[Norandrostenolone and noretiocholanolone: metabolite markers]

In order to evaluate the concentrations of norandrosterone (NA) and noretiocholanolone (NE) in human urine, nandrolone sulfate, nandrolone undecanoate, norandrostendiol and norandrostendione were administered, each to a different subject. The derivatized steroids were identified after pulsed mode injection by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in electron impact mode, with selected ion monitoring. In the first case, NA and NE were detected in urine until 48 hours after oral administration of 22 mg of nandrolone sulfate. In the second case, urine specimens gave a positive response for NA and NE up to 8 months after intramuscular injection of 50 mg of nandrolone undecanoate. Finally, NA and NE were detected for 8 days after oral administration of 50 mg and 100 mg of norandrostendiol and norandrostendione. However, in contrast with nandrolone undecanoate, the ratio NA to NE was different according to the time of urine collection, after nandrolone, norandrostendiol and norandrostendione administration. From about 60 urinary samples obtained from both standard population and athletes, it was possible to characterize a physiological excretion of nandrolone metabolites. All concentrations were clearly under the proposed positive cut-off level (2 ng/ml) and the concentration of NA was always higher than the concentration of NE.