Synthetic Anabolic Steroid Research Articles

Partial filling micellar electrokinetic chromatography analysis of androgens and testosterone derivatives using two sequential pseudostationary phases

Separation of anabolic and androgenic steroids by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) has been little studied. Simultaneous separation of the endogenous α-epimers testosterone and epitestosterone has not been achieved with any electroseparation technique. Here, a partial filling micellar electrokinetic chromatographic (PF-MEKC) method is described for the analysis of three endogenous steroid hormones (androstenedione, testosterone, epitestosterone) and two synthetic anabolic steroids (fluoxymesterone, methyltestosterone). The resolution efficiency of single-isomer sulphated γ-cyclodextrins and the surfactants sodium dodecyl sulphate and sodium taurocholate was exploited. The method is based on the sequential introduction of short plugs of two different pseudostationary phases into the capillary. The separation was completed in less than 10 min. The method can be used in quantitative analysis. Linear correlation was obtained between concentration and peak area of 0.996 or better. The repeatability (RSD) of the compound peak areas ranged from 3.6% (methyltestosterone) to 6.2% (androstenedione). Limits of detection were between 73 μg/L (testosterone) and 160 μg/L (fluoxymesterone). As a demonstration of the method, androstenedione, testosterone and epitestosterone were determined in a spiked urine sample.

Determination of the origin of urinary norandrosterone traces by gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry

On the one hand, 19-norandrosterone (NA) is the most abundant metabolite of the synthetic anabolic steroid 19-nortestosterone and related prohormones. On the other hand, small amounts are biosynthesized by pregnant women and further evidence exists for physiological origin of this compound. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) formerly introduced threshold concentrations of 2 or 5 ng of NA per ml of urine to discriminate 19-nortestosterone abuse from biosynthetic origin. Recent findings showed however, that formation of NA resulting in concentrations in the range of the threshold levels might be due to demethylation of androsterone in urine, and the WADA 2006 Prohibited List has defined NA as endogenous steroid. To elucidate the endogenous or exogenous origin of NA, (13)C/(12)C-analysis is the method of choice since synthetic 19-nortestosterone is derived from C(3)-plants by partial synthesis and shows delta(13)C(VPDB)-values of around -28 per thousand. Endogenous steroids are less depleted in (13)C due to a dietary mixture of C(3)- and C(4)-plants. An extensive cleanup based on two high performance liquid chromatography cleanup steps was applied to quality control and doping control samples, which contained NA in concentrations down to 2 ng per ml of urine. (13)C/(12)C-ratios of NA, androsterone and etiocholanolone were measured by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry. By comparing delta(13)C(VPDB)-values of androsterone as endogenous reference compound with NA, the origin of NA in doping control samples was determined as either endogenous or exogenous.

Identification of metabolites of trenbolone acetate in androgenic runoff from a beef feedlot.

Little is known concerning the potential ecological effects of hormonally active substances associated with discharges from animal feeding operations. Trenbolone acetate is a synthetic anabolic steroid that is widely used in the United States to promote growth of beef cattle. Metabolites of trenbolone acetate include the stereoisomers 17α- and 17β-trenbolone, both of which are stable in animal wastes and are relatively potent androgens in fish and mammals. Our purpose in this study was to evaluate the occurrence of 17α- and 17β-trenbolone in a beef cattle feedlot discharge and in river water upstream and downstream from the discharge. In conjunction with that effort, we measured in vitro androgenic activity of the discharge using CV-1 cells that had been transiently cotransfected with human androgen receptor and reporter gene constructs. Samples were collected on nine different occasions during 2002 and 2003. Whole-water samples from the discharge caused a significant androgenic response in the CV-1 cells and contained detectable concentrations of 17α- and 17β-trenbolone. Further work is needed to ascertain the degree to which synthetic androgens such as trenbolone contribute to androgenic activity of feedlot discharges.

Challenges in Detecting the Abuse of Growth Hormone in Sport

Growth hormone (GH) is reputed to be in widespread use in the sporting arena as a performance-enhancing agent and is on the list of banned substances published by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The detection of GH abuse poses many challenges. Unlike many substances of abuse, such as synthetic anabolic steroids, GH is a naturally occurring substance; therefore, demonstration of exogenous administration must rely on detecting concentrations in excess of an established reference interval. The purpose of this review is to discuss the methodologies being developed to detect GH abuse. We undertook a comprehensive search using multiple electronic databases and hand searches of reference lists of articles. The data for this review reflect our academic interests and experience through work on the GH-2000 and GH-2004 projects. Two approaches have been taken to detect GH abuse. The first is based on assessment of the effect of exogenous GH on pituitary GH isoforms, and the second is based on measurement of markers of GH action. The advantages of each approach and the difficulties encountered with each technique, as well as future concepts in detection, are discussed. Although there are substantial challenges for the detection of GH, methodologies now exist to detect GH abuse with reasonable sensitivity and specificity.

Preliminary validation of high performance liquid chromatography method for detection of methyl-testosterone residue in carp muscle

The use of synthetic anabolic steroid methyltestosterone (MT) as growth promoter is prohibited in China. Validations of analytical methods for MT residue in food and the results obtained have become indispensable. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the detection of MT with liquid-liquid extraction by trichloromethane-methanol in carp muscle tissue was preliminarily validated with reference to the following parameters: recovery (accuracy) at the 1, 5 and l0 mgkg−1 level, between-run and within-run CV values (repeatability, also called relative standard deviation (RSD)) and limit of detection. The recoveries were above 80% and the between-run and within-run CV values below 10% for muscle tissue. The limit of detection was 0.05 mgkg−1.

Metabolic Studies of Clostebol Acetate in Horses

Clostebol acetate (4-chlorotestosterone acetate) is a synthetic anabolic steroid which may be used to enhance performance in racehorses. Studies on the in vitro biotransformation of clostebol acetate with horse liver microsomes were carried out. Six metabolites (C1 – C6) were detected. They were 4-chlorotestosterone (C1), 4-chloroandrost-4-en-3α-ol-17-one (C2), 4-chloroandrost-4-ene-3α,17β-diol (C3), 4-chloroandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (C4), 4-chloroandrost-4-en-6-ol-3,17-dione (C5) and 6-hydroxy-4-chlorotestosterone (C6). Clostebol acetate (350 mg) was administered orally to 2 thoroughbred geldings. The parent drug was not detected in post-administration urine, and only three metabolites C1, C3, and 4-chloroandrostane-3α,17β-diol (C7) were observed. The metabolic pathway for clostebol acetate is postulated. These studies have shown that metabolites C3 and C7 could be used as potential screening targets for controlling the abuse or misuse of clostebol acetate in racehorses.

Quantification and Profiling of 19-Norandrosterone and 19-Noretiocholanolone in Human Urine after Consumption of a Nutritional Supplement and Norsteroids

Nandrolone is one of the synthetic anabolic steroids banned in sports and has been a popular substance abused by athletes in recent years. One of its major metabolites, 19-norandrosterone (19-NA), has been used as a determinant for drug violations in sports. Current reports regarding nandrolone-positive cases have been related to intake of some nandrolone-free nutritional supplements. The aim of this study was to learn whether if a nutritional supplement sold by over-the-counter (OTC) nutritional stores could yield the same metabolic products as that of nandrolone. If so, what is (are) the substance(s) that contributed to the nandrolone metabolites? To determine the content of an OTC nutritional supplement, a tablet was dissolved in methanol, followed by N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide (MSTFA)-trimethyliodosilane (TMIS) derivatization prior to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The collected urine samples underwent extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, and derivatization before the analyses of GC-MS. The results showed that seven anabolic steroids were found as contaminants in the nutritional supplement, in addition to six that were listed in the ingredients by the manufacturer. We confirmed previous reports that administration of the OTC supplement could produce a positive urine test for nandrolone metabolites. Furthermore, the results from excretion studies showed that 19-NA and 19-noretiocholanolone (19-NE) were present in urine after consuming the nutritional supplement, nandrolone, 19-nor-4-androsten-3,17-dione, 19-nor-4-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol, and 19-nor-5-androsten-3beta,17beta-diol. The 19-NA concentrations in urine were generally higher than that of 19-NE (19-NA/19-NE ratio > 1.0) especially during the early stage of excretion, that is, before 6 h post-administration. After this period of time, the concentrations of 19-NA and 19-NE fluctuated and might even have reversed (19-NA/19-NE ratio < 1.0) in their ratio, that is, higher yield in 19-NE than that in 19-NA. On the basis of this study, we postulate that some doping violations of nandrolone could be attributed by indiscriminate administration of the OTC nutritional supplements that contained 19-norsteroids.

Metabolic studies of methenolone acetate in horses

Methenolone acetate (17β-acetoxy-1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-3-one), a synthetic anabolic steroid, is frequently abused in human sports. It is preferred for its therapeutic efficiency and lower hepatic toxicity compared with its 17α-alkylated analogs. As with other anabolic steroids, methenolone acetate may be used to enhance performance in racehorses. Metabolic studies on methenolone acetate have been reported for humans, whereas little is known about its metabolic fate in horses. This paper describes the investigation of in vitro and in vivo metabolism of methenolone acetate in racehorses. Studies on the in vitro biotransformation of methenolone acetate with horse liver microsomes were carried out. Methenolone (M1, 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-one) and seven other metabolites (M2–M8) were detected in vitro. They were 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-ene-3,17-dione (M2), 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-6-ol-3,17-dione (M3) and two stereoisomers of 1-methylen-5α-androstan-2-ol-3,17-dione (M4 and M5), 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-16-ol-3,17-dione (M6) and monohydroxylated 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-17-ol-3-one (M7 and M8). After oral administration of Primobolan ® (80 tablets × 5 mg of methenolone acetate each) to two thoroughbred geldings, the parent steroid ester was not detected in the post-administration urine samples. However, seven metabolites, namely M1, M6–M8, two stereoisomers of M7 (M9 and M10) and 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-17α-ol-3-one (M11), could be detected. The metabolic pathway for methenolone acetate is postulated. This study has shown that metabolite M1 could be targeted for controlling the abuse of methenolone acetate in horses.

Use of ion trap gas chromatography–multiple mass spectrometry for the detection and confirmation of 3′hydroxystanozolol at trace levels in urine for doping control

Stanozolol, a synthetic anabolic androgenic steroid, is often abused in sports to enhance performance. Consequently, the anti-doping laboratories daily screen for its metabolites (3′hydroxystanozolol and 4β hydroxystanozolol) in all urines, mainly by GC–MS, after enzymatic hydrolysis and TMS derivatization. A sensitive and specific method by GC–MS 3 has been developed for the identification in urine of 3′hydroxystanozolol at trace levels. Full mass spectra and diagnostic ions are presented and a case report is commented. In this case, it was possible to attest the presence of a low concentration of stanozolol metabolite in a sample obtained from a competition test. This would have not been possible with other analytical techniques used in the laboratory. Through this case report, it was also possible to demonstrate the importance of sampling and the difficulties that has to face the laboratory when the pre-analytical step is not correctly performed.

Detection of stanozolol and its metabolites in equine urine by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry

The equine phase I and phase II metabolism of the synthetic anabolic steroid stanozolol was investigated following its administration by intramuscular injection to a thoroughbred gelding. The major phase I biotransformations were hydroxylation at C16 and one other site, while phase II metabolism in the form of sulfate and β-glucuronide conjugation was extensive. An analytical procedure was developed for the detection of stanozolol and its metabolites in equine urine using solid phase extraction, acid solvolysis of phase II conjugates and analysis by positive ion electrospray ionization ion trap LC–MS.

Detection of stanozolol and its metabolites in equine urine by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry

The equine phase I and phase II metabolism of the synthetic anabolic steroid stanozolol was investigated following its administration by intramuscular injection to a thoroughbred gelding. The major phase I biotransformations were hydroxylation at C16 and one other site, while phase II metabolism in the form of sulfate and β-glucuronide conjugation was extensive. An analytical procedure was developed for the detection of stanozolol and its metabolites in equine urine using solid phase extraction, acid solvolysis of phase II conjugates and analysis by positive ion electrospray ionization ion trap LC–MS.

Determination of residual anabolic steroid in meat by gas chromatography–ion trap–mass spectrometer

The use of natural and synthetic anabolic steroids in animal fattening has been prohibited in Taiwan and many countries because of their potential toxic effect on public health. This paper describes a newly developed gas chromatography–ion trap–mass spectrometry (GC–IT–MS) method for the quantitative determination of various residual anabolic steroids in meat. Anabolic steroid was derivatized with N-methyl- N-trimethylsilytrifluoroacetamide prior to GC–IT–MS analysis. MS 2 was employed for quantitative measurement. In addition, 2 d-estradiol was used as an internal standard. Quantitative determination was based on the ratio of peak area of steroid derivative to peak area of internal standard derivative. Good linearity of each compound, 0.03–1.0 μg/ml, was determined. Solvent extraction was used to extract residual anabolic compounds in meat samples and a solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure was utilized for sample cleanup and pre-concentration. The limits of detection of anabolic compounds approximately ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 μg/kg. The detection limit was comparable with or better than reported methods and was below the minimum required performance limits (MRPLs) established by the European Community (EC). The application of this newly developed method was demonstrated by analyzing various beef, pork, chicken and several animal internal organ samples from local markets.

Oxandrolone treatment of childhood hereditary angioedema

The virilizing effects of danazol, stanozolol, and methyltestosterone significantly restrict the usefulness of these agents in the treatment of children with hereditary angioedema (HAE). Oxandrolone is a synthetic anabolic steroid with limited virilizing effects that has been used in a variety of pediatric conditions and has an acceptable safety profile. To report the effective use of oxandrolone in a 6-year-old boy with recurrent, life-threatening episodes of angioedema. Oxandrolone was administered at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg per day. Symptoms and laboratory findings were evaluated by parental report and laboratory analysis of serum C1 esterase inhibitor and C4 levels, respectively. Oxandrolone therapy resulted in a marked reduction in clinical episodes and normalization of serum complement levels; cessation of oxandrolone therapy resulted in recurrence of symptoms and decreased complement levels. However, early signs of virilization were noted. Oxandrolone treatment was associated with significant clinical and laboratory evidence of a therapeutic effect in a prepuberal boy with HAE. It is imperative to treat HAE with the lowest dose of oxandrolone that controls life-threatening episodes of angioedema.

Optimization of the separation of a complex mixture of natural and synthetic anabolic steroids by micellar liquid chromatography

A systematic optimization of the HPLC separation of a complex mixture containing natural and synthetic anabolic steroids by micellar liquid chromatography using a Hypersil ( 150 mm×3.0 mm i.d., 5 μm) C18 column and UV detection at 245 nm (exception is made for oxymetolone and danazol which were monitorized at 280 nm) has been carried out. The isocratic micellar mobile phases (from binary to quaternary) consisted of sodium dodecyl sulphate and organic modifiers such as acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, propanol, butanol or pentanol. The effect of the organic modifiers, surfactant concentration, temperature, ionic strength and flow-rate on the separation has been studied. A micellar mobile phase 5% propanol and 40 mM surfactant allowed the separation of 12 steroids out of 14 tested in about 20 min. A bivariant optimization method for the micellar mobile phase propanol-surfactant corroborated the above results.

Equine Metabolites of Norethandrolone: Synthesis of a Series of 19-Nor-17α-pregnanediols and 19-Nor-17α-pregnanetriols

A range of 19-nor-17α-pregnanediols and 19-nor-17α-pregnanetriols have been synthesized and used to confirm the structures of major equine urinary metabolites of the synthetic anabolic steroid norethandrolone (1). 19-Nor-5α,17α-pregnane-3α,17β-diol (2), 19-nor-5α,17α-pregnane-3β,17β-diol (4), 19-nor-5β,17α-pregnane-3α,17β-diol (6), and 19-nor-5β,17α-pregnane-3β,17β-diol (7) were prepared by stereoselective reduction of the 3-ene-4-one of norethandrolone. The 19-nor-5α,17α-pregnane-3β,16α,17β-triol (8) and 19-nor-5α,17α-pregnane-3β,16β,17β-triol (9) were prepared from 19-nortestosterone (11) by multistep processes in which the critical step involved Grignard additions to 16-acetoxy-17-ones. The triols (20R)-19-nor-5α,17α-pregnane-3β,17β,20-triol (22) and (20S)-19-nor-5α,17α-pregnane-3β,17β,20-triol (23) were prepared from norethindrone (24) by initial selective A-ring reduction, then subsequent modification of the 17-ethynyl group. By comparison of these compounds with post-administration equine urine samples it was possible to establish A-ring reduction with 3β,5α stereochemistry as well as non-stereospecific 16-hydroxylation and 20-hydroxylation as significant metabolic pathways affecting norethandrolone in the horse.

Anabolic steroids, testosterone-precursors and virilizing androgens induce distinct activation profiles of androgen responsive promoter constructs

Different androgens, e.g. virilizing androgens such as testosterone and its precursors as well as synthetic anabolic steroids, respectively, induce diverse biological effects. The molecular basis for this variety in biological actions, however, is not well understood. We hypothesized that this variability of actions may be due to steroid-specific target gene expression profiles following androgen receptor (AR)-activation. Therefore, we investigated androgen receptor dependent transactivation of three structurally different androgen responsive promoter constructs ((ARE) 2TATA-luc, MMTV-luc, GRE-OCT-luc) in co-transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-cells as an artificial model simulating different natural target genes. Three virilizing androgens (dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, methyltrienolone), three anabolic steroids (oxandrolone, stanozolol, nandrolone) and two testosterone-precursors of gonadal and adrenal origin (dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione) were used as ligands (0.001–100 nM). All steroids proved to be potent activators of the AR. Remarkably, anabolic steroids and testosterone-precursors showed characteristic promoter activation profiles distinct from virilizing androgens with significantly lower (ARE) 2TATA-luc activation. Hierarchical clustering based on similarity of activation profiles lead to a dendrogram with two major branches: first virilizing androgens, and second anabolics/testosterone-precursors. We conclude that steroid-specific differences in gene transcription profiles due to androgen receptor activation could contribute to differences in biological actions of androgens.

Solvent and solid-phase extraction of natural and synthetic anabolic steroids in human urine

Liquid–liquid (using dichloromethane) and liquid–solid extraction processes (using disposable C 18 cartridges) were applied to human urine samples spiked with 15 androgenic anabolic steroids (natural and synthetic). The extraction recoveries were assessed from different HPLC separations of anabolic steroids using water–acetonitrile mobile phase, and using calibration graphs obtained by injection into HPLC of standard samples of these compounds before and after extraction. The procedures, including sample preconcentration, showed extraction efficiencies over 90% which were independent on a wide range of concentrations tested. Solid phase extraction yielded poor results for oximetolone, danazol and dehydroepiandrosterone. For real urine samples, hydrolysis using β-glucuronidase and washing using sodium hydroxide before and after solvent extraction, respectively, is recommended.

High-performance liquid chromatographic optimization study for the separation of natural and synthetic anabolic steroids. Application to urine and pharmaceutical samples

An HPLC separation of a complex mixture containing 14 androgenic anabolic steroids (natural and synthetic) for screening purposes has been carried out. The applied optimization method involved the use of binary, ternary and quaternary mobile phases containing acetonitrile, methanol or tetrahydrofuran as organic modifiers. The effect of different reversed-phase packings and temperature on the separation using acetonitrile as organic modifier was studied. The optimum separation was achieved by using a water–acetonitrile (55:45, v:v) mobile phase and a Hypersil ODS (250 mm×4.6 mm) 5 μm column (30°C) in about 38 min, allowing the separation of 14 out of 14 compounds tested (when danazol is exluded, 13 out of 14 were separated in 23 min). Calibration graphs were obtained using bolasterone, methyltestosterone and canrenone as internal standards. Detection limits were in the range 0.012–0.11 μg ml −1. The optimized separation was applied for monitoring the norethindrone acetate hydrolysis from tablets and to the analysis, after liquid–liquid extraction, of urine samples spiked with steroids.

Test methods: anabolics.

In the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accredited laboratories, specific methods have been developed to detect anabolic steroids in athletes' urine. The technique of choice to achieve this is gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In order to improve the efficiency of anti-doping programmes, the laboratories have defined new analytical strategies. The final sensitivity of the analytical procedure can be improved by choosing new technologies for use in detection, such as tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) or high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). A better sample preparation using immuno-affinity chromatography (IAC) is also a good tool for improving sensitivity. These techniques are suitable for the detection of synthetic anabolic steroids whose structure is not found naturally in the human body. The more and more evident use, on a large scale, of substances chemically similar to the endogenous steroids obliges both the laboratory and the sports authorities to use the steroid profile of the athlete in comparison with reference ranges from a population or with intraindividual reference values.

Hepatic lipase activity influences high density lipoprotein subclass distribution in normotriglyceridemic men: genetic and pharmacological evidence

Several studies have reported an inverse relationship between hepatic lipase activity and plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether genetic and pharmacological variation in hepatic lipase activity alters the distribution of HDL subclasses. Two independent analytical methods (nuclear magnetic resonance and gradient gel electrophoresis) were used to compare HDL subclass distributions in 11 homozygotes for the −514C allele of hepatic lipase and in 6 homozygotes for the −514T allele. Mean hepatic lipase activity was 45 ± 15 mmol·l−1·hr−1 in −514C homozygotes and 20 ± 7 mmol·l−1·hr−1 in −514T homozygotes. Both analytical methods indicated that HDL2b was significantly higher and HDL3a was significantly lower in −514T homozygotes than in −514C homozygotes. No differences were noted in the other HDL fractions (HDL2a, HDL3b, and HDL3c). To determine the effects of increased hepatic lipase activity, 20 men were given the synthetic anabolic steroid, stanozolol. Stanozolol treatment increased hepatic lipase activity more than two-fold (38 ± 18 to 85 ± 25 mmol·l−1·hr−1), and markedly reduced the plasma concentrations of the larger HDL subclasses (HDL2b and HDL2a). The plasma concentrations of the smallest HDL subclasses (HDL3b and HDL3c) were unchanged by stanozolol treatment. Taken together, these genetic and pharmacological data indicate that variation in hepatic lipase activity has highly specific effects on the distribution of HDL subclasses in the circulation.—Grundy, S. M., G. L. Vega, J. D. Otvos, D. L. Rainwater, and J. C. Cohen. Hepatic lipase activity influences high density lipoprotein subclass distribution in normotriglyceridemic men: genetic and pharmacological evidence. J. Lipid Res. 1999. 40: 229–234.