Determination of 13C/12C ratios of urinary excreted boldenone and its main metabolite 5beta-androst-1-en-17beta-ol-3-one

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Abstract

Boldenone (androsta–1,4–dien–17β–ol–3–one, Bo) is an anabolic steroid known to have been used in cattle breeding or equine sport as a doping agent for many years. Although not clinically approved for human application, Bo or its main metabolite 5β-androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-one (BM1) were detected in several doping control samples. For more than 15 years the possibility of endogenous Bo production in human beings has been discussed. This is a challenging issue for doping control laboratories as Bo belongs to the list of prohibited substances of the World Anti-Doping Agency and therefore the chance for false positive testing is significant. By GC/C/IRMS (gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry) it should be possible to analyze the 13C/12C ratio of either Bo or BM1 and to distinguish whether their source is endogenous or exogenous. Therefore a method was developed to determine the 13C/12C ratios of Bo, BM1, pregnanediol, androsterone, etiocholanolone, and testosterone from a single urine specimen. The validity of the method was ensured by repeated processing of urine fortified with 2–50 ng/mL Bo and BM1. The specificity of the method was ensured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry determinations. Out of 23 samples investigated throughout the last four years, 11 showed 13C/12C ratios of Bo or BM1 inconsistent with an exogenous origin. Two of these samples were collected from the same athlete within a one-month interval, strongly indicating the chance of endogenous Bo production by this athlete. Verf.-Referat
Translated title of the contributionDie Bestimmung der 13C/12C-Quotienten des durch den Urin ausgeschiedenen Boldenon und seinen Hauptmetaboliten 5beta-androst-1-en-17beta-ol-3-one
Original languageEnglish
JournalDrug testing and analysis
Volume2
Pages (from-to)217-224
Number of pages1
ISSN1942-7603
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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