101
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Férec S, Leborgne I, Bruneau C, Bourgine J, Valette X, Abbara C, Lelièvre B, Boels D, Bretaudeau-Deguigne M, Turcant A. Severe serotoninergic syndrome after ingestion of α-methyltryptamine. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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102
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Jiang XL, Shen HW, Yu AM. Modification of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine-induced hyperactivity by monoamine oxidase A inhibitor harmaline in mice and the underlying serotonergic mechanisms. Pharmacol Rep 2016; 68:608-15. [PMID: 26977821 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and harmaline are indolealkylamine (IAA) drugs often abused together. Our recent studies have revealed the significant effects of co-administered harmaline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), on 5-MeO-DMT pharmacokinetics and thermoregulation. This study was to delineate the impact of harmaline and 5-MeO-DMT on home-cage activity in mouse models, as well as the contribution of serotonin (5-HT) receptors. METHODS Home-cage activities of individual animals were monitored automatically in the home cages following implantation of telemetry transmitters and administration of various doses of IAA drugs and 5-HT receptor antagonists. Area under the effect curve (AUEC) of mouse activity values were calculated by trapezoidal rule. RESULTS High dose of harmaline (15mg/kg, ip) alone caused an early-phase (0-45min) hypoactivity in mice that was fully attenuated by 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635, whereas a late-phase (45-180min) hyperactivity that was reduced by 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL-100907. 5-MeO-DMT (10 and 20mg/kg, ip) alone induced biphasic effects, an early-phase (0-45min) hypoactivity that was completely attenuated by WAY-100635, and a late-phase (45-180min) hyperactivity that was fully suppressed by MDL-100907. Interestingly, co-administration of MAOI harmaline (2-15mg/kg) with a subthreshold dose of 5-MeO-DMT (2mg/kg) induced excessive hyperactivities at late phase (45-180min) that could be abolished by either WAY-100635 or MDL-100907. CONCLUSIONS Co-administration of MAOI with 5-MeO-DMT provokes excessive late-phase hyperactivity, which involves the activation of both 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Ling Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Hong-Wu Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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103
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Carlsson A, Lindberg S, Wu X, Dunne S, Josefsson M, Åstot C, Dahlén J. Prediction of designer drugs: synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of synthetic cannabinoid analogues of 1H-indol-3-yl(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone and 1H-indol-3-yl(adamantan-1-yl)methanone. Drug Test Anal 2015; 8:1015-1029. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Carlsson
- Swedish National Forensic Centre - NFC; SE-581 94 Linköping Sweden
| | - Sandra Lindberg
- Swedish Defence Research Agency; FOI CBRN Defence and Security; SE-901 82 Umeå Sweden
| | - Xiongyu Wu
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology; Linköping University; SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
| | - Simon Dunne
- Swedish National Forensic Centre - NFC; SE-581 94 Linköping Sweden
| | - Martin Josefsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology; Linköping University; SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology; National Board of Forensic Medicine; SE-587 58 Linköping Sweden
| | - Crister Åstot
- Swedish Defence Research Agency; FOI CBRN Defence and Security; SE-901 82 Umeå Sweden
| | - Johan Dahlén
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology; Linköping University; SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
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104
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Self-reported use of novel psychoactive substances in a US nationally representative survey: Prevalence, correlates, and a call for new survey methods to prevent underreporting. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 156:112-119. [PMID: 26377051 PMCID: PMC4633323 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there has been an increase in emergence and use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the US and worldwide. However, there is little published epidemiological survey data estimating the prevalence of use in the US. METHOD Data on self-reported NPS use came from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (2009-2013), a national representative sample of non-institutionalized individuals in the US. Subjects were asked to provide names of (non-traditional) drugs they used that they were not specifically asked about. We examined lifetime prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of self-reported use of new and uncommon synthetic drugs (NPS) among subjects ages 12-34-years-old. RESULTS 1.2% of subjects self-reported any use of the 57 NPS we examined. Use of psychedelic tryptamines (primarily DMT) was most common, followed by psychedelic phenethylamines (e.g., 2C series) and synthetic cannabinoids. Prevalence of self-reported use of NPS increased from 2009 to 2013 and use was most common among males, whites, older subjects, those of lower income, and among those residing in cities. Lifetime use of various other illicit drugs (e.g., LSD, cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA) was highly prevalent among NPS users. CONCLUSION This the first study reporting on use of a variety of NPS in a nationally representative US sample; however, use appears to be underreported as other national data suggest higher rates of NPS (e.g., synthetic cannabinoid) use. Developing more adaptable survey tools and systematically assessing NPS use would allow researchers to ask about hundreds of NPS and improve reporting as new drugs continue to rapidly emerge.
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105
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Marusich JA, Antonazzo KR, Blough BE, Brandt SD, Kavanagh PV, Partilla JS, Baumann MH. The new psychoactive substances 5-(2-aminopropyl)indole (5-IT) and 6-(2-aminopropyl)indole (6-IT) interact with monoamine transporters in brain tissue. Neuropharmacology 2015; 101:68-75. [PMID: 26362361 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, use of psychoactive synthetic stimulants has grown rapidly. 5-(2-Aminopropyl)indole (5-IT) is a synthetic drug associated with a number of fatalities, that appears to be one of the newest 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) replacements. Here, the monoamine-releasing properties of 5-IT, its structural isomer 6-(2-aminopropyl)indole (6-IT), and MDMA were compared using in vitro release assays at transporters for dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET), and serotonin (SERT) in rat brain synaptosomes. In vivo pharmacology was assessed by locomotor activity and a functional observational battery (FOB) in mice. 5-IT and 6-IT were potent substrates at DAT, NET, and SERT. In contrast with the non-selective releasing properties of MDMA, 5-IT displayed greater potency for release at DAT over SERT, while 6-IT displayed greater potency for release at SERT over DAT. 5-IT produced locomotor stimulation and typical stimulant effects in the FOB similar to those produced by MDMA. Conversely, 6-IT increased behaviors associated with 5-HT toxicity. 5-IT likely has high abuse potential, which may be somewhat diminished by its slow onset of in vivo effects, whereas 6-IT may have low abuse liability, but enhanced risk for adverse effects. Results indicate that subtle differences in the chemical structure of transporter ligands can have profound effects on biological activity. The potent monoamine-releasing actions of 5-IT, coupled with its known inhibition of MAO A, could underlie its dangerous effects when administered alone, and in combination with other monoaminergic drugs or medications. Consequently, 5-IT and related compounds may pose substantial risk for abuse and serious adverse effects in human users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Kateland R Antonazzo
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, L3 3AF, Liverpool, UK
| | - Pierce V Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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106
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Over the last decade, use of phenethylamines has become increasingly prevalent. This study aimed to describe typical aspects of phenethylamine poisoning in order to better inform patient care. METHODS Phenethylamine poisoning cases reported to the Poison Control Center of Angers, France, from January, 2007 to December, 2013 were examined. Clinical findings were examined in 105 patients, including phenethylamine used, symptoms and final outcome. Patients were predominantly male (80%), with mean age 26±8 years. RESULTS MDMA (38%), amphetamine (18%) and methamphetamine (14%) were the most commonly reported. Synthetic cathinones (10%) and the 2C series (7%) were also found. Substances most commonly associated with phenethylamine poisoning were cannabis (27%), ethanol (20%) and cocaine (9%). The most frequently reported symptoms included anxiety and hallucinations (49%), mydriasis and headache (41%), tachycardia (40%) and hypertension (15%). Complications such as seizures (7%), cardiac arrest (5%), toxic myocarditis (1%) and hemorrhagic stroke (1%) were also observed. Of the cases, the Poison Severity Score was: null or low, 66%, moderate, 21%, severe or fatal, 13%. Of the patients, 77% received hospital care and 12.4% were admitted to an intensive care unit. Analytical confirmations were obtained for all severe cases. While 93% of patients recovered, there were 5 deaths and 2 patients presented with neurological sequelae. CONCLUSIONS Phenethylamine poisonings may be severe in young and healthy individuals. Physicians, toxicologists and analysts should be aware of new phenethylamine consumption trends in order to inform management of patient care and to contribute to a more responsive drug policy.
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107
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Rickli A, Luethi D, Reinisch J, Buchy D, Hoener MC, Liechti ME. Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs). Neuropharmacology 2015; 99:546-53. [PMID: 26318099 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-2-methoxybenzyl-phenethylamines (NBOMe drugs) are newly used psychoactive substances with poorly defined pharmacological properties. The aim of the present study was to characterize the receptor binding profiles of a series of NBOMe drugs compared with their 2,5-dimethoxy-phenethylamine analogs (2C drugs) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in vitro. METHODS We investigated the binding affinities of 2C drugs (2C-B, 2C-C, 2C-D, 2C-E, 2C-H, 2C-I, 2C-N, 2C-P, 2C-T-2, 2C-T-4, 2C-T-7, and mescaline), their NBOMe analogs, and LSD at monoamine receptors and determined functional 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A) and 5-HT2B receptor activation. Binding at and the inhibition of monoamine uptake transporters were also determined. Human cells that were transfected with the respective human receptors or transporters were used (with the exception of trace amine-associated receptor-1 [TAAR1], in which rat/mouse receptors were used). RESULTS All of the compounds potently interacted with serotonergic 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C receptors and rat TAAR1 (most Ki and EC50: <1 μM). The N-2-methoxybenzyl substitution of 2C drugs increased the binding affinity at serotonergic 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, adrenergic α1, dopaminergic D1-3, and histaminergic H1 receptors and monoamine transporters but reduced binding to 5-HT1A receptors and TAAR1. As a result, NBOMe drugs were very potent 5-HT2A receptor agonists (EC50: 0.04-0.5 μM) with high 5-HT2A/5-HT1A selectivity and affinity for adrenergic α1 receptors (Ki: 0.3-0.9 μM) and TAAR1 (Ki: 0.06-2.2 μM), similar to LSD, but not dopaminergic D1-3 receptors (most Ki:>1 μM), unlike LSD. CONCLUSION The binding profile of NBOMe drugs predicts strong hallucinogenic effects, similar to LSD, but possibly more stimulant properties because of α1 receptor interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rickli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dino Luethi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julian Reinisch
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danièle Buchy
- Neuroscience Research, pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marius C Hoener
- Neuroscience Research, pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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108
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Jiang XL, Shen HW, Yu AM. Potentiation of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine-induced hyperthermia by harmaline and the involvement of activation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. Neuropharmacology 2015; 89:342-51. [PMID: 25446678 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and harmaline are serotonin (5-HT) analogs often abused together, which alters thermoregulation that may indicate the severity of serotonin toxicity. Our recent studies have revealed that co-administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitor harmaline leads to greater and prolonged exposure to 5-HT agonist 5-MeO-DMT that might be influenced by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) status. This study was to define the effects of harmaline and 5-MeO-DMT on thermoregulation in wild-type and CYP2D6-humanized (Tg-CYP2D6) mice, as well as the involvement of 5-HT receptors. Animal core body temperatures were monitored noninvasively in the home cages after implantation of telemetry transmitters and administration of drugs. Harmaline (5 and 15 mg/kg, i.p.) alone was shown to induce hypothermia that was significantly affected by CYP2D6 status. In contrast, higher doses of 5-MeO-DMT (10 and 20 mg/kg) alone caused hyperthermia. Co-administration of harmaline (2, 5 or 15 mg/kg) remarkably potentiated the hyperthermia elicited by 5-MeO-DMT (2 or 10 mg/kg), which might be influenced by CYP2D6 status at certain dose combination. Interestingly, harmaline-induced hypothermia was only attenuated by 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635, whereas 5-MeO-DMT- and harmaline-5-MeO-DMT-induced hyperthermia could be suppressed by either WAY-100635 or 5-HT2A receptor antagonists (MDL-100907 and ketanserin). Moreover, stress-induced hyperthermia under home cage conditions was not affected by WAY-100635 but surprisingly attenuated by MDL-100907 and ketanserin. Our results indicate that co-administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitor largely potentiates 5-MeO-DMT-induced hyperthermia that involves the activation of both 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. These findings shall provide insights into development of anxiolytic drugs and new strategies to relieve the lethal hyperthermia in serotonin toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Ling Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214-8033, USA
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Palamar JJ. "Bath salt" use among a nationally representative sample of high school seniors in the United States. Am J Addict 2015; 24:488-91. [PMID: 26179776 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES "Bath salts" are new drugs which have received extensive media attention. However, national studies in the U.S. have not investigated prevalence or correlates of use. METHODS Data were examined from Monitoring the Future, a representative sample of U.S. high school seniors (2012-2013, N = 8,604). RESULTS Only 1.1% of high school seniors used "bath salts" in the last year and the strongest correlate of use was use of other drugs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS "Bath salt" use is not very prevalent, but users of other drugs are at highest risk for use. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE We must continue to monitor new drugs in order to inform prevention and quickly detect potential epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University, Langone Medical Center, New York, New York.,Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, NYU College of Nursing, New York, New York
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110
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Rickli A, Kopf S, Hoener MC, Liechti ME. Pharmacological profile of novel psychoactive benzofurans. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:3412-25. [PMID: 25765500 PMCID: PMC4500375 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Benzofurans are newly used psychoactive substances, but their pharmacology is unknown. The aim of the present study was to pharmacologically characterize benzofurans in vitro. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We assessed the effects of the benzofurans 5-APB, 5-APDB, 6-APB, 6-APDB, 4-APB, 7-APB, 5-EAPB and 5-MAPDB and benzodifuran 2C-B-FLY on the human noradrenaline (NA), dopamine and 5-HT uptake transporters using HEK 293 cells that express the respective transporters. We also investigated the release of NA, dopamine and 5-HT from monoamine-preloaded cells, monoamine receptor-binding affinity and 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptor activation. KEY RESULTS All of the benzofurans inhibited NA and 5-HT uptake more than dopamine uptake, similar to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and unlike methamphetamine. All of the benzofurans also released monoamines and interacted with trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TA1 receptor), similar to classic amphetamines. Most benzofurans were partial 5-HT2A receptor agonists similar to MDMA, but also 5-HT2B receptor agonists, unlike MDMA and methamphetamine. The benzodifuran 2C-B-FLY very potently interacted with 5-HT2 receptors and also bound to TA1 receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Despite very similar structures, differences were found in the pharmacological profiles of different benzofurans and compared with their amphetamine analogues. Benzofurans acted as indirect monoamine agonists that interact with transporters similarly to MDMA. The benzofurans also interacted with 5-HT receptors. This pharmacological profile probably results in MDMA-like entactogenic psychoactive properties. However, benzofurans induce 5-HT2B receptor activation associated with heart valve fibrosis. The pharmacology of 2C-B-FLY indicates predominant hallucinogenic properties and a risk for vasoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rickli
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of BaselBasel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Kopf
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of BaselBasel, Switzerland
| | - Marius C Hoener
- Neuroscience Research, pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche LtdBasel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of BaselBasel, Switzerland
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111
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Survey of knowledge of legal highs (novel psychoactive substances) amongst London pharmacists. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY 2015. [DOI: 10.1108/dat-03-2015-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to determine pharmacists’ knowledge of legal highs (novel psychoactive substances (NPS)).
Design/methodology/approach
– A questionnaire was handed out at two London pharmacist continuing education events in mid-2014. These events update pharmacists about developments of interest/relevance to the profession and to improve their practice. A total of 54 forms were returned; a response rate of 26 percent.
Findings
– Most pharmacists had poor knowledge of NPS and many considered that NPS were not important to their work, with few having had to advise customers in this area. Despite this, the majority thought that they had insufficient information about NPS. There was a negative correlation between the age of the pharmacist and knowledge of NPS.
Research limitations/implications
– The sample is a self-selected one drawn from registered pharmacists working in community pharmacies in northwest London, and thus does not include hospital pharmacies. Self-selection means that respondents may only reflect those who are interested in the NPS phenomenon and not the wider pharmacy community. The geographical area covered may not be representative of London as a whole, or indeed other parts of the UK or other EU countries.
Practical implications
– It is clear that pharmacists do not know much about NPS but would like to know more. This information might improve their practice.
Social implications
– Pharmacists, easier to see than general practitioners, could be a useful source of information for NPS misusers.
Originality/value
– There have been no previous attempts to gauge the level of knowledge by pharmacists of legal highs/NPS in the UK or elsewhere to our knowledge.
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112
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Bretaudeau Deguigne M, Férec S, Lelièvre B, Bruneau C, Diquet B, Harry P, Turcant A. Report of five cases of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-(n)-propylphenethylamine (2C-P) intoxication following recreational use. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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113
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Detection and quantification of 56 new psychoactive substances in whole blood and urine by LC–MS/MS. Bioanalysis 2015; 7:1119-36. [DOI: 10.4155/bio.15.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: New psychoactive substances (NPS) have become increasingly prevalent and are sold in internet shops as ‘bath salts’ or ‘research chemicals’ and comprehensive bioanalytical methods are needed for their detection. Methodology: We developed and validated a method using LC and MS/MS to quantify 56 NPS in blood and urine, including amphetamine derivatives, 2C compounds, aminoindanes, cathinones, piperazines, tryptamines, dissociatives and others. Instrumentation included a Synergi Polar-RP column (Phenomenex) and a 3200 QTrap mass spectrometer (AB Sciex). Run time was 20 min. Conclusion: A novel method is presented for the unambiguous identification and quantification of 56 NPS in blood and urine samples in clinical and forensic cases, e.g., intoxications or driving under the influence of drugs.
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114
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Helander A, Beck O, Bäckberg M. Intoxications by the dissociative new psychoactive substances diphenidine and methoxphenidine. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015; 53:446-53. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1033630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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115
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Araújo AM, Carvalho F, Bastos MDL, Guedes de Pinho P, Carvalho M. The hallucinogenic world of tryptamines: an updated review. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:1151-73. [PMID: 25877327 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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116
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Chavant F, Boucher A, Le Boisselier R, Deheul S, Debruyne D. New synthetic drugs in addictovigilance. Therapie 2015; 70:167-89. [PMID: 25858573 DOI: 10.2515/therapie/2015001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
New substances, also known as "designer drugs" or "legal highs" are increasingly available to drug users. Two hundred and fifteen hitherto unlisted substances have been notified by European Union member states since 2005. These synthetic drugs, which have been developed to side-step the legislation on drugs, are analogues or derivatives of existing drugs and medications. The availability of these "legal highs", sold on Internet under various denominations such as bath salt, plant fertilizer, chemical not intended for human use, or spice, is unlimited. The effects felt by users vary, and the substances may be stimulant, entactogenic, hallucinogenic, psychedelic or dissociative. The pharmacological targets also vary, and may be either the increase of extracellular levels of neurotransmitters via different mechanisms (reuptake inhibition, stimulation of intracellular release) or else fixation on specific receptors. Several chemical classes, themselves divided into sub-classes, are involved: phenethylamines, tryptamines, piperazines, cathinones, cannabinoids etc. The toxicity of the main members of these categories is increasingly well known, the most deleterious being behavioural effects, physical manifestations, and cardiovascular consequences. However, small variations in their chemical structure can generate effects that are quantitatively different, thus enhancing their toxicity or addictive potential, and much remains to be achieved in terms of knowledge about these new drugs. These substances are indeed present on the French territory, as shown by data provided by the Observatoire Français des Drogues et Toxicomanies, and notifications by the French Addictovigilance network. Screening in clinical toxicology laboratories is not widespread, since these molecules are not detected by the standard screening tests, so that there is probably an under-estimation of the use of these new drugs. The legislation on these substances changes regularly, with more and more countries classifying them as "narcotics" or illegal psychotropic drugs so as to restrict their use, applying a generic classification when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sylvie Deheul
- Centre d'Addictovigilance de Lille, Faculté de médecine, Lille, France
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Werner V, Ellwart M, Wagner AJ, Knochel P. Preparation of Tertiary Amines by the Reaction of Iminium Ions Derived from Unsymmetrical Aminals with Zinc and Magnesium Organometallics. Org Lett 2015; 17:2026-9. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Werner
- Department
of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Mario Ellwart
- Department
of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas J. Wagner
- Department
of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Knochel
- Department
of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
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118
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Hohmann N, Mikus G, Czock D. Effects and risks associated with novel psychoactive substances: mislabeling and sale as bath salts, spice, and research chemicals. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 111:139-47. [PMID: 24661585 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2014.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of newly reported psychoactive substances in Europe is now higher than ever. In order to evade legal restrictions, old and novel psychoactive substances from medical research and their derivatives are commonly mislabeled as "not for human consumption" and offered for sale on the Internet and elsewhere. Such substances are widely taken by young people as "club drugs." Their consumption must be considered in the differential diagnosis of psychiatric, neurological, cardiovascular, or metabolic disturbances of unclear origin in a young patient. METHOD Selective review of pertinent literature retrieved by a PubMed search, including publications by government-sponsored organizations. RESULTS From 2010 to 2012, 163 substances were reported to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), mostly either synthetic cannabinoids (39.3%) or synthetic cathinones (16.6%). Synthetic cannabinoids alter mood and perception; intoxications cause agitation, tachy cardia, and arterial hypertension. Synthetic cathinones are hallucinogenic stimulants with predominantly cardiovascular and psychiatric side effects. Severe intoxications cause serotonin syndrome and potentially fatal rhabdomyolysis. Substances in either of these classes often escape detection in screening tests. CONCLUSION Young persons who present with agitation and cardiovascular and/or psychiatric manifestations of unclear origin and whose drug screening tests are negative may be suffering from an intoxication with a novel psychoactive substance. Physicians should know the classes of such substances and their effects. Targeted toxicological analysis can be carried out in a toxicology laboratory or a facility for forensic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Hohmann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital
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Kriikku P, Rintatalo J, Pihlainen K, Hurme J, Ojanperä I. The effect of banning MDPV on the incidence of MDPV-positive findings among users of illegal drugs and on court decisions in traffic cases in Finland. Int J Legal Med 2015; 129:741-9. [PMID: 25833171 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-015-1184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to determine what impact the banning of 3, 4- methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) had on the incidence of MDPV-positive findings and on user profiles in driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) and postmortem (PM) investigations in Finland. All MDPV-positive cases and a selection of corresponding court cases between 2009 and 2012 were examined. The median serum concentration of MDPV in DUID cases was 0.030 mg/L and in PM blood 0.12 mg/L. The number of MDPV-positive cases decreased both in DUID and PM investigations after the drug was banned. The decrease in the mean monthly numbers of MDPV-positive DUID cases was 51.1%. In court cases, MDPV was rarely mentioned until banned and frequently mentioned thereafter. Of the convicted, 37% were without a fixed abode, 98% had other charges besides that of DUID, and 13% appeared in the study material more than once. In MDPV-positive PM cases, the proportion of suicides was very high (24%). Research on new psychoactive substances is required not only to support banning decisions but more importantly to be able to provide a scientific assessment of the risks of these new substances to the public and potential users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pirkko Kriikku
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, PO Box 40, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland,
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120
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Naylor JE, Freeman KB, Blough BE, Woolverton WL, Huskinson SL. Discriminative-stimulus effects of second generation synthetic cathinones in methamphetamine-trained rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 149:280-4. [PMID: 25707704 PMCID: PMC4361380 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cathinones are beta-ketophenethylamine analogs manufactured to avoid legal restrictions placed on illicit stimulants like methamphetamine. Regulating these "emerging" designer drugs require scientific evidence of abuse potential. METHODS The present study evaluated the discriminative-stimulus effects of three synthetic cathinones, recently identified in commercial and confiscated products, in male Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate methamphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) from saline under a fixed-ratio (FR) 20 schedule of food delivery. Three synthetic cathinones, 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (4-MEC; 1.0-8.0 mg/kg), 4-methyl-alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-MePPP; 4.0-16.0 mg/kg), and alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP; 0.25-2.0 mg/kg) were tested for their ability to substitute for methamphetamine. RESULTS Full substitution for the training dose of methamphetamine occurred at the highest doses for both 4-MePPP and alpha-PVP, and 4-MEC did not substitute at any dose tested. CONCLUSIONS The present findings show that two synthetic cathinones, 4-MePPP and alpha-PVP, produced subjective effects similar to those of methamphetamine. The synthetic cathinone, 4-MEC, did not produce subjective effects similar to those of methamphetamine with the parameters used in the current experiment. Based on findings here and by others, these three compounds warrant further tests of abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Naylor
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States.
| | - Kevin B Freeman
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - William L Woolverton
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
| | - Sally L Huskinson
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
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Weaver MF, Hopper JA, Gunderson EW. Designer drugs 2015: assessment and management. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2015; 10:8. [PMID: 25928069 PMCID: PMC4422150 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-015-0024-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent designer drugs, also known as “legal highs,” include substituted cathinones (e.g., mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, often referred to as “bath salts”); synthetic cannabinoids (SCs; e.g., Spice); and synthetic hallucinogens (25I-NBOMe, or N-bomb). Compound availability has evolved rapidly to evade legal regulation and detection by routine drug testing. Young adults are the primary users, but trends are changing rapidly; use has become popular among members of the military. Acute toxicity is common and often manifests with a constellation of psychiatric and medical effects, which may be severe (e.g., anxiety, agitation, psychosis, and tachycardia), and multiple deaths have been reported with each of these types of designer drugs. Clinicians should keep designer drugs in mind when evaluating substance use in young adults or in anyone presenting with acute neuropsychiatric complaints. Treatment of acute intoxication involves supportive care targeting manifesting signs and symptoms. Long-term treatment of designer drug use disorder can be challenging and is complicated by a lack of evidence to guide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Weaver
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Road, BBSB 1222, 77054, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - John A Hopper
- St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, 5333 McAuley Drive, Suite R-3009, 48197-1014, Ypsilanti, MI, USA.
| | - Erik W Gunderson
- The University of Virginia, Center for Wellness and Change, 1007 East High Street, 22902, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Anneken JH, Angoa-Pérez M, Kuhn DM. 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone prevents while methylone enhances methamphetamine-induced damage to dopamine nerve endings: β-ketoamphetamine modulation of neurotoxicity by the dopamine transporter. J Neurochem 2015; 133:211-22. [PMID: 25626880 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methylone, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and mephedrone are psychoactive ingredients of 'bath salts' and their abuse represents a growing public health care concern. These drugs are cathinone derivatives and are classified chemically as β-ketoamphetamines. Because of their close structural similarity to the amphetamines, methylone, MDPV, and mephedrone share most of their pharmacological, neurochemical, and behavioral properties. One point of divergence in their actions is the ability to cause damage to the CNS. Unlike methamphetamine, the β-ketoamphetamines do not damage dopamine (DA) nerve endings. However, mephedrone has been shown to significantly accentuate methamphetamine neurotoxicity. Bath salt formulations contain numerous different psychoactive ingredients, and individuals who abuse bath salts also coabuse other illicit drugs. Therefore, we have evaluated the effects of methylone, MDPV, mephedrone, and methamphetamine on DA nerve endings. The β-ketoamphetamines alone or in all possible two-drug combinations do not result in damage to DA nerve endings but do cause hyperthermia. MDPV completely protects against the neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine while methylone accentuates it. Neither MDPV nor methylone attenuates the hyperthermic effects of methamphetamine. The potent neuroprotective effects of MDPV extend to amphetamine-, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-, and MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. These results indicate that β-ketoamphetamine drugs that are non-substrate blockers of the DA transporter (i.e., MDPV) protect against methamphetamine neurotoxicity, whereas those that are substrates for uptake by the DA transporter and which cause DA release (i.e., methylone, mephedrone) accentuate neurotoxicity. METH (a) enters DA nerve endings via the DAT, causes leakage of DA into the cytoplasm and then into the synapse via DAT-mediated reverse transport. Methylone (METHY) and mephedrone (MEPH; b), like METH, are substrates for the DAT but release DA from cytoplasmic pools selectively. When METH is combined with METHY or MEPH (c), DA efflux and neurotoxicity are enhanced. MDPV (d), which is a non-substrate blocker of the DAT, prevents METH uptake and efflux of DA. Therefore, bath salts that are substrates for the DAT and release DA (METHY, MEPH) accentuate METH neurotoxicity, whereas those that are non-substrate blockers of the DAT (MDPV) are neuroprotective.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Anneken
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Chavant F, Boucher A, Le Boisselier R, Deheul S, Debruyne D. Nouvelles drogues de synthèse en addictovigilance. Therapie 2015. [DOI: 10.2515/therapie/2014235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Van Hout MC, Hearne E. “Word of Mouse”: Indigenous Harm Reduction and Online Consumerism of the Synthetic Compound Methoxphenidine. J Psychoactive Drugs 2015; 47:30-41. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2014.974002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Katselou M, Papoutsis I, Nikolaou P, Spiliopoulou C, Athanaselis S. AH-7921: the list of new psychoactive opioids is expanded. Forensic Toxicol 2015; 33:195-201. [PMID: 26257832 PMCID: PMC4525185 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-015-0271-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AH-7921 is a structurally unique synthetic opioid analgesic that has recently entered the drug arena in Europe, the USA, and Japan. Although it was synthesized and patented in the mid-1970s, it was first identified in a seized sample purchased via the Internet in July 2012 and formally brought to the attention of the European Union early warning system in August 2012 by the United Kingdom. Several in vitro experiments and animal model studies established the morphine-like analgesic action of AH-7921 as a μ-opioid receptor agonist that has been found to be several times more potent than codeine and at least as potent as morphine. This novel psychoactive substance has already led to eight non-fatal intoxications and 16 deaths in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the USA. Thus, AH-7921 is a current public health risk, and better international collaboration, effective legislation and continuous community alertness are needed to tackle this current growing problem. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about this drug concerning its chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, as well as its international legal status. The limited existing analytical methodologies for the determination of AH-7921 in biological samples are also presented. Published or reported AH-7921-related cases, fatalities, or intoxications, and self reports from drug users are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Katselou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Papoutsis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Nikolaou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Spiliopoulou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiris Athanaselis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 115 27 Athens, Greece
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Moini M, Rollman CM. Compatibility of highly sulfated cyclodextrin with electrospray ionization at low nanoliter/minute flow rates and its application to capillary electrophoresis/electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis of cathinone derivatives and their optical isomers. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2015; 29:304-10. [PMID: 26411628 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Sodium salts of cyclodextrins are commonly used in capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry (CE/MS) analysis of illicit drugs and their optical isomers. To avoid the suppression effect of cyclodextrins under electrospray ionization (ESI), the partial filling technique (PFT) is commonly utilized, which has a limited resolution. Low-flow nano-ESI has been shown to reduce the suppression effect of the salts. To test the compatibility of low-flow ESI with a background electrolyte (BGE) containing sodium salts of cyclodextrin, sheathless narrow capillary CE/MS with flow rates of low nanoliters/minute (nL/min) was applied to the separation and detection of cathinones and their positional and optical isomers for the first time. METHODS Low-flow sheathless CE/MS using a 20-µm-i.d. capillary in conjunction with a porous tip interface was used for the separation of cathinone derivatives and their optical isomers. Highly sulfated γ-cyclodextrin (HS-γ-CD) in conjunction with (+)-18-crown-6-tetracarboxylic acid ((+)-18-C-6-TCA) was used as the BGE and an ion trap mass spectrometer operating in full scan mode was utilized. RESULTS Utilizing low flow rate (~10 nL/min) sheathless CE/MS, the use of the sodium salt of HS-γ-CD as the BGE was compared with the same solution using PFT. The relative and absolute sensitivity of detection of cathinones were about the same, indicating that under low-flow sheathless CE/MS there was no significant suppression due to the existence of HS-γ-CD in the electrospray process. However, enhanced resolution of cathinone derivatives and their positional and optical isomers was observed when the solution of HS-γ-CD was used as the BGE. The enhanced resolution was because of the presence of the HS-γ-CD in the entire capillary during the analysis. The addition of 15 mM (+)-18-C-6-TCA to the BGE containing HS-γ-CD further enhanced the resolution resulting in separation of all cathinones and their positional and optical isomers. CONCLUSIONS A novel CE/MS technique has been introduced that combines low-flow sheathless CE/MS, with HS-γ-CD and 15 mM (+)-18-C-6-TCA as the BGE for separation of cathinone derivatives as well as their positional and optical isomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Moini
- Department of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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127
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Tittarelli R, Mannocchi G, Pantano F, Romolo FS. Recreational use, analysis and toxicity of tryptamines. Curr Neuropharmacol 2015; 13:26-46. [PMID: 26074742 PMCID: PMC4462041 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666141210222409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The definition New psychoactive substances (NPS) refers to emerging drugs whose chemical structures are similar to other psychoactive compounds but not identical, representing a "legal" alternative to internationally controlled drugs. There are many categories of NPS, such as synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, phenylethylamines, piperazines, ketamine derivatives and tryptamines. Tryptamines are naturally occurring compounds, which can derive from the amino acid tryptophan by several biosynthetic pathways: their structure is a combination of a benzene ring and a pyrrole ring, with the addition of a 2-carbon side chain. Tryptamines include serotonin and melatonin as well as other compounds known for their hallucinogenic properties, such as psilocybin in 'Magic mushrooms' and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in Ayahuasca brews. AIM To review the scientific literature regarding tryptamines and their derivatives, providing a summary of all the available information about the structure of these compounds, their effects in relationship with the routes of administration, their pharmacology and toxicity, including articles reporting cases of death related to intake of these substances. METHODS A comprehensive review of the published scientific literature was performed, using also non peer-reviewed information sources, such as books, government publications and drug user web fora. CONCLUSIONS Information from Internet and from published scientific literature, organized in the way we proposed in this review, provides an effective tool for specialists facing the emerging NPS threat to public health and public security, including the personnel working in Emergency Department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Tittarelli
- Legal Medicine Section, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Mannocchi
- Legal Medicine Section, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Pantano
- Legal Medicine Section, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Romolo
- Legal Medicine Section, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Institut de Police Scientifique, Université de Lausanne, Batochime, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Abstract
Mass spectrometry methods play a major role in many forensic applications. While gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods are commonly used in crime laboratories and enforcement agencies, a variety of advanced techniques are now available that can improve upon standard methods and address emerging issues in forensic science. New mass spectrometry technologies include more versatile ionization sources, allowing the next generation of instrumentation to be more multipurpose and adaptable to the needs of the discipline. Direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry is an ambient ionization method that allows direct testing of gas, liquid and solid samples without the need for any preparation or extraction, based on thermal desorption and ionization directly from the sample surface. This Review will provide an in-depth description of direct analysis in real-time time-of-flight mass spectrometry as applied to samples relevant to forensic science, with a focus on analysis and characterization related to forensic drug chemistry.
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129
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Neonatal withdrawal syndrome after chronic maternal consumption of 4-methylethcathinone. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 245:e33-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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130
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Pichini S, Marchei E, García-Algar O, Gomez A, Di Giovannandrea R, Pacifici R. Ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry determination of hallucinogenic drugs in hair of psychedelic plants and mushrooms consumers. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2014; 100:284-289. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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131
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Kamour A, James D, Lupton DJ, Cooper G, Eddleston M, Vale A, Thompson JP, Thanacoody R, Hill SL, Thomas SHL. Patterns of presentation and clinical features of toxicity after reported use of ([2-aminopropyl]-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans), the 'benzofuran' compounds. A report from the United Kingdom National Poisons Information Service. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 52:1025-31. [PMID: 25345418 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.973115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise the patterns of presentation and clinical features of toxicity following reported recreational use of benzofuran compounds ((2-aminopropyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans) in the UK, as reported to the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS), and to compare clinical features of toxicity with those after reported mephedrone use. METHODS NPIS patient-specific telephone enquiries and user sessions for TOXBASE(®), the NPIS online information database, related to (2-aminopropyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans and associated synonyms were reviewed from March 2009 to August 2013. These data were compared with those of mephedrone, the recreational substance most frequently reported to NPIS, collected over the same period. RESULTS There were 63 telephone enquiries concerning 66 patients and 806 TOXBASE(®) user sessions regarding benzofuran compounds during the period of study. The first telephone enquiry was made in July 2010 and the highest numbers of enquiries were received in August 2010 (33 calls, 112 TOXBASE(®) sessions). Patients were predominantly male (82%) with a median age of 29 years; 9 reported co-ingestion of other substances. Comparing the 57 patients who reported ingesting benzofuran compounds alone with 315 patients ingesting mephedrone alone, benzofurans were more often associated with stimulant features, including tachycardia, hypertension, mydriasis, palpitation, fever, increased sweating, and tremor, (72% vs. 38%, odds ratio [OR] 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.27-7.85, P < 0.0001) and mental health disturbances (58% vs. 38%, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.29-4.07, P = 0.006). Other features reported after benzofuran compound ingestion included gastrointestinal symptoms (16%), reduced level of consciousness (9%), chest pain (7%), and creatinine kinase elevation (5%). CONCLUSIONS Reported ingestion of benzofuran compounds is associated with similar toxic effects to those of amphetamines and cathinones. Mental health disturbances and stimulant features were reported more frequently following reported ingestion of benzofuran compounds than after ingestion of mephedrone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Kamour
- National Poisons Information Service, Newcastle Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Wolfson Unit , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
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McLaughlin G, Morris N, Kavanagh PV, Power JD, Twamley B, O'Brien J, Talbot B, Dowling G, Mahony O, Brandt SD, Patrick J, Archer RP, Partilla JS, Baumann MH. Synthesis, characterization, and monoamine transporter activity of the new psychoactive substance 3',4'-methylenedioxy-4-methylaminorex (MDMAR). Drug Test Anal 2014; 7:555-64. [PMID: 25331619 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The recent occurrence of deaths associated with the psychostimulant cis-4,4'-dimethylaminorex (4,4'-DMAR) in Europe indicated the presence of a newly emerged psychoactive substance on the market. Subsequently, the existence of 3,4-methylenedioxy-4-methylaminorex (MDMAR) has come to the authors' attention and this study describes the synthesis of cis- and trans-MDMAR followed by extensive characterization by chromatographic, spectroscopic, mass spectrometric platforms and crystal structure analysis. MDMAR obtained from an online vendor was subsequently identified as predominantly the cis-isomer (90%). Exposure of the cis-isomer to the mobile phase conditions (acetonitrile/water 1:1 with 0.1% formic acid) employed for high performance liquid chromatography analysis showed an artificially induced conversion to the trans-isomer, which was not observed when characterized by gas chromatography. Monoamine release activities of both MDMAR isomers were compared with the non-selective monoamine releasing agent (+)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a standard reference compound. For additional comparison, both cis- and trans-4,4'-DMAR, were assessed under identical conditions. cis-MDMAR, trans-MDMAR, cis-4,4'-DMAR and trans-4,4'-DMAR were more potent than MDMA in their ability to function as efficacious substrate-type releasers at the dopamine (DAT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters in rat brain tissue. While cis-4,4'-DMAR, cis-MDMAR and trans-MDMAR were fully efficacious releasing agents at the serotonin transporter (SERT), trans-4,4'-DMAR acted as a fully efficacious uptake blocker. Currently, little information is available about the presence of MDMAR on the market but the high potency of ring-substituted methylaminorex analogues at all three monoamine transporters investigated here might be relevant when assessing the potential for serious side-effects after high dose exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin McLaughlin
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, School of Science, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Noreen Morris
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, School of Science, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Pierce V Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - John D Power
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.,Forensic Science Laboratory, Garda HQ, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Brendan Twamley
- TCD Small Molecule X-ray Facility, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John O'Brien
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Brian Talbot
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Dowling
- The State Laboratory, Backweston Laboratory Complex, Young's Cross, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Olivia Mahony
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L33 AF, UK
| | - Julian Patrick
- Scientific Supplies Ltd, Hanover Street, London, W1S 1YH, UK
| | - Roland P Archer
- States Analyst's Laboratory, Longue Rue, St Martin's, GY4 6LD, Guernsey
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit of the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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133
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Adamowicz P, Zuba D, Byrska B. Fatal intoxication with 3-methyl-N-methylcathinone (3-MMC) and 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB). Forensic Sci Int 2014; 245:126-32. [PMID: 25447185 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of a large number of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in recent years poses a serious problem to clinical and forensic toxicologists. Here we report a patient who administrated ca. 500mg of 3-MMC (3-methyl-N-methylcathinone) and 400mg of 5-APB (5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran) in combination with 80g of ethyl alcohol. The clinical manifestations included agitation, seizures, hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia and bradycardia. The patient did not recover and died around 4h after the use of drugs. The cause of death was acute cardiovascular collapse that occurred following mixed intoxication with NPSs and alcohol. Toxicological analysis of post-mortem blood revealed 3-MMC and 5-APB in concentrations of 1.6μg/mL and 5.6μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the serum alcohol concentration was 1.4g/L in ante-mortem sample collected 1h after admission to the hospital. This is the first report on blood concentration of 3-MMC and 5-APB in fatal intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Adamowicz
- Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Dariusz Zuba
- Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bogumiła Byrska
- Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland
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134
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Development of an in vitro cytochrome P450 cocktail inhibition assay for assessing the inhibition risk of drugs of abuse. Toxicol Lett 2014; 230:28-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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135
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Van Hout MC. An Internet Study of User’s Experiences of the Synthetic Cathinone 4-Methylethcathinone (4-MEC). J Psychoactive Drugs 2014; 46:273-86. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2014.934979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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136
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Synthetic cathinones: “A khat and mouse game”. Toxicol Lett 2014; 229:349-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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137
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Wink CSD, Meyer MR, Braun T, Turcant A, Maurer HH. Biotransformation and detectability of the designer drug 2,5-dimethoxy-4-propylphenethylamine (2C-P) studied in urine by GC-MS, LC-MS n , and LC-high-resolution-MS n. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 407:831-43. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-8083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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138
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Merola G, Fu H, Tagliaro F, Macchia T, McCord BR. Chiral separation of 12 cathinone analogs by cyclodextrin-assisted capillary electrophoresis with UV and mass spectrometry detection. Electrophoresis 2014; 35:3231-41. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201400077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Merola
- Department of Chemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine; Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona; Verona Italy
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation; Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome Italy
| | - Hanzhuo Fu
- Department of Chemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine; Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - Teodora Macchia
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation; Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome Italy
| | - Bruce R. McCord
- Department of Chemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
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139
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Bäckberg M, Beck O, Hultén P, Rosengren-Holmberg J, Helander A. Intoxications of the new psychoactive substance 5-(2-aminopropyl)indole (5-IT): A case series from the Swedish STRIDA project. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 52:618-24. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.920088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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140
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review familiarizes clinicians with the symptoms of overdose and withdrawal, as well as neurologic complications, associated with particular illicit drugs. RECENT FINDINGS Recent arrivals on the recreational drug scene include synthetic cathinone analogs, synthetic cannabinoid agonists, and a variety of novel hallucinogens. SUMMARY Clinicians need to be aware of neurologic disorders associated with particular illicit drugs and should consider drug abuse in any patient with unexplained symptoms and signs.In addition to tobacco and alcohol, a large number of substances, legal and illegal, are used recreationally. Broad categories include opioids, psychostimulants, marijuana and related agents, sedatives, hallucinogens, inhalants, phencyclidine and related agents, and anticholinergics. Each type of agent has its own characteristic symptoms of overdose and withdrawal, and many agents are associated with trauma, infection, seizures, stroke, cognitive impairment, and teratogenicity. Some drugs have unique neurologic complications not encountered with other agents. A history of recreational drug use should be sought in any neurologic patient regardless of age or socioeconomic status.
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141
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Sieradzka E, Witt K, Milnerowicz H. The application of capillary electrophoresis techniques in toxicological analysis. Biomed Chromatogr 2014; 28:1507-13. [PMID: 24828301 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) comprises a group of techniques used to separate chemical mixtures. Analytical separation is based on different electrophoretic mobilities, thereby allowing qualitative and quantitative evaluations to be made. The application of CE in medical science, especially in toxicological studies, is developing rapidly because of the short time required for analysis and its high sensitivity, selectivity and ability to determine substances of an acidic, alkaline and neutral character. This review focuses on the possibility of applying CE in toxicological analysis. Advances in different CE analyses and detection techniques connected with this method are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Sieradzka
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
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142
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Karlsson L, Andersson M, Kronstrand R, Kugelberg FC. Mephedrone, methylone and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) induce conditioned place preference in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 115:411-6. [PMID: 24739011 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, there has been a worldwide increase in popularity and abuse of synthetic cathinones. Common ingredients of the so-called bath salts include mephedrone, methylone and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Relatively little information about the pharmacology and addiction potential of these drugs is available. We used the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to explore the reinforcing effects of three different synthetic cathinones. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether mephedrone, methylone and MDPV induce CPP in mice. The secondary aims were to investigate a possible dose-response CPP and whether the synthetic cathinones induce higher CPP than amphetamine at equal dose. C57BL/6 mice were conditioned to mephedrone, methylone, MDPV and amphetamine at doses of 0.5, 2, 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg (i.p.). During the conditioning, the mice received two training sessions per day for 4 days. All four tested drugs showed a significant place preference compared with controls. Mice conditioned with MDPV (5 and 10 mg/kg) displayed a greater preference score compared to mice conditioned with amphetamine (5 and 10 mg/kg). Our findings show that mephedrone, methylone and MDPV produce CPP equal or higher than amphetamine strongly suggesting addictive properties. Given the public health concern of abuse, future pharmacological studies are necessary to fully understand the effects of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Karlsson
- Division of Drug Research, Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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143
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144
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Nikolaou P, Papoutsis I, Stefanidou M, Spiliopoulou C, Athanaselis S. 2C-I-NBOMe, an “N-bomb” that kills with “Smiles”. Toxicological and legislative aspects. Drug Chem Toxicol 2014; 38:113-9. [DOI: 10.3109/01480545.2014.911882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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145
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Tang MHY, Ching CK, Tsui MSH, Chu FKC, Mak TWL. Two cases of severe intoxication associated with analytically confirmed use of the novel psychoactive substances 25B-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 52:561-5. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.909932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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146
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XXXIV International Congress of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT) 27–30 May 2014, Brussels, Belgium. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.906213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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147
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Elliott S, Evans J. A 3-year review of new psychoactive substances in casework. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 243:55-60. [PMID: 24810679 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Following the initial popularity of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) there has been a stream of new "recreational drugs" entering the global market. The lack of clinical studies on the effects and toxicity of these drugs has made interpretation of toxicological findings difficult. In an attempt to assist in a better understanding of the extent of their use and the fatalities that have been linked to these compounds we present our collated findings in post-mortem and criminal casework where these have been detected and/or implicated. Between January 2010 and December 2012 we have detected new psychoactive substances (NPS) in 203 cases, with 120 cases in 2012 alone. The drugs detected in in life or post-mortem blood and urine are, in order of decreasing frequency; mephedrone, 4-methylethcathinone, BZP, MDPV, TFMPP, methoxetamine, 4-fluoromethcathinone, 4-methylamphetamine, PMA, methylone, PMMA, naphyrone, alpha-methyltryptamine, butylone, MDAI, desoxypipradrol, D2PM, MPA, synthetic cannabinoids, 2-AI, 5-IAI, 5-MeODALT, MDPBP, 5/6-APB, pentedrone and pentylone. Other drugs or alcohol were detected in 84% of the cases including other NPS and in fatalities it should be noted that alternative causes of death (including mechanical suicide, accidental death and non-psychoactive drug overdose) accounted for the majority. Related to this was that of all fatalities involving cathinones, 41% of these were hangings or other mechanical suicides, this was a higher proportion than seen with other drugs found in such cases. The presence of multiple NPS and/or other stimulants was a particular feature in various cases, however, of the drug deaths only 7% solely involved NPS. Across all case types and including some cases investigated in 2013, NPS concentrations showed a wide range but these and selected cases are presented to assist toxicological interpretation in future cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Elliott
- ROAR Forensics Ltd, Malvern Hills Science Park, Geraldine Road, Malvern WR14 3SZ, Worcestershire, UK.
| | - Julie Evans
- ROAR Forensics Ltd, Malvern Hills Science Park, Geraldine Road, Malvern WR14 3SZ, Worcestershire, UK
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148
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Ellefsen KN, Anizan S, Castaneto MS, Desrosiers NA, Martin TM, Klette KL, Huestis MA. Validation of the only commercially available immunoassay for synthetic cathinones in urine: Randox Drugs of Abuse V Biochip Array Technology. Drug Test Anal 2014; 6:728-38. [PMID: 24659527 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Deterrence of synthetic cathinone abuse is hampered by the lack of a high-throughput immunoassay screen. The Randox Drugs of Abuse V (DOA-V) Biochip Array Technology contains two synthetic cathinone antibodies: Bath Salt I (BSI) targets mephedrone/methcathinone and Bath Salt II (BSII) targets 3',4'-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)/3',4'-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone (MDPBP). We evaluated DOA-V synthetic cathinones performance and conducted a full validation on the original assay with calibrators reconstituted in water, and the new assay with calibrators prepared in lyophilized urine; both utilized the same antibodies and were run on the fully automated Evidence® Analyzer. We screened 20 017 authentic military urine specimens and confirmed positives by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for 28 synthetic cathinones. Limits of detection (LOD) for the original and new assays were 0.35 and 0.18 (BSI), and 8.5 and 9.2 µg/L (BSII), respectively. Linearity was acceptable (R(2) >0.98); however, a large negative bias was observed with in-house prepared calibrators. Intra-assay imprecision was <20% BSI-II, while inter-assay imprecision was 18-42% BSI and <22% BSII. Precision was acceptable for Randox controls. Cross-reactivities of many additional synthetic cathinones were determined. Authentic drug-free negative urine pH <4 produced false positive results for BSI (6.3 µg/L) and BSII (473 µg/L). Oxidizing agents reduced BSI and increased BSII results. Sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of 100%, 52.1%, and 53.0% were obtained at manufacturer's proposed cut-offs (BSI 5 µg/L, BSII 30 µg/L). Performance improved if cut-off concentrations increased (BSI 7.5 µg/L, BSII 40 µg/L); however, there were limited confirmed positive specimens. Currently, this is the first and only fully validated immunoassay for preliminary detection of synthetic cathinones in urine. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla N Ellefsen
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA; Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
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149
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Helander A, Bäckberg M, Hultén P, Al-Saffar Y, Beck O. Detection of new psychoactive substance use among emergency room patients: results from the Swedish STRIDA project. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 243:23-9. [PMID: 24726531 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The "STRIDA" project monitors the occurrence and trends of new psychoactive substances (NPS; "Internet drugs/designer drugs/legal highs") in Sweden, and collects information about their clinical symptoms, toxicity and associated health hazards. The initial results of the project documented a widespread use of many different NPS by mainly adolescents and young (age range 13-63 years, median 20), male (79%) adults, among cases of drug intoxications presenting at emergency departments and intensive care units across the country. The new substances were identified in samples of urine and blood by a multi-component LC-MS/MS method, and the severity of clinical symptoms were graded by the Poisoning Severity Score (PSS). Of the initial 189 samples submitted for laboratory investigation, 156 (83%) tested positive for at least one drug. Besides classical substances such as ethanol, cannabis and amphetamines, many NPS were detected comprising synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists ("Spice"), piperazines, substituted phenethylamines, synthetic cathinones, hallucinogenic tryptamines, piperidines, opioid related substances, ketamine and related substances, and GABA analogues (in total more than 50 substances). About half of the cases were demonstrated to be multiple drug intoxications, sometimes making it hard to associate the clinical presentations with one specific substance. In conclusion, the STRIDA project has documented use of a broad variety of NPS among mainly young people all over Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Helander
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden; Karolinska University Laboratory, Clinical Pharmacology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Peter Hultén
- Swedish Poisons Information Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yasir Al-Saffar
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olof Beck
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden; Karolinska University Laboratory, Clinical Pharmacology, Stockholm, Sweden
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150
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Kamour A, James D, Spears R, Cooper G, Lupton DJ, Eddleston M, Thompson JP, Vale AJ, Thanacoody HKR, Hill SL, Thomas SHL. Patterns of presentation and clinical toxicity after reported use of alpha methyltryptamine in the United Kingdom. A report from the UK National Poisons Information Service. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 52:192-7. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.885983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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