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Background: Measurement of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) usually requires a venous serum sample which may have implications for sample stability or collection.Objective: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed for samples collected using Mitra devices. Analytical validation was completed, and sample comparisons were undertaken to assess Mitra versus venous samples.Method: Sample was combined with deionized water and internal standard. After mixing, MTBE was added for extraction. The supernatant was transferred to a deep-well plate and dried prior to re-constitution. A HSS T3 column and Waters TQS Micro was used, the detected quantifier transitions were T m/z 289.2 > 96.95, A4 287.2 > 96.95 and 17OHP 331.25 > 96.95.Results: Mean recovery was 102% for T, 98% for A4 and 97% for 17OHP. Lower limit of quantification was 1 nmol/L for T/A4 and 4 nmol/L for 17OHP. T was linear up to 41.6 nmol/L, A4 41.9 nmol/L and 17OHP 72.6 nmol/L. Ion suppression was <10% for all analytes. A4 and 17OHP showed minimal bias for Mitra samples collected from finger prick blood. The bias for T differed between capillary and venous blood, indicating differences in constituency.Discussion: A simple, fast and reproducible LC-MS/MS assay has been developed for measurement of blood collected using Mitra devices for T, A4 and 17OHP. Further comparisons with serum and capillary blood collected onto Mitra devices serum may pave the way for future use in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incubation of testosterone, androstenedione and progesterone with Cladosporium cladosporioides MRC 70282 for 5 days is reported. Testosterone was hydroxylated at C-16ß and then oxidised at C-16. This was accompanied by a minor independent oxidation at C-17 and epimerisation at C-17. Androstenedione was reduced at C-17 and hydroxylated at C-16ß, and this was then oxidised to a ketone at C-16. This was accompanied by a minor epimerisation at C-17. Progesterone was hydroxylated at C-21, and this was accompanied by a minor independent 5a-reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of men are being diagnosed with hypogonadism. While many benefit from testosterone supplementation therapy, others who do not meet the criteria for hormone supplementation have turned to dietary adjuncts as a way or gaining improvements in libido, energy, and physical performance. These oral adjunct medications include controlled substances such as androstenedione, androstenediol as well as other “over-the-counter” options like DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and herbal remedies like Tribulus terrestris. This review will focus on the use of these adjunct medications in isolation, or in combination with testosterone supplementation therapy as well as the biochemical nature of the supplements, the results of scientific trials as well as the side effects that limit their use. At the end of this review, physicians will have an improved understanding of the popular testosterone adjuncts being used currently as well as the availability of these substances and how they are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The measurement of androgens in many laboratories is often limited to testosterone. To more accurately determine the androgen status in both sexes, the measurement of other androgens such as dihydrotestosterone, the more potent metabolite of testosterone, and androstenendione and dehydroepiandrosterone, the most abundant circulating androgens in women would be informative. We report a combined liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the measurement of these androgens.Methods: Internal standards in methanol (10 µL) were added to 100 µL serum followed by the addition of zinc sulphate (100 µL). After mixing, 100 µL of acetonitrile was added and was further mixed. The samples were centrifuged and the steroids extracted using an automated online solid phase extraction on a C18 cartridge by a Waters Acquity with online sample manager coupled to a TQS mass spectrometer.Results: Separation of the androgens was achieved by liquid chromatography. The run time was 6.5 min per sample. The lower limit of quantitation was 0.1 nmol/L for testosterone, androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone and 1 nmol/L for dehydroepiandrosterone. The coefficient of variation of the assay in serum for testosterone was <6%, androstenedione <8% and dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone <10%.Discussion: We have developed a rapid assay for the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry measurement of testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone in a routine clinical laboratory. The assay requires a small volume of serum, and all analytes are measured simultaneously. The assay is rapid and simple to execute offering the potential for routine clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using androstenedione as the starting material, we have synthesised 11 novel 4-chloro-16-(E)-benzylidene androst-1,4-diene-3,17-dione derivatives. All the final products are novel and were identified by ¹H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, avian species produce clutches of more than one egg. Differential investment in egg weight and hormone levels is possible and their effects on development and behaviour can be measured. Here we investigated changes in three hormones (testosterone, T; androstenedione, A4 and progesterone, P4) in the outer layer of yolks of infertile domestic goose eggs over the course of a laying season. There was a significant change in the concentration of all three hormones: T and P4 increased in a linear manner across the season whilst A4 increased until mid season and then steadily decreased. The correlation between T and P4 (r = 0.613, P<0.001), and between T and A4 (r = 0.746, P<0.001) were both positive, but the relationship between A4 and P4, while positive was not strong (r = 0.379, P<0.001), although still significant. The increase in P4 over the laying season is consistent with the transition from a laying to a broody state. The increase in T is consistent with a trade-off for the seasonal decline in egg weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperandrogenaemia in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a composite of raised serum concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulphate (DHEAS). In patients with PCOS, testosterone and androstenedione are primarily derived from the ovaries and DHEAS is a metabolite predominantly from the adrenals. It has been shown that atorvastatin reduces testosterone concentrations in patients with PCOS. The objective was to study the effect of atorvastatin on serum androstenedione and DHEAS concentrations in patients with PCOS. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. Forty medication-naive patients with PCOs were randomized to either atorvastatin 20mg daily or placebo for three months. Subsequently, a three-month extension study for all patients was undertaken with metformin 1500 mg daily. The main outcome measures were change in androstenedione and DHEAS concentrations. Results: The mean (SD) baseline androstenedione (5.7 [0.8] versus 5.6 [1.3] nmol/L; P = 0.69) and DHEAS (7.1 [1.0] versus 7.2 [1.2] μmol/L; P = 0.72) concentrations were comparable between two groups. There was a significant reduction of androstenedione (5.7 [0.8] versus 4.7 [0.7] nmol/L; P = 0.03) and DHEAS (7.1 [1.0] versus 6.0 [0.9] μmol/L; P = 0.02) with three months of atorvastatin while there were no significant changes with placebo. Three months' treatment with metformin maintained the reduction of androstenedione and DHEAS concentrations with atorvastatin compared with baseline. There were no changes in either DHEAS or androstenedione concentrations in the initial placebo group after 12 weeks of metformin. Conclusions: Twelve weeks of atorvastatin significantly reduced both DHEAS and androstenedione contributing to the total reduction of androgen concentrations and indicating that the reduction of the hyperandrogenaemia could be partly due to the action of atorvastatin at both the ovary and the adrenal gland in PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the results of research conducted to create a database for steroid reference values in domestic Mongolian horses. The researchers determined seven adrenal steroid levels in the blood of 18 colts, 34 stallions, 25 geldings, 17 fillies and 29 mares. The study found that cortisol is the predominant steroid, followed by aldosterone, and androstenedione. The data obtained will be used in the diagnosis of endocrine disorders in domestic Mongolian horses.

Salivary concentrations of unconjugated steroids reflect those for free steroids in serum although concentrations may differ because of salivary gland metabolism. Samples for salivary steroid analysis are stable for up to 7 days at room temperature, one month or more at 4°C and three months or more at —20°C. When assessed against strict criteria, the evidence shows that salivary cortisol in evening samples or following dexamethasone suppression provides a reliable and effective screen for Cushing's syndrome. Sequential salivary cortisol measurements are also extremely helpful for the investigation of suspected cyclical Cushing's syndrome. There is potential for the identification of adrenal insufficiency when used with Synacthen stimulation. Salivary 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione assays are valued as non-invasive tests for the homemonitoring of hydrocortisone replacement therapy in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The diagnostic value of salivary oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and aldosterone testing is compromised by rapid fluctuations in salivary concentrations of these steroids. Multiple samples are required to obtain reliable information, and at present the introduction of these assays into routine laboratory testing is not justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the case of ulnar vein thrombosis in a professional baseball pitcher. The treatment plan was developed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists with the goals of successful medical treatment, patient safety, and continuation of competition. Moreover, studies have shown that androstenedione supplementation has been shown to cause a significant increase in estrogen concentration. Low molecular weight heparins have been recommended as a treatment for upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Androstenedione, an anabolic steroid used to enhance athletic performance, was administered in corn oil by gastric intubation once daily in the morning to nonpregnant female rats at a dose of 5 or 60 mg/kg/day, beginning two weeks before mating and continuing through gestation day (GD) 19. On GD 20, the distribution of androstenedione and other steroid metabolites was investigated in the maternal plasma and target organs, including brain and liver. The concentration of estradiol in plasma approached a statistically significant increase after treatment as compared with the controls, whereas the levels of androstenedione, testosterone and progesterone were not significantly different from the controls. In the liver, the concentrations of androstenedione and estradiol only were increased in a dose-related manner. None of these steroids was detectable in the brain. Androstenedione treatment also produced changes in the level of selected free fatty acids (FFAs) in the maternal blood, brain, liver and fetal brain. The concentrations of palmitic acid (16:0) and stearic acid (18:0) in the plasma were not significantly different between the controls and treated rats. However, oleic acid (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) were 17.94 ± 2.06 μg/ml, 24.23 ± 2.42 μg/ml and 4.08 ± 0.53 μg/mI, respectively, in the controls, and none of these fatty acids was detectable in the treated plasma. On the other hand, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and DHA were present in both control and treated livers. Among the FFAs in liver, linoleic and DHA were increased 87% and 169%, respectively, over controls. Palmitic, stearic and oleic acids were not significantly affected by the 60 mg/kg treatment. These were present in both control maternal and fetal brains, whereas linoleic acid was found only in fetal brain control. DHA was present only in the control maternal brain (0.02 ± 0.02 μg/mg protein) and fetal brain (0.24 ± 0.15 μg/mg protein). The results indicated that androstenedione exhibits significantly different effects on the FFA composition among target organs during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androstenedione, an anabolic steroid used to enhance athletic performance, was administered in corn oil by gastric intubation once daily in the morning to nonpregnant female rats at a dose of 5 or 60 mg/kg/day, beginning two weeks before mating and continuing through gestation day (GD) 19. On GD 20, the distribution of androstenedione and other steroid metabolites was investigated in the maternal plasma and target organs, including brain and liver. The concentration of estradiol in plasma approached a statistically significant increase after treatment as compared with the controls, whereas the levels of androstenedione, testosterone and progesterone were not significantly different from the controls. In the liver, the concentrations of androstenedione and estradiol only were increased in a dose-related manner. None of these steroids was detectable in the brain. Androstenedione treatment also produced changes in the level of selected free fatty acids (FFAs) in the maternal blood, brain, liver and fetal brain. The concentrations of palmitic acid (16:0) and stearic acid (18:0) in the plasma were not significantly different between the controls and treated rats. However, oleic acid (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) were 17.94 ± 2.06 µg/ml, 24.23 ± 2.42 µg/ml and 4.08 ± 0.53 µg/ml, respectively, in the controls, and none of these fatty acids was detectable in the treated plasma. On the other hand, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and DHA were present in both control and treated livers. Among the FFAs in liver, linoleic and DHA were increased 87% and 169%, respectively, over controls. Palmitic, stearic and oleic acids were not significantly affected by the 60 mg/kg treatment. These were present in both control maternal and fetal brains, whereas linoleic acid was found only in fetal brain control. DHA was present only in the control maternal brain (0.02 ± 0.02 µg/mg protein) and fetal brain (0.24 ± 0.15 µg/mg protein). The results indicated that androstenedione exhibits significantly different effects on the FFA composition among target organs during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to develop a sensitive assay to quantitate serum concentrations of both androstenedione and testosterone within the female range simultaneously, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for use in the routine clinical laboratory and to compare this method with immunoassay. Method: Samples (200 μL) were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction using (1 mL) methyl-tert-butyl-ether. Deuterated androstenedione and testosterone were used as internal standards. Results: The standard curve was linear to 50 nmol/L, the lower limit of quantitation was 0.25 nmol/L, and intra-and inter-assay coefficients of variation were < 10% for both androgens over the range 0.3–35 nmol/L. There was a poor relationship between the LC-MS/MS and the radioimmunoassay methods for androstenedione with the LC-MS/MS generally giving lower results. For testosterone, the LC-MS/MS and immunoassay methods compared well at all concentrations. However, when female samples only were examined, the agreement deteriorated. Conclusions: We have developed a sensitive and precise LC-MS/MS method, which gives more accurate results for all androstenedione measurements and low testosterone concentrations than immunoassay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of drugs and supplements to enhance performance has become a part of mainstream athletics. Many team physicians and sports medicine practitioners are unfamiliar with the benefits and risks of these products and thus are unable to educate young athletes on this topic. In spite of numerous reports on the health risks of anabolic steroid use, 1 to 3 million Americans have used them. Human growth hormone has been tried by up to 5% of 10th graders, although no scientific study has shown that it is an effective performance-enhancing drug. Amphetamines and similar compounds may be the most widely abused drug in baseball; recently, they have come under increased scrutiny in sport. Erythropoietin is a highly effective aerobic enhancer that has been linked to multiple deaths in cyclists and other endurance athletes. The neutraceutical industry, led by supplements such as creatine, ephedra, and androstenedione, remains unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration and has serious issues with quality and side effects. An understanding of these products is essential for the sports medicine practitioner to provide sound, safe advice to the athlete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tooth pulp contains steroid receptors and therefore is likely to respond to steroids. Steroids and cytokines together can alter steroid receptor content in many tissues; thus, similar mechanisms may exist in tooth pulp. In this study, reversetranscription/polymerase chain-reaction was used to screen human pulp for the mRNAs encoding receptors for androgen (AR), estrogens (ERβ), and hepatocyte growh factor (HGF: c-Met). AR mRNA content was greater in male pulp vs. female pulp in all age groups. In both genders, AR mRNA content diminished with age. In pulp cell cultures, androstenedione, estradiol-17β, and HGF each stimulated AR mRNA accumulation. Testosterone inhibited, whereas 5α- dihydrotestosterone did not affect, AR mRNA content. ERβ was not hormonally altered in pulp cell cultures. By showing steroid- and cytokineorchestrated regulation of AR mRNA in vitro, it is possible that age- and/or pathogen-dependent changes in available steroids and cytokines can affect any androgen-responsiveness of pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product activation of 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase for testosterone and androstenedione was established using the enzyme preparation from rat oral mucosa. It is suggested that this activation could be due to the conformational changes of the enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rat oral mucosa microsomal Δ4-3-ketosteroid-5α-A-ring reductase enzyme system, reducing testosterone and 4-androstenedione, was found to be inducible by systemic administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). MPA, when used in a mixture with testosterone and/or 4-androstenedione in vitro, acted as a competitive inhibitor of the reduction of these substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolism of androgens (testosterone and androstenedione) has been studied in healthy and diseased human periodontal ligaments. An increased activity of 17β-oxidoreductase and 17-keto-5α-A-ring reductase and decreased activity of 17β-hydroxy-5α-A-ring reductase, 3αβ-oxidoreductase and 5β-A-ring reductase have been found in diseased periodontal ligament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article confirms that osteoporotic postmenopausal women are more estrogen inferior to normal postmenopausal women. Since androstenedione is the primary source of oestrone in postmenopausal women, it is likely that this reduced plasma oestrone level in osteoporosis is secondary to the low plasma androstenedione level. Whether these in turn are the result of reduced ovarian stromal secretion or reduced adrenal secretion of androstenedione, remains to be established.

3,3,17,17-Diethylenedioxyandrost-5-ene was obtained by ketalisation of androstenedione, which was oxidised with PDC and t-BuOOH to form 3,3,17,17-diethylene-dioxyandrost-5-ene-7-one. Stereoselective reduction of 3,3,17,17-diethylene-dioxyandrost-5-ene-7-one by NaBH4 in the presence of CeCl3 .6H2 O gave 3,3,17,17-diethylenedioxy 7β-hydroxy-androst-5-ene, which was deprotected with p-toluenesulfonic acid to gave 3,3-ethylenedioxyandrost-5-ene-7β-hydroxy and androst-4,6-dien-3,17-dione. A series of androstenedione derivatives were obtained from 3,3-ethylenedioxyandrost-5-ene-7β-hydroxy by the esterification reaction. Their structures were confirmed by MS,1 H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In an evaluation of androstenedione results from patient serum samples using the Siemens Immulite 2500 analyser and manual Coat-A-Count (CAC) methods, three outliers were evident with grossly elevated results in the CAC assay. Methods: The clinic notes of three patients with apparently high serum androstenedione concentrations by the CAC assay were checked for medications. The samples were all from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome taking 100-200 mg/d of a steroidal antiandrogen (spironolactone). Two other patients on 50 mg spironolactone per day had less markedly higher androstendione results with the CAC assay. In a further five patients who were selected since they were on spironolactone and had high androstenedione results by the CAC method, spironolactone was temporarily withdrawn and fresh blood samples obtained for analysis. Results: Spironolactone treatment was associated with higher androstenedione concentrations measured by the CAC assay that reverted to normal on treatment withdrawal. Based on a single test with spironolactone at 1000 ng/mL, the manufacturer reported only 0.109% interference in the CAC assay. Conclusions: Spironolactone (and/or its metabolites) may interfere in the Siemens CAC assay for androstenedione but not in the Immulite 2500 assay. This experience highlights the need for information from clinicians on drug treatment when laboratory investigations are requested. Drug interferences in immunoassay are common and need evaluation beyond tests performed to certify laboratory reagents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, researchers identified a potential association between androstenedione or androstenediol supplementation and Achilles tendinopathy in athletes. Despite the athlete's enthusiasm for these supplements, literature review failed to identify a scientific article that showed any objective benefit derived from their use. Given the known unfavorable changes in lipid profiles and the association between adverse lipid panels and coronary heart disease, further clinical and basic science studies are indicated. In the interim, clinicians should query patients with tendon raptures regarding androstenediol or androstenedione supplementation, in addition to asking about the use of anabolic steroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Tritiated 4-androstene-3,17-dione was incubated with human submaxillary gland homogenates. In 180-minute incubations, human submaxillary gland converted 4-androstene-3,17-dione predominately to testosterone and to a lesser extent, 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol and androsterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the issue related to the extant status of assays for steroids in saliva. He argues that no salivary steroid assays are in general use and that the barriers to the salivary cortisol assay's adoption are not scientific but logistical and psychological. He contends that salivary progesterone cannot be used in a routine infertility service although it can be used in field studies. Further, he notes that assays for salivary 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione are valid.

Comments on the study "Higher Androgens and Weight Gain With Valproate Compared With Lamotrigine for Epilepsy," by M. J. Morrell, J. Isojarvi, A. E. Taylor, M. Dam, R. Ayala, G. Gomez, F. O'Neill, P. Tennis and J. Messenheimer, published in the 2003 issue of the journal "Epilepsy Research." Level of serum testosterone and androstenedione in patients treated with valproate and lamotrigine; Impact of valproate on the levels of testosterone; Effect of antiseizure medications on androgen levels.

This article discusses the results of a research study conducted to determine the capability of the submandibular gland (SMG) of rhesus monkeys to metabolize androgens, specifically 4-androstene-3, 17-dione. The study concludes that the SMG of the adult monkey reductively metabolizes androgens, and the researchers suggest that this may be applicable to humans as well.