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Kruijver M, Bruggmann P, Magnolini R. Evidence of use and users of image- and performance-enhancing drugs in sports in Switzerland: a scoping literature review and implications for Swiss drug policy. Swiss Med Wkly 2023; 153:40080. [PMID: 37245119 DOI: 10.57187/smw.2023.40080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Image- and performance-enhancing drugs" are widely used in sports worldwide to improve body image and performance goals. In view of the growing research interest and use of these substances, and the paucity of data on the situation in Switzerland, we conducted a scoping literature review on evidence of the use and users of these substances in Switzerland. METHODS A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Google Scholar for articles published before August 2022. Primary outcomes were evidence of the use and users of image- and performance enhancing drugs in Switzerland. We used a narrative synthesis approach for data analysis. RESULTS Overall, 18 studies were reviewed, which in total comprised 11,401 survey participants, 140 interviews and 1368 toxicologically analysed substances. Articles were mostly peer-reviewed (83%) and mostly included evidence from professional athletes (43%). The mean publication year was 2011. In most articles both outcomes (78%) were evaluated simultaneously. We demonstrate that image- and performance-enhancing drugs appear to be prevalent among athletes and non-athletes in Switzerland. A wide variety of substances exist, and the type of substances used varied by age, motivation, sex and sports discipline. The main motivations for using these substances were, among others, image- and performance enhancement. The main route of acquisition of these substances was the Internet. Furthermore, we demonstrated that substantial proportions of these substances, as well as supplements, may be counterfeit. Information on image- and performance-enhancing drug use was acquired from different sources. CONCLUSIONS Although evidence of image- and performance-enhancing drug use and its users in Switzerland is scarce and there are major gaps, we demonstrate that these substances are also prevalent among athletes and non-athletes in Switzerland. Furthermore, high proportions of substances acquired from unregulated drug markets are counterfeit, which puts users in a situation of unpredictable risk when consuming them. Overall, the use of these substances may pose a substantial risk to individual and public health in this possibly growing and often insufficiently informed and medically neglected user community in Switzerland. There is a great need for future research, as well as prevention, harm-reduction and treatment programmes for this hard-to-reach user community. Doping policies in Switzerland should be critically reviewed as simple medical care and evidence-based treatment for non-athlete image- and performance-enhancing drug users is excessively criminalized under the current legislature, leaving possibly over 200,000 image- and performance-enhancing drug users in Switzerland with inadequate medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Kruijver
- University of Zurich, Department of Human Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philip Bruggmann
- ARUD Centre for Addiction Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Care (IHAMZ), University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Magnolini R, Falcato L, Cremonesi A, Schori D, Bruggmann P. Fake anabolic androgenic steroids on the black market - a systematic review and meta-analysis on qualitative and quantitative analytical results found within the literature. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1371. [PMID: 35842594 PMCID: PMC9288681 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13734-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Supraphysiologic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely used to improve body image and sport performance goals. These substances can easily be acquired over the internet, leading to a substantial black market. We reviewed literature that assessed the quality and quantity of AAS found on the black market. Methods We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Google Scholar for articles published before March 2022. Additional hand searches were conducted to obtain studies not found in the primary literature search. Studies were included if they report on qualitative and/or quantitative analytical findings of AAS from the black market. Primary outcomes were proportions of counterfeit or substandard AAS. Eligible articles were extracted; quality appraisal was done using the ToxRTool for in-vitro studies. We used random-effects models to calculate the overall mean estimates for outcomes. The review protocol has been published and registered in INPLASY. Results Overall, 19 studies, which in total comprised 5,413 anabolic samples, met the inclusion criteria, and passed the quality appraisal from two WHO world regions that reported findings, the Americas and Europe. Most studies were nonclinical laboratory studies (95%) and provided samples seized by authorities (74%). In 18 articles, proportions of counterfeit substances and in eight articles, proportions of substandard substances were presented. The overall mean estimate for counterfeit anabolic steroids found on the black market was 36% (95% CI = 29, 43). An additional 37% (95% CI = 17, 63) were of substandard quality. We also demonstrate that these drugs could contain no active ingredient, or in another amount than that labeled, a wrong active ingredient, as well as not all or more active ingredients than were labeled. High heterogeneity among all analyses and significant differences between geographical subgroups were found. Conclusion With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we demonstrate that substantial mean proportions of black-market AAS are counterfeit and of substandard quality. These products pose a considerable individual and public health threat, and the very wide range in proportions of fake black-market AAS puts the user in a situation of unpredictable uncertainty. There is a great need for future prevention and harm-reduction programs to protect users from these substances. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13734-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Magnolini
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Schützengasse 31, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Luis Falcato
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Schützengasse 31, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessio Cremonesi
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children's Hospital Zurich - Eleonore Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Schori
- Department of Social Welfare, Drug Information Centre 'DIZ', City of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philip Bruggmann
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Schützengasse 31, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Coimbra MA, Barbosa FS, Scheid C, Macedo SMD, Yonamine M, Merib JO, Oliveira TF, Eller S. Mass spectrometry determination of seized oil-based anabolic-androgenic steroids products. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 328:111012. [PMID: 34587560 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in illegal commercial products has been pointed as a global threat for public health. Due the correlation with adverse toxicological effects, there is a growing interest in the implementation of straightforward methods for the determination of AAS in seized products. This work exploited the development of a mass spectrometry approach to characterize the illegal oil formulations containing AAS. METHODS The optimization of sample preparation was performed through a simplex-centroid design and the best condition was described as follow: an aliquot of 5 μL of sample were added with 995 μL of acetonitrile and water (75:25, v/v). The solution was vortexed and centrifuged. After that, 10 μL of supernatant were added with 35 μL of acetonitrile and water and internal standard (testosterone-d3, 1.25 ng). An aliquot of 5 μL was injected into the analytical system. RESULTS The method developed was validated and successfully applied in 115 seized samples. Testosterone and its esters had the highest incidence, found in more than 50% of the samples. Besides that, drugs such as boldenone, methandienone, and trenbolone have also been found, where the low quality of the samples was evidenced by the wide variation in the concentration of the drugs, always quantified in sub-doses. Finally, at least one AAS was detected in each sample analyzed. The statistical results were grouped by principal components analysis, to better understand the profile of the seized samples. CONCLUSION This work successfully established a fast and simple method for determination of AAS and can be applied to verify the profile of seized samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masurquede A Coimbra
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fábio S Barbosa
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Camila Scheid
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Sandra M D Macedo
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Yonamine
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Josias O Merib
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tiago F Oliveira
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Sarah Eller
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Piper T, Thevis M. Investigations in carbon isotope ratios of seized testosterone and boldenone preparations. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:514-518. [PMID: 34192821 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In order to detect the misuse of testosterone (T) or boldenone (Bo) in doping control analysis, the confirmation of atypical findings employing the determination of carbon isotope ratios (CIR) is mandatory for issuing adverse analytical findings. Elevated concentrations of T (or elevated T/epitestosterone ratios) may result from confounding factors such as ethanol intake, and the presence of low urinary concentrations of Bo can originate from endogenous or urinary in situ production of small amounts of the steroid. As pharmaceutical preparations of Bo and T are generally depleted in 13 C, their CIR differ significantly from the 13 C-enriched endogenous steroids. Some rare cases have been reported on pharmaceutical preparations showing 13 C-enriched isotope ratios that complicate the current application of CIR in sports drug testing. Therefore, the CIR of a subset of n = 157 T preparations and n = 39 Bo preparations seized in Switzerland and Germany between 2013 and 2018 was analyzed in order to estimate the possible impact of steroid preparations showing 13 C-enriched isotope ratios on the current approach to detect their misuse. All investigated Bo preparations showed CIR in the expected range between - 26.7 and -30.3‰. Within the T samples, 95% showed the expected values below -26‰ while six samples fall between -25 and -26‰ and one sample was indistinguishable from endogenously produced T with a CIR of -23.3‰.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Piper
- German Sport University Cologne, Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, Köln, Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- German Sport University Cologne, Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry, Köln, Germany.,European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), Cologne/Bonn, Germany
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5
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Balancing mission creep, means, effectiveness and legitimacy at the World Anti-Doping Agency. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2020.100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Anabolic-androgenic steroid use among women - A qualitative study on experiences of masculinizing, gonadal and sexual effects. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 95:102876. [PMID: 32736958 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female users of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are at risk of developing masculinizing side effects. This study explores how the development of masculinizing effects has been experienced and processed by women with current or previous AAS use. METHODS Individual, semi-structured interviews were undertaken among 16 current or previous AAS-using women. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. RESULTS Almost all of the women were introduced to AAS and advised about what substance(s) to use, how much to use and how to use it by a trusted male partner, friend or coach. For some, AAS initiation was an impulsive choice, while others wanted to overcome stagnation and/or prepare for fitness competitions. Many were unprepared for the unwanted masculinizing effects, but some experienced these to be outweighed by the desired effects. Masculinizing effects that could be mediated by hair removal or breast implants were easier to process than a deepened voice. As very few women were open with others about their AAS use, the voice change could disclose use and was often accompanied by feelings of shame and regret. Absence of menstruation and its return following cessation were used to monitor effect, normal function and safety when deciding when to start a new cycle. Clitoral enlargement gave rise to shame and reduced self-esteem, but negative emotions could be reduced by a positive partner response. Increased libido was common and gave rise to positive and negative experiences, depending on life situation, partner status, whether the partner used AAS simultaneously and whether genital changes had also been experienced. CONCLUSION Women who use AAS are at risk of developing irreversible masculinizing effects that are difficult to process and that may negatively influence self-esteem, social life and sexual function, both during and after use. More gender-specific information about women and AAS use is needed.
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Bonny-Noach H, Berkovitz R, Shapira B. Evaluation of performance-enhancing drugs seized by Israeli enforcement agencies 2012-2017: implications for policy and regulatory change. Isr J Health Policy Res 2020; 9:14. [PMID: 32362275 PMCID: PMC7197109 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-020-00369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Illicit performance-enhancing substances are used mostly by athletes to enhance performance in sports, and by bodybuilders to gain muscle and body mass. Among performance-enhancing substances, the most common and known substances are anabolic-androgenic steroids, which are associated with a range of short and long-term adverse medical and psychiatric effects. While the sale and distribution of performance-enhancing substances are considered criminal offenses per the Israeli local pharmacy ordinance, the use and personal possession of these substances are not. Presently, the Division of Enforcement and Inspection of the Israel Ministry of Health cooperates with police and customs agents in performance-enhancing substance-related enforcement activities, which chiefly include seizures carried out at suspicious sites. Moreover, the Division of Enforcement and Inspection provides professional guidance, lab analysis services, and expert opinions on the toxicological and pharmaceutical nature of products seized. This paper presents a contemporary sub-analysis of registered seizures of performance-enhancing substances carried-out by Israel enforcement agencies. The main aim of this analysis is to characterize current patterns of performance-enhancing substances, thus providing the possibility of better assessment of current enforcement and health policy. Methods A sub-analysis of 712 seizures of performance-enhancing substances seized by Israeli enforcement authorities during a six-year period ranging from January 2012 to December 2017. Results This study demonstrates that Israel faces a challenge regarding the importation and distribution of illicit performance-enhancing substances. The most common substances seized were anabolic androgenic steroids (N = 539). Most seizures were carried out in the central mail processing sites, (38.4%), followed by seizures in private premises such as homes and warehouses (29.6%). Significant differences were found between anabolic-androgenic steroids and other substances, relating to place and year of seizure. Among seizures with known sources (N = 355), the most frequent geographic region given as the source of substances was Eastern Europe (47.6%), followed by East Asia (24.8%), West Asia (19.4%), and Western Europe (5.9%). Bulgaria was the country with the highest frequency of seizures (N = 71) followed by Jordan (N = 45), Thailand (N = 37) and Moldova (N = 36). Significant regional differences were found based on the variables of gender, place of seizure, and type of substance. The most frequent month of seizures was August (N = 129), followed by July (N = 119), and June (N = 118). Conclusions While data analysis focused on the supply side of the performance-enhancing substances market, the high number of seizures of performance-enhancing substances in Israel represents evidence of the existence of a high demand and a large consumer base for these products. Consequently, there is a need for developing further enforcement, treatment, and prevention policies that do not currently exist in Israel. Policymakers should consider prioritizing law enforcement action and incentivizing intelligence sharing to monitor suspected shipment sources and specific points of entry. Additionally, the results demonstrate that there is a need in reforming the penal law to discourage the use of performance-enhancing substances. Similar measures have already been applied in countries like Spain, Italy, and Belgium. Furthermore, policy-makers should consider enhancing health ministry agencies with a higher enforcement capacity by giving them further investigative and inquiry authority. Due to the troubling magnitude of the phenomenon, policymakers should also prioritize educational and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Bonny-Noach
- The Department of Criminology, School of Social Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel. .,Israeli society of Addiction Medicine (ILSAM), Ramat-Gan, Israel. .,Israel National Anti-Doping Organization (ISR-NADO), Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ronny Berkovitz
- Israel National Anti-Doping Organization (ISR-NADO), Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Division of Enforcement and Inspection, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Barak Shapira
- Israel National Anti-Doping Organization (ISR-NADO), Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Division of Enforcement and Inspection, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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Mullen C, Whalley BJ, Schifano F, Baker JS. Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in the United Kingdom: An update. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2180-2198. [PMID: 31989581 PMCID: PMC7174889 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are prescribed for medical conditions related to low testosterone. Abuse of AASs has surged as they become recognised as potent image enhancement drugs. The primary goal of most abusers is to obtain a more attractive outward appearance. Abuse is complex. There are a vast range of AAS substances illegally available, the nature of their true composition is difficult to evaluate. Users follow dosing patterns which incorporate a number of different AASs, in addition to other pharmaceutical substances believed to complement the desired physical effects or manage unwanted effects. Animal work and medical case reports suggest potential to cause serious hepatotoxicity, plus possible neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and damage to the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. As the long-term AASs users reach maturity, further controlled experimentation, with larger sample sizes, is required. Data gathering should be directed towards the most vulnerable group of AAS users, females and adolescent boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Mullen
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of the West of ScotlandPaisleyUK
| | - Benjamin J. Whalley
- School of Chemistry, Food and Nutritional Sciences, and PharmacyThe University of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical SciencesUniversity of HertfordshireHatfieldUK
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and HealthHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongHong Kong
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Ventura E, Gadaj A, Monteith G, Ripoche A, Healy J, Botrè F, Sterk SS, Buckley T, Mooney MH. Development and validation of a semi-quantitative ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for screening of selective androgen receptor modulators in urine. J Chromatogr A 2019; 1600:183-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Tircova B, Bosakova Z, Kozlik P. Development of an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of anabolic steroids currently available on the black market in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:355-360. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Tircova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Science; Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica; Banska Bystrica Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bosakova
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science; Charles University; Prague Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kozlik
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science; Charles University; Prague Czech Republic
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Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H. Annual banned-substance review: Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:9-27. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents; Cologne Germany
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses; University Center of Legal Medicine, Genève and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne; Epalinges Switzerland
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents; Cologne Germany
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12
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Backhouse SH, Griffiths C, McKenna J. Tackling doping in sport: a call to take action on the dopogenic environment. Br J Sports Med 2017; 52:1485-1486. [PMID: 28666982 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan H Backhouse
- Carnegie Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Claire Griffiths
- Carnegie Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Jim McKenna
- Carnegie Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
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Neves DBDJ, Caldas ED. GC–MS quantitative analysis of black market pharmaceutical products containing anabolic androgenic steroids seized by the Brazilian Federal Police. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 275:272-281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Weber C, Krug O, Kamber M, Thevis M. Qualitative and Semiquantitative Analysis of Doping Products Seized at the Swiss Border. Subst Use Misuse 2017; 52:742-753. [PMID: 28156209 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2016.1263665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substances developed for therapeutic use are also known to be misused by athletes as doping agents and, outside of regulated sport, for image-enhancement. This has generated a market for counterfeit doping substances. Counterfeit doping agents may be of poor pharmaceutical quality and therefore constitute health risks to consumers. OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the pharmaceutical quality of 1,190 doping products seized at the Swiss border. METHODS Swiss customs authorities seize incoming shipments potentially containing doping agents. Qualitative and semiquantitative analyses were performed in order to test for prohibited doping substances. The main analytical methods utilized for characterizing confiscated compounds were liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with subsequent in-gel tryptic digestion and identification of peptidic compounds using nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and electrochemiluminescence immuno assay. RESULTS For 889 (75%) of the analyzed products, the label suggested the content of anabolic agents, for 146 samples (12%) peptide hormones or growth factors, and for 113 items (9%) antiestrogens, aromatase inhibitors or other metabolic modulators. For the majority of the investigated products, the pharmaceutical quality was an unsatisfactory standard: nonapproved substances were detected and less than 20% of the products contained the claimed substance in the respective amount. CONCLUSION A comprehensive sample of confiscated doping products was analyzed, allowing for monitoring of developments regarding the use of doping substances in Switzerland and for anticipating future trends and challenges in sports drug testing. An alarming number of tested products was of substandard pharmaceutical quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Krug
- b Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry , German Sport University Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,c European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents , Cologne/Bonn , Germany
| | | | - Mario Thevis
- b Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry , German Sport University Cologne , Cologne , Germany.,c European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents , Cologne/Bonn , Germany
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Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H, Schänzer W. Annual banned-substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing. Drug Test Anal 2017; 9:6-29. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6 50933 Cologne Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents; Cologne Germany
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses; University Center of Legal Medicine; Genève and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne Epalinges Switzerland
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6 50933 Cologne Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents; Cologne Germany
| | - Wilhelm Schänzer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6 50933 Cologne Germany
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