Steroid Esters Research Articles

Steroid Transport, Local Synthesis, and Signaling within the Brain: Roles in Neurogenesis, Neuroprotection, and Sexual Behaviors.

Sex steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol and exert pleiotropic effects notably in the central nervous system. Pioneering studies from Baulieu and colleagues have suggested that steroids are also locally-synthesized in the brain. Such steroids, called neurosteroids, can rapidly modulate neuronal excitability and functions, brain plasticity, and behavior. Accumulating data obtained on a wide variety of species demonstrate that neurosteroidogenesis is an evolutionary conserved feature across fish, birds, and mammals. In this review, we will first document neurosteroidogenesis and steroid signaling for estrogens, progestagens, and androgens in the brain of teleost fish, birds, and mammals. We will next consider the effects of sex steroids in homeostatic and regenerative neurogenesis, in neuroprotection, and in sexual behaviors. In a last part, we will discuss the transport of steroids and lipoproteins from the periphery within the brain (and vice-versa) and document their effects on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and on neuroprotection. We will emphasize the potential interaction between lipoproteins and sex steroids, addressing the beneficial effects of steroids and lipoproteins, particularly HDL-cholesterol, against the breakdown of the BBB reported to occur during brain ischemic stroke. We will consequently highlight the potential anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties of sex steroid and lipoproteins, these latest improving cholesterol and steroid ester transport within the brain after insults.

Isolation and characterization of four novel β-Sitosteryl esters from Salvadora persica Linn.

Salvadora persica is virtuous to have a variety of phytoconstituents responsible for many biological activities some of them identified particularly while some are still to be acknowledged. A number of steroidal, glycosidic, terpenoids, saponins and functional esters are reported till date. The present study deals with extraction, isolation, and characterisation of four novel steroidal esters by systematic cold extraction of S. persica. The extracted phytoconstituents were characterised by sophisticated spectral UV, IR, NMR and MS, techniques. The reported four new β-Sitosteryl esters SP-2, 3, 5 and 6 were extracted and reported for the first time.

Determination of testosterone esters and nortestosterone esters in animal blood serum by LC-MS/MS

ABSTRACTA sensitive and robust confirmatory method for determination of steroid esters in blood serum is essential for reliable monitoring of possible illegal use of steroid hormones as growth promoters in meat production. A previously used sample preparation methodology was improved. The procedure consists of protein precipitation and removal of phospholipids by dispersive SPE Supel™ QuE Z-Sep (Sigma-Aldrich) followed by clean-up on alumina column and LC-MS/MS measurement. The modified method has been validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Validation parameters for determination of six testosterone esters and five nortestosterone esters in bovine and porcine blood serum are presented in this article. Decision limits for all analytes were observed in the range 10–20 pg mL−1. The method described is considerably robust for bovine and porcine serum analyses and can be applied both for screening and confirmatory determination in routine residue monitoring.

Carbon isotope ratios of endogenous steroids in Belgian Blue and Holstein cattle: Method development, reference population studies and application to steroid misuse control

The misuse of growth promoters in livestock and breeding animals is prohibited according to the laws of the European Union. Among these growth promoters, the detection of endogenous steroids like testosterone, estradiol or progesterone remains especially challenging as concentration-based urinary thresholds may not provide conclusive results due to large inter-individual variations. In addition to the detection of intact steroid esters in blood or hair, carbon isotope ratio (CIR) determination of urinary steroids has commonly been the method of choice. A comprehensive sample clean-up procedure was developed and validated, which enables for the first time simultaneous CIR measurements of testosterone metabolites (17α-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one, 3α-hydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one and 5α-androstane-3β,17α-diol), the estradiol metabolite 17α-estradiol (ESTR) and the progesterone metabolite 5β-pregnane-3α,20α-diol (PD) from a single urine specimen. As endogenous reference compounds 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one and 5-androstene-3β,17α-diol (5EN) were chosen. The method was validated by means of linear mixing models and a reference population encompassing n=53 Belgian Blue and Holstein cattle was investigated to enable the calculation of population-based Δ13 C thresholds. The combined measurement uncertainty determined for the Δ13 C-values of all steroids under investigation was found to be <0.8 ‰. Within the reference population studies, 5EN was demonstrated to be the most promising endogenous reference compound resulting in comparably low Δ-values and accompanying thresholds. For PD, a surprisingly high number of samples (n=9) yielded significantly 13 C-depleted values and ESTR was only detectable in n=13 samples. Proof-of-concept was accomplished by investigating two post-administration samples. This first comprehensive investigation on the CIRs of endogenous urinary steroids demonstrated once more the potential of isotope ratios in aiding discrimination between endogenously produced and exogenously administered steroids. By means of the reference population-derived CIRs, it is possible to apply cattle-specific thresholds to differentiate between treated and non-treated animals.

Chemical Constituents from the Rhizomes of Cyperus Rotundus L.

Background:Cyperus rotundusL. (Cyperaceae), is a perennial sedge distributed throughout India and other parts of the world. Its tubers are used as an appetizer, febrifuge and to treat bleeding, blisters, boils, cough, diarrhea, inflammation, lacteal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach ailments, skin rashes, thirst, vomiting, worm infestation and wounds.Objective:Our study was planned to isolate chemical constituents from the rhizomes ofC. rotundusand to characterized their structures.Method:The air-dried rhizome powder was exhaustively extracted with methanol in a Soxhlet apparatus. The concentrated methanol extract was adsorbed on silica gel (60-120 mesh) for the preparation of a slurry. The dried slurry was chromatographed over silica gel column packed in petroleum ether. The column was eluted with petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol, successively, in order of increasing polarity to isolate the compounds.Results:Phytochemical investigation of the tubers led to isolate a sesquiterpenone characterized as 12-methyl cyprot-3-en-2-one-13-oic acid (1), two aliphatic ketone viz.n-dotriacontan-15-one (2) andn-tetracontan-7-one (8), fatty estersn-pentadecanyl octadec-9, 12- dienoate (n-pentadecanyl linoleate,3),n-hexadecanyl linoleate (4),n-hexadecanyl oleate (5) andn-pentacos-13ʹ-enyl octadec-9-enoate (n-pentacos-13ʹ-enyl oleate,9), two steroidal estersstigmast-5,22–dien-3β–olyln-dodecanoate (stigmasterol laurate,6) and stigmast-5, 22-dien-3β-olyln-tetradecanoate (stigmasterol myristate,7), β-sitosterol-3β-O-glucoside(10)and a triterpenic glycosidic ester lup-12, 20 (29)-dien-3β-ol-3-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-2'-oleate (lupenyl 3β-O-arabinpyranosyl 2′-oleate,11). The structures of these compounds were established by spectral data analysis and chemical reactions.Conclusion:A sesquiterpene identified as cyprot-3-en-2-one-14-oic acid, two aliphatic ketones, fatty esters, two steroidal esters, β-sitosterol-3β-O-glucoside and lupenyl 3β-O-arabinpyranosyl 2′-oleate were isolated for the first time from the rhizomes.

Analysis of testosterone fatty acid esters in the digestive gland of mussels by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry

Several studies have indicated that up to 70% of the total steroids detected in molluscs are in the esterified form and that pollutants, by modifying the esterification of steroids with fatty acids, might act as endocrine disrupters. However, despite the strong physiological significance of this process, there is almost no information on which fatty acids form the steroid esters and how this process is modulated. This study (a) investigates the formation of fatty acid esters of testosterone in digestive gland microsomal fractions of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis incubated with either palmitoly-CoA or CoA and ATP, and (b) assesses whether the endocrine disruptor tributyltin (TBT) interferes with the esterification of testosterone. Analysis of testosterone esters was performed by liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). When microsomal fractions were incubated with testosterone and palmitoly-CoA, the formation of testosterone palmitate was detected. However, when microsomes were incubated with CoA and ATP, and no exogenous activated fatty acid was added, the synthesis of 16:0, 16:1, 20:5 and 22:6 testosterone esters was observed. The presence of 100µM TBT in the incubation mixture did not significantly alter the esterification of testosterone. These results evidence the conjugation of testosterone with the most abundant fatty acids in the digestive gland microsomal fraction of mussels.

Determination of testosterone esters and estradiol esters in bovine and porcine blood serum

ABSTRACTMonitoring of steroid esters in blood serum is desirable in order to detect the possible illegal use of natural hormones as growth promoters. A method for the determination of testosterone propionate, testosterone benzoate, testosterone isocaproate, testosterone decanoate and estradiol benzoate in bovine and porcine blood serum was developed. The procedure consists of protein precipitation and removal of phospholipids using a HybridSPE®-Phospholipid column followed by clean-up on a hydrophilic modified styrene polymer SupelTM-Select HLB column and LC-MS/MS measurement. The method was validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Decision limits for all analytes were observed in the range 5–30 pg ml–1. The method was shown to be robust for bovine and porcine serum analyses and can be applied for both screening and confirmatory determination in routine residue monitoring.

Catalytic cyclometallation in steroid chemistry III : Synthesis of steroidal derivatives of 5Z,9Z-dienoic acid and investigation of its human topoisomerase I inhibitory activity

Two approaches to stereoselective synthesis of steroid 5Z,9Z-dienoic acids were developed, the first one being based on the cross-cyclomagnesiation of 2-(hepta-5,6-dien-1-yloxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran and 1,2-diene cholesterol derivatives on treatment with EtMgBr catalyzed by Cp2TiCl2, while the other involving the synthesis of esters of hydroxy steroids with (5Z,9Z)-tetradeca-5,9-dienedioic acid, prepared in two steps using homo-cyclomagnesiation of 2-(hepta-5,6-dien-1-yloxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran as the key step. High inhibitory activity of the synthesized acids against human topoisomerase I (hTop1) was found.

Synthesis of Isomeric Dimers of Deoxycholic Acid Derivatives Linked by 1,2,3-Triazole

Steroidal propargylic ester 6 and the propiolic ester 7 were prepared in a few steps from the deoxycholic acid. The Huisgen cycloaddition reaction of alkynes 6 and 7 as dipolarophiles with a 1,3-dipolar compound, the azide 5, afforded the dimeric compounds 8 and 9, respectively, in good yield. The dimers of deoxycholic acid derivatives linked by 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole were characterized by spectroscopic methods.

Novel synthetic ester of Brassicasterol, DFT investigation including NBO, NLO response, reactivity descriptor and its intramolecular interactions analyzed by AIM theory

In the present work, Brassicasterol (compound 1) isolated from Allamanda Violacea reacted with the well known NSAID ibuprofen by Steglich esterification yielding a novel steroidal ester, 3β-(2-(4-isobutyl phenyl) propionoxy) 24 methyl cholest-5, 22-dien (compound 2). Identity of synthetic derivative (compound 2) was done with the help of modern spectroscopic techniques like, 1H NMR, IR and UV as well as mass spectrometry. Molecular geometry and vibrational frequencies of compound 2 were calculated using density functional method (DFT/B3LYP) and 6-31(d,p) basis set. NMR chemical shifts of the compound were calculated with GIAO method. Electronic properties such as HOMO–LUMO energies were measured with the help of time dependent DFT method. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was carried out to study hyperconjugative interactions. Non linear optical (NLO) response of compound 2 was also evaluated. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface has been used to indicate nucleophilic and electrophilic sites. Global reactivity descriptors of compound 1 and 2 were also calculated. Intramolecular interactions were analyzed using Atoms in molecule (AIM) theory.

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterisation of O-Chlorocarbonyl Derivatives of Bile Acid Methyl Esters

The synthesis of O-chlorocarbonyl derivatives of a series of bile acid methyl esters is described. The steroidal chloroformate esters were prepared by the reaction of the respective hydroxy derivatives with triphosgene–pyridine in benzene at 25 °C. The O-chlorocarbonyl derivatives were characterised by spectroscopic methods.

Direct analysis in real time - high resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS): a high throughput strategy for identification and quantification of anabolic steroid esters.

High throughput screening is essential for doping, forensic, and food safety laboratories. While hyphenated chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) remains the approach of choice, recent ambient MS techniques, such as direct analysis in real time (DART), offer more rapid and more versatile strategies and thus gain in popularity. In this study, the potential of DART hyphenated with Orbitrap-MS for fast identification and quantification of 21 anabolic steroid esters has been evaluated. Direct analysis in high resolution scan mode allowed steroid esters screening by accurate mass measurement (Resolution = 60 000 and mass error < 3 ppm). Steroid esters identification was further supported by collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments through the generation of two additional ions. Moreover, the use of labelled internal standards allowed quantitative data to be recovered based on isotopic dilution approach. Linearity (R(2) > 0.99), dynamic range (from 1 to 1000 ng mL(-1) ), bias (<10%), sensitivity (1 ng mL(-1) ), repeatability and reproducibility (RSD < 20%) were evaluated as similar to those obtained with hyphenated chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. This innovative high throughput approach was successfully applied for the characterization of oily commercial preparations, and thus fits the needs of the competent authorities in the fight against forbidden or counterfeited substances.

Steroidal esters from Ferula sinkiangensis

Two new steroidal esters with an unusual framework, Sinkiangenorin A and B, a new organic acid glycoside, Sinkiangenorin C, and four known lignin compounds were isolated from the seeds of Ferula sinkiangensis. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All of the isolated compounds were tested against Hela, K562 and AGS human cancer cell lines. Sinkiangenorin C showed cytotoxic activity against AGS cells with an IC50 of 36.9μM.

Chemical of Vitex trifolia

A new steroidal ester, beta-rosaterol palmitate (1) along with ten known compounds, uvaol(2), 3-epi-ursolic acid (3), 2alpha, 3beta, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (4), 2alpha, 3alpha, 24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (5), 2alpha, 3alpha, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (6), 2alpha, 3alpha, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (7), (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid (8), octacosyl alcohol (9), beta-sitosterol (10) and beta-daucosterol (11), has been isolated from the stems and leaves of Vitex trifolia. Their structures were elucidated using a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC, and HMBC)and HR-ESI-MS analyses. Compounds 2-7 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

High throughput identification and quantification of anabolic steroid esters by atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry for efficient screening of drug preparations.

Recent developments in ambient mass spectrometry (AMS), such as atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) mass spectrometry, open a whole new range of possibilities to screen for drug preparations. In this study, the potential of ASAP for the rapid identification and quantification of anabolic steroid esters has been evaluated. These compounds are known to be used both in human and in food producing animals to enhance performances and to improve the rate of growth, respectively. Using a triple quadrupole (QqQ) MS instrument, mechanism of ionization and fragmentation in both positive and negative mode were studied for a range of 21 selected steroid esters (based on testosterone, estradiol, nandrolone, and boldenone) which highlighted common neutral mass loss of 96.1, thus allowing rapid screening in minutes to reveal steroid ester presence with minimal sample preparation. Ester identification is further achieved through an efficient 2 min workflow on a QqQ MS instrument. Moreover, the use of isotope labeled internal standards permitted the quantification of the corresponding steroid esters in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode, for the first time in ASAP. This approach was successfully applied for characterization of oily commercial preparations. These results open new perspectives in hormone (and drug) rapid analysis by ASAP-MS in the near future.

Use of dried blood spots in doping control analysis of anabolic steroid esters

Dried blood spot (DBS) sampling, a technique for whole blood sampling on a piece of filter paper, has more than 50-years tradition, particularly in the diagnostic analysis of metabolic disorders in neonatal screening. Due to the minimal invasiveness, straightforwardness, robustness against manipulation and fastness DBS sampling recommends itself as an advantageous technique in doping control analysis. The present approach highlights the development of a screening assay for the analysis of eight anabolic steroid esters (nandrolone phenylpropionate, trenbolone enanthate, testosterone acetate, testosterone cypionate, testosterone isocaproate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone decanoate and testosterone undecanoate) and nandrolone in DBS. The detection of the intact esters allows an unequivocal proof of the administration of conjugates of exogenous testosterone and its derivatives. Precise, specific and linear conditions were obtained by means of liquid chromatography high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry. Sensitivity in the low ppb range was accomplished by the preparation of the methyloxime derivatives of the target compounds. Labeled internal standards (d3-nandrolone, d3-nandrolone caproate and d3-nandrolone undecanoate) were applied to compensate for the broad range in chain length of the esters.The assay presented here outlines the application of DBS for the analysis of anabolic steroid esters in doping controls for the first time providing great potential to simplify the proof of exogenous administration of testosterone.

Investigations into the feasibility of routine ultra high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis of equine hair samples for detecting the misuse of anabolic steroids, anabolic steroid esters and related compounds

The detection of the abuse of anabolic steroids in equine sport is complicated by the endogenous nature of some of the abused steroids, such as testosterone and nandrolone. These steroids are commonly administered as intramuscular injections of esterified forms of the steroid, which prolongs their effects and improves bioavailability over oral dosing. The successful detection of an intact anabolic steroid ester therefore provides unequivocal proof of an illegal administration, as esterified forms are not found endogenously. Detection of intact anabolic steroid esters is possible in plasma samples but not, to date, in the traditional doping control matrix of urine. The analysis of equine mane hair for the detection of anabolic steroid esters has the potential to greatly extend the time period over which detection of abuse can be monitored.Equine mane hair samples were incubated in 0.1M phosphate buffer (pH 9.5) before anabolic steroids (testosterone, nandrolone, boldenone, trenbolone and stanozolol), anabolic steroid esters (esters of testosterone, nandrolone, boldenone and trenbolone) and associated compounds (fluticasone propionate and esters of hydroxyprogesterone) were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction with a mix of hexane and ethyl acetate (7:3, v:v). Further sample clean up by solid phase extraction was followed by derivatisation with methoxylamine HCL and analysis by UHPLC–MS/MS. Initial method development was performed on a representative suite of four testosterone esters (propionate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate and decanoate) and the method was later extended to include a further 18 compounds.The applicability of the method was demonstrated by the analysis of mane hair samples collected following the intramuscular administration of 500mg of Durateston® (mixed testosterone esters) to a Thoroughbred mare (560kg). The method was subsequently used to successfully detect boldenone undecylenate and stanozolol in hair samples collected following suspicious screening findings from post-race urine samples. The use of segmental analysis to potentially provide additional information on the timing of administration was also investigated.

Confirmation and 3D profiling of anabolic steroid esters in injection sites using imaging desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI) mass spectrometry

In this study, desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI) linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) was applied for the confirmation and three-dimensional profiling of anabolic steroid esters in an injection site of bovine muscle. The spatial resolution of the DESI-MSn was demonstrated by scanning hormone esters and marker ink lines drawn at various distances on a microscopic slide at set distances, using an x-scanner with manual y and z adjustment. Tissue slices of bovine muscle injected with a hormone cocktail were analysed. All anabolic steroid esters could be directly detected in the sample and confirmed on the basis of identification points awarded for selected MS/MS transitions according to the performance criteria given in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Moreover, the injection site could be mapped by two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging MS, showing a horizontal and vertical distribution through the muscle tissue. This DESI approach offers potential for analysis of injection sites of steroid esters from illegally treated animals; moreover, direct analysis by ambient imaging DESI-MS still allows conventional extraction and analysis of the whole tissue for further confirmatory or contra-analysis afterwards.

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry based identification of steroid esters in serum and plasma: An efficient strategy to detect natural steroids abuse in breeding and racing animals

During last decades, the use of natural steroids in racing and food producing animals for doping purposes has been flourishing. The endogenous or exogenous origin of these naturally occurring steroids has since remained a challenge for the different anti-doping laboratories. The administration of these substances to animals is usually made through an intra-muscular pathway with the steroid under its ester form for a higher bioavailability and a longer lasting effect. Detecting these steroid esters would provide an unequivocal proof of an exogenous administration of the considered naturally occurring steroids. A quick analytical method able to detect at trace level (below 50pg/mL) a large panel of more than 20 steroid esters in serum and plasma potentially used for doping purposes in bovine and equine has been developed. Following a pre-treatment step, the sample is submitted to a solid phase extraction (SPE) before analysis with UPLC–MS/MS. The analytical method's efficiency has been probed through three different in vivo experiments involving testosterone propionate intra-muscular administration to three heifers, 17-estradiol benzoate intra-muscular administration to a bull and a heifer and nandrolone laurate intra-muscular administration to a stallion. The results enabled detecting the injected testosterone propionate and 17-estradiol benzoate 2 and 17 days, respectively, post-administration in bovine and nandrolone laurate up to 14 days post-administration in equine. The corresponding elimination profiles in bovine serum and equine plasma have been established. The first bovine experiment exhibited a maximal testosterone propionate concentration of 400pg/mL in one of the three heifer serum within 5h post-administration. The second bovine experiment reported a maximal 17-estradiol benzoate concentration of 480pg/mL in the same matrix recorded 9 days after its administration. The last equine experiment resulted in a maximal nandrolone laurate concentration of 440pg/mL in horse plasma 24h after administration.

Steroidal esters of the aromatic nitrogen mustard 2-[4-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino-phenyl]butanoic acid (2-PHE-BU)

On the basis of the results of in-silico predictions and in an effort to extend our structure-activity relationship studies, the aromatic nitrogen mustard 2-[4-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl) amino-phenyl]butanoic acid (2-PHE-BU) was synthesized and conjugated with various steroidal alcohols. The resulting steroidal esters were evaluated for their in-vivo toxicity and antileukemic activity in P388-leukemia-bearing mice. The new derivatives showed significantly reduced toxicity and marginally improved antileukemic activity compared with free 2-PHE-BU. Nevertheless, they did not prove to be superior either to the template steroidal ester used for in-silico predictions or to previously synthesized steroidal esters of aromatic nitrogen mustards. The results obtained indicate that in-silico design predictions may guide the design and synthesis of new bioactive steroidal esters, but further parameters should be considered aiming at the discovery of compounds with optimum activity.