Investigations into the human metabolism of Trestolone (7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone, MENT)

Code: 23A07MT

MENT (7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone) is not explicitly listed on the WADA´s Prohibited List, albeit it falls under section S1 Anabolic Agents. Developed in the 1960´s, its anabolic properties were found to be ten-times that of testosterone, the main endogenous anabolic androgenic hormone. Considering its fast-metabolic clearance rate, MENT seemed a suitable candidate for male hormonal contraception and hormonal replacement therapies. Despite promising results obtained in the 1990´s, MENT failed to receive full clinical approval due to ascertained side effects. Nevertheless, it is still easily available via internet-based providers and an interesting alternative for cheating athletes due to its described properties. Human urinary metabolites of MENT have only been described once in the context of sports drug testing and 3 metabolites were identified, detectable at high urinary concentrations for only 14 hours. Considering the human metabolism of steroids in general, it can be expected that metabolites are formed and excreted into urine for a longer time period, most probably at much lower concentrations. Aim of this research project will be the re-investigation of the human MENT metabolism employing an administration trial with deuterated MENT to enable the sensitive detection of all formed metabolites by hydrogen isotope ratio mass spectrometry. This method was already enrolled in several successful research projects on metabolite detection. All metabolites detected will be further investigated by high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry in order to potentially elucidate their chemical structural. In a second administration trial, samples will be collected from three volunteers after the administration of unlabeled MENT to confirm the findings of the deuterated excretion study and to enable consideration of inter-individual differences in steroid metabolism to identify those metabolites most suitable for drug testing. Promising metabolites will then be in-cooperated into existing sports drug testing methods.