Urinary excretion profile of higenamine in females after oral administration of supplements - Doping scenario

In 2017, higenamine was added to the World Antidoping Agency's (WADA) Prohibited list under group S3: beta-2 agonists and it is banned for athletes both in - and out of competition. Aim of this study was to characterize the urinary excretion profile of higenamine and its metabolite coclaurine after oral administration of multiple doses of higenamine capsules. For this purpose, an administration study including female basketball players was performed. For the detection of higenamine and cocalurine in the collected urine samples, a new, fast, and highly sensitive quantitative on-line SPE LC HRMS method was developed and validated. The method was applied for the quantification of higenamine and cocalurine in urine and their excretion pattern was defined. Results obtained show substantial inter-individual differences in the excretion profile of higenamine and coclaurine. For higenamine, half-lives were estimated to be between 4 and 27 h, and for coclaurine between 5 and 25 h. Furthermore, the data indicate that the elimination of coclaurine is rate-limited by its formation. Higenamine could be detected at a urine concentration above 10 ng/mL for at least 20 h after the last application for all study participants.

Data from a microdosed recombinant human erythropoietin administration study applying the new biotinylated clone AE7A5 antibody and a further optimized sarcosyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protocol

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. Due to its performance-enhancing effect, it is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In order to reduce the detection window of EPO doping, athletes have been applying low doses of recombinant EPO (e.g., <10 IU/kg body weight, daily or every second day) instead of larger doses twice or more per week (e.g., 30 IU/kg). Microdoses of Retacrit (epoetin zeta), an EPO biosimilar, were administered intravenously and subcutaneously to human males and females. Urine and serum samples were collected and analysed applying the new biotinylated clone AE7A5 EPO antibody and a further optimized sarcosyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SAR-PAGE) protocol. With the improved protocol, microdosed Retacrit (7.5 IU/kg body weight [BW]) was detectable for at least 52 h after intravenous administration. Detection windows were approximately the same for serum and urine and doubled after subcutaneous administration (~104 h). Previous studies applying different electrophoretic techniques and the not further optimized SAR-PAGE protocol revealed considerably shorter detection windows for recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) microdoses. Because the new biotinylated antibody performed significantly more sensitive than the nonbiotinylated version, the new protocol will improve the sensitivity and hence detectability of recombinant EPO in doping control.

Implementation of a marker substance for monitoring in situ 17-keto modifications in endogenous steroids caused by microbiological contamination

The urinary steroid profile established for the monitoring of eventual testosterone or testosterone precursor application by athletes includes concentrations and ratios of various endogenously produced steroidal hormones and metabolites. Due to enzymatic activities in urine specimens, the concentrations of these endogenous steroids and consequently their ratios may alter, leading to potential misinterpretation of analytical results. Microbiological contamination in athletes' urine samples can occur due to urinary tract infections or due to contamination by the non-sterile sample collection conditions. Depending on the duration of transportation of urine samples, the transport and storage conditions may favour microorganisms' growth, and therefore, the enzymatic activity can be accelerated. Degradation effects on endogenous steroids caused by microorganisms have been observed, such as hydrolysis of steroid conjugates, increase of testosterone in the free fraction or modification of the steroid structure by oxidoreductive reactions. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) implemented criteria to check for signs of microbial degradation in a technical document dealing with the detection, analysis and reporting of endogenous androgenic anabolic steroids (TD EAAS) in urine samples. During the endogenous steroid profile confirmation procedures (CPs) of the WADA accredited Seibersdorf Laboratory, significant differences in the concentrations of markers of the steroid profile were observed compared to the initial testing procedures (ITPs). The changes in concentrations of the urinary steroid profile were attributed to the reduction of the 17-keto group to a 17β-hydroxy group caused by increased enzymatic activity during the hydrolysis step. In order to monitor the 17-keto reduction activity in athletes' urine specimens, possible marker substances containing a 17-keto group were synthesised and added in the internal standards mixture (ISTD) of the ITP. The presence of the reduced 17β-hydroxy form of the marker substance indicated enzymatic activity leading to 17-keto reduction reactions. The substance 3β-ethoxy-5α-androstane-17-one was defined to be suitable to indicate 17-keto reduction reactions occurring during hydrolysis carried out at moderate temperatures.

Detection of DHCMT long-term metabolite glucuronides with LC-MSMS as an alternative approach to conventional GC-MSMS analysis

Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone (DHCMT) is one of the most detected illicit used anabolic-androgenic steroids in professional sports. Therefore, a fast and accurate analysis of this substance is of great importance for a constructive fight against doping abuse. The conventional method for the analysis of this drug, GC-MSMS, is very sensitive and selective but also very time- and resource-consuming. With the presented work, a new approach for simple detection with LC-HRMSMS without any sample preparation is introduced. The method is based on the direct analysis of two newly described phase-II metabolites of the DHCMT long-term metabolite 4-chloro-18-nor-17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-5β-androst-13-en-3α-ol (M3). LC-HRMSMS, GC-MSMS, fractionation and derivatization experiments are combined to identify and characterize for the first time two different glucuronide-acid conjugates of this metabolite in positive human urine samples. In addition, a third glucuronide metabolite was identified, however without isomeric structure determination. The detection of these metabolites is particularly interesting for confirmation analyses, as the method is rapid and requires little sample material.

Stanozolol-N-glucuronide metabolites in human urine samples as suitable targets in terms of routine anti-doping analysis

The exogenous anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) stanozolol stays one of the most detected substances in professional sports. Its detection is a fundamental part of doping analysis, and the analysis of this steroid has been intensively investigated for a long time. This contribution to the detection of stanozolol doping describes for the first time the unambiguous proof for the existence of 17-epistanozolol-1'N-glucuronide and 17-epistanozolol-2'N-glucuronide in stanozolol-positive human urine samples due to the access to high-quality reference standards. Examination of excretion study samples shows large detection windows for the phase-II metabolites stanozolol-1'N-glucuronide and 17-epistanozolol-1'N-glucuronide up to 12 days and respectively up to almost 28 days. In addition, we present appropriate validation parameters for the analysis of these metabolites using a fully automatic method online solid-phase extraction (SPE) method already published before. Limits of identification (LOIs) as low as 100 pg/ml and other validation parameters like accuracy, precision, sensitivity, robustness, and linearity are given.

Synthesis of human long-term metabolites of dehydrochloromethyltestosterone and oxymesterone

We herein report the synthesis of the long-term metabolites "M4" (IUPAC: 4-chloro-17-hydroxymethyl-17-methyl-18-norandrosta-4,13-dien-3-ol) of dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone (DHCMT, Oral Turinabol) and "Oxy M9" (4-hydroxy-17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-18-norandrosta-4,13-dien-3-one) of oxymesterone (Oranabol). Both compounds were derived from a common synthetic route starting from dehydroepiandrosterone acetate. Four different stereoisomers were evaluated for metabolite M4. The previously assigned structure could be corrected regarding the C-3 and C-17 stereocenters.

Aspiration in lethal drug abuse-a consequence of opioid intoxication

AIMS

The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether the fatalities of opioid abuse are not only related to respiratory depression but also as a result of other side effects such as emesis, delayed gastric emptying, a reduction of the cough reflex, and impaired consciousness leading to the aspiration of gastric contents, a finding regularly observed in drug-related deaths.

DESIGN

A retrospective exploratory study analyzing heroin/morphine/methadone-related deaths submitted to court-ordered autopsy.

SETTING

Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria (2010-2015).

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred thirty-four autopsy cases were included in the study: morphine (n = 200), heroin (n = 11), and methadone (n = 23) intoxication.

FINDINGS

Analyses revealed that 41.88% of all deceased showed aspiration of gastric contents with equal gender distribution (p = 0.59). Aspiration was more frequent in younger deceased (χ² = 8.7936; p = 0.012) and in deceased with higher body mass index (BMI) (χ² = 6.2441; p = 0.044). Blood opioid concentration was lower in deceased with signs of aspiration than in non-aspirators (p = 0.013). Toxicological evaluation revealed a high degree of concomitant substance abuse (91%)-benzodiazepines (61.6%) and/or alcohol (21.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

There are lower opioid concentrations in deceased with signs of aspiration, a fact which strongly points to aspiration as alternative cause of death in opioid-related fatalities. Furthermore, this study highlights the common abuse of slow-release oral morphine in Vienna and discusses alternative medications in substitution programs (buprenorphine/naloxone or tamper-resistant slow-release oral morphine preparations), as they might reduce intravenous abuse and opioid-related deaths.

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.

Synthesis of a human long-term oxymetholone metabolite

A long-term metabolite of the doping agent oxymetholone (OXM-M2, 17β-hydroxymethyl-2,17α-methyl-18-norandrost-13-en-3-one) which has been identified by GC-MS/MS was synthesized from commercially available materials. Two efficient synthetic routes to access both C-17 epimers of tentative metabolites were developed. The identity and molecular configuration of the in vivo metabolite: 17β-hydroxymethyl-2α,17α-methyl-18-norandrost-13-en-3-one was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Synthesis and structural elucidation of a dehydrochloromethyltestosterone metabolite

The human urinary long-term metabolite "M3" (4-chloro-17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-18-norandrost-13-en-3-ol) of the common doping agent DHCMT has thus far been detected via GC/MS-MS, creating ambiguities concerning its absolute configuration. Its structure was elucidated via the synthesis of all eight possible stereoisomers with 17β-hydroxymethyl configuration. The highlights of the synthesis consist of a novel first generation approach to 4β-chloro-5β compounds as well as a divergent route which allows easy access to the remaining A-ring chlorohydrins.

SARCOSYL-PAGE: Optimized Protocols for the Separation and Immunological Detection of PEGylated Proteins

PEGylation of recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides aims to generate biopharmaceuticals with altered physical properties. The modification may lead to a prolonged serum half-life caused by decreased receptor-mediated endocytosis and/or delay in renal clearance caused by the increased hydrodynamic volume of the pharmaceutical. MIRCERA, a PEGylated recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) used in the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease, has also been abused by athletes as performance-enhancing drug. While it can be detected by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting, the sensitivity of the test is significantly lower compared to other epoetins. By replacing SDS with sarcosyl in the sample and running buffers, the interaction between SDS and the PEG group of the protein no longer reduces the affinity of the monoclonal anti-EPO antibody (clone AE7A5) to the protein chain. Contrary to SDS, sarcosyl only binds to the amino acid chain of the PEGylated protein and thus leads to a sharper electrophoretic band and enhanced antibody binding. While the method was originally developed for anti-doping purposes, it may also be useful for the electrophoretic separation and immunological detection of other PEGylated proteins. Protocols for urine and serum are presented. They are also applicable for the general detection of EPO-based erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in these matrices.

Unambiguous identification and characterization of a long-term human metabolite of dehydrochloromethyltestosterone

In doping control analysis, the characterization of urinary steroid metabolites is of high interest for a targeted and long-term detection of prohibited anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). In this work, the structure of a long-term metabolite of dehydrochloromethyltestosterone (DHCMT) was elucidated. Altogether, 8 possible metabolites with a 17α-methyl-17β-hydroxymethyl - structures were synthesized and compared to a major DHCMT long-term metabolite detected in reference urine excretion samples. The confirmed structure of the metabolite was 4α-chloro-18-nor-17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-5α-androst-13-en-3α-ol.

Synthesis of 17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-18-norandrosta-1,4,13-trien-3-one: A long-term metandienone metabolite

The goal of this work was a good-yielding chemical synthesis of a metandienone metabolite which is of interest in doping analysis. 20βOH-NorMD (IUPAC: 17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-18-norandrosta-1,4,13-triene-3-one) has been identified as a long-term urinary metabolite which can be detected and attributed to metandienone up to almost 3weeks after exposure. The chemical synthesis of its epimer 20αOH-NorMD has been described before, as was an enzymatic synthesis of 20βOH-NorMD, but no chemical synthesis was published.

The uefa euro 2012 anti-doping programme - scientific review

The final tournament of the UEFA European Football Championship is one of the top sporting events in the world, and a high-profile event of this kind requires a well-planned and well-executed anti-doping programme to ensure the integrity of results in the competition. UEFA EURO 2012 presented a unique logistical challenge, with the tournament spread across two countries, both covering a large geographical area. This paper discusses the planning and delivery of both the pre tournament out-of-competition (OOC) testing programme and the in-competition (IC) programme, as well as reviewing the activities of doping control officers (DCOs), the whereabouts programme and assessing the sample collection and transport process. The analytical approach applied is also discussed, along with an overview of the distribution of T/E ratios and blood parameters.

Erythropoietin and analogs

Erythropoietin (EPO), a glycoprotein hormone, stimulates the growth of red blood cells and as a consequence it increases tissue oxygenation. This performance enhancing effect is responsible for the ban of erythropioetin in sports since 1990. Especially its recombinant synthesis led to the abuse of this hormone, predominatly in endurance sports. The analytical differentiation of endogenously produced erythropoietin from its recombinant counterpart by using isoelectric focusing and double blotting is a milestone in the detection of doping with recombinant erythropoietin. However, various analogous of the initial recombinant products, not always easily detectable by the standard IEF-method, necessitate the development of analytical alternatives for the detection of EPO doping. The following chapter summarizes its mode of action, the various forms of recombinant erythropoietin, the main analytical procedures and strategies for the detection of EPO doping as well as a typical case report.

Synthesis and identification of hydroxylated metabolites of the anti-estrogenic agent cyclofenil

The detection of metabolites of the anti-estrogenic substance cyclofenil, listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List since 2004 is described. Target substances are hydroxylated metabolites, bearing an aliphatic hydroxyl group either in the 2-, 3- or 4-position of the aliphatic ring, in addition to the phenolic functions on the aromatic rings. Structural identification used NMR as well as high-resolution mass spectrometry after nano-electrospray ionisation (ESI). Unambiguous detection of all three synthesised cyclofenil metabolites M1-M3 was done using gas chromatography for separation and electron ionisation mass spectrometry for detection of the per-silylated compounds in comparison with a reference urine deriving from an excretion study within the WADA 2007 Educational Programme.

Synthesis and analytics of 2,2,3,4,4-d5-19-nor-5alpha-androsterone--an internal standard in doping analysis

A short and efficient synthesis of pentadeuterated 2,2,3,4,4-d5-19-nor-5alpha-androsterone 7 starting from 19-norandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione 1 by a d1-L-Selectride mediated stereo- and regioselective reduction of the 3-keto group is presented. The use of compound 7 as internal standard for the detection of anabolic steroids via mass spectrometric techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is discussed.

GASepo-a software solution for quantitative analysis of digital images in Epo doping control

A software has been developed that is aimed at quantitative analysis of images acquired by isoelectric focusing and double blotting procedures used for recombinant erythropoietin doping control. It represents a unified and easy-to-use tool for Epo doping experts in WADA accredited laboratories. It is based on image segmentation philosophy that enables identification of individual bands whose characteristics are needed for evaluation of the Epo doping positivity criteria. Several modules implemented in the GASepo software include an original know how, in particular, the method of robust calculation of the cut-off line, band segmentation and classification algorithms. GASepo is being used in several doping control laboratories worldwide.

Characterization ofN- andO-glycopeptides of recombinant human erythropoietins as potential biomarkers for doping analysis by means of microscale sample purification combined with MALDI-TOF and quadrupole IT/RTOF mass spectrometry

The structural characterization of the O- and N-glycan structures of three different commercially available recombinant human erythropoietins (rhEPOs) is represented by means of a microscale sample purification using ZipTip technology and MALDI-TOF and MALDI low-energy CID MS. Glycopeptides were released from rhEPO samples by a differential endoproteolytic digestion to obtain site-specific glycosylation patterns. Mass accuracies in the range of +/- 0.04% obtained by the high-resolution TOF instrument allowed an unambiguous assignment of N-glycan structures via glycan database software. Furthermore, the O-glycan structures were directly analyzed on the glycopeptide level by MS/MS experiments. Principally, site-specific glycosylation was found to be very similar for the three different rhEPOs (EPO-alpha, EPO-beta, and novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein (NESP)) but exhibiting quantitative differences in distinct O- and N-glycan moieties. Significant differences were found in the degree of sialylation and acetylation. Especially, a considerable degree of variation of the O-acetylation of sialic acid residues could be realized on the glycan structures of O- and N-glycopeptides, whereas EPO-alpha and EPO-beta could be clearly differentiated from NESP solely on the O-glycopeptide level.

Quantitative analysis of images in erythropoietin doping control

The software system GASepo has been developed as a tool to visualise and analyse doping (searching for performance-enhancing drugs in sports) with recombinant erythropoietin (rEpo). Digital images derived from the separation of Epo isoforms in gels by iso-electric focusing followed by double blotting and chemiluminescence detection contain spots (bands) of characteristic shape and positions. For Epo doping control, these have to be analysed and evaluated. A relevant element of the analysis is calculation of the reference cutoff-line (COL) to which the doping positivity criterion is related. Based on analysis of the previous method used, a novel method for the COL calculation was developed and validated. The methodology was based on generation of a partition of the image (lane) being processed into a system of adjacent subimages (blocks) and quantitative characterisation of intensity variability within these blocks by a suitably defined measure. The coordinate of the proper COL position, separating the image part with recombinant Epo bands from the homogeneous background, was calculated by minimisation of the difference function of the measures for two adjacent image blocks. The proposed method was tested on real Epo images and validated on a synthetic phantom of the Epo image. The deviations of the COL position are limited by a 7 pixel-wide corridor. For the cases of noise with standard deviations 2300 and 2600, the deviations did not exceed 2 pixels over the whole range of the lane width values. Testing the method on 50 real Epo images originating from different doping-control laboratories worldwide showed its robust behaviour in Epo images.

Detection of isoforms of recombinant human erythropoietin by various plant lectins after isoelectric focusing

A screening method to determine the binding behavior of lectins toward recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) was developed. Twenty-three different lectins were tested for this purpose. rHuEPO isoforms were separated by isoelectric focusing using the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited method for the direct detection of the prohibited doping substance erythropoietin (EPO). For the visualization of the rHuEPO isoforms lectins were used instead of antibodies. Optimization of the screening protocol enabled the detection of a maximum number of rHuEPO isoforms. By means of this protocol information about the binding properties of a lectin toward each individual rHuEPO isoform was accessible. All evaluated lectins showed significant differences in their binding behavior. The most intense response was obtained with WGA, DSL, PHA-E, LEL, PSA, and LCA. While WGA, DSL, PHA-E, and LEL were able to bind all isoforms detected by the standard antibody, LCA and PSA demonstrated a clear preference for rHuEPO isoforms located in the more basic region of the electropherogram. Further lectins tested were ConA, succWGA, PHA-L, RCA, SNA, MAA, STL, ECL, GSL-II, SJA, SBA, UEA-I, Jacalin, PNA, DBA, GSL-I, and VVA. Compared to the lectins mentioned above, they showed reduced sensitivity. Endogenous and recombinant EPO only differ in the composition of their N- and O-glycan moieties. As lectins possess the unique ability to recognize subtle differences in glycan substructures, they represent an interesting approach for their structural characterization. Furthermore, they might be useful for affinity enrichment/purification of rHuEPO in doping control.

First synthesis of a pentadeuterated 3'-hydroxystanozolol--an internal standard in doping analysis

The first synthesis of 16,16,20,20,20-pentadeuterio-3'-hydroxystanozolol (8) in 26% yield over nine steps is described using moderately priced starting materials and economic amounts of reagents. Compound 8 can be used as an internal standard in screening procedures for anabolic steroids as well as for the quantification of stanozolol metabolites via mass spectrometric techniques, such as LC-MS or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Characterisation of intact recombinant human erythropoietins applied in doping by means of planar gel electrophoretic techniques and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation linear time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Our experiments show that it is possible to detect different types of recombinant human erythropoietins (rhEPOs), EPO-alpha, EPO-beta and novel erythropoesis stimulating protein (NESP), based on exact molecular weight (MW) determination by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) applying a high-resolution time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyser in the linear mode. Detection limits for the highly purified, intact glycoproteins were achievable in the low fmol range (25-50 fmol) using a sample preparation method applying a hydrophobic sample support (DropStop) as MALDI target surface. These results are very promising for the development of highly sensitive detection methods for a direct identification of rhEPO after enrichment from human body fluids. During our investigation we were able to differentiate EPO-alpha, EPO-beta and NESP based on distinct molecular substructures at the protein level by specific enzymatic reactions. MW determination of the intact molecules by high resolving one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate /polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D SDS-PAGE) and isoform separation by planar isoelectric focusing (IEF) was compared with MALDI-MS data. Migration differences between the rhEPOs were observed from gel electrophoresis, whereby MWs of 38 kDa in the case of EPO-alpha/beta and 49 kDa for NESP could be estimated. In contrast, an exact MW determination by MALDI-MS based on internal calibration revealed average MWs of 29.8 +/- 0.3 kDa for EPO-alpha/beta and 36.8 +/- 0.4 kDa for NESP. IEF separation of the intact rhEPOs revealed the presence of four to eight distinct isoforms in EPO-alpha and EPO-beta, while four isoforms, which appeared in the more acidic area of the gels, were detected by immunostaining in NESP. A direct detection of the different N- or O-glycoform pattern from rhEPOs using MALDI-MS was possible by de-sialylation of the glycan structures and after de-N-glycosylation of the intact molecules. Thereby, the main glycoforms of EPO-alpha, EPO-beta and NESP could be characterised based on their N-glycan composition. A microheterogeneity of the molecules based on the degree of sialylation of the O-glycan was observable directly from the de-N-glycosylated protein.

Investigation of the silylation of ephedrines using N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyl-trifluoroacetamide

This paper describes a gas chromatography (GC)--mass spectrometry (MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, cathine, norephedrine and methylephedrine in urine. The sample preparation step includes solid phase extraction and derivatisation with N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyl-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA). An evaluation of various silylation conditions compatible with screening methods in doping control analysis is presented. The method was found to be well suited for quantification of ephedrines in doping control.

Quantification and stability of Salbutamol in human urine

A sensitive method for the quantification of free salbutamol in human urine is described. Sample clean up is performed using SPE on a mixed phase extraction column. Derivatisation is performed with N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) and the extract is analysed by GC-MS. The method was found to be suitable for use in the doping field, where a cut-off limit of 1 microg salbutamol/mL urine is set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Above that value a doping violation occurs. In addition, the stability of salbutamol in human urine has been evaluated.

A facile and high yielding synthesis of 2,2,3,4,4-d5-androsterone-beta-D-glucuronide--an internal standard in dope

A facile six-step synthesis of 2,2,3,4,4-d5-androsterone-beta-D-glucuronide (1) starting from epiandrosterone (2) in 63% yield is described and compared with several alternative synthetic pathways. Compound 1 can be used as an internal standard in screening procedures for anabolic steroids to monitor the hydrolysis step of the steroid glucuronides prior to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Thus, a time consuming solid-phase extraction step to remove possible hydrolysis inhibitors can be omitted.

Quantification of ephedrines in urine by column-switching high-performance liquid chromatography

A method for the quantification of five congener ephedrines in urine samples without sample preparation was developed. The analytes were trapped on a C18 precolumn and separated on a C18 BDS analytical column. Baseline separation was achieved for all analytes. The method meets the requirements of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) medical commission regarding cut-off limits for positive doping cases with ephedrines.

[Partner interactions and coping activity of migraine patients]

Empirical studies suggest that an inefficient, negative communication could represent a source of stress in the patient's everyday life and that this kind of communication would also imply chronic migraine. The present study used the "Kategoriensystem für partnerschaftliche Interaktion (KPI)" to determine whether the communication patterns of 12 women with migraine and their partners differed from 12 women with chronic headache and their partners and 12 healthy couples. The communication was video-filmed during the about 10 min lasting interaction in a personally relevant conflict situation. As predicted, women with migraine and their partners made more negative and fewer positive statements than the couples with tension headache and the control dyads. Furthermore, a higher load in female migraine sufferers compared to normal controls was indicated by coping activity.

Fast screening method for the profile analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites in urine using derivatisation--solid-phase microextraction

A method for the qualitative analysis of various metabolites of naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene is presented. The method uses SPME with a 85-microm polyacrylate fibre for extraction, headspace silylation with BSTFA without any catalyst for on-fibre derivatisation and GC-MS in the SIR mode for separation and detection. The suitability of the method for profile analysis of PAH metabolites is shown by analysing a smokers urine after enzymatic cleavage (and additionally after spiking with the target analytes) and spiked water. The method exhibits satisfactory separation of all investigated metabolites and no interferences due to matrix peaks.