Urinary Steroid Profile Research Articles

THE COMBINATION OF CLASSICAL TESTS AND METHODS OF CHROMATOGRAPHY FOR LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS OF CUSHING’S SYNDROME OF DIFFERENT GENESIS

Immunochemical methods of analysis are traditionally used for diagnosis of various forms of Cushing's syndrome (CS). In the presence of boundary values of hormonal parameters, doubtful situations, a combination of changes both in pituitary and in adrenal glands, it is useful to determine additional differential diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of various forms of CS. Urinary steroid profiles (USP) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for 38 females with adrenal Cushing's syndrome (CSA), 42 females with pituitary CS (CSP) and 25 healthy females (control group). An increase of free cortisol/free cortisone ratio in the urine (UFF/UFE) for CSP patients in comparison of CSA was obtained by HPLC method. Decreased urinary excretion of UFF and UFE by more than 60% after the 8 mg dexamethasone suppression test had 100% sensitivity and specificity of more than 90% for the diagnosis of CSP. GC-MS method in patients with CSA and CSG revealed the peculiarities of androgens, progestins and glucocorticoids metabolism which leaded to obtain specific USP for CS of different genesis. Increased urinary excretions of dehydroepiandrosterone and its metabolites, metabolites of androstenedione, the ratio of sum of cortisol and cortisone tetrahydrometabolites to tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol (more then 36) in CSP patients compared with CSA are additional signs for differential diagnosis of these diseases. The combination of classical tests and USP obtained by HPLC and GC-MS methods increased the sensitivity and specificity of differential diagnosis of CSA and CSP.

Influence of Pain Killers on the Urinary Anabolic Steroid Profile.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are prohibited as performance-enhancing drugs in sports. Among them, testosterone and its precursors are often referred to as "pseudoendogenous" AAS, that is, endogenous steroids that are prohibited when administered exogenously. To detect their misuse, among other methods, the World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratories monitor the steroid profile (concentrations and concentration ratios of endogenous steroids, precursors and metabolites) in urine samples collected from athletes in and out of competition. Alterations in steroid profile markers are used as indicators for misuse of anabolic steroids in sports. Therefore, especially their metabolic pathways with possible interactions are crucial to elucidate. As steroid metabolism is very complex, and many enzymes are involved, certain non-prohibited drugs may influence steroid metabolite excretion. One important group of steroid-metabolizing enzymes is aldo-keto reductases (AKRs). An inhibition of them by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are neither prohibited nor monitored, but frequently used drugs in sports, was demonstrated in vitro. Thus, this work aims to investigate the influence of NSAID intake on the urinary steroid profile. Kinetic and inhibitory studies were performed using 5α-dihydrotestosterone as substrate. The results obtained from in vitro experiments show that ibuprofen inhibits AKR1C2 and thus influences steroid biotransformation. For in vivo investigations, urine samples prior, during and postadministration of ibuprofen were analyzed using routine methods to monitor the steroid profile. Changes in markers of the steroid profile of volunteers were observed. The combination of in vitro and in vivo results suggests that monitoring of ibuprofen may be useful in doping control analysis. The presented work illustrates the importance to consider co-administration of (non-prohibited) drugs during antidoping analysis. Intake of multiple substances is likely leading to interfering effects. Divergent results in antidoping analysis may therefore be observed and misinterpretation of analytical data may occur. Similar considerations may be appropriate for other fields of forensic applications.

SUN-073 Urine Steroid Profile of Girls with Premature Adrenarche

Background: Adrenarche describes the development of the human adrenal cortex when the zona reticularis increases the synthesis of C19 steroids (DHEA/-S). Girls with premature adrenarche have a higher risk to develop adverse outcomes including polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome later in life. The role of novel biosynthetic pathways of androgen production in health and disease remains largely unsolved. Objective: This study aimed to compare the urinary steroid metabolome between girls with premature adrenarche and healthy girls with focus on metabolites originating of novel, alternate androgen pathways. Methods: In 23 girls with premature adrenarche (median age 7 years) and 22 healthy, age-matched girls, we measured 39 steroid metabolites comprising progesterones, corticosterones, aldosterone, androgens, estrogens and glucocorticoids in the urine collected over 24 h by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. We compared metabolites and metabolite ratios between both groups of girls using Mann-Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction to account for multiple testing. Results: Girls with premature adrenarche were heavier than healthy girls (median weight 26.2 kg vs. 21.5 kg, p=0.003) and had a higher BMI SDS (0.8 vs -0.3, p=0.013). Gestational age and birth weight was similar between groups. Overall androgen excretion was different between groups, in particular amounts of androsterone, etiocholanolone, androstanediol, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenediol, androstenetriol and pregnenetriol were higher in girls with premature adrenarche than in healthy girls (p<0.05). Some of these metabolites originate from alternate androgen pathways, e.g. androsterone. We found no differences in progesterones, corticosterones, aldosterone, estrogens and glucocorticoids, except for 20β-dihydrocortisone, which was higher in girls with premature adrenarche. Activities of 17βHSD and of 17,20-lyase via the Δ4pathway were higher in girls with premature adrenarche than in healthy girls. Conclusions: Girls with premature adrenarche produce more androgens than healthy girls of similar age. The urinary steroid signature of adrenarche includes metabolites of alternate pathways. Androstanediol seems a marker of adrenarche. Future studies should assess whether the steroid signature of adrenarche is just appearing earlier in girls with premature adrenarche or earlier and different compared to adrenarche at normal timing.

Urinary steroid profiles: comparison of spot and 24-hour collections

Urinary steroid profiling is commonly used in clinical routine for the diagnosis of steroid-related diseases through the analysis of absolute steroid excretion values as well as apparent enzyme activities based on catalysed product-to-precursor ratios. To compensate for diurnal fluctuations in steroid concentrations, 24 hour collections are preferred yet impractical and sometimes not feasible. We therefore measured 40 steroid metabolites by GC-MS in 24 hour and spot urine samples of healthy volunteers and systematically evaluated to which extent 24 hour urine collections can be replaced by spot urine collections for diagnostic purposes. Whereas most steroid concentrations show poor correlation between 24 hour and spot urine collection, apparent enzyme activities show better correlation and defects in steroidogenic enzymes such as SRD5A2, CYP17A1, CYP21A2 and CYP11B1. We confirmed our findings in patient samples from our clinic.

Effective validation of chromatographic analytical methods: The illustrative case of androgenic steroids

The increasing need to develop quantitative chromatographic methods with upgradable multi-targeted approach, allowing flexible and reliable application on large daily workload makes the implementation of an efficient strategy of method's validation and maintenance crucial for the quality assurance policy. The expounding case of a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for the urinary endogenous steroid profiling is presented to illustrate a validation strategy that combines rigorous estimation of validation parameters with highly efficient use of the collected data. The analysis of blank urine samples fortified at six concentration levels with 18 targeted steroids was replicated nine times in three working sessions along twelve days. This dataset of 54 analysis formed the groundwork on which the statistical evaluation of several validation parameters was founded, including calibration, intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification, ion abundance ratio repeatability, selectivity, specificity, and carry-over. The preliminary comparison of the response variances at different concentration levels provided the evaluation for heteroscedasticity. Then, the most appropriate calibration model was determined for each steroid, in terms of order (linear vs. quadratic) and weighting, allowing to complete their quantitation in each solution. Intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were calculated therefrom. LOD values were computed with the Hubaux-Vos method from the weighted linear segment of the calibration curves. Only the assessment of recovery and ionization suppression/enhancement required the execution of further independent experiments. The case study demonstrated that the application of adequate statistical testing typically produced non-homogeneous models of calibration curves, mostly arising from heteroscedastic and quadratic distribution of datasets, unlike what is reported in overly simplified approaches. The misleading information obtained from the regression coefficient R2 to evaluate linearity was evidenced. The strong dependence of calculated LOD and accuracy from the selected calibration parameters was highlighted, making the implementation of an adequate calibration maintenance policy highly advisable.

Inter-individual variation of the urinary steroid profiles in Swedish and Norwegian athletes.

The steroidal module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) aims to detect doping with endogenous steroids, e.g. testosterone (T), by longitudinally monitoring several biomarkers. These biomarkers are ratios combined into urinary concentrations of testosterone and metabolically related steroids. However, it is evident after 5 years of monitoring steroid passports that there are large variations in the steroid ratios complicating its interpretation. In this study, we used over 11000 urinary steroid profiles from Swedish and Norwegian athletes to determine both the inter- and intra-individual variations of all steroids and ratios in the steroidal passport. Furthermore, we investigated if the inter-individual variations could be associated with factors such as gender, type of sport, age, time of day, time of year, and if the urine was collected in or out of competition. We show that there are factors reported in today's doping tests that significantly affect the steroid profiles. The factors with the largest influence on the steroid profile were the type of sport classification that the athlete belonged to as well as whether the urine was collected in or out of competition. There were also significant differences based on what time of day and time of year the urine sample was collected. Whether these significant changes are relevant when longitudinally monitoring athletes in the steroidal module of the ABP should be evaluated further.

Quantification of endogenous steroid sulfates and glucuronides in human urine after intramuscular administration of testosterone esters

For an effective detection of doping with pseudo-endogenous anabolic steroids, the urinary steroid profile is of high value. In this work, the aim was to investigate steroid metabolism disruption after exogenous intramuscular administration of different testosterone esters. The investigation focused on both sulfo – and glucoro conjugated androgens. A single intramuscular injection of either 1000 mg testosterone undecanoate (Nebido®) or a mixture of 30 mg testosterone propionate, 60 mg testosterone phenylpropionate, 60 mg testosterone isocaproate, and 100 mg testosterone decanoate (Sustanone®), was given to six healthy volunteers. Urine was collected throughout a testing period of 60 days. A LC-MS method was developed and validated for the analysis of eight conjugated steroids in their intact form. The results show that urinary changes in both sulfo – and glucuro conjugated steroid levels are prominent after the injection of testosterone esters. A promising potential marker for the intake of exogenous testosterone is the combined ratio of epitestosterone sulfate/epitestosterone glucuronide to testosterone sulfate/testosterone glucuronide ((ES/EG)/(TS/TG)) as a complementary biomarker for testosterone abuse. This represents a new piece of evidence to detect testosterone doping, representing a new approach and being independent from the metabolic connections of the markers in the steroid passport.

Validation of an ultra-sensitive detection method for steroid esters in plasma for doping analysis using positive chemical ionization GC-MS/MS

The standard approach to detect misuse with testosterone in sport is based on the determination and evaluation of the urinary steroid profile followed by the confirmation of atypical profiles using isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The detection capacity of these methods can be attenuated by confounding factors or testosterone preparations with endogenous isotopic fingerprints. An alternative detection method for misuse of an endogenous steroid in sports is the direct detection of the administered steroid ester present in most preparations. Thus unambiguous proof for doping misuse can be delivered. In this work, the sensitivity of gas chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole with chemical ionization (GC-CI-MS/MS) is applied to detect trace levels of 10 testosterone and 2 nandrolone esters in plasma for in human doping analysis. The detection method was developed employing a liquid-liquid extraction and HPLC cleanup step before analysis on the GC-CI-MS/MS. The quantitative method was validated in a linear range of 100–2000 pg/ml and proved to be selective, reproducible and very sensitive with limits of detection as low as to 10 pg/ml. A clinical study with the administration of testosterone undecanoate in 3 volunteers was carried out and the compound was detectable up to 86 days after administration.

Urinary steroidomic profiles by LC-MS/MS to monitor classic 21-Hydroxylase deficiency

21-hydroxylase deficiency, the most common enzyme defect associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is characterized by an impairment of both aldosterone and cortisol biosynthesis. Close clinical and biological monitoring of Hydrocortisone (HC) and 9α-Fludrocortisone (FDR) replacement therapies is required to achieve an optimal treatment. As frequent and repeated reassessments of plasma steroids, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione (Δ4-A) and testosterone (TESTO) is needed in childhood, urine steroid profiling could represent an interesting non-invasive alternative.We developed and validated a LC-MS/MS method for the measurement of 23-urinary mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens. The usefulness of steroid profiling was investigated on single 08h00 am-collected spot urine for discriminating between 61 CAH patients and their age- and sex-matched controls. CAH patients were split into two groups according to their 08h00 am-plasma concentrations of 17-OHP: below (controlled patients, n = 26) and above 20 ng/mL (uncontrolled patients, n = 35).The lower limit of quantification and the wide analytical range allows to assay both free and total concentrations of the main urinary adreno-corticoids and their tetra-hydrometabolites. Extraction recoveries higher than 75% and intra-assay precision below 20% were found for most steroids.Urinary steroids upstream of the 21-hydroxylase defect were higher in uncontrolled CAH patients. Among CAH patients, plasma and urinary 17-OHP were closely correlated. As compared to controls, steroids downstream of the enzyme defect collapsed in CAH patients. This fall was more pronounced in controlled than in uncontrolled patients. Androgens (Δ4-A, TESTO and the sum etiocholanolone + androsterone) accumulated in uncontrolled CAH patients. A strong relationship was observed between plasma and urinary levels of androstenedione. Daily doses and urinary excretion of both FDR and HC were similar in both CAH groups. Urinary FDR was inversely related to the sodium-to-potassium ratio in urine. A partial least squares discriminant analysis model allowed to classify the patient’s classes unaffected, controlled and un-controlled CAH patients based on urinary steroidomic profiles.Our LC-MS/MS method successfully established steroid profiling in urine and represents a useful and non-invasive tool for discriminating CAH patients according to treatment efficiency.

Urinary steroid profiling in diagnostic evaluation of an unusual adrenal mass.

SummaryAdrenal oncocytomas are rare tumours, with only approximately 160 cases reported in the literature. We report the use of urinary steroid profiling as part of their diagnostic evaluation and prognostication. A 45-year-old woman presented with clinical features of hyperandrogenism. Serum biochemistry confirmed androgen excess and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a 3.2 cm adrenal tumour with density 39 HU pre-contrast. Urine steroid profiling showed elevated tetrahydro-11 deoxycortisol (THS), which is associated with adrenal malignancy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed, and histopathology diagnosed adrenal oncocytoma. Serum and urinary biochemistry resolved post-operatively and remained normal at 1-year follow-up.Learning points:Differential diagnosis of adrenal masses is challenging. Current techniques for differentiating between tumour types lack sensitivity and specificity.24-h urinary steroid profiling is a useful tool for reflecting steroid output from adrenal glands. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of urinary steroid metabolites has sensitivity and specificity of 90% for diagnosing adrenocortical carcinoma.Adrenal oncocytoma are rare tumours. Differentiating between benign and malignant types is difficult. Data guiding prognostication and management are sparse.

Determination of the steroid profile in alternative matrices by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

The simultaneous determination of a broad panel of steroids provides more accurate information about the hormonal status than the detection of a single hormone. For that reason, the determination of the steroid profile, i.e. the endogenous steroid hormones and their main metabolites, has become the most powerful tool for the study of hormonal imbalances. The usefulness of the evaluation of the steroid profile in urine and plasma is widely accepted. However, despite its broad potential applicability, the evaluation of the whole steroid profile in alternative matrices such as amniotic fluid, saliva and breast milk remains almost unexplored. In this research we developed and validated a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the quantification of several steroids and their metabolites in amniotic fluid (28 analytes), saliva (15) and breast milk (12). Sample preparation, chromatographic conditions and mass spectrometric conditions (e.g. ionization species or ion source parameters) were optimized. The method was shown to be linear in the range of endogenous concentrations for all studied metabolites. Intra- and inter-assay accuracies were between 80% and 120% while intra- and inter-precisions were below 20% for all analytes in all matrices. The applicability of the method was evaluated by the comparison between the concentration ranges obtained in healthy volunteers (n = 30 per matrix) and the scarce data previously reported in literature. The concentration ranges for several analytes are reported for the first time. The present methodology represents a useful tool for the comprehensive evaluation of the steroid profile in alternative matrices and can be applicable for different clinical purposes.

Effects of transdermal administration of testosterone gel on the urinary steroid profile in hypogonadal men: Implications in antidoping analysis

Testosterone is one of the most abused pseudo-endogenous anabolic steroids in sport doping. The current method adopted to detect the abuse of testosterone and other pseudo-endogenous steroids (endogenous steroids when administered exogenously) is first based on the longitudinal monitoring of several urinary biomarkers, which constitute the so called “steroidal module” of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP): atypical samples undergo a confirmation analysis based on the measurement of the 13C/12C isotopic ratio of selected target compounds, to distinguish their endogenous or exogenous origin. At the same time, testosterone administration can be allowed in athletes diagnosed with hypogonadism, provided they are granted a therapeutic use exemption by the relevant medical authority.In this pilot study we have investigated whether the approach based on the preliminary determination of the urinary steroid profile, in the format considered in the steroidal module of the ABP, also integrated with the inclusion of the sulfo-conjugates and of additional target steroids, can retain its validity also in the case of hypogonadal athletes. We have studied the effects of a single low dose (40 mg) of testosterone gel (T-gel) on the urinary concentration of the markers of steroidal module of the ABP, as well as on some additional steroid markers. The study was based on the analysis of urinary samples from 19 non-hospitalized hypogonadal men, 10 of them with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), collected before, after 4 h and after 24 h the transdermal self-administration of 40 mg of T-gel. None of the patient had any co-morbidities possibly affecting the urinary excretion of the steroidal markers. The steroidal markers were quantified by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) after the enzymatic hydrolysis of the respective glucuro-conjugates and the chemical hydrolysis of the respective sulfo-conjugates. Targeted GC-MS/MS analysis was carried out operating in electron impact (EI) ionization mode, with acquisition in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode.Our preliminary results show that, as expected, the treatment with T-gel leads, in all hypogonadal men, to an increase of the urinary concentration of the glucuro-conjugate metabolites of testosterone and its main metabolites, with special relevance to those with 5α-reduction. Furthermore, samples collected from non-LOH hypogonadal men showed an increase also in the levels of epitestosterone glucuronide, testosterone sulfate and epitestosterone sulfate. Apart from their biochemical and pharmacological relevance, these outcomes could be leveraged to refine the analytical strategy currently followed in the antidoping field for the analysis of the urinary steroidal markers, with potential implications also in other forensic and/or clinical investigations.

Untargeted Metabolomic Profile for the Detection of Prostate Carcinoma-Preliminary Results from PARAFAC2 and PLS-DA Models.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the main biomarker for the screening of prostate cancer (PCa), which has a high sensibility (higher than 80%) that is negatively offset by its poor specificity (only 30%, with the European cut-off of 4 ng/mL). This generates a large number of useless biopsies, involving both risks for the patients and costs for the national healthcare systems. Consequently, efforts were recently made to discover new biomarkers useful for PCa screening, including our proposal of interpreting a multi-parametric urinary steroidal profile with multivariate statistics. This approach has been expanded to investigate new alleged biomarkers by the application of untargeted urinary metabolomics. Urine samples from 91 patients (43 affected by PCa; 48 by benign hyperplasia) were deconjugated, extracted in both basic and acidic conditions, derivatized with different reagents, and analyzed with different gas chromatographic columns. Three-dimensional data were obtained from full-scan electron impact mass spectra. The PARADISe software, coupled with NIST libraries, was employed for the computation of PARAFAC2 models, the extraction of the significative components (alleged biomarkers), and the generation of a semiquantitative dataset. After variables selection, a partial least squares–discriminant analysis classification model was built, yielding promising performances. The selected biomarkers need further validation, possibly involving, yet again, a targeted approach.

Multivariate interpretation of the urinary steroid profile and training-induced modifications. The case study of a Marathon runner.

The steroidal module of the athlete biological passport (ABP) introduced by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2014 includes six endogenous androgenic steroids and five of their concentration ratios, monitored in urine samples collected repeatedly from the same athlete, whose values are interpreted by a Bayesian model on the basis of intra-individual variability. The same steroid profile, plus dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and DHEA, was determined in 198 urine samples collected from an amateur marathon runner monitored over three months preceding an international competition. Two to three samples were collected each day and subsequently analyzed by a fully validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry protocol. The objective of the study was to identify the potential effects of physical activity at different intensity levels on the physiological steroid profile of the athlete. The results were interpreted using principal component analysis and Hotelling's T2 vs Q residuals plots, and were compared with a profile model based on the samples collected after rest. The urine samples collected after activity of moderate or high intensity, in terms of cardiac frequency and/or distance run, proved to modify the basal steroid profile, with particular enhancement of testosterone, epitestosterone, and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol. In contrast, all steroid concentration ratios were apparently not modified by intense exercise. The alteration of steroid profiles seemingly lasted for few hours, as most of the samples collected 6 or more hours after training showed profiles compatible with the "after rest" model. These observations issue a warning about the ABP results obtained immediately post-competition.

Impact of hormonal contraceptives on urinary steroid profile in relation to serum hormone changes and CYP17A1 polymorphism.

To detect doping with endogenous steroids, six urinary steroids are longitudinally monitored in the athlete biological passport (ABP). These steroids include testosterone, etiocholanolone, androsterone, 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol, and the testosterone isomer epitestosterone. It is known that the intake of hormonal contraceptives may interfere with the ABP biomarkers. A previous study showed that athletes using hormonal contraceptives (HCs) display lower urinary epitestosterone concentrations than non-using athletes. In this study, we analyzed the urinary steroid profile prior to and three months after administration of an oral HC including levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol (n=55). The urinary concentrations of all the ABP metabolites decreased after threemonths, with epitestosterone showing the largest decline (median 6.78 to 3.04ng/mL, p˂0.0001) followed by 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (median 23.5 to 12.83ng/mL, p˂0.0001), and testosterone (median 5.32 to 3.66, p˂0.0001). Epitestosterone is included in two of the five ratios in the ABP (T/E and 5αAdiol/E), and consequently these ratios increased 1.7-fold (range 0.27 to 8.50) and 1.26-fold (range 0.14 to 5.91), respectively. Some of these changes may mimic the changes seen after administration of endogenous steroids leading to atypical findings. Notably, even though participants used the same contraceptive treatment schedule, the HC-mediated epitestosterone change varied to a large extent (median 0.43-fold, range 0.06 to 6.5) and were associated with a functional T˃C promoter polymorphism in CYP17A1. Moreover, the epitestosterone changes correlated with HC-induced testosterone and gonadotropins changes in serum, indicating that urinary epitestosterone reflects the androgen load in HC-using women.

Infantile virilisation caused by an androstenedione-producing adrenal adenoma

Abstract A previously well fifteen-month-old female infant presented to a district general hospital in the United Kingdom with a three-month history of virilisation developing facial acne, coarse pubic hair, labia majora hypertrophy, menstruation, and clitoral enlargement. A functional adrenal tumour was suspected, supported by raised androgen metabolites on urinary steroid profile. An abdominal ultrasound scan identified a unilateral left adrenal mass. A subsequent CT scan of her chest, abdomen, and pelvis for surgical planning and tumour staging confirmed the left adrenal mass, a normal right adrenal gland, and identified a 3 mm left upper lobe lesion of the lung. The infant underwent a transperitoneal left adrenalectomy and developed adrenal insufficiency post-operatively. Histopathological examination of the adrenal mass confirmed a well encapsulated cortical adenoma with a maximum dimension of 45 mm and weight of 9.8 g. The virilisation symptoms improved following surgical excision and she commenced adrenal replacement therapy.

Quantitative targeted GC-MS-based urinary steroid metabolome analysis for treatment monitoring of adolescents and young adults with autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency

PurposePrimary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a rare and life-threatening disease. A recent Endocrine Society guideline argued against hormonal monitoring of glucocorticoid replacement. However, about 50% of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with chronic diseases are non-adherent to their treatment regimens. Therefore, suitable hormonal monitoring of glucocorticoid replacement would be highly desirable in AYAs with PAI. We investigated whether quantitative targeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry urinary steroid metabolome analysis would be suitable for monitoring glucocorticoid replacement in AYAs with autoimmune PAI. MethodRetrospective analysis of 21 urinary steroid profiles of four AYAs aged 15.6 ± 2.0 years with autoimmune PAI on hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone treatment. 24-hr cortisol metabolite excretion rates (CMERs) were calculated using the sum of major seven urinary cortisol metabolites. CMERs were transformed into z-scores according to reference values of healthy age- and sex matched subjects. ResultsThree patients showed good treatment adherence (17 of 21 samples). Mean CMER of these samples was 7.4 ± 1.8 mg/m2/d, corresponding to a z-score of 1.8 ± 1.1. CMER reflected 59.7 ± 14.5% of prescribed hydrocortisone dosages. A forth patient displayed clinical symptoms of PAI during treatment. CMER was only 0.3 mg/m2 (−3.4 z), reflecting only 3.1% of prescribed hydrocortisone dosage, compatible with lack of treatment adherence. Thereafter, the parents supervised the intake of tablets and treatment adherence improved. ConclusionQuantitative targeted GCMS steroid metabolome analysis could support monitoring of glucocorticoid replacement treatment in patients with PAI.

Steroidomics for highlighting novel serum biomarkers of testosterone doping.

Aim: Quantification of testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone serum concentrations proved to be an efficient alternative to urinary steroid profiling for the detection of T doping. In this context, additional serum markers could be discovered by exploratory untargeted steroidomics studies. Results: Endogenous steroid metabolites were monitored by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry in serum samples collected during a T administration clinical trial. A three-step workflow for accurate review of annotation was used and multifactorial data analysis allowed highlighting promising serum biomarkers. Longitudinal monitoring of selected compounds was performed to assess T abuse detection capabilities. Conclusion: Application of serum steroidomics showed high potential for biomarker discovery of T doping, suggesting longitudinal monitoring of steroid hormones in serum as a significant improvement in detection of endogenous steroids abuse.

Urinary steroid profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in Cushing's syndrome

Urinary steroid profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in Cushing's syndrome

SUN-373 Small Adrenal Incidentaloma Stable in Size Becoming a Stage IV Adrenocortical Carcinoma 10 Years Later in a Young Patient Carrying a Germline APC Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS)

Recent guidelines on adrenal incidentalomas suggested that patients with an indeterminate adrenal mass on imaging choosing not to undergo adrenalectomy to repeat imaging with either unenhanced computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic resonance imaging with chemical shift analysis in 6 to 12 months. If the adrenal mass is non-functioning and stable in size, patients may not require any additional monitoring.We report here a case of a young woman known for a small adrenal mass, stable in size for 4 years who was ultimately diagnosed with a Stage IV adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) 10 years later. Case report. In 2006, a 32-year-old French Canadian woman was referred in endocrinology for evaluation of a left 2.7 x 2.0 cm incidentally discovered adrenal mass. On presentation, her hormonal work up included a normal 1mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) within normal limits. On unenhanced computed tomography (CT), the radiodensity of the adrenal mass was 23 Hounsfield units (HU). The patient was followed with adrenal imaging and hormonal investigation yearly for 4 years and the adrenal mass demonstrated no growth in 4 years. Ten years after initial presentation, in 2016, after five years lost to follow up the patient presented with renal colic. Urological CT has unexpectedly revealed that the left adrenal mass had significantly progressed measuring 9 x 8.2 cm and 2 new hepatic lesions were identified. Biochemical work up demonstrated hypercortisolism and hyperandrogenemia: plasma cortisol after 1 mg overnight DST was 486 nmol/L and DHEA-S was 14.0 mmol/L (N 0.9-6.5). Twenty-four-hour urine steroid profiling was consistent with an ACC co-secreting cortisol, androgens and glucocorticoid precursors. The diagnosis of ACC with hepatic ACC metastases was confirmed by histology. Following genetic analysis, germline heterozygous variant of uncertain significance (VUS) was identified in the exon 16 of the APC gene NM_000038.5:c.2414G>A,(p.Arg805Gln) (rs200593940). The patient had no clinical manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis. Immunohistochemical staining of the ACC were positive for IGF-2 and cytoplasmic/nuclear β-catenin, however, no somatic APC or beta-catenin mutations were found. This case illustrates that 1) small adrenal incidentaloma stable in size may progress to ACC 2) better genetic characterization of these patients may eventually give clues to this unusual evolution.