December 2, 2010

Dutch researchers improve detection of prohormone misuse

Dutch researchers have made it possible to measure the misuse of prohormones in livestock with proper detection methods, according to Jeroen Rijk, a researcher from the Dutch research institute, RIKILT.

The use of growth promoting agents in cattle farming is banned within the EU. During inspections at livestock farms in The Netherlands, inspection services are occasionally confronted with preparations containing so-called prohormones. Prohormones are compounds with no or limited direct hormonal activity, but have hormonal effects upon conversion in the body.

In the present research, methods were improved to detect prohormones in animal feed and supplements by imitating these metabolic processes in a laboratory setting. This approach caused a significant increase in hormonal activity and subsequently, positive screening results in bioassays which are used to measure the hormonal activity.

Additionally, the usefulness of profiling "omics" techniques was investigated. When metabolite profiles were compared in the urine or gene profiles in the animals' livers, large differences were revealed between controls and prohormone treated animals. The outcome of this research resulted in a panel of new concepts and screening methods to detect prohormone abuse in livestock production, hereby complementing and improving the current testing programs.