Correlation of product ion profiles with molecular structures of androgenic and anabolic steroids in ESI MS/MS.

This research study seeks to understand the relationship between the molecular structures of androgenic and anabolic steroids (AASs) and their product ion profiles during mass spectrometry, which can help in identifying these substances in doping analyses.

Objective and Context

• This research investigates the link between the product ion profiles and the molecular structures of Androgenic and Anabolic Steroids (AASs). AASs are chemical substances that possess a structure very similar to that of testosterone and are commonly misused to enhance performance among human and equine athletes.
• Knowing their distinctive product ion profiles could assist with the development of methods for identifying these steroids in doping analyses.

Methodology and Findings

• The researchers found noticeable differences in the product ion profiles of AASs when subjected to collision-induced dissociation (CID), even though these substances share very similar chemical structures.
• The AASs studied were categorized into six different subclasses based on their molecular structures and product ion profiles. Within each subclass, the product ion profiles were found to be identical or very similar. However, there was a stark contrast in the product ion profiles between different subclasses.
• The position and number of double bonds present in association with the 3-carbonyl group on the molecular structures of the AASs were found to significantly influence their product ion profiles. The presence or absence of the 19-methyl group within an AAS was also found to have a remarkable effect on the product ion profile.
• The study also found that a substitution within the A-, B-, or D-ring of an AAS molecule caused a shift in the mass value of the product ions.

Implications and Applications

• The findings of this research suggest that each AAS can be characterized and identified uniquely through a combination of its [M + H](+) ion and product ion profile.
• This ability to classify the product ion profiles could be useful in identifying unknown AASs, thereby aiding in doping analyses. Such analyses are critical for maintaining fairness in sports and protecting the health of athletes.