In vitro androgen bioassays as a detection method for designer androgens

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Sports Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Androgens are sex steroids influencing male characteristics like muscle and fat mass.
• Androgen doping is used illicitly to enhance athletic performance and physical appearance.
• The sports supplement market has seen rapid growth, with many products containing undeclared androgens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of in vitro bioassays for detecting novel androgens.
• To address the limitations of traditional methods in identifying designer androgens.
• To propose routine bioassay screening for nutraceuticals to combat doping.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing in vitro bioassays based on androgen receptor activation.
• Employing screening methods that do not rely on prior knowledge of chemical structures.
• Analyzing nutraceutical samples for androgenic activity.

Main Results:

• In vitro bioassays can detect designer and proandrogens effectively.
• Standard methods like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry struggle with unknown structures.
• Androgen receptor activation assays offer a viable alternative detection strategy.

Conclusions:

• In vitro androgen bioassays are crucial for identifying unknown androgens in supplements.
• Routine screening of nutraceuticals using bioassays can help curb androgen doping.
• This approach enhances the detection of illicit substances in sports.