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Shah I, Hakeem MK, Alraeesi A, Barker J. Innovative Detection of Testosterone Esters in Camel Hair: Unravelling the Mysteries of Dromedary Endocrinology. Molecules 2023; 29:97. [PMID: 38202682 PMCID: PMC10779721 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010097] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Doping and steroid use represent a serious threat to animal health and can even lead to their untimely and painful death. However, doping is an acute problem in today's animal racing world, particularly in camel racing. Testosterone and its ten esters (benzoate, valerate, isocaproate, hexahydrobenzoate, decanoate, undecanoate, laurate, enanthate, cypionate, and caproate) are of utmost importance, because when they are administered to animals it is difficult to measure them efficiently. The levels of testosterone and its esters in camels and other animals are typically determined using urine and blood tests. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method to determine testosterone esters in camel hair, and to apply the validated method to determine testosterone esters in collected samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such research. Results and Discussion: The levels of testosterone and its ten derivatives, along with the cortisol-D4 internal standard, were optimised for LC-MS/MS analysis; however, only testosterone along with its seven esters (namely benzoate, valerate, isocaproate, hexahydrobenzoate, decanoate, undecanoate and laurate) could be validated in camel hair. Only five testosterone esters could be determined in camel hair samples; the concentrations were obtained as 10.5-14.9 pg/mg for valerate (in three camels), 12.5-151.6 pg/mg for hexahydrobenzoate (in six camels), 4.8-32.1 pg/mg for laurate (in five camels), 5.1 pg/mg decanoate (in one camel), and 8.35-169 pg/mg for testosterone (in all 24 camels). Interestingly, the three racing camels displayed high concentrations of testosterone (59.2-169 pg/mg, all three camels), laurate (4.8-14.5 pg/mg, two camels), hexahydrobenzoate (116 pg/mg, one camel), decanoate (5.1 pg/mg, one camel), and valerate (11.7 pg/mg, one camel). Methods: Camel hair samples were collected from 21 non-racing dromedary camels along with three racing camels in Al Ain, UAE; these were decontaminated, pulverised, sonicated, and extracted prior to analysis. An LC-MS/MS method was employed to determine the levels of testosterone esters in the hair samples. Conclusions: This novel camel-hair test procedure is accurate, sensitive, rapid, and robust. The findings reported in this study could be significant to evaluate racing camels for suspected doping offenses. Further controlled testosterone supplementation studies are required to evaluate individual esters' effects on camel health and diseases and on performance enhancement levels. This new hair test could promote further studies in doping control, toxicology, and pharmacology, as well as having other clinical applications relating to camel health, injury, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iltaf Shah
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAE University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (M.K.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Muhammad K. Hakeem
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAE University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (M.K.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Aysha Alraeesi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAE University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (M.K.H.); (A.A.)
| | - James Barker
- School of Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK;
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Albrethsen J, Østergren PB, Norup PB, Sønksen J, Fode M, Kistorp C, Nordsborg NB, Solheim SA, Mørkeberg J, Main KM, Juul A. Serum Insulin-like Factor 3, Testosterone, and LH in Experimental and Therapeutic Testicular Suppression. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2834-2839. [PMID: 37235781 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a Leydig cell biomarker, but little is known about the circulating concentration of INSL3 during hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular suppression. AIM To study the concomitant changes in serum concentrations of INSL3, testosterone, and LH during experimental and therapeutic testicular suppression. METHODS We included serum samples from 3 different cohorts comprising subjects before and after testicular suppression: (1) 6 healthy young men who were treated with androgens (Sustanon, Aspen Pharma, Dublin, Ireland); 2) 10 transgender girls (male sex assigned at birth) who were treated with 3-monthly GnRH agonist injections (Leuprorelinacetat, Abacus Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark); and (3) 55 patients with prostate cancer who were randomized to surgical castration (bilateral subcapsular orchiectomy) or treatment with GnRH agonist (Triptorelin, Ipsen Pharma, Kista, Sweden). Serum INSL3 and testosterone concentrations were quantified in stored serum samples using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methodologies, and LH was measured by an ultrasensitive immunoassay. RESULTS The circulating concentrations of INSL3, testosterone, and LH decreased during experimental testicular suppression in healthy young men by Sustanon injections and subsequently returned to baseline levels after release of suppression. All 3 hormones decreased during therapeutic hormonal hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular suppression in transgender girls and in patients with prostate cancer. CONCLUSION INSL3 resembles testosterone as a sensitive marker of testicular suppression and reflects Leydig cell function, also during exposure to exogenous testosterone. Serum INSL3 measurements may complement testosterone as a Leydig cell marker in male reproductive disorders, during therapeutic testicular suppression as well as in surveillance of illicit use of androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Albrethsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Busch Østergren
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Badsberg Norup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Sønksen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Fode
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Kistorp
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sara Amalie Solheim
- Science and Research, Anti Doping Denmark, 2660 Brøndby, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital - 2730 Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Mørkeberg
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital - 2730 Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Willson C. Misadventures in Toxicology: Concentration Matters for Testosterone-Induced Neurotoxicity. TOXICS 2023; 11:258. [PMID: 36977023 PMCID: PMC10057866 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone is the predominant androgen in men and has important physiological functions. Due to declining testosterone levels from a variety of causes, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is increasingly utilized, while testosterone is also abused for aesthetic and performance-enhancing purposes. It has been increasingly speculated that aside from more well-established side effects, testosterone may cause neurological damage. However, the in vitro data utilized to support such claims is limited due to the high concentrations used, lack of consideration of tissue distribution, and species differences in sensitivity to testosterone. In most cases, the concentrations studied in vitro are unlikely to be reached in the human brain. Observational data in humans concerning the potential for deleterious changes in brain structure and function are limited by their inherent design as well as significant potential confounders. More research is needed as the currently available data are limited; however, what is available provides rather weak evidence to suggest that testosterone use or abuse has neurotoxic potential in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Willson
- EuSci LLC, 1309 S 204th St, #293, Elkhorn, NE 68022, USA
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Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H. Annual banned-substance review: Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing 2020/2021. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:7-30. [PMID: 34788500 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Most core areas of anti-doping research exploit and rely on analytical chemistry, applied to studies aiming at further improving the test methods' analytical sensitivity, the assays' comprehensiveness, the interpretation of metabolic profiles and patterns, but also at facilitating the differentiation of natural/endogenous substances from structurally identical but synthetically derived compounds and comprehending the athlete's exposome. Further, a continuously growing number of advantages of complementary matrices such as dried blood spots have been identified and transferred from research to sports drug testing routine applications, with an overall gain of valuable additions to the anti-doping field. In this edition of the annual banned-substance review, literature on recent developments in anti-doping published between October 2020 and September 2021 is summarized and discussed, particularly focusing on human doping controls and potential applications of new testing strategies to substances and methods of doping specified in the World Anti-Doping Agency's 2021 Prohibited List.
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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
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Heuberger JAAC, Henning A, Cohen AF, Kayser B. Dealing with doping. A plea for better science, governance and education. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:566-578. [PMID: 34291479 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The creation of WADA contributed to harmonization of anti-doping and changed doping behavior and prevalence in the past 22 years. However, the system has developed important deficiencies and limitations that are causing harm to sports, athletes and society. These issues are related to the lack of evidence for most substances on the Prohibited List for performance or negative health effects, a lack of transparency and accountability of governance and decision-making by WADA and the extension of anti-doping policies outside the field of professional sports. This article tries to identify these deficiencies and limitations and presents a plea for more science, better governance and more education. This should lead to a discussion for reform among stakeholders, which should cover support of a new Prohibited List by actual research and evidence and introduce better governance with accountable control bodies and regulation. Finally, comprehensive education for all stakeholders will be the basis of all future positive improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - April Henning
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, UK
| | | | - Bengt Kayser
- Institute of Sports Science, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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