Effect of saponins in Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen on the steroid hormone levels in the chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in rats

Recent research has indicated that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) extracted from the radix of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen exert antidepressant effects. This study aimed to assess the antidepressive effects of ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS in a depression model induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Over a period of three weeks, rats were administered ginsenoside Rg1 at a dose of 30 mg/kg and PNS at dosages ranging from 100 to 200 mg/kg body weight per day. To assess how ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS influence depression-like behaviours in rats, various assessments were conducted, including coat state evaluation, forced swim test, and elevated plus maze test. The levels of cortisol and testosterone in serum samples were analysed using the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. LC-ESI-MS/MS method provides precise and accurate results. The lower limit of quantification values for cortisol and testosterone were determined as 100 and 2 pg/mL, respectively. Our data demonstrated that both ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS significantly reversed depression-like behaviour in rats by improving coat condition, reducing immobility time in the forced swim test, and increasing time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS exhibited a regulatory effect on cortisol and testosterone levels in plasma. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS may be potential antidepressants in clinical treatment.

Cortisol in metabolic syndrome

Cortisol, a stress hormone, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic, hemodynamic, inflammatory, and behavioral processes. Its secretion is governed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, prolonged activation of this axis and increased cortisol bioavailability in tissues can result in detrimental metabolic effects. Chronic exposure to excessive cortisol is associated with insulin resistance and visceral obesity, both significant contributors to metabolic syndrome. This review delves into the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the molecular mechanisms underlying cortisol synthesis and its actions, as well as the key factors influencing cortisol bioavailability. Furthermore, it provides a summary of available clinical research data on the involvement of cortisol in metabolic syndrome, alongside a discussion on the various biomatrices used for cortisol measurement in clinical settings.

Longitudinal analysis of external quality assessment of immunoassay-based steroid hormone measurement indicates potential for improvement in standardization

As hormonal disorders are linked to several diseases, the accurate quantitation of steroid hormone levels in serum is crucial in order to provide patients with a reliable diagnosis. Mass spectrometry-based methods are regarded as having the highest level of specificity and sensitivity. However, immunoassays are more commonly used in routine diagnostics to measure steroid levels as they are more cost effective and straightforward to conduct. This study analyzes the external quality assessment results for the measurement of testosterone, progesterone and 17β-estradiol in serum using immunoassays between early 2020 and May 2022. As reference measurement procedures are available for the three steroid hormones, the manufacturer-specific biases were normalized to the reference measurement values. The manufacturer-specific coefficients of variation were predominantly inconspicuous, below 20% for the three hormones when outliers are disregarded, however there were large differences between the various manufacturer collectives. For some collectives, the median bias to the respective reference measurement value was repeatedly greater than ±35%, which is the acceptance limit defined by the German Medical Association. In the case of testosterone and progesterone determination, some collectives tended to consistently over- or underestimate analyte concentrations compared to the reference measurement value, however, for 17β-estradiol determination, both positive and negative biases were observed. This insufficient level of accuracy suggests that cross-reactivity continues to be a fundamental challenge when antibody detection is used to quantify steroids with a high structural similarity. Distinct improvements in standardization are required to provide accurate analysis and thus, reliable clinical interpretations. The increased accuracy of the AX immunoassay for testosterone measurement, as observed in the INSTAND EQAs between 2020 and 2022, could be the result of a recalibration of the assay and raises hope for further improvement of standardization of immunoassay-based steroid hormone analyses in the coming years.

Multiresidue Determination of Growth Promoters in Bovine Serum using QuEChERS and UHPLC-Q-ORBITRAP: Validation and In Vivo Study

A reliable method using a QuEChERS approach and liquid chromatography coupled to Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry was optimized and validated for the quantification of 20 growth promoters in bovine serum. The recoveries ranged from 91.4-114.1%, relative standard deviations varied between 0.3-4.0%, and CCα values were between 0.023-0.350 μg L-1. The developed method was applied in an in vivo study using steers, which were intramuscularly treated with commercial injections containing stanozolol. A rapid metabolization was observed, with a detection window ranging from 3 to 10 days. The stability of incurred stanozolol was confirmed after 240 days at -20 °C and also after 5 freeze-thaw cycles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work in which an in vivo study was performed to support the monitoring of stanozolol in bovine serum. In addition, the use of Q-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry allows for retrospective analysis from a surveillance perspective.

Association between sex steroid hormones and subsequent hyperglycemia during pregnancy

Objective

Sex steroid hormones may play a role in insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation. However, evidence regarding associations between early-pregnancy sex steroid hormones and hyperglycemia during pregnancy is limited. The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationships between first trimester sex steroid hormones and the subsequent development of hyperglycemia during pregnancy; with secondary evaluation of sex steroid hormones levels in mid-late pregnancy, concurrent with and subsequent to diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospective pregnancy cohort study was conducted. Medically low-risk participants with no known major endocrine disorders were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy (n=319). Sex steroid hormones in each trimester, including total testosterone, free testosterone, estrone, estradiol, and estriol, were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Glucose levels of the 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test and gestational diabetes diagnosis were abstracted from medical records. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to assess the associations of individual first trimester sex steroids and glucose levels.

Results

In adjusted models, first trimester total testosterone (β=5.24, 95% CI: 0.01, 10.46, p=0.05) and free testosterone (β=5.98, 95% CI: 0.97, 10.98, p=0.02) were positively associated with subsequent glucose concentrations and gestational diabetes diagnosis (total testosterone: OR=3.63, 95% CI: 1.50, 8.78; free testosterone: OR=3.69; 95% CI: 1.56, 8.73). First trimester estrone was also positively associated with gestational diabetes (OR=3.66, 95% CI: 1.56, 8.55). In mid-late pregnancy, pregnant people with gestational diabetes had lower total testosterone levels (β=-0.19, 95% CI: -0.36, -0.02) after adjustment for first trimester total testosterone.

Conclusion

Early-pregnancy sex steroid hormones, including total testosterone, free testosterone, and estrone, were positively associated with glucose levels and gestational diabetes in mid-late pregnancy. These hormones may serve as early predictors of gestational diabetes in combination with other risk factors.

Progesterone Analysis in Canine Breeding Management

Progesterone is a worthwhile addition to the clinical assessment of cycle stage for breeding, elective cesarian delivery, and reproductive management in the bitch if reliably measured. Clinical decisions based on systemic progesterone concentrations also require the rapid return of results. Most commercially accessible analyses capable of returning results within a day still rely primarily on immunoassays of one kind or another. Point-of-care instruments utilizing similar technology have been developed more recently to enable results to be generated in-house. Repeated monitoring of progesterone on whatever platform can be useful if consistent collection and analysis protocols ensure acceptable precision, accuracy, and repeatability.

Identification of endogenous carbonyl steroids in human serum by chemical derivatization, hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and the quantitative structure-retention relationship

Steroids are tetracyclic aliphatic compounds, and most of them contain carbonyl groups. The disordered homeostasis of steroids is closely related to the occurrence and progression of various diseases. Due to high structural similarity, low concentrations in vivo, poor ionization efficiency, and interference from endogenous substances, it is very challenging to comprehensively and unambiguously identify endogenous steroids in biological matrix. Herein, an integrated strategy was developed for the characterization of endogenous steroids in serum based on chemical derivatization, ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole Exactive mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS), hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange, and a quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) model. To enhance the mass spectrometry (MS) response of carbonyl steroids, the ketonic carbonyl group was derivatized by Girard T (GT). Firstly, the fragmentation rules of derivatized carbonyl steroid standards by GT were summarized. Then, carbonyl steroids in serum were derivatized by GT and identified based on the fragmentation rules or by comparing retention time and MS/MS spectra with those of standards. H/D exchange MS was utilized to distinguish derivatized steroid isomers for the first time. Finally, a QSRR model was constructed to predict the retention time of the unknown steroid derivatives. With this strategy, 93 carbonyl steroids were identified from human serum, and 30 of them were determined to be dicarbonyl steroids by the charge number of characteristic ions and the number of exchangeable hrdrogen or comparing with standards. The QSRR model built by the machine learning algorithms has an excellent regression correlation, thus the accurate structures of 14 carbonyl steroids were determined, among which three steroids were reported for the first time in human serum. This study provides a new analytical method for the comprehensive and reliable identification of carbonyl steroids in biological matrix.

Steroid hormone levels and bone mineral density in women over 65 years of age

Previous studies using immunoassays for steroid measurements have focused on the association between steroid hormone levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, obtaining contradictory results. This study aimed to assess this association using a highly sensitive bioanalytical method. A total of 68 postmenopausal women, aged 65-89 years, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Measurements of the BMD of the hip and lumbar spine were performed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and serum hormone levels were quantified by gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Associations between estradiol (E2), testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione and T score levels of the hip and lumbar spine were evaluated, after adjustment for confounding variables. The analysis revealed a statistically significant association between testosterone and the T score of the hip (p = 0.035), but not that of the lumbar spine. No statistically significant associations were found between E2, DHEA, androstenedione and the T scores of the hip and the lumbar spine. Using a highly sensitive hormone assay method, our study identified a significant association between testosterone and BMD of the hip in women over 65 years of age, suggesting that lower testosterone increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Selection of appropriate biomatrices for studies of chronic stress in animals: a review

Cortisol and corticosterone, hormones traditionally considered biomarkers of stress, can be measured in fluid biomatrices (e.g., blood, saliva) from live animals to evaluate conditions at sampling time, or in solid biomatrices (e.g., hair, feather) from live or dead animals to obtain information regarding long-term changes. Using these biomarkers to evaluate physiological stress responses in domestic animals may be challenging due to the diverse characteristics of biomatrices for potential measurement. Ideally, a single measurement from the biomatrix should be sufficient for evaluating chronic stress. The availability of appropriate and cost-effective immunoassay methods for detecting the biomarkers should also be considered. This review discusses the strengths and limitations of different biomatrices with regard to ensuring the highest possible reliability for chronic stress evaluation. Overall, solid biomatrices require less frequent sampling than other biomatrices, resulting in greater time- and cost-effectiveness, greater ease of use, and fewer errors. The multiplex immunoassay can be used to analyze interactions and correlations between cortisol and other stress biomarkers in the same biomatrix. In light of the lack of information regarding appropriate biomatrices for measuring chronic stress, this review may help investigators set experimental conditions or design biological research.

A Comprehensive Review of Metal-Organic Framework: Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Their Application in Electrochemical Biosensors for Biomedical Analysis

Many studies have addressed electrochemical biosensors because of their simple synthesis process, adjustability, simplification, manipulation of materials' compositions and features, and wide ranges of detection of different kinds of biomedical analytes. Performant electrochemical biosensors can be achieved by selecting materials that enable faster electron transfer, larger surface areas, very good electrocatalytic activities, and numerous sites for bioconjugation. Several studies have been conducted on the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as electrode modifiers for electrochemical biosensing applications because of their respective acceptable properties and effectiveness. Nonetheless, researchers face challenges in designing and preparing MOFs that exhibit higher stability, sensitivity, and selectivity to detect biomedical analytes. The present review explains the synthesis and description of MOFs, and their relative uses as biosensors in the healthcare sector by dealing with the biosensors for drugs, biomolecules, as well as biomarkers with smaller molecular weight, proteins, and infectious disease.

Rapid quantitative analysis of hormones in serum by multilayer paper spray MS: Free MS from HPLC

Developing rapid and reliable method for simultaneous hormones quantitation is of great significant because of important roles of hormones in metabolism. However, current methods are faced with problems of low throughput or complicated operation procedure to remove matrices from serum samples in routine clinical diagnosis. In the present work, a multilayer PS-MS method was developed for rapid and simple detection of hormones. In the strategy, multilayer filter paper acted as the Liquid Chromatography in LC-MS/MS for separation of hormones and biological matrices. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of three hormones, testosterone (T), androsterone (ADT) and androstenedione (4-AD) were realized through MS/MS spectra. The method exhibited linearity in the range of 0.02-2 μg/L and the results of recovery and repeatability were satisfactory for standard samples and spiked serum. The time-cost of a whole detection process was less than 3 min. The established multilayer PS-MS realized rapid, simple and reliable quantitative analysis of various hormones and provided broad prospect for clinical analysis of small molecules in different biological samples. Moreover, it provides a novel MS approach with high through-put and free HPLC, meeting the requirements of point-of-care testing (POCT).

A novel strategy for the detection of boldenone undecylenate misuse in cattle using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry: From non-targeted to targeted

In this work multivariate strategies were employed in order to highlight new potential biomarkers of interest to detect the exogenous treatment of steers intramuscularly treated with boldenone undecylenate. Serum samples collected from treated (n = 4) and control (n = 8) crossbred animals of varying ages and weights were extracted using a simple sample preparation procedure based on salt assisted liquid-liquid extraction. Data acquisition was performed using liquid chromatography and Q-Exactive™ Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Data processing and treatment were performed using two non-targeted workflows: (1) Compound Discoverer software and (2) XCMS package on the open-source R software combined with MetaboAnalyst. Three potential biomarkers were highlighted taking into account the chromatographic shapes, the feature location on the generated s-plots, the fold change, the adjusted p values, the coefficient of variation in the QC samples and the area under the ROC curves. Predicted formulas based on mass accuracy, structural composition and spectra similarity were proposed. A robust statistical model to predict the boldenone treatment was further developed based on the weighted abundances of the selected biomarkers. The requirements for screening methods were successfully fulfilled, together with a wider detection window in comparison with the monitoring of the deconjugated metabolite boldenone, although biomarker identification studies are still ongoing.

Current Insights into the Steroidal Module of the Athlete Biological Passport

For decades, the class of anabolic androgenic steroids has represented the most frequently detected doping agents in athletes' urine samples. Roughly 50% of all adverse analytical findings per year can be attributed to anabolic androgenic steroids, of which about 2/3 are synthetic exogenous steroids, where a qualitative analytical approach is sufficient for routine doping controls. For the remaining 1/3 of findings, caused by endogenous steroid-derived analytical test results, a more sophisticated quantitative approach is required, as their sheer presence in urine cannot be directly linked to an illicit administration. Here, the determination of urinary concentrations and concentration ratios proved to be a suitable tool to identify abnormal steroid profiles. Due to the large inter-individual variability of both concentrations and ratios, population-based thresholds demonstrated to be of limited practicability, leading to the introduction of the steroidal module of the Athlete Biological Passport. The passport enabled the generation of athlete-specific individual reference ranges for steroid profile parameters. Besides an increase in sensitivity, several other aspects like sample substitution or numerous confounding factors affecting the steroid profile are addressed by the Athlete Biological Passport-based approach. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview on current prospects, supporting professionals in sports drug testing and steroid physiology.

17β-estradiol induces temozolomide resistance through NRF2-mediated redox homeostasis in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most fatal cancer among brain tumors, and the standard treatment of GBM patients is surgical tumor resection followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. However, tumors always recur due to the developing drug resistance. It has been shown that neurosteroids, including dehydroepiandrosterone and 17β-estradiol, are synthesized in TMZ-resistant GBM tumors. Therefore, we sought to explore the possible role of 17β-estradiol in the development of drug resistance in GBM. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that aromatase/cytochrome P450 19A1 expression was gradually increased in the development from normal, astrocytoma to GBM. The level of 17β-estradiol was significantly increased in TMZ-resistant cells characterized by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Furthermore, 17β-estradiol attenuated TMZ-induced cell death and reduced reactive oxygen species production by mitochondria. In addition, 17β-estradiol attenuated oxidative stress by increasing the expression of superoxide dismutase 1/2, catalase, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF) 2. We found that NRF2 expression was essential for the induction of drug resistance by 17β-estradiol through the reduction of oxidative stress in GBM.

Sample Preparation and Analytical Methods for Steroid Hormones in Environmental and Food Samples: An Update Since 2012

Steroid hormones (SHs) have been widely used over the past few decades as both human and veterinary drugs to prevent or treat infectious diseases and anti-inflammatory benefits in clinical. Unfortunately, their residues in foodstuffs and environmental samples can produce adverse effects on human and animal life such as disrupting the endocrine system. For these reasons, sensitive, simple and efficient methods have been developed for the determination of these compounds in various matrices. This critical review summarized the articles published in the period from 2012 to 2019 and can be used to help researchers to understand development of the sample pretreatment protocols and analytical methods used to detect SHs. The developed extraction and purification techniques used for steroids in different samples, such as cloud point extraction, solid phase extraction based on different novel materials, microextraction methods, QuEChERS and other methods are summarized and discussed. Analytical methods used to quantify these compounds, such as different chromatography methods, electrochemical methods, as well as other methods, are illustrated and compared. We focused on the latest advances in SHs pretreatment, and the application of new technologies in SHs analysis.

Can Serum be a Match for Urine in the Regulatory Analysis of Boldenone in Cattle? A Systematic Comparison Between Detection Window, Stability, and Enzymatic Hydrolysis

This work involved a systematic comparison between serum and urine for the monitoring of anabolic androgenic steroids in livestock. Incurred samples were collected over 120 days from crossbred steers treated with intramuscular injections containing boldenone undecylenate. Independent high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) methods were used for the assessment of the respective detection windows, which were larger for serum samples. Both matrices presented adequate performance in terms of long-term stability, assessed using an isochronous approach during 196 days at -20 °C and for five freeze-thaw cycles. The effectiveness of the enzymatic hydrolysis reaction using Helix pomatia juice was also compared. The calculated concentrations in serum samples were not statistically influenced by the deconjugation reaction. On the other hand, urine hydrolysis conditions were studied using a 3³ Box-Behnken Design, in which a central point condition led to a satisfactory deconjugation performance. It could be observed that serum exhibited equivalent or better performance than urine for most of the evaluated criteria; thus, its inclusion in the regulatory analysis of boldenone in cattle is supported.

New approach to derivatisation for oestradiol esters detection in animal blood plasma using negative chemical ionisation GC-MS

In 1996, the EU prohibited the use of substances with anabolic action for food-producing animals (EU Directive 96/22/EC). In cases of illegal use of steroid hormones, these substances are usually applied to the animals in the form of esters. The reliable determination of intact steroid esters in animal tissues or body fluids is an unequivocal proof of illegal treatment of animals with EU prohibited anabolic substances. Previously our laboratory developed a sensitive method for determination of oestradiol benzoate and other steroid esters in blood plasma using LC-MS/MS, validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. This study describes a GC-MS method which has been developed for five oestradiol esters in blood plasma. The sample preparation procedure consisted of protein precipitation, phospholipids removal and cleaning on an alumina column. Oestradiol esters were derivatised with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentafluorobenzoyl chloride (PFBCl) and pyridine in dichloromethane. The measurement of oestradiol esters was carried out by GC-MS/NCI with Cool On-Column injection. Methane was used as a negative chemical ionisation reagent gas. The method for determination of oestradiol esters in blood plasma has been validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Decision limits for all analytes were observed below 0.05 ng mL^-1. The method is robust for bovine and porcine plasma analyses and can be applied both for screening and confirmatory determination in routine residue monitoring.

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensors for the Detection of Biomolecules and Whole Cells

Electrochemical sensors are considered an auspicious tool to detect biomolecules (e.g., DNA, proteins, and lipids), which are valuable sources for the early diagnosis of diseases and disorders. Advances in electrochemical sensing platforms have enabled the development of a new type of biosensor, enabling label-free, non-destructive detection of viability, function, and the genetic signature of whole cells. Numerous studies have attempted to enhance both the sensitivity and selectivity of electrochemical sensors, which are the most critical parameters for assessing sensor performance. Various nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene and its derivatives, and metal oxide nanoparticles, have been used to improve the electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic properties of working electrodes, increasing sensor sensitivity. Further modifications have been implemented to advance sensor platform selectivity and biocompatibility using biomaterials such as antibodies, aptamers, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and peptide composites. This paper summarizes recent electrochemical sensors designed to detect target biomolecules and animal cells (cancer cells and stem cells). We hope that this review will inspire researchers to increase their efforts to accelerate biosensor progress-enabling a prosperous future in regenerative medicine and the biomedical industry.

Determination of Steroids in Bovine Serum: Validation of a Reliable LC-MS/MS Method and In Vivo Studies with Boldenone Undecylenate and Testosterone Propionate

Serum analysis has received much attention in regulatory analysis of food-producing animals, especially for anabolic steroids. The possibility of confirming the parent drugs with minimum metabolization enables the detection of intact steroid esters, whose identification represents unequivocal proof of drug administration. This work involved the development and validation of a quantitative LC-MS/MS method to determine 30 steroids and steroid esters in bovine serum. Sensitivity was improved using microwave-assisted chemical derivatization with methoxyamine hydrochloride. The validation was successfully conducted in accordance with the Decision 657/2002/EC guidelines. An in vivo experiment was performed on 12 crossbred steers in which two commercial formulations containing boldenone undecylenate and testosterone propionate were administrated via intramuscular injections. The samples were collected over a period of 120 days, in which both intact esters were identified within 11 days postadministration. 17β-Boldenone was observed after 92 days for 2 steers and 56 days for the other animals. The applicability of a cut-off level to the ratio between 17β-testosterone and epitestosterone was evaluated in an attempt to differentiate testosterone abuse from endogenous production. It could be observed that a calculated ratio above this level is strong evidence of drug administration, although a high false-negative rate was obtained.

Optimization of mass spectrometry settings for steroidomic analysis in young and old killifish

Steroids are essential structural components of cell membranes that organize lipid rafts and modulate membrane fluidity. They can also act as signalling molecules that work through nuclear and G protein–coupled receptors to impact health and disease. Notably, changes in steroid levels have been implicated in metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, but how alterations in the steroid pool affect ageing is less well understood. One of the major challenges in steroidomic analysis is the ability to simultaneously detect and distinguish various steroids due to low in vivo concentrations and naturally occurring stereoisomers. Here, we established such a method to study the mass spectrometry behaviour of nine sterols/steroids and related molecules (cholesterol precursors: squalene, lanosterol; sterol metabolites; 7 Dehydrocholesterol, 24, 25 and 27 Hydroxycholesterol; and steroids: progesterone, testosterone, and corticosterone) during ageing in the African turquoise killifish, a new model for studying vertebrate longevity. We find that levels of all tested steroids change significantly with age in multiple tissues, suggesting that specific steroids could be used as biomarkers of ageing. These findings pave the way for use of Nothobranchius furzeri as a novel model organism to unravel the role of sterols/steroids in ageing and age-related diseases.

Reproductive Endocrinology Reference Intervals for Transgender Women on Stable Hormone Therapy

BACKGROUND

Transgender women and nonbinary people seeking feminizing therapy are often prescribed estrogen as a gender-affirming hormone, which will alter their reproductive hormone axis. Testosterone, estradiol, and other reproductive hormones are commonly evaluated to assess therapy, but reference intervals specific to transgender women have not been established. The objective of this study was to derive reference intervals for commonly measured analytes related to reproductive endocrinology in a cohort of healthy gender nonconforming individuals on stable feminizing hormone therapy.

METHODS

Healthy transgender individuals who had been prescribed estrogen (n = 93) for at least a year were recruited from internal medicine and primary care clinics that specialize in transgender medical care. Total testosterone and estradiol were measured using immunoassay and mass spectrometry; LH, FSH, sex hormone binding globulin, prolactin, progesterone, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were measured using immunoassay; free testosterone was calculated. Reference intervals (central 95%) were calculated according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.

RESULTS

The distribution of results for transgender women was different than what would be expected from cisgender men or women across all measurements. Use of spironolactone was associated with changes in the result distribution of AMH, FSH, LH, and progesterone. Compared to liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), immunoassay was sufficient for the majority of estradiol and total testosterone measurements; free testosterone added little clinical value beyond total testosterone.

CONCLUSION

Reference intervals specific to transgender women should be applied when evaluating reproductive endocrine analytes. Spironolactone is a significant variable for result interpretation of some tests.

Predictors of Steroid Hormone Concentrations in Early Pregnancy: Results from a Multi-Center Cohort

Objectives To identify factors predicting maternal sex steroid hormone concentrations in early pregnancy. Methods The Infant Development and the Environment Study recruited healthy pregnant women from academic medical centers in four US cities. Gold standard liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure maternal sex steroids concentrations (total testosterone [TT], free testosterone [FT], estrone [E1], estradiol [E2], and estriol [E3] concentrations) in serum samples from 548 women carrying singletons (median = 11.7 weeks gestation). Women completed questionnaires on demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Results In multivariable linear regression analyses, hormone concentrations varied in relation to maternal age, body mass index (BMI), race, and parity. Older mothers had significantly lower levels of most hormones; for every year increase in maternal age, there was a 1-2% decrease in E1, E2, TT, and FT. By contrast, each unit increase in maternal BMI was associated 1-2% lower estrogen (E1, E2, E3) levels, but 1-2% higher androgen (TT, FT) concentrations. Hormone concentrations were 4-18% lower among parous women, and for each year elapsed since last birth, TT and FT were 1-2% higher (no difference in estrogens). Androgen concentrations were 18-30% higher among Black women compared to women of other races. Fetal sex, maternal stress, and lifestyle factors (including alcohol and tobacco use) were not related to maternal steroid concentrations. Conclusions for Practice Maternal demographic factors predict sex steroid hormone concentrations during pregnancy, which is important given increasing evidence that the prenatal endocrine environment shapes future risk of chronic disease for both mother and offspring.

Simultaneous determination of three estrogens in human saliva without derivatization or liquid-liquid extraction for routine testing via miniaturized solid phase extraction with LC-MS/MS detection

Accurate quantitation of estrogens (i.e, estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3)) is valuable for clinical assessment of human health and disease. Alterations in estrogen levels have been implicated in numerous pathological conditions. However, inadequacies in sensitivity and specificity, cumbersome sample preparation and invasive specimen collection hamper the usability of available methods for clinical applications. Herein, a simple, rapid, highly sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of three estrogens in human saliva providing a non-invasive alternative to conventional blood samples. For the first time, a 96-well hydrophilic-lipophilic-balanced (HLB) microplate was employed for clean-up and enrichment of estrogens in a single extraction without the requirements of derivatization, evaporation, liquid-liquid extraction and online extraction. A rapid LC chromatographic separation with a turnaround time of 5.0min was achieved on a BEH C18 XP column. The use of 0.1mM ammonium fluoride (NH₄F) as LC additive, and integration of summated and scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions substantially improved the sensitivity to 1pg/mL, allowing the accurate quantitation of trace levels of three estrogens in one run. The assay was fully validated with good performance for extraction efficiency (67.0-85.6%), matrix effect (89.6-100.2%), linearity (from 1.0pg/mL up to 1000pg/mL), accuracy (98.9-112.4%) and precision (≤7.4%). Additionally, the assay was unaffected by 34 structurally-similar, potentially interfering substances tested at high clinical concentrations. The applicability of the assay was demonstrated by assessing the reference intervals of authentic saliva samples from healthy adult males, pre- and post-menopausal females. The easy sample preparation, fast LC and multi-analyte MS/MS detection utilizing noninvasive saliva as a specimen delivers a simple, practical, sensitive and accurate tool suitable for the high throughput measurement of E1, E2 and E3 in clinical laboratories.

Occurrence and reproductive roles of hormones in seminal plasma

Only 2-5% of seminal fluid is composed of spermatozoa, while the rest is seminal plasma. The seminal plasma is a rich cocktail of organic and inorganic compounds including hormones, serving as a source of nutrients for sperm development and maturation, protecting them from infection and enabling them to overcome the immunological and chemical environment of the female reproductive tract. In this review, a survey of the hormones found in human seminal plasma, with particular emphasis on reproductive hormones is provided. Their participation in fertilization is discussed including their indispensable role in ovum fertilization. The origin of individual hormones found in seminal plasma is discussed, along with differences in the concentrations in seminal plasma and blood plasma. A part of review is devoted to methods of measurement, emphasising particular instances in which they differ from measurement in blood plasma. These methods include separation techniques, overcoming the matrix effect and current ways for end-point measurement, focusing on so called hyphenated techniques as a combination of chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry. Finally, the informative value of their determination as markers of male fertility disorders (impaired spermatogenesis, abnormal sperm parameters, varicocele) is discussed, along with instances where measuring their levels in seminal plasma is preferable to measurement of levels in blood plasma.

Adhesive blood microsampling systems for steroid measurement via LC-MS/MS in the rat

INTRODUCTION

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) allows for the direct analysis of multiple hormones in a single probe with minimal sample volume. Rodent-based animal studies strongly rely on microsampling, such as the dry blood spot (DBS) method. However, DBS suffers the drawback of hematocrit-dependence (non-volumetric). Hence, novel volumetric microsampling techniques were introduced recently, allowing sampling of fixed accurate volumes. We compared these methods for steroid analysis in the rat to improve inter-system comparability.

EXPERIMENTAL

We analyzed steroid levels in blood using the absorptive microsampling devices Whatman® 903 Protein Saver Cards, Noviplex™ Plasma Prep Cards and the Mitra™ Microsampling device and compared the obtained results to the respective EDTA plasma levels. Quantitative steroid analysis was performed via LC-MS/MS. For the determination of the plasma volume factor for each steroid, their levels in pooled blood samples from each human adults and rats (18weeks) were compared and the transferability of these factors was evaluated in a new set of juvenile (21days) and adult (18weeks) rats. Hematocrit was determined concomitantly.

RESULTS

Using these approaches, we were unable to apply one single volume factor for each steroid. Instead, plasma volume factors had to be adjusted for the recovery rate of each steroid and device individually. The tested microsampling systems did not allow the use of one single volume factor for adult and juvenile rats based on an unexpectedly strong hematocrit-dependency and other steroid specific (pre-analytic) factors.

DISCUSSION

Our study provides correction factors for LC-MS/MS steroid analysis of volumetric and non-volumetric microsampling systems in comparison to plasma. It argues for thorough analysis of chromatographic effects before the use of novel volumetric systems for steroid analysis.

Multiplexed analysis of steroid hormones in saliva by LC-MS/MS with 2-hydrazinopyridine derivatization

Background

LC-MS/MS methods for multiplexed analysis of steroid hormones in saliva are useful research tools in endocrinology, but require sensitive detection.

Objective

To explore the use of hydrazide and hydrazine derivatization to improve sensitivity of detection for ketosteroids. On development and validation of a sample preparation method based on robot pipetting in the 96-well format we intended to then establish normal reference ranges for women and men, with saliva collected both in the early morning and late at night.

Method

Four hydrazides and one hydrazine were evaluated for their effectiveness as derivatization reagents based on the comparative signal response and efficacy of LC separation of five ketosteroid hydrazones via a methanol gradient mixed with either 0.2% formic acid or 0.1% ammonium hydroxide. Processing of saliva via liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) was optimized by examining variations in both extraction solvent polarity and protein precipitation reagents intended to inhibit emulsion.

Results

LLE using 10 % butanol in methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), with tannic acid as emulsion inhibitor, followed by 2-hydrazinopyridine (2-HP) derivatization enabled the multiplexed measurement of cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), progesterone, and 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) in the majority of saliva samples from women and men for this study.

Conclusion

Tannic acid is a novel and effective protein precipitation reagent in bioanalytical sample preparation. The validated method was used in the establishment of reference ranges, the success of which indicated that the method is suitable for Cushing's screening and has potential as a novel analytical research tool.