A screening method for the quantitative determination of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) in capsules by high resolution 19F- and 1H-NMR spectroscopy

A new method for rapid determination of the content of selective androgenic receptor modulators (SARMs) andarine, cardarine, ligandrol, ostarine and S-23 in capsules by 1H- and 19F-high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was described and validated. Specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, detection and quantification limits were considered as validation parameters. Full 1H-, 13C- and 19F-NMR structural assignment of the SARMs is provided as a tool for self-standing identification without a reference standard. Amounts of 7-15 mg of SARMs/capsule were detected in different products with an intermediate precision of 0.8-1.7% in 4 to 20 minutes of analysis time. The validation results and rapidity of analysis confirm the applicability of the method for large-scale screening. The statistical analysis of the results from 19F- and 1H-quantitative NMR showed that both approaches were equally effective, thus expanding the potential use of the methodology to non-fluorinated SARMs. At present, no SARM has been approved for human consumption; however, SARMs are actually used by bodybuilders and recreational athletes, who purchase them even though the risk-benefit ratio of these molecules has not been definitively established.

Illegal products containing selective androgen receptor modulators purchased online from Italy: health risks for consumers

Background

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are small synthetic drug molecules that are still not approved as medicine in Europe or the United States but are sold on illegal websites to improve sport performance, particularly bodybuilding.

Aim

To address the quality issues of illegal SARM products and their increasing diffusion in Italy with their potential health risks for consumers.

Methods

Web-based tools were used to investigate retail websites, trending searches, and information exchange via social media. Thirteen SARM products, purchased on retail websites accessible from Italy, were subject to visual inspection and chemical analysis by mass spectrometry and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was demonstration of additional health risks due to the illicit presence of other active ingredients, contamination, and misdosage in SARM products sold on the internet. The secondary outcome was to show the increasing trend of interest in Italy for these products.

Results

Most websites reported misleading information; specifically, the statement "for research only" was reported notwithstanding indications on dosage and training phases. The trending search showed that interest toward SARMs increased in Italy in the last years. The use of these products is clearly encouraged by the emerging phenomenon of "broscience" as revealed in socials. Visual inspection evidenced nonconform labeling. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of the stated SARM in about 70% of samples. In 23% of samples, the expected SARM was not detected but a different one instead, and in 1 sample, no SARMs were detected. Other undeclared pharmaceutical substances (tamoxifen, clomifene, testosterone, epimethandienone, tadalafil) were measured in 30% of samples. The copresence of >1 active substance was observed in >60% of samples. Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance data showed nonuniform content ranging from 30% to 90% of the label claim.

Clinical Implications

The use of SARMs, in the presence of unexpected life-threatening reactions in persons using the products to increase sport performance, should be assessed.

Strengths and Limitations

This investigation involved an integrated approach to study SARM products and related sociologic aspects. The main shortcomings are the limited number of samples and retail websites in the clear web investigated.

Conclusion

SARMs sold online as food supplement-like products represent a health hazard due to the presence of unapproved and undeclared active substances. The presence of contaminants clearly indicates the absence of good manufacturing practices in the production, which increases the health risks.

HILIC/MS quantitation of low-abundant phospholipids and sphingolipids in human plasma and serum: Dysregulation in pancreatic cancer

A new hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry method is developed for low-abundant phospholipids and sphingolipids in human plasma and serum. The optimized method involves the Cogent Silica type C hydride column, the simple sample preparation by protein precipitation, and the removal of highly abundant lipid classes using the postcolumn valve directed to waste during two elution windows. The method allows a highly confident and sensitive identification of low-abundant lipid classes in human plasma (246 lipid species from 24 lipid subclasses) based on mass accuracy and retention dependencies in both polarity modes. The method is validated for quantitation using two internal standards (if available) for each lipid class and applied to human plasma and serum samples obtained from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), healthy controls, and NIST SRM 1950. Multivariate data analysis followed by various statistical projection methods is used to determine the most dysregulated lipids. Significant downregulation is observed for lysophospholipids with fatty acyl composition 16:0, 18:0, 18:1, and 18:2. Distinct trends are observed for phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) in relation to the bonding type of fatty acyls, where most PE with acyl bonds are upregulated, while ether/plasmenyl PE are downregulated. For the sphingolipid category, sphingolipids with very long N-acyl chains are downregulated, while sphingolipids with shorter N-acyl chains were upregulated in PDAC. These changes are consistently observed for various classes of sphingolipids, ranging from ceramides to glycosphingolipids, indicating a possible metabolic disorder in ceramide biosynthesis caused by PDAC.

Binding Modes of a Cytotoxic Dinuclear Copper(II) Complex with Phosphate Ligands Probed by Vibrational Photodissociation Ion Spectroscopy

The dinuclear copper complex bearing a 2,7-disubstituted-1,8-naphthalenediol ligand, [(HtomMe){Cu(OAc)}₂](OAc), a potential anticancer drug able to bind to two neighboring phosphates in the DNA backbone, is endowed with stronger cytotoxic effects and inhibition ability of DNA synthesis in human cancer cells as compared to cisplatin. In this study, the intrinsic binding ability of the charged complex [(HtomMe){Cu(OAc)}₂]⁺ is investigated with representative phosphate diester ligands with growing chemical complexity, ranging from simple inorganic phosphate up to mononucleotides. An integrated method based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS), tandem MS, and infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy in the 600-1800 cm^-1 spectral range, backed by quantum chemical calculations, has been used to characterize complexes formed in solution and delivered as bare species by electrospray ionization. The structural features revealed by IRMPD spectroscopy have been interpreted by comparison with linear IR spectra of the lowest-energy structures, revealing diagnostic signatures of binding modes of the dinuclear copper(II) complex with phosphate groups, whereas the possible competitive interaction with the nucleobase is silenced in the gas phase. This result points to the prevailing interaction of [(HtomMe){Cu(OAc)}₂]⁺ with phosphate diesters and mononucleotides as a conceivable contribution to the observed anticancer activity.

Characterization and Valorization of 'Sulmona Red Garlic' Peels and Small Bulbs

'Sulmona red garlic' is an Italian variety characterized by a red tunica surrounding a white bulb. Red tunicae and non-commercial small bulbs are food wastes that must be studied for their added value. Hydroalcoholic extracts, obtained by separated inner and outer tunicae and peeled bulbs of small commercial 'Sulmona red garlic' bulbs, harvested at two different years, were first characterized with respect to their color, polyphenolic content, and antiradical activity. Then, an untargeted metabolic profile by means of electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ESI FT-ICR) mass spectrometry led to a comparative evaluation of the chemical diversity of six different samples. The study was completed by biological tests aiming to evaluate the associated health potential. Data on monocytes/macrophages showed good biocompatibility and a promising cytoprotective effect under oxidative stress conditions of all the extracts. At a molecular level, all the garlic extracts were able to downregulate the hydrogen peroxide-induced cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression through the modulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB) and peroxynitrite intracellular amounts, at different extents depending on the extract, the cell type, and the concentration. On the whole, data highlight an associated health potential of the extracts of this waste plant material both in terms of cytoprotection and of anti-inflammatory activity.

Cation-π Interactions between a Noble Metal and a Polyfunctional Aromatic Ligand: Ag+ (benzylamine)

The structure of an isolated Ag⁺ (benzylamine) complex is investigated by infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy complemented with quantum chemical calculations of candidate geometries and their vibrational spectra, aiming to ascertain the role of competing cation-N and cation-π interactions potentially offered by the polyfunctional ligand. The IRMPD spectrum has been recorded in the 800-1800 cm^-1 fingerprint range using the IR free electron laser beamline coupled with an FT-ICR mass spectrometer at the Centre Laser Infrarouge d'Orsay (CLIO). The resulting IRMPD pattern points toward a chelate coordination (N-Ag⁺ -π) involving both the amino nitrogen atom and the aromatic π-system of the phenyl ring. The gas-phase reactivity of Ag⁺ (benzylamine) with a neutral molecular ligand (L) possessing either an amino/aza functionality or an aryl group confirms N- and π-binding affinity and suggests an augmented silver coordination in the product adduct ion Ag + ( benzylamine ) ( L ) .

Metabolomic Profiling of Fresh Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) Berries from Two Cultivars Grown in Central Italy: A Multi-Methodological Approach

The metabolite profile of fresh Goji berries from two cultivars, namely Big Lifeberry (BL) and Sweet Lifeberry (SL), grown in the Lazio region (Central Italy) and harvested at two different periods, August and October, corresponding at the beginning and the end of the maturation, was characterized by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ESI FT-ICR MS) methodologies. Several classes of compounds such as sugars, amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, polyphenols, and terpenes were identified and quantified in hydroalcoholic and organic Bligh-Dyer extracts. Sweet Lifeberry extracts were characterized by a higher content of sucrose with respect to the Big Lifeberry ones and high levels of amino acids (glycine, betaine, proline) were observed in SL berries harvested in October. Spectrophotometric analysis of chlorophylls and total carotenoids was also carried out, showing a decrease of carotenoids during the time. These results can be useful not only to valorize local products but also to suggest the best harvesting period to obtain a product with a chemical composition suitable for specific industrial use. Finally, preliminary studies regarding both the chemical characterization of Goji leaves generally considered a waste product, and the biological activity of Big Lifeberry berries extracts was also investigated. Goji leaves showed a chemical profile rich in healthy compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, etc.) confirming their promising use in the supplements/nutraceutical/cosmetic field. MG63 cells treated with Big Lifeberry berries extracts showed a decrease of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and IL-8 expression indicating their significant biological activity.

Metabolic profiling of different wild and cultivated Allium species based on high-resolution mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector, and color analysis

Many plants of the genus Allium are widely cultivated and consumed for their nutraceutical and health-enhancing bioactive components effective in many metabolic and infectious diseases. In particular, Allium sativum L. (garlic), the most economically important Allium species, is known to present volatile, comparatively polar sulfur-containing compounds responsible for both the typical garlic aroma and antimicrobial property. More recently, the (moderately) polar portion of garlic metabolome, rich of polyphenols and amino acids, is gaining increasing interest as a source of antioxidants and primary nutrients. In this study, we have explored the chemical diversity of eight different hydroalcoholic extracts obtained by microwave-assisted extraction of white and red crop A. sativum and wild Allium triquetrum, Allium roseum, and Allium ampeloprasum, all originating from the Mediterranean Basin. The aim is to appraise their potential dietetic and healing value through an in-depth chemical characterization and contribute to preserve and exploit natural resources. The multimethodological method applied here is based on an untargeted metabolic profiling by means of high-resolution electrospray ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (ESI FT-ICR) mass spectrometry. More than 850 by ESI(+) and 450 by ESI(-) putative metabolites have been annotated covering all main classes of primary and secondary metabolites, including amino acids, alkaloids, organic and fatty acids, nucleotides, vitamins, organosulfur compounds, and flavonoids. The pigment and polyphenol components have been separated and quantified by a targeted chromatographic high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) and CIEL*a*b* colorimetric assay, showing characteristic yellow and red components in each extract, related to a different milieu of anthocyanins and flavonoids as assigned by high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS).

Chemico-Biological Characterization of Torpedino Di Fondi® Tomato Fruits: A Comparison with San Marzano Cultivar at Two Ripeness Stages

Torpedino di Fondi (TF) is a hybrid tomato landrace developed in Sicily and recently introduced in the south Lazio area along with the classical San Marzano (SM) cultivar. The present study aimed at characterizing TF tomatoes at both pink and red ripening stages, and at comparing them with traditional SM tomatoes. A multidisciplinary approach consisting of morphological, chemical (FT-ICR MS, NMR, HPLC, and spectrophotometric methods), and biological (antioxidant and antifungal in vitro activity) analyses was applied. Morphological analysis confirmed the mini-San Marzano nature and the peculiar crunchy and solid consistency of TF fruits. Pink TF tomatoes displayed the highest content of hydrophilic antioxidants, like total polyphenols (0.192 mg/g), tannins (0.013 mg/g), flavonoids (0.204 mg/g), and chlorophylls a (0.344 mg/g) and b (0.161 mg/g), whereas red TF fruits were characterized by the highest levels of fructose (3000 mg/100 g), glucose (2000 mg/100 g), tryptophan (2.7 mg/100 g), phenylalanine (13 mg/100 g), alanine (25 mg/100 g), and total tri-unsaturated fatty acids (13% mol). Red SM fruits revealed the greatest content of lipophilic antioxidants, with 1234 mg/g of total carotenoids. In agreement with phenolics content, TF cultivar showed the greatest antioxidant activity. Lastly, red TF inhibited Candida species (albicans, glabrata and krusei) growth.

Satureja montana L. Essential Oils: Chemical Profiles/Phytochemical Screening, Antimicrobial Activity and O/W NanoEmulsion Formulations

Chemical fingerprints of four different Satureja montana L. essential oils (SEOs) were assayed by an untargeted metabolomics approach based on Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with either electrospray ionization or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion sources. Analysis and relative quantification of the non-polar volatile fraction were conducted by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to MS. FT-ICR MS confirmed significant differences in the polar metabolite composition, while GC-MS analyses confirmed slight fluctuations in the relative amount of major terpenes and terpenoids, known to play a key role in antimicrobial mechanisms. Oil in eater (O/W) nanoemulsions (NEs) composed by SEOs and Tween 20 or Tween 80 were prepared and analyzed in terms of hydrodynamic diameter, ζ-potential and polydispersity index. The results confirm the formation of stable NEs homogeneous in size. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of SEOs were determined towards Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus) and Gram-negative clinical isolates (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens). Commercial SEO showed strongest antibacterial activity, while SEO 3 was found to be the most active among the lab made extractions. MIC and MBC values ranged from 0.39 to 6.25 mg·mL⁻¹. Furthermore, a SEO structured in NEs formulation was able to preserve and improve antimicrobial activity.

Phytochemical and biological characterization of Italian "sedano bianco di Sperlonga" Protected Geographical Indication celery ecotype: A multimethodological approach

Celery is a widely used vegetable known for its peculiar sensorial and nutritional properties. Here, the white celery (Apium graveolens L.) "sedano bianco di Sperlonga" PGI ecotype was investigated to obtain the metabolic profile of its edible parts (blade leaves and petioles) also related to quality, freshness and biological properties. A multi-methodological approach, including NMR, MS, HPLC-PDA, GC-MS and spectrophotometric analyses, was proposed to analyse celery extracts. Sugars, polyalcohols, amino acids, organic acids, phenols, sterols, fatty acids, phthalides, chlorophylls, tannins and flavonoids were detected in different concentrations in blade leaf and petiole extracts, indicating celery parts as nutraceutical sources. The presence of some phenols in celery extracts was here reported for the first time. Low contents of biogenic amines and mycotoxins confirmed celery quality and freshness. Regarding the biological properties, ethanolic celery extracts inhibited the oxidative-mediated DNA damage induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide and scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals.

Vibrational signatures of curcumin's chelation in copper(II) complexes: An appraisal by IRMPD spectroscopy

Curcumin (Cur) is a natural polyphenol with a wide spectrum of biological activities and appealing therapeutic potential. Herein, it has been delivered by electrospray ionization as gaseous protonated species, [Cur + H]⁺, and as a Cu(ii) complex, [Cu(Cur - H)]⁺, a promising antioxidant and radical scavenger. The gas phase structures were assayed by infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy in both the fingerprint (800-2000 cm^-1) and hydrogen stretching (3100-3750 cm^-1) ranges. Comparison between the experimental features and linear IR spectra of the lowest energy structures computed at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level reveals that bare [Cu(Cur - H)]⁺ exists in a fully planar and symmetric arrangement, where the metal interacts with the two oxygens of the syn-enolate functionality of deprotonated Cur and both OCH₃ groups are engaged in H-bonding with the ortho OH. The effect of protonation on the energetic and geometric determinants of Cur has been explored as well, revealing that bare [Cur + H]⁺ may exist as a mixture of two close-lying isomers associated with the most stable binding motifs. The additional proton is bound to either the diketo or the keto-enol configuration of Cur, in a bent or nearly planar arrangement, respectively.

Satureja montana L. essential oil and its antimicrobial activity alone or in combination with gentamicin

Many essential oils (EOs) are screened as potential sources of antimicrobial compounds. EOs from the genus Satureja have recognized biological properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to obtain a metabolite profile of commercial essential oil of S. montana L. (SEO) and to evaluate its antimicrobial properties, both alone and combined with gentamicin towards Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains. Untargeted analyses based on direct infusion Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) and on GC-MS have provided a high metabolome coverage, allowing to identify carvacrol, cymene and thymol as the major components of commercial SEO. SEO exerted an antimicrobial activity and induced a synergistic interaction with gentamicin against both reference and clinical bacterial strains. A significant reduction of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation was induced by SEO. As a result of SEO treatment, clear morphological bacterial alterations were visualized by scanning electron microscopy: L. monocytogenes and S. aureus showed malformed cell surface or broken cells with pores formation, whereas E. coli displayed collapsed cell surface. These results encourage further studies about bactericidal and antibiotic synergistic effect of SEO for combined therapy in clinical setting as well as in agricultural systems.