title: Identification of the growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue [Pro1, Val14]-hGHRH with an incomplete C-term amidation in a confiscated product.
abstract: In this work, a modified version of the 44 amino acid human growth hormone-releasing hormone (hGHRH(1-44)) containing an N-terminal proline extension, a valine residue in position 14, and a C-terminus amidation (sequence: PYADAIFTNSYRKVVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSRQQGESNQERGARARL-NH2 ) has been identified in a confiscated product by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Investigation of the product suggests also an incomplete C-term amidation. Similarly to other hGHRH analogues, available in black markets, this peptide can potentially be used as performance-enhancing drug due to its growth hormone releasing activity and therefore it should be considered as a prohibited substance in sport. Additionally, the presence of partially amidated molecule reveals the poor pharmaceutical quality of the preparation, an aspect which represents a big concern for public health as well.
authors.affiliation: Doping Control Laboratory (DoCoLab), Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University (UGent), Technologiepark 30, B-9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.forename: Koen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Deventer
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van Eenoo
mesh_terms: D000577:Amides / Q000032:analysis*; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000032:analysis*; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D058573:Performance-Enhancing Substances / Q000032:analysis*; D014357:Trypsin / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D058573:Performance-Enhancing Substances; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone; D014357:Trypsin
keywords: GHRH; LC-MS; black market; doping; peptide hormones