51
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Lazzaro MC, Romanò S, Santoro S, Camuto C, Carbone A, Casamassima R, Abate S, De-Giorgio F. A potential cause of asbestos-related granulomatosis due to adulterant contamination in a drug abuser. Virchows Arch 2020; 478:361-366. [PMID: 32519036 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02863-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug adulterants containing contaminants have been known to cause lung disease by inhalation or intravenous intake. Talcosis due to intravenous talc injection has been widely described in the literature, whereas the hypothesis of granulomatosis due to asbestos related to adulterated cocaine injection has not yet been explored. Herein, a case of pulmonary granulomatosis due to asbestos fibres related to cocaine injection in a young woman is described. Inorganic material in the lung was first individuated by light microscopy and last was identified using the SEM-EDX method. This case is unique since the occupational and passive inhalation of asbestos was excluded with absolute certainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Concetta Lazzaro
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioetics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Romanò
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioetics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Santoro
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Cristian Camuto
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioetics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Carbone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Area of Pathology, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Section of Morbid Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Abate
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioetics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. .,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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52
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Abstract
Objective To investigate the manifestations and incidence of headaches caused by heroin
in Chinese women. Methods This was a survey study conducted from 29 June to 3 July 2015 with women
attending the Shanxi Drug Rehabilitation Centre for Women (China). All study
subjects were newly admitted and had not begun their drug rehabilitation.
Demographic characteristics, heroin usage and headache episodes within the
previous 3 months were surveyed, especially the presence of a headache
within 2 hours of heroin use. Details of the severity, location, premonitory
symptoms and characteristics of headaches were recorded. Results Of the 90 heroin-dependent patients, 74 experienced headache attacks within 2
hours of heroin use, and the headaches subsided within 72 hours of
discontinuation of heroin use. Most heroin-induced headaches were similar to
migraines and manifested as pulsating pain in 54 patients (51/74, 68.9%);
bilateral pain was reported by 46 patients (46/74, 62.2%). Approximately
half of the patients with heroin-induced headaches also reported
accompanying symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and light and sound
sensitivity. Conclusions Heroin-induced headache may eventually be listed as a new class of headache
in the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, Jincheng General Hospital, Jincheng, Shan Xi Province, China
| | - Shengyuan Yu
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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53
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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54
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Prieto JP, López Hill X, Urbanavicius J, Sanchez V, Nadal X, Scorza C. Cannabidiol Prevents the Expression of the Locomotor Sensitization and the Metabolic Changes in the Nucleus Accumbens and Prefrontal Cortex Elicited by the Combined Administration of Cocaine and Caffeine in Rats. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:478-486. [PMID: 32415526 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, clinical and preclinical researchers have increased their interest in non-psychotomimetic cannabinoids, like cannabidiol (CBD), as a strategy for treating psychostimulant use disorders. However, there are discrepancies in the pharmacological effects and brain targets of CBD. We evaluated if CBD was able to prevent the locomotor sensitization elicited by cocaine and caffeine co-administration. The effect of CBD on putative alterations in the metabolic activity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), and its respective subregions (cingulated, prelimbic, and infralimbic cortices, and NAc core and shell) associated to the behavioral response, was also investigated. Rats were intraperitoneally and repeatedly treated with CBD (20 mg/kg) or its vehicle, followed by the combination of cocaine and caffeine (Coc+Caf; 5 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively) or saline for 3 days. After 5 days of withdrawal, all animals were challenged with Coc+Caf (day 9). Locomotor activity was automatically recorded and analyzed by a video-tracking software. The metabolic activity was determined by measuring cytochrome oxidase-I (CO-I) staining. Locomotion was significantly and similarly increased both in Veh-Coc+Caf- and CBD-Coc+Caf-treated animals during the pretreatment period (3 days); however, on day 9, the expression of the sensitization was blunted in CBD-treated animals. A hypoactive metabolic response and a hyperactive metabolic response in mPFC and NAc subregions respectively were observed after the behavioral sensitization. CBD prevented almost all these changes. Our findings substantially contribute to the understanding of the functional changes associated with cocaine- and caffeine-induced sensitization and the effect of CBD on this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Prieto
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ximena López Hill
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jessika Urbanavicius
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Xavier Nadal
- Phytoplant Research S.L., Córdoba, Spain.,, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cecilia Scorza
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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55
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Prieto JP, González B, Muñiz J, Bisagno V, Scorza C. Molecular changes in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex associated with the locomotor sensitization induced by coca paste seized samples. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1481-1491. [PMID: 32034449 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05474-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE In previous studies, we have demonstrated that seized samples of a smokable form of cocaine, also known as coca paste (CP), induced behavioral sensitization in rats. Interestingly, this effect was accelerated and enhanced when the samples were adulterated with caffeine. While the cocaine phenomenon is associated with persistent functional and structural alterations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), the molecular mechanisms underlying the CP sensitization and the influence of caffeine remains still unknown. OBJECTIVE We examined the gene expression in NAc and mPFC after the expression caffeine-adulterated and non-adulterated CP locomotor sensitization. METHODS The locomotor sensitization was established in C57BL/6 mice, repeatedly treated with a CP-seized sample adulterated with caffeine (CP-2) and a non-adulterated one (CP-1). We then assessed the mRNA expression of receptor subunits of the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems in the medial PFC (mPFC) and NAc. Other molecular markers (e.g., adenosinergic, endocannabinoid receptor subunits, and synaptic plasticity-associated genes) were also analyzed. RESULTS Only CP-2-treated mice expressed locomotor sensitization. This phenomenon was associated with increased Drd1a, Gria1, Cnr1, and Syn mRNA expression levels in the NAc. Drd3 mRNA expression levels were only significantly increased in mPFC of CP-2-treated group. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that caffeine actively collaborates in the induction of the molecular changes underlying CP sensitization. The present study provides new knowledge on the impact of active adulterants to understand the early dependence induced by CP consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Prieto
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Betina González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Javier Muñiz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Bisagno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Scorza
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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56
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Klont F, Jahn S, Grivet C, König S, Bonner R, Hopfgartner G. SWATH data independent acquisition mass spectrometry for screening of xenobiotics in biological fluids: Opportunities and challenges for data processing. Talanta 2020; 211:120747. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.120747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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57
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Canfield JR, Agarwal S, Fortener SK, Sprague JE. Fentanyl Detection Using Eosin Y Paper Assays. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:1432-1442. [PMID: 32347988 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Eosin Y is a potential new color test for use in detecting illicit drugs that has not been extensively studied. In the present study, a variety of drugs of abuse and fentanyl analogues were tested to determine which drugs will bind to eosin Y, which functional groups are capable of binding and eliciting a color change, and a mechanism for eosin Y binding to fentanyl. Further, these agents were combined with common cutting agents and other drugs of abuse in order to determine the fentanyl detection limit in a drug mixture using an eosin Y test strip. Additionally, cobalt thiocyanate was used to determine whether the combination of cobalt thiocyanate and eosin Y has the potential to identify fentanyl. Through the testing performed, we concluded that (i) Eosin Y is capable of detecting low amounts of fentanyl down to 1%, (ii) Eosin Y binds to select tertiary amines to produce an orange to pink color change, and (iii) Eosin Y binds to the nonpiperidine ring nitrogen of fentanyl as a primary binding site and the piperidine ring nitrogen as a secondary binding site. While the cobalt thiocyanate assay detected 1% fentanyl in some of the mixtures, eosin Y detected 1% fentanyl in all mixtures. Finally, eosin Y was able to detect fentanyl in forensic case samples containing heroin and various cutting agents. Based on our results, eosin Y has the potential to screen for fentanyl and fentanyl analogues and can detect fentanyl in low amounts when mixed with common cutting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy R Canfield
- The Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, Bowling Green State University, 116 Life Sciences, Bowling Green, OH, 43403
| | - Sandip Agarwal
- Vuronyx Technologies, 5 Walnut Hill Park Unit 13, Woburn, MA, 01801
| | - Samuel K Fortener
- Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, 750 N College Drive, Bowling Green, OH, 43402
| | - Jon E Sprague
- The Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, Bowling Green State University, 116 Life Sciences, Bowling Green, OH, 43403
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58
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Joubert V, Trébuchet M, Mikic M, Silvestre V, Schiphorst A, Loquet D, Stemmelen A, Ladroue V, Besacier F, Akoka S, Remaud GS. Isotopomics by isotope ratio monitoring by
13
C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry on cutting agents in heroin: A new approach for illicit drugs trafficking route elucidation. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:449-457. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Joubert
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Matéo Trébuchet
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Mariana Mikic
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Virginie Silvestre
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Anne‐Marie Schiphorst
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Denis Loquet
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Anaïs Stemmelen
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS)Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69) Ecully Cedex France
| | - Virginie Ladroue
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS)Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69) Ecully Cedex France
| | - Fabrice Besacier
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS)Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69) Ecully Cedex France
| | - Serge Akoka
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Gérald S. Remaud
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
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Lefrancois E, Belackova V, Silins E, Latimer J, Jauncey M, Shimmon R, Mozaner Bordin D, Augsburger M, Esseiva P, Roux C, Morelato M. Substances injected at the Sydney supervised injecting facility: A chemical analysis of used injecting equipment and comparison with self-reported drug type. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 209:107909. [PMID: 32145660 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Providing information about substances injected can reduce the negative impact of illicit drug consumption and support people who inject drugs to make informed decisions. In Australia, information about drugs injected relies largely on periodic self-report surveys. For the first time, the analysis of the residual content of used injecting equipment was conducted in a supervised injecting facility (SIF) located in Sydney, Australia. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the substances injected by clients through: (1) chemical analyses of the content of used syringes; (2) comparison of these results with clients' self-reported drug use; and (3) assessing the usefulness of analysing other injecting equipment to detect substances used. During one week in February 2019, syringes and other injecting equipment were collected at the Sydney SIF. Their residual content was analysed by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry. Heroin was the most commonly detected substance (present in 51% of syringes), followed by methamphetamine (22%) and oxycodone (10%). In addition to the main psychoactive substance, cutting agents reported in the literature were also detected in used syringes. The main psychoactive substance identified by laboratory analysis reliably corresponded with users' self-reported drug type. Analytical confirmation of substances injected allows for the provision of better targeted harm reduction messaging based on timely and objective data. The approach used is amenable to clients and feasible in the Australian SIF context. Upscaling and wider implementation could be done through Needle and Syringe Programs, and would support the early detection of harmful substances entering drug markets and better inform harm reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Lefrancois
- School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, University of Lausanne, Avenue Forel 15, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Vendula Belackova
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia; Social Policy Research Centre, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales
| | - Edmund Silins
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, 22-32 King St, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Julie Latimer
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Marianne Jauncey
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Ronald Shimmon
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Dayanne Mozaner Bordin
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Marc Augsburger
- University Centre of Legal Medicine (CURML), Chemin de la Vulliette 4, CH-1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Esseiva
- School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, University of Lausanne, Avenue Forel 15, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claude Roux
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Marie Morelato
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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60
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Borodovsky JT, Cavazos-Rehg PA, Bierut LJ, Grucza RA. Cannabis vaping and health: regulatory considerations. Addiction 2020; 115:587-588. [PMID: 31654460 DOI: 10.1111/add.14855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T Borodovsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Laura J Bierut
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Richard A Grucza
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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61
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Orsolini L, Corkery JM, Chiappini S, Guirguis A, Vento A, De Berardis D, Papanti D, Schifano F. 'New/Designer Benzodiazepines': An Analysis of the Literature and Psychonauts' Trip Reports. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 18:809-837. [PMID: 31933443 PMCID: PMC7569319 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200110121333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NPS belonging to the benzodiazepine (BZD) class, e.g., 'legal/designer BZDs'/'research chemicals', have recently emerged in the drug (mainly online/virtual) market. OBJECTIVE While certain NPS belonging to the BZD class possess pharmacological profiles similar to controlled pharmaceutical BZDs, clinical and pharmacological profiles of current emerging BZDs are still not well-described. Therefore, there is a need to increase clinicians'/public health knowledge/awareness, to incentive harm reduction strategies. METHOD A comprehensive overview was carried out by using the EMCDDA/EDND database regularly monitored by our research team, by specifically looking at the 'new BZDs' so far notified. Furthermore, given the limitation of peer-reviewed data published so far, a nonparticipant multilingual qualitative netnographic study was conducted to obtain further clinical/pharmacological/ toxicological data, including psychonauts' online trip reports. RESULTS First designer BZDs appeared as NPS around 2007. So far, 29 designer BZDs have been notified to the EMCDDA, being some of them extremely powerful, also at lower dosages. They are sold as tablets/powder/pellets/capsules/blotters/liquids, at very affordable prices, and variably administered. Some are also sold on the illicit drugmarket as counterfeit forms of traditional BZDs or as either adulterants or diluents in heroin or other synthetic opioids/cannabinoids. Nowadays, there is no guarantee of the quality of designer BZDs composition/purification and, hence, most NPS consumers may be inadvertently exposed to unsafe and harmful compounds. CONCLUSION Given the limited information on their pharmacology/toxicity, variations in dosage, onset of effects, combination of substances, potency, and general patient or individual variability, the concomitant use of these substances with other drugs entails several and unpredictable risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Orsolini
- Address correspondence to this author at the Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, Herts, UK; Villa Jolanda Hospital, Neomesia Mental Health, Villa Jolanda, Italy; Polyedra, Teramo, Italy; Tel: (+39) 392 3244643; E-mail:
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62
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Abbott KL, Flannery PC, Gill KS, Boothe DM, Dhanasekaran M, Mani S, Pondugula SR. Adverse pharmacokinetic interactions between illicit substances and clinical drugs. Drug Metab Rev 2019; 52:44-65. [PMID: 31826670 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2019.1697283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adverse pharmacokinetic interactions between illicit substances and clinical drugs are of a significant health concern. Illicit substances are taken by healthy individuals as well as by patients with medical conditions such as mental illnesses, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, diabetes mellitus and cancer. Many individuals that use illicit substances simultaneously take clinical drugs meant for targeted treatment. This concomitant usage can lead to life-threatening pharmacokinetic interactions between illicit substances and clinical drugs. Optimal levels and activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug-transporters are crucial for metabolism and disposition of illicit substances as well as clinical drugs. However, both illicit substances and clinical drugs can induce changes in the expression and/or activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug-transporters. Consequently, with concomitant usage, illicit substances can adversely influence the therapeutic outcome of coadministered clinical drugs. Likewise, clinical drugs can adversely affect the response of coadministered illicit substances. While the interactions between illicit substances and clinical drugs pose a tremendous health and financial burden, they lack a similar level of attention as drug-drug, food-drug, supplement-drug, herb-drug, disease-drug, or other substance-drug interactions such as alcohol-drug and tobacco-drug interactions. This review highlights the clinical pharmacokinetic interactions between clinical drugs and commonly used illicit substances such as cannabis, cocaine and 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Rigorous efforts are warranted to further understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for these clinical pharmacokinetic interactions. It is also critical to extend the awareness of the life-threatening adverse interactions to both health care professionals and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodye L Abbott
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.,Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Patrick C Flannery
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO, USA
| | - Kristina S Gill
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.,Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Dawn M Boothe
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.,Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran
- Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.,Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Sridhar Mani
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Satyanarayana R Pondugula
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.,Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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Allibe N, Billault F, Moreau C, Marchard A, Gaillard Y, Hoizey G, Eysseric-Guerin H, Milan N. Ocfentanil in France: Seven case reports (2016–2018). TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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64
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Zhao J, Kral AH, Wenger LD, Bluthenthal RN. Characteristics Associated with Nonmedical Methadone Use among People Who Inject Drugs in California. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 55:377-386. [PMID: 31608746 PMCID: PMC7002277 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1673420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Illicit, nonmedical use of opioid agonist medications such as methadone is an ongoing concern. Yet, few studies have examined nonmedical use of methadone by people who inject drugs (PWID). Objectives: This study describes the prevalence of nonmedical methadone use in a community sample of PWID and examines factors associated with recent use of nonmedical methadone. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of PWID (N = 777) was recruited using targeted sampling and interviewed in California (2011-2013). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine characteristics associated with nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. To determine if nonmedical methadone use was associated with overdose in the last 6 months, a separate multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: Among PWID sampled, 21% reported nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, nonmedical methadone use was associated with recent methadone maintenance treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90, 4.30), recent nonmedical buprenorphine use (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.31, 7.47), higher injection frequency (referent <30 injections; 30-89 injections AOR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.19, 3.02; 90-plus injections AOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.53, 3.87), schizophrenia diagnosis (AOR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.36, 4.10), recent non-injection opioid prescription use (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.99, 4.43), and recent injection opioid prescription misuse (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.27, 3.59). Nonmedical methadone use was found not to be associated with nonfatal overdose (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.38, 1.56). Conclusion: Nonmedical methadone use identifies a vulnerable subpopulation among PWID, is not associated with elevated nonfatal overdose risk, and evidences a need to expand methadone treatment availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan Zhao
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Alex H. Kral
- RTI International, 351 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94104
| | - Lynn D. Wenger
- RTI International, 351 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94104
| | - Ricky N. Bluthenthal
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N Soto St, 3rd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90033
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65
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Lutz M. Metamizole (Dipyrone) and the Liver: A Review of the Literature. J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 59:1433-1442. [DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Lutz
- Department of Medicine AUniversity Hospital of Münster Münster Germany
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66
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Morelato M, Franscella D, Esseiva P, Broséus J. When does the cutting of cocaine and heroin occur? The first large-scale study based on the chemical analysis of cocaine and heroin seizures in Switzerland. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 73:7-15. [PMID: 31330276 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicit drug profiling can provide knowledge about illicit drug markets, informing on the level of distribution and its evolution in space and time. Illicit drug profiling is usually limited to impurities originally present in the illicit drug (e.g. alkaloids, co-extracted compounds or by-products). However, the benefit of a comprehensive analysis of cutting agents in drug seizures for law enforcement agencies, intelligence and health policy has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature and is the focus of this research. AIM This research aims at assessing when and how cutting (i.e. adulteration and dilution) occurs in the supply chain by analysing cocaine and heroin seizures made between 2006 and 2015 in Switzerland. METHODS Cocaine and heroin seizures made along the supply chain by law enforcement agencies in the Western region of Switzerland were investigated for adulteration and dilution. A total number of 7841 cocaine and 3476 heroin specimens coming from 1341 and 721 seizures, respectively, were analysed. RESULTS The results show that, for both illicit drugs, adulteration and/or dilution occur before arrival into Switzerland as well as in Switzerland. While cocaine is adulterated and diluted, heroin is only adulterated. Interestingly, the same mixture of adulterants (i.e. caffeine-paracetamol) is used to cut heroin at each step in the supply chain. CONCLUSION Gaining knowledge about adulteration and dilution at different stages in the supply chain enhances our understanding of drug markets. It also highlights differences along the supply chain and in the distribution of both drugs in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Morelato
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Davide Franscella
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Esseiva
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julian Broséus
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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67
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Determination of cocaine adulterants in human urine by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. Anal Bioanal Chem 2019; 411:3447-3461. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-01797-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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68
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Florea A, Schram J, de Jong M, Eliaerts J, Van Durme F, Kaur B, Samyn N, De Wael K. Electrochemical Strategies for Adulterated Heroin Samples. Anal Chem 2019; 91:7920-7928. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anca Florea
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jonas Schram
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mats de Jong
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joy Eliaerts
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Durme
- National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Balwinder Kaur
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nele Samyn
- National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Wael
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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69
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Simpson KJ, Moran MT, Foster ML, Shah DT, Chung DY, Nichols SD, McCall KL, Piper BJ. Descriptive, observational study of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical arrests, use, and overdoses in Maine. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e027117. [PMID: 31036710 PMCID: PMC6501962 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Maine Diversion Alert Program grants healthcare providers access to law enforcement data on drug charges. The objectives of this report were to analyse variations in drug charges by demographics and examine recent trends in arrests, prescriptions of controlled substances and overdoses. DESIGN Observational. SETTING Arrests, controlled prescription medication distribution and overdoses in Maine. PARTICIPANTS Drug arrestees (n=1272) and decedents (n=2432). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Arrestees were analysed by sex and age. Substances involved in arrests were reported by schedule (I-V or non-controlled prescription) and into opioids, stimulants or other classes. Controlled substances reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration (2007-2017) were evaluated. Drug-induced deaths (2007-2017) reported to the medical examiner were examined by the substance(s) identified. RESULTS Males were more commonly arrested for stimulants and schedule II substances. More than two-thirds of arrests involved individuals under the age of 40. Individuals age >60 were elevated for oxycodone arrests. Over three-fifths (63.38%) of arrests involved schedule II-IV substances. Opioids accounted for almost half (44.6%) of arrests followed by stimulants (32.5%) and sedatives (9.1%). Arrests involving buprenorphine exceeded those for oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, tramadol and morphine, combined. Prescriptions for hydrocodone (-56.0%) and oxycodone (-46.9%) declined while buprenorphine increased (+58.1%) between 2012 and 2017. Deaths from 2007 to 2017 tripled. Acetylfentanyl and furanylfentanyl were the most common fentanyl analogues identified. CONCLUSIONS Although the overall profile of those arrested for drug crimes in 2017 involve males, age <40 and heroin, exceptions (oxycodone for older adults) were observed. Most prescription opioids are decreasing while deaths involving opioids continue to increase in Maine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Simpson
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew T Moran
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Dipam T Shah
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Y Chung
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Kenneth L McCall
- Pharmacy Practice, University of New England College of Pharmacy, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Brian J Piper
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
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70
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Fiorentin TR, Fogarty M, Limberger RP, Logan BK. Determination of cutting agents in seized cocaine samples using GC–MS, GC–TMS and LC–MS/MS. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 295:199-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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71
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Abstract
Drug use and the associated overdose deaths have been a serious public health threat in the United States and the world. While traditional drugs of abuse such as cocaine remain popular, recreational use of newer synthetic drugs has continued to increase, but the prevalence of use is likely underestimated. In this review, epidemiology, chemistry, pharmacophysiology, clinical effects, laboratory detection, and clinical treatment are discussed for newly emerging drugs of abuse in the following classes: (1) opioids (e.g., fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and mitragynine), (2) cannabinoids [THC and its analogues, alkylindole (e.g., JWH-018, JWH-073), cyclohexylphenol (e.g., CP-47,497), and indazole carboxamide (e.g., FUB-AMB, ADB-FUBINACA)], (3) stimulants and hallucinogens [β-keto amphetamines (e.g., methcathinone, methylone), pyrrolidinophenones (e.g., α-PVP, MDPV), and dimethoxyphenethylamine ("2C" and "NBOMe")], (4) dissociative agents (e.g., 3-MeO-PCP, methoxetamine, 2-oxo-PCE), and (5) sedative-hypnotics (e.g., gabapentin, baclofen, clonazolam, etizolam). It is critically important to coordinate hospital, medical examiner, and law enforcement personnel with laboratory services to respond to these emerging threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Tamama
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Clinical Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Michael J Lynch
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Pittsburgh Poison Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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72
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Usman M, Jamshaid T, Naseer A, Baig Y, Mehmood Z, Shahwar M, Akhtar S, Chaudhary MT, Sarwar M, Tahir MA. Component analysis of illicit morphia tablets (clandestine laboratory preparation) using gas chromatography mass spectrometry: a case study. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-018-0105-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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73
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Kroll SL, Nikolic E, Bieri F, Soyka M, Baumgartner MR, Quednow BB. Cognitive and socio-cognitive functioning of chronic non-medical prescription opioid users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3451-3464. [PMID: 30310961 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Non-medical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) has become a major public health issue in the USA and is also increasing in Europe. However, little is known about neuropsychological associations of NMPOU-specifically regarding social cognition, which is essential for social functioning and treatability of opioid dependence. Previous studies with heroin users and opioid-substituted patients reported deficits in various cognitive functions, but these results are likely confounded by comorbid physical and psychiatric diseases, overdose-associated hypoxia, and adulteration of street heroin. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate social and non-social cognition in a relatively pure NMPOU sample taking opioid analgesics or antitussives. METHODS We assessed 23 individuals with NMPOU objectively confirmed by hair analyses and 29 opioid-naïve, healthy controls, employing a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS Significant impairments were found between NMPOU individuals and controls regarding the cognitive domains of attention (p < .01, Hedge's g = .85), declarative memory (p < .05, g = .66), and global cognitive empathy (p < .01, g = 0.99)-the latter included problems with emotion recognition from faces, voices, and complex scenes. Opioid hair concentrations transformed to morphine equivalents were negatively correlated with global cognitive empathy (r = - 0.52, p < .01), suggesting dose-dependent deficits. CONCLUSION In contrast to stimulant users primarily displaying deficits in emotional empathy, opioid users showed relatively selective impairments in measures of cognitive empathy, with dose-dependent effects suggesting potential opioid-induced deficits and involvement of the opioid-system in processes of cognitive empathy. These results have important implications for future interventions of opioid dependence targeting social functioning and consequently enhancing therapy outcome and preventing relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Kroll
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Emilija Nikolic
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Bieri
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.,Medical Park Chiemseeblick, Rasthaustrasse 25, 83233, Bernau am Chiemsee, Germany
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analysis, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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74
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Fiorentin TR, Krotulski AJ, Martin DM, Browne T, Triplett J, Conti T, Logan BK. Detection of Cutting Agents in Drug‐Positive Seized Exhibits within the United States. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:888-896. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Taís R. Fiorentin
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation 2300 Stratford Ave Willow Grove PA 19090
| | - Alex J. Krotulski
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation 2300 Stratford Ave Willow Grove PA 19090
| | - David M. Martin
- Drug Enforcement Administration Educational Foundation 2020 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC 20006
| | - Thom Browne
- The Colombo Plan 31 Wijerama Mawatha Colombo 7 Sri Lanka
| | - Jeremy Triplett
- Kentucky State Police Central Forensic Laboratory 100 Sower Blv Frankfurt KY 40601
| | - Trisha Conti
- Vermont Forensic Laboratory 45 State Drive Waterbury VT 05671
| | - Barry K. Logan
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation 2300 Stratford Ave Willow Grove PA 19090
- NMS Labs 3701 Welsh Road Willow Grove PA 19090
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75
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Madry MM, Kraemer T, Baumgartner MR. Cocaine adulteration with the anthelminthic tetramisole (levamisole/dexamisole): Long-term monitoring of its intake by chiral LC-MS/MS analysis of cocaine-positive hair samples. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:472-478. [PMID: 30239147 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that not only the anthelminthic levamisole but also the racemate tetramisole (R-/S-phenyltetraimidazothiazole, PTHIT) was found as an adulterant for cocaine. We herein report on the investigation of the prevalence of PTHIT among cocaine-positive hair samples and the discrimination of the presence of its stereoisomers levamisole and dexamisole. Cocaine-positive hair samples were collected in a forensic context in 2015 and mainly 2017 (n = 724). Cocaine and PTHIT concentrations have been determined by achiral liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). For distinction of levamisole/dexamisole chiral LC-MS/MS was performed. Cocaine hair concentrations ranged from 500 (cut-off) to approximately 800 000 pg/mg. The study demonstrates a strong prevalence of PTHIT in cocaine users' hair (87%, n = 627). PTHIT hair concentrations ranged from below LLOQ 3.5 to approximately 61 000 pg/mg (median: 260 pg/mg). Surprisingly, enantiomeric ratios of levamisole/dexamisole ranged from 0.17 to 1.34 (median: 0.63). Therefore, PTHIT-adulterated street cocaine samples (n = 24) seized between 2013 and 2016 were tested. Samples mainly contained racemic tetramisole (87.5%), only one sample contained levamisole only and two samples contained non-racemic PTHIT. Our experiments suggest that the presence of tetramisole in biological samples may have hitherto been underestimated. Most probably higher dexamisole than levamisole concentrations in hair specimens arise from stereoselective metabolism and/or elimination. This is particularly important in light of the different pharmacological activities of the two enantiomers and potentially different adverse effects. Toxicological interpretations in intoxication cases with adulterated cocaine should not only consider levamisole but also tetramisole and terminology in scientific contributions should be used accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena M Madry
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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76
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Akhgari M, Moradi F, Ziarati P. The Texture of Psychoactive Illicit Drugs in Iran: Adulteration with Lead and other Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. J Psychoactive Drugs 2018; 50:451-459. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2018.1508791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Akhgari
- Forensic Toxicology Department, Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Moradi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Ziarati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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77
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Akhgari M, Moradi F, Ziarati P. The Texture of Psychoactive Illicit Drugs in Iran: Adulteration with Lead and other Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. J Psychoactive Drugs 2018. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2018.1508791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Akhgari
- Forensic Toxicology Department, Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Moradi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Ziarati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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78
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Oliveira NG, Dinis-Oliveira RJ. Drugs of abuse from a different toxicological perspective: an updated review of cocaine genotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:2987-3006. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2281-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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79
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Pope JD, Drummer OH, Schneider HG. The cocaine cutting agent levamisole is frequently detected in cocaine users. Pathology 2018; 50:536-539. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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80
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Serotonin-1A receptor dependent modulation of pain and reward for improving therapy of chronic pain. Pharmacol Res 2018; 134:212-219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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81
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Alterations in the Gut Microbiota of Rats Chronically Exposed to Volatilized Cocaine and Its Active Adulterants Caffeine and Phenacetin. Neurotox Res 2018; 35:111-121. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9936-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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82
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Joubert V, Silvestre V, Grand M, Loquet D, Ladroue V, Besacier F, Akoka S, Remaud GS. Full Spectrum Isotopic 13C NMR Using Polarization Transfer for Position-Specific Isotope Analysis. Anal Chem 2018; 90:8692-8699. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b02139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Joubert
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAM, University of Nantes-CNRS UMR6230, F-44322 Nantes, France
| | - Virginie Silvestre
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAM, University of Nantes-CNRS UMR6230, F-44322 Nantes, France
| | - Mathilde Grand
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAM, University of Nantes-CNRS UMR6230, F-44322 Nantes, France
| | - Denis Loquet
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAM, University of Nantes-CNRS UMR6230, F-44322 Nantes, France
| | - Virginie Ladroue
- Laboratoire de Lyon, Institut National de Police Scientifique, 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 69134 Ecully CEDEX, France
| | - Fabrice Besacier
- Laboratoire de Lyon, Institut National de Police Scientifique, 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 69134 Ecully CEDEX, France
| | - Serge Akoka
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAM, University of Nantes-CNRS UMR6230, F-44322 Nantes, France
| | - Gérald S. Remaud
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAM, University of Nantes-CNRS UMR6230, F-44322 Nantes, France
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83
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Poltorak L, Eggink I, Hoitink M, Sudhölter EJR, de Puit M. Electrified Soft Interface as a Selective Sensor for Cocaine Detection in Street Samples. Anal Chem 2018; 90:7428-7433. [PMID: 29781600 PMCID: PMC6011179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
![]()
A straightforward,
direct, and selective method is presented for
electrochemical cocaine identification in street samples. The sensing
mechanism is based on a simple ion transfer reaction across the polarized
liquid–liquid interface. The interfacial behavior of a number
of cutting agents is also reported. Interfacial miniaturization has
led to improved electroanalytical properties of the liquid–liquid
interface based sensor as compared with the macroscopic analogue.
The reported method holds great potential to replace colorimetric
tests with poor selectivity for on-site street sample analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Poltorak
- Delft University of Technology , Department of Chemical Engineering , Van der Maasweg 9 , 2629 HZ Delft , The Netherlands
| | | | - Marnix Hoitink
- Delft University of Technology , Department of Chemical Engineering , Van der Maasweg 9 , 2629 HZ Delft , The Netherlands
| | - Ernst J R Sudhölter
- Delft University of Technology , Department of Chemical Engineering , Van der Maasweg 9 , 2629 HZ Delft , The Netherlands
| | - Marcel de Puit
- Delft University of Technology , Department of Chemical Engineering , Van der Maasweg 9 , 2629 HZ Delft , The Netherlands.,Netherlands Forensic Institute, Forensic Biometric Traces , Laan van Ypenburg 6 , 2497 GB The Hague , The Netherlands
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84
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Abin-Carriquiry JA, Martínez-Busi M, Galvalisi M, Minteguiaga M, Prieto JP, Scorza MC. Identification and Quantification of Cocaine and Active Adulterants in Coca-Paste Seized Samples: Useful Scientific Support to Health Care. Neurotox Res 2018. [PMID: 29536266 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9887-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Adulteration is a common practice in the illicit drugs market, but the psychoactive and toxic effects provided by adulterants are clinically underestimated. Coca-paste (CP) is a smokable form of cocaine which has an extremely high abuse liability. CP seized samples are sold adulterated; however, qualitative and quantitative data of CP adulteration in forensic literature is still scarce. Besides, it is unknown if adulterants remain stable when CP is heated. This study was designed to report the chemical content of an extensive series of CP seized samples and to demonstrate the stability (i.e., chemical integrity) of the adulterants heated. To achieve this goal, the following strategies were applied: (1) a CP adulterated sample was heated and its fume was chemically analyzed; (2) the vapor of isolated adulterants were analyzed after heating; (3) plasma levels of animals exposed to CP and adulterants were measured. Ninety percent of CP seized samples were adulterated. Adulteration was dominated by phenacetin and caffeine and much less by other compounds (i.e., aminopyrine, levamisole, benzocaine). In the majority of CP analyzed samples, both cocaine and caffeine content was 30%, phenacetin 20% and the combination of these three components reached 90%. Typical cocaine pyrolysis compounds (i.e., BA, CMCHTs, and AEME) were observed in the volatilized cocaine and CP sample but no pyrolysis compounds were found after isolated adulterants heating. Cocaine, phenacetin, and caffeine were detected in plasma. We provide current forensic data about CP seized samples and demonstrated the chemical integrity of their adulterants heated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Andrés Abin-Carriquiry
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Plataforma de Servicios Analíticos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcela Martínez-Busi
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Plataforma de Servicios Analíticos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martín Galvalisi
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Manuel Minteguiaga
- Cátedra de Farmacognosia y Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - José Pedro Prieto
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Cecilia Scorza
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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85
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Knuth M, Temme O, Daldrup T, Pawlik E. Analysis of cocaine adulterants in human brain in cases of drug-related death. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 285:86-92. [PMID: 29454838 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For different reasons, street cocaine is often diluted with pharmacologically active substances, the so-called adulterants such as levamisole or hydroxyzine. A controversial debate exists currently on the uptake of adulterants from cocaine preparations and drug-related death. Previous research convincingly argues that serious adverse side effects that affect the central nervous and cardiovascular systems can be a consequence of adulterated cocaine. AIMS Having identified the presence of adulterants in lung tissue and blood, the concentrations of these substances in brain, an important target location, was of interest. This provides an opportunity to assess their role in cases of drug-related deaths. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed and validated a method for the analysis of cocaine, two cocaine metabolites and six adulterants, which can typically be found in cocaine preparations, and one adulterant metabolite in brain tissue by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)1. Ten brain samples which were tested positive for cocaine were analyzed. The homogenized brain tissue was embedded into drying paper for protein precipitation. During a subsequent solid-phase extraction (SPE), the eluate and one of the wash fractions were collected. After derivatization with N-Methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) in pyridine and isooctane, the extracts were analyzed by GC-MS. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The method was fully validated for cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BZE), ecgonine methyl ester (EME), diltiazem (DIL), hydroxyzine (HYD), and levamisole (LEV) and partly validated for cetirizine (CET), lidocaine (LID), phenacetin (PHE), and procaine (PRO) in brain material. By analyzing post-mortem brain tissue of ten cocaine users, LEV, LID, and HYD as well as PHE were identified in contrast to DIL, PRO, and the HYD metabolite CET. HYD and LEV were found in moderate to high concentrations in some cases. Therefore, it cannot be excluded that they have caused adverse side effects. CONCLUSION Because adulterants can potentially affect the central nervous and cardiac systems, it is likely that they enhance COC toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Knuth
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Oliver Temme
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Daldrup
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Evelyn Pawlik
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
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86
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Piper BJ, Suarez MJ, Piserchio JP, Shah DT, Simoyan OM, McCall KL, Desrosiers CE, Nichols SD. Illicit and prescription drug misuse as reported to the Maine Diversion Alert Program. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 285:65-71. [PMID: 29453006 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic is rapidly evolving and new tools are needed to combat drug abuse. The Maine Diversion Alert Program (DAP) is an informational resource that facilitates communication about drug arrests between the criminal justice and healthcare fields. The objectives of this report were to: (1) describe the illegal and prescription pharmaceuticals reported to the DAP; (2) determine if the drugs implicated in arrests changed from the first to latter half of 2016; (3) identify the demographic and other characteristics of arrestees; and (4) outline the strengths and limitations of the DAP for other areas considering implementing similar programs. METHODS The arrests (N=2,368, 31.4% female, mean age=33.7, SD=9.9, Min=18, Max=71.5) reported to the DAP were examined. Drugs were classified by Drug Enforcement Administration Schedule (I-V, non-controlled prescription) and into families (opioids, stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens, and other). A comparison between the first and second half of 2016 and arrest by county was completed. RESULTS Arrests involved 2,957 substances (drugs and paraphernalia). Most arrests (80.6%) involved a single drug. One-third (33.2%) of arrests involved illicit drugs (i.e. Schedule I) and three-fifths (59.8%) were for controlled prescription medical drugs (i.e. Schedule II-V), and a minority (6.8%) involved non-controlled prescription drugs (e.g. gabapentin, bupropion). Opioids (e.g. heroin, buprenorphine, and oxycodone) accounted for over-half (51.3%) of arrests followed by stimulants (29.0%, e.g. cocaine), and sedatives (7.6%). Arrests for oxycodone significantly decreased (51.9%) and alprazolam increased (89.3%) during 2016. Arrestees for non-controlled prescription drugs were older than arrestees for illegal drugs. Arrests, correcting for population, were most common in more urban (e.g. Androscoggin and Cumberland) counties. CONCLUSIONS Opioids (illicit and prescription) account for over half of all arrests. However, arrests for oxycodone decreased while arrests for benzodiazepines, and especially alprazolam, increased in 2016. The DAP is a novel source of information for healthcare decisions and can empirically inform law enforcement about drug misuse and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Piper
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA.
| | - Michael J Suarez
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
| | - John P Piserchio
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
| | - Dipam T Shah
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
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87
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Sulaiman M, Kunalan V, Yap ATW, Lim WJL, Ng JJY, Loh SWX, Chan KB. Heroin in Malaysia and Singapore. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:109-119. [PMID: 28670869 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Clandestine heroin laboratories have been a feature of the Malaysian illicit drug scene since soon after the abuse of heroin emerged in 1972. The first few clandestine heroin laboratories which synthesised heroin via the acetylation of imported morphine were uncovered in 1973 and 1977. By the mid-1980s, this type of laboratory was replaced by heroin-cutting laboratories whereby imported high-grade heroin was cut to street heroin. This was to meet the rising demand for the drug owing to the rapid escalation of the number of drug users. Over the years, the most significant change in the composition of the street heroin is the decrease in its purity from 30%-50% to 3%-5%. Caffeine has remained the major adulterant and chloroquine is detected in virtually all recent seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angeline T W Yap
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Wendy J L Lim
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Joey Joo Yee Ng
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Samuel Wei Xiong Loh
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - K B Chan
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
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88
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Lefrançois E, Augsburger M, Esseiva P. Drug residues in used syringes in Switzerland: A comparative study. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:874-879. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pierre Esseiva
- School of Criminal Justice; University of Lausanne; Switzerland
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89
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Zhang D, Patel KB, Cass LM, Foster AE, Guntupalli L, Brunworth JD. Heroin-induced nasal necrosis and septal perforation. ACTA OTO-LARYNGOLOGICA CASE REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/23772484.2017.1379354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Donald Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kunjan B. Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lauren M. Cass
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Lohitha Guntupalli
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joseph D. Brunworth
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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90
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Solomon N, Hayes J. Levamisole: A High Performance Cutting Agent. Acad Forensic Pathol 2017; 7:469-476. [PMID: 31239995 DOI: 10.23907/2017.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Levamisole is an imidazothiazole chemical most frequently used as an antihelminthic agent in cattle. Over the last decade, levamisole has been increasingly encountered as an additive in both powder and crack cocaine. A white powder with a "fish scale" appearance, the chemical is physically similar to powder cocaine. In vivo, levamisole is metabolized to aminorex, a compound with amphetamine-like psychostimulatory properties and a long half-life; a priori, this property allows levamisole to potentiate and prolong the stimulatory effects of cocaine while bulking up the drug to increase profit for the dealer. As use of cocaine cut with levamisole becomes more prevalent, complications directly attributable to the chemical are increasingly being recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Solomon
- St. George's University School of Medicine, Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation
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91
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Hoegberg LCG, Christiansen C, Soe J, Telving R, Andreasen MF, Staerk D, Christrup LL, Kongstad KT. Recreational drug use at a major music festival: trend analysis of anonymised pooled urine. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017; 56:245-255. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1360496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Christine Groth Hoegberg
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Danish Poisons Information Center, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Christiansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Soe
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Copenhagen and Roskilde Festival, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Telving
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Dan Staerk
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lona Louring Christrup
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kenneth Thermann Kongstad
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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92
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Martello S, Pieri M, Ialongo C, Pignalosa S, Noce G, Vernich F, Russo C, Mineo F, Bernardini S, Marsella LT. Levamisole in Illicit Trafficking Cocaine Seized: A One-Year Study. J Psychoactive Drugs 2017; 49:408-412. [PMID: 28813206 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1361558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine use is increasing around the world and its purity is frequently altered through dilution, substitution, contamination, and adulteration. Sugars, talc, starch, and carbonates represent the principal diluents of cocaine, while phenacetin, levamisole, caffeine, and lidocaine are its major adulterants in Europe. Levamisole is used because it is an odorless powder, with physical properties similar to cocaine, and it has reasonable cost and availability, being widely used in veterinary medicine. For this study, we analyzed 88 cocaine samples. The seized cocaine analyzed showed an average purity of 55% and the most frequent adulterants identified were: levamisole (31.8%), caffeine (6.8%), lidocaine (2.3%), acetaminophen (2.3%), and phenacetin (1.1%). Our aim is the study of the presence of levamisole, over other adulterants in seized cocaine samples, due to its recognized human toxicity. The chronic use of levamisole-adulterated cocaine represents a serious public health issue because it may be responsible for side-effects such as dermal vasculopathy, leukoencephalopathy, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, multiple emboli, and several other effects. Moreover, aminorex can cause idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, presenting another harmful and mostly lethal side-effect from cocaine cut with levamisole. In conclusion, levamisole determination should be performed in routine toxicological analysis in deaths due to cocaine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Martello
- a Pharmacist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Massimo Pieri
- b Biologist, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Cristiano Ialongo
- c Medical Doctor, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Stefano Pignalosa
- b Biologist, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Gianluca Noce
- d Chemist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesca Vernich
- e Biologist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Carmelo Russo
- b Biologist, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Federico Mineo
- f Biotechnologist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- g Full Professor, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Luigi Tonino Marsella
- h Associate Professor, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
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93
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Gyarmathy VA, Péterfi A, Figeczki T, Kiss J, Medgyesi-Frank K, Posta J, Csorba J. Diverted medications and new psychoactive substances—A chemical network analysis of discarded injecting paraphernalia in Hungary. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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94
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Manchester KR, Lomas EC, Waters L, Dempsey FC, Maskell PD. The emergence of new psychoactive substance (NPS) benzodiazepines: A review. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:37-53. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kieran R. Manchester
- School of Applied Sciences, Queensgate Campus; University of Huddersfield; Huddersfield UK
| | - Emma C. Lomas
- School of Applied Sciences, Queensgate Campus; University of Huddersfield; Huddersfield UK
| | - Laura Waters
- School of Applied Sciences, Queensgate Campus; University of Huddersfield; Huddersfield UK
| | - Fiona C. Dempsey
- MedAnnex Ltd, 1 Summerhall Place; Techcube 3.5; Edinburgh EH9 1PL UK
| | - Peter D. Maskell
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology; Abertay University; Dundee UK
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95
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Deslandes G, Monteil-Ganière C, Grégoire M, Allard S, Marion M, Bouquié R. “Synthacaines”: A mosaic of substances for a wide range of effects, from a case. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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96
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Ladroue V, Dujourdy L, Besacier F, Jame P. IRMS to study a common cocaine cutting agent: phenacetin. Drug Test Anal 2017; 9:479-484. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Ladroue
- Institut National de Police Scientifique, Laboratoire de Lyon; 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt 69134 Ecully Cedex France
| | - Laurence Dujourdy
- Institut National de Police Scientifique, Service Central des Laboratoires; 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt 69134 Ecully Cedex France
| | - Fabrice Besacier
- Institut National de Police Scientifique, Laboratoire de Lyon; 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt 69134 Ecully Cedex France
| | - Patrick Jame
- Institut des Sciences Analytiques; 5 rue de la Doua 69100 Villeurbanne France
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97
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Yusoff MZ, Chang KH, Abdullah AFL. Attenuated total reflectance – Fourier transform infra-red spectral profiling of illicit heroin for forensic intelligence. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1275794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Zawawi Yusoff
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 16150 Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry Malaysia, Kelantan Branch , 16100 Panji, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Kah Haw Chang
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 16150 Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Fahmi Lim Abdullah
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 16150 Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
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98
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Caffeine Induces a Stimulant Effect and Increases Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell Through the Pulmonary Inhalation Route of Administration in Rats. Neurotox Res 2016; 31:90-98. [PMID: 27631327 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9667-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oral, intraperitoneal, or intravenous have been the common routes of administration used to study the behavioral and neurochemical pharmacology of caffeine, one of the most widely used psychoactive substances worldwide. We have reported that caffeine is an active adulterant frequently found in coca-paste (CP)-seized samples, a highly addictive form of smokable cocaine. The role of caffeine in the psychostimulant and neurochemical effects induced by CP remains under study. No preclinical animal studies have been performed so far to characterize the effects of caffeine when it is administered through the pulmonary inhalation route. Caffeine (10, 25, and 50 mg) was volatilized and rats were exposed to one inhalation session of its vapor. The stimulant effect was automatically recorded and plasmatic levels of caffeine were measured. Caffeine capability (50 mg) to increase extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in nucleus accumbens shell was also studied by in vivo microdialysis in non-anesthetized animals. A dose-dependent stimulant effect induced by volatilized caffeine was observed and this effect was directly related with caffeine plasmatic levels. A significant increase in the extracellular DA was achieved after 50 mg of volatilized caffeine exposure. This is the first report showing pharmacological acute effects of caffeine through the pulmonary inhalation route of administration and suggests that this could be a condition under which caffeine can elevate its weak reinforcing effect and even enhance the psychostimulant effect and abuse liability of smokable adulterated psychostimulant drugs.
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99
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Lefrançois E, Esseiva P, Gervasoni JP, Lucia S, Zobel F, Augsburger M. Analysis of residual content of used syringes collected from low threshold facilities in Lausanne, Switzerland. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 266:534-540. [PMID: 27514014 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For the first time in Switzerland, an analysis of residual contents from used syringes collected from low threshold facilities was performed. This preliminary study is part of a wider project aiming to understand patterns of injecting drug use over time. METHODS Among the 100,000 syringes exchanged annually by the ABS foundation (Accueil Bas Seuil), 113 were collected following a purposive sampling method and analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS Four syringes (4% of the sample population) contained no substances take into consideration the limit of the method. Cocaine was the most commonly observed compound and was detected in 77 syringes (68%), whilst users reported syringes with cocaine among those analysed in this study. Heroin was detected in 49 syringes (43%) and reported by 53 users returning syringes; midazolam was detected in 31 syringes (27%) and reported as the medicine Dormicum(®) in 22 occurrences. No new or unusual illicit drug was detected in the sample. CONCLUSION The results show the presence of cocaine in more than half of the sample, an absence of new or unusual illicit drugs, as well as very few traces of methadone, which suggests that this substitution drug is rarely injected. This preliminary study also demonstrates the potential of this developed methodology for monitoring purposes. An ongoing and more systematic approach could allow to detect modifications in drug use patterns among the target population as well as the appearance of new and hazardous substances. Such systematic and timely results could allow an adaptation of harm reduction interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Lefrançois
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre Esseiva
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Sonia Lucia
- Institut Universitaire de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Marc Augsburger
- Centre Universitaire de Médecine Légale, Lausanne, Switzerland
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