH isoform ratios are not significantly affected by exercise or circadian variation. We demonstrated that heavy, long term exercise does not interfere with the decision limits for an adverse analytical finding.

Analysis of urinary human growth hormone (hGH) using hydrogel nanoparticles and isoform differential immunoassays after short recombinant hGH treatment: preliminary results

Successful application clinical-grade human growth hormone (hGH) immunoassays to the discovery of illegal doping cases has been rare. Indeed, the preferred biological matrix in doping control is urine, where the estimated baseline concentration of hGH falls well below the linear range and sensitivity threshold of all commercially available immunoassays, including hGH isoform differential immunoassays which can discriminate pituitary endogenous hGH from recombinant hGH. We employed hydrogel nanoparticles as a pre-processing step that concentrate urinary hGH into the linear range of isoform differential immunoassays. We explored the characteristics of immunoassays in urine spiked with both phGH or rhGH, after pre-treatment with the nanoparticles. Subsequently, pre-treatment was applied to urine obtained from 3 healthy volunteers administered during three days with daily subcutaneous injections of 0.026 mg/kg/day rhGH, Genotonorm(®). Linearity between both rhGH and phGH concentrations in urine measured by a chemoluminescent assay (Immulite) and in the particle eluate was evident for differential immunoassays (R square higher than 0.999). In case of treated individuals the recombinant/pituitary concentration ratios remained above the established World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) criterion for hGH misuse up to 24h after the last administration dose, using both assays for volunteer 1 and 2 while in case of volunteer 3 results were inconclusive. The use of nanoparticles appears to open the possibility of assessing rhGH misuse in urine.

Implementation of a SPR immunosensor for the simultaneous detection of the 22K and 20K hGH isoforms in human serum samples

We have implemented a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) immunosensor based on a sandwich assay for the simultaneous detection of the two main hGH isoforms, of 22 kDa (22K) and 20 kDa (20K). An oriented-antibody sensor surface specific for both hormone isoforms was assembled by using the biotin-streptavidin system. The immunosensor functionality was checked for the direct detection of the 22K hGH isoform in buffer, which gave high specificity and reproducibility (intra and inter-assay mean coefficients of variation of 8.23% and 9% respectively). The selective determination of the 22K and 20K hGH isoforms in human serum samples in a single assay was possible by using two specific anti-hGH monoclonal antibodies. The detection limit for both hormone isoforms was 0.9 ng mL(-1) and the mean coefficient of variation was below 7.2%. The excellent reproducibility and sensitivity obtained indicate the high performance of this immunosensor for implementing an anti-doping test.