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Alzu'bi A, Almahasneh F, Khasawneh R, Abu-El-Rub E, Baker WB, Al-Zoubi RM. The synthetic cannabinoids menace: a review of health risks and toxicity. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:49. [PMID: 38216984 PMCID: PMC10785485 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01443-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are chemically classified as psychoactive substances that target the endocannabinoid system in many body organs. SCs can initiate pathophysiological changes in many tissues which can be severe enough to damage the normal functionality of our body systems. The majority of SCs-related side effects are mediated by activating Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1R) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2R). The activation of these receptors can enkindle many downstream signalling pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis that ultimately can produce deleterious changes in many organs. Besides activating the cannabinoid receptors, SCs can act on non-cannabinoid targets, such as the orphan G protein receptors GPR55 and GPR18, the Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptors (PPARs), and the Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which are broadly expressed in the brain and the heart and their activation mediates many pharmacological effects of SCs. In this review, we shed light on the multisystem complications found in SCs abusers, particularly discussing their neurologic, cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic effects, as well as highlighting the mechanisms that intermediate SCs-related pharmacological and toxicological consequences to provide comprehensive understanding of their short and long-term systemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Alzu'bi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan.
| | - Fatimah Almahasneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Ramada Khasawneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Ejlal Abu-El-Rub
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Worood Bani Baker
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Raed M Al-Zoubi
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation & Men'S Health, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, QU-Health, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar.
- Department of Chemistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
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Roque-Bravo R, Silva RS, Malheiro RF, Carmo H, Carvalho F, da Silva DD, Silva JP. Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Pharmacological and Toxicological Overview. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:187-209. [PMID: 35914767 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-031122-113758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a chemically diverse group of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) that target the endocannabinoid system, triggering a plethora of actions (e.g., elevated mood sensation, relaxation, appetite stimulation) that resemble, but are more intense than, those induced by cannabis. Although some of these effects have been explored for therapeutic applications, anticipated stronger psychoactive effects than cannabis and reduced risk perception have increased the recreational use of SCs, which have dominated the NPS market in the United States and Europe over the past decade. However, rising SC-related intoxications and deaths represent a major public health concern and embody a major challenge for policy makers. Here, we review the pharmacology and toxicology of SCs. A thorough characterization of SCs' pharmacodynamics and toxicodynamics is important to better understand the main mechanisms underlying acute and chronic effects of SCs, interpret the clinical/pathological findings related to SC use, and improve SC risk awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Roque-Bravo
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Rafaela Sofia Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Rui F Malheiro
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Helena Carmo
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Félix Carvalho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Diana Dias da Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; , .,Toxicology Research Unit (TOXRUN), University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
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Li H, Qian Z, Zhao Y, Zheng H. Study on the metabolic process of synthetic cannabinoids 4F-MDMB-BINACA and 4F-MDMB-BICA in human liver microsome and zebrafish model via UHPLC-QE Orbitrap MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:3905-3916. [PMID: 35389093 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04034-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In order to address the increasing abuse of synthetic cannabinoids, on July 1, 2021, China listed the whole category of synthetic cannabinoids in the Supplementary Catalog for the Control of Non-medicinal Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Because synthetic cannabinoids metabolize rapidly, techniques are urgently needed to identify the phase I metabolites of new synthetic cannabinoids, as well as the symbol metabolites, which can be used for detection in real cases. In this study, we used pooled human liver microsome (pHLM) and zebrafish combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) Q Exactive Orbitrap MS to identify the phase I metabolites of two new synthetic cannabinoids 4F-MDMB-BICA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA in vitro and in vivo, respectively. We studied the toxicokinetics of 4F-MDMB-BICA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA by sampling from a pHLM incubation system at different time points to study the change in metabolites over time. We detected a total of 14 metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BINACA and 16 metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BICA in this study. Metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BICA were detected in vitro for the first time. One metabolite of 4F-MDMB-BINACA, M05, was discovered for the first time. Based on the toxicokinetics results, we recommend three metabolites (M03, M11, M12) of 4F-MDMB-BINACA and three metabolites (M10, M12, M14) of 4F-MDMB-BICA as their symbol metabolites. The results showed that these two structurally similar synthetic cannabinoids 4F-MDMB-BINACA and 4F-MDMB-BICA had similar metabolic processes, as well as similar structures of their main symbol metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhenhua Qian
- Institute of Forensic Science Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China.
| | - Yanbiao Zhao
- Institute of Forensic Science Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Institute of Forensic Science Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
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Minakata K, Hasegawa K, Nozawa H, Yamagishi I, Suzuki M, Kitamoto T, Suzuki O, Watanabe K. Quantification of Major Metabolites of AB-FUBINACA in Solid Tissues Obtained from an Abuser. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:555-565. [PMID: 32886766 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AB-FUBINACA M3 was reported to be a major metabolite of the drug, but its in vivo concentration in authentic human solid tissues has not been quantified yet. Another metabolite AB-FUBINACA M4 did not receive much attention previously and also has not been quantified yet in any authentic human specimens. The aims of this study are to establish a sensitive method for quantification of M3 and M4 in solid tissues and to compare the metabolite profile of AB-FUBINACA in authentic human specimens in vivo with that produced by human hepatocytes in vitro. The quantification was performed by liquid chromatography (LC)-quadrupole-ion trap-tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS), and the characterization by LC-quadrupole Orbitrap MS-MS The limits of quantification of M3 were 10 pg/mL and 60 pg/g, and those of M4 were 100 pg/mL and 600 pg/g in urine and tissues, respectively. In the present work, M3 and M4 were identified and quantified in human lung, liver and kidney obtained from a cadaver for the first time; the concentrations of M3 were 226, 255, 202 and 155 pg/mL or g, and those of M4 14,400, 768, 637 and 1,390 pg/mL or g in urine, lung, liver and kidney, respectively. The peak intensity profiles of seven metabolites in these specimens were compared with that produced by human hepatocytes; the top three metabolites in urine specimen were completely different from those of hepatocytes. M3 was reported as the predominant metabolite in several previous works and M4 was listed as a minor metabolite in only one work, but, in this work, M4 has been found to be the major metabolite in all of the authentic urine, lung, liver and kidney specimens. The M3 plus M4 metabolites in lung or kidney were found most recommendable to prove AB-FUBINACA consumption, when urine specimen is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Minakata
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Koutaro Hasegawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hideki Nozawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Itaru Yamagishi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masako Suzuki
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Takuya Kitamoto
- Advanced Research Facilities and Services, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Osamu Suzuki
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kanako Watanabe
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
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Overview of Synthetic Cannabinoids ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA: Clinical, Analytical, and Forensic Implications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030186. [PMID: 33669071 PMCID: PMC7996508 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA are two synthetic indazole-derived cannabinoid receptor agonists, up to 140- and 85-fold more potent, respectively, than trans-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), the main psychoactive compound of cannabis. Synthesised in 2009 as a pharmaceutical drug candidate, the recreational use of ADB-FUBINACA was first reported in 2013 in Japan, with fatal cases being described in 2015. ADB-FUBINACA is one of the most apprehended and consumed synthetic cannabinoid (SC), following AMB-FUBINACA, which emerged in 2014 as a drug of abuse and has since been responsible for several intoxication and death outbreaks. Here, we critically review the physicochemical properties, detection methods, prevalence, biological effects, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of both drugs. When smoked, these SCs produce almost immediate effects (about 10 to 15 s after use) that last up to 60 min. They are rapidly and extensively metabolised, being the O-demethylated metabolite of AMB-FUBINACA, 2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide)-3-methylbutanoic acid, the main excreted in urine, while for ADB-FUBINACA the main biomarkers are the hydroxdimethylpropyl ADB-FUBINACA, hydroxydehydrodimethylpropyl ADB-FUBINACA and hydroxylindazole ADB-FUBINACA. ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA display full agonism of the CB1 receptor, this being responsible for their cardiovascular and neurological effects (e.g., altered perception, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, loss of consciousness and memory, chest pain, hypertension, tachycardia, seizures). This review highlights the urgent requirement for additional studies on the toxicokinetic properties of AMB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA, as this is imperative to improve the methods for detecting and quantifying these drugs and to determine the best exposure markers in the various biological matrices. Furthermore, it stresses the need for clinicians and pathologists involved in the management of these intoxications to describe their findings in the scientific literature, thus assisting in the risk assessment and treatment of the harmful effects of these drugs in future medical and forensic investigations.
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Minakata K, Hasegawa K, Yamagishi I, Nozawa H, Suzuki M, Kitamoto T, Suzuki O, Watanabe K. In Vivo Metabolites of AB-PINACA in Solid Tissues Obtained from Its Abuser: Comparison with In Vitro Experiment. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 44:1027-1035. [PMID: 32232365 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, solid tissues such as the lung, liver, kidney and urine were highlighted to profile the AB-PINACA in vivo metabolites in a fatal abuse case, although such metabolite analysis is usually made with urine specimens. We compared the relative peak intensities of in vivo metabolites of AB-PINACA in lung, liver, kidney and urine specimens collected at the autopsy of its abuser with its in vitro metabolites in human hepatocytes. The metabolites of AB-PINACA in tissues were extracted after homogenization. The urine specimen and portions of the extracted metabolites from tissues were firstly hydrolyzed with β-glucuronidase, and the metabolites were extracted. For in vitro experiment, AB-PINACA was incubated with human hepatocytes for 3 h to produce its metabolites. The identification of the in vivo and in vitro metabolites was performed using liquid chromatography (LC)-high-resolution Orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS), and the relative intensities of these metabolites were measured using low resolution LC-quadrupole-ion trap-MS-MS. Thirteen metabolites of AB-PINACA were characterized in vivo in several human specimens and in in vitro human hepatocytes. They were produced by the terminal amide hydrolysis to carboxylic acid, hydroxylation, carbonyl formation and/or glucuronidation. The most detectable metabolite in the hepatocytes, lung or liver was the one produced by the terminal amide hydrolysis, whereas the top metabolite in the kidney or urine was the one produced by hydroxylation or carbonyl formation on the pentyl side chain after the terminal amide hydrolysis, respectively. At least 12 metabolites of AB-PINACA were detected in authentic human lung, liver or kidney specimen from a cadaver. It is concluded that the postmortem metabolite profiling of AB-PINACA can be fulfilled with solid tissues, and the lung and kidney were most recommendable especially when urine specimen is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Minakata
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Koutaro Hasegawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Itaru Yamagishi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hideki Nozawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masako Suzuki
- Advanced Research Facilities and Services, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Takuya Kitamoto
- Advanced Research Facilities and Services, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Osamu Suzuki
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kanako Watanabe
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
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Inhibitory Effect of AB-PINACA, Indazole Carboxamide Synthetic Cannabinoid, on Human Major Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12111036. [PMID: 33138123 PMCID: PMC7692329 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid, AB-PINACA, has been placed into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act by the US Drug Enforcement Administration since 2015. Despite the possibility of AB-PINACA exposure in drug abusers, the interactions between AB-PINACA and drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters that play crucial roles in the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of various substrate drugs have not been investigated. This study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effects of AB-PINACA on eight clinically important human major cytochrome P450s (CYPs) and six uridine 5′-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) in human liver microsomes and the activities of six solute carrier transporters and two efflux transporters in transporter-overexpressing cells. AB-PINACA reversibly inhibited the metabolic activities of CYP2C8 (Ki, 16.9 µM), CYP2C9 (Ki, 6.7 µM), and CYP2C19 (Ki, 16.1 µM) and the transport activity of OAT3 (Ki, 8.3 µM). It exhibited time-dependent inhibition on CYP3A4 (Ki, 17.6 µM; kinact, 0.04047 min−1). Other metabolizing enzymes and transporters such as CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2D6, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A4, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, OAT1, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OCT1, OCT2, P-glycoprotein, and BCRP, exhibited only weak interactions with AB-PINACA. These data suggest that AB-PINACA can cause drug-drug interactions with CYP3A4 substrates but that the significance of drug interactions between AB-PINACA and CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or OAT3 substrates should be interpreted carefully.
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In Vitro Interaction of AB-FUBINACA with Human Cytochrome P450, UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase Enzymes and Drug Transporters. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194589. [PMID: 33050066 PMCID: PMC7582776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AB-FUBINACA, a synthetic indazole carboxamide cannabinoid, has been used worldwide as a new psychoactive substance. Because drug abusers take various drugs concomitantly, it is necessary to explore potential AB-FUBINACA-induced drug–drug interactions caused by modulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. In this study, the inhibitory effects of AB-FUBINACA on eight major human cytochrome P450s (CYPs) and six uridine 5′-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) of human liver microsomes, and on eight clinically important transport activities including organic cation transporters (OCT)1 and OCT2, organic anion transporters (OAT)1 and OAT3, organic anion transporting polypeptide transporters (OATP)1B1 and OATP1B3, P-glycoprotein, and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in transporter-overexpressing cells were investigated. AB-FUBINACA inhibited CYP2B6-mediated bupropion hydroxylation via mixed inhibition with Ki value of 15.0 µM and competitively inhibited CYP2C8-catalyzed amodiaquine N-de-ethylation, CYP2C9-catalyzed diclofenac 4′-hydroxylation, CYP2C19-catalyzed [S]-mephenytoin 4′-hydroxylation, and CYP2D6-catalyzed bufuralol 1′-hydroxylation with Ki values of 19.9, 13.1, 6.3, and 20.8 µM, respectively. AB-FUBINACA inhibited OCT2-mediated MPP+ uptake via mixed inhibition (Ki, 54.2 µM) and competitively inhibited OATP1B1-mediated estrone-3-sulfate uptake (Ki, 94.4 µM). However, AB-FUBINACA did not significantly inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP3A4, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A4, UGT1A6, or UGT2B7 enzyme activities at concentrations up to 100 µM. AB-FUBINACA did not significantly inhibit the transport activities of OCT1, OAT1/3, OATP1B3, P-glycoprotein, or BCRP at concentrations up to 250 μM. As the pharmacokinetics of AB-FUBINACA in humans and animals remain unknown, it is necessary to clinically evaluate potential in vivo pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions induced by AB-FUBINACA-mediated inhibition of CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, OCT2, and OATP1B1 activities.
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Kadomura N, Ito T, Kawashima H, Matsuhisa T, Kinoshita T, Soda M, Kohyama E, Iwaki T, Nagai H, Kitaichi K. In vitro metabolic profiles of adamantyl positional isomers of synthetic cannabinoids. Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00538-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Presley BC, Logan BK, Jansen-Varnum SA. In Vitro Metabolic Profile Elucidation of Synthetic Cannabinoid APP-CHMINACA (PX-3). J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:226-236. [PMID: 31665324 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids remain the most prevalent subclass of new psychoactive substances (NPS) reported internationally. However, the metabolic and pharmacological properties of many of these compounds remain unknown. Elucidating these characteristics allows members of the clinical and forensic communities to identify causative agents in patient samples, as well as render conclusions regarding their toxic effects. This work presents a detailed report on the in vitro phase I metabolism of indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid APP-CHMINACA (PX-3). Incubation of APP-CHMINACA with human liver microsomes, followed by analysis of extracts via high-resolution mass spectrometry, yielded 12 metabolites, encompassing 7 different metabolite classes. Characterization of the metabolites was achieved by evaluating the product ion spectra, accurate mass and chemical formula generated for each metabolite. The predominant biotransformations observed were hydrolysis of the distal amide group and hydroxylation of the cyclohexylmethyl (CHM) substituent. Nine metabolites were amide hydrolysis products, of which five were monohydroxylated, one dihydroxylated and two were ketone products. The metabolites in greatest abundance in the study were products of amide hydrolysis with no further biotransformation (M1), followed by amide hydrolysis with monohydroxylation (M2.1). Three APP-CHMINACA-specific metabolites were generated, all of which were hydroxylated on the CHM group; one mono-, di- and tri-hydroxylated metabolite each was produced, with dihydroxylation (M6) present in the greatest abundance. The authors propose that metabolites M1, M2.1 and M6 are the most appropriate markers to determine consumption of APP-CHMINACA. The methods used in the current study have broad applicability and have been used to determine the in vitro metabolic profiles of multiple synthetic cannabinoids and other classes of NPS. This research can be used to guide analytical scientists in method development, synthesis of reference material, pharmacological testing of proposed metabolites and prediction of metabolic processes of compounds yet to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Presley
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, 1901 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave., Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Susan A Jansen-Varnum
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, 1901 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Silva JP, Araújo AM, de Pinho PG, Carmo H, Carvalho F. Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-122 and THJ-2201 Disrupt Endocannabinoid-Regulated Mitochondrial Function and Activate Apoptotic Pathways as a Primary Mechanism of In Vitro Nephrotoxicity at In Vivo Relevant Concentrations. Toxicol Sci 2020; 169:422-435. [PMID: 30796436 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) represents a major public health issue, as reports of intoxications and deaths following SCB use rapidly mount up. Specifically, a direct link between SCB use and acute kidney injury (AKI) has been established, although the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain undefined. Here we assessed the in vitro nephrotoxicity of 3 commonly detected and structurally distinct SCBs-AB-FUBINACA, JWH-122, and THJ-2201-in human proximal tubule cells (HK-2), to ascertain potential similarities and/or differences regarding their nephrotoxicity signatures. We showed that 2 of the 3 SCBs tested, namely JWH-122 and THJ-2201, at in vivo relevant concentrations (1 nM-1 μM), triggered apoptotic cell death pathways, mainly through a shared mechanism involving the deregulation of mitochondrial function (ie, with mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization and increased intracellular ATP levels), as the primary molecular signature of nephrotoxicity mechanism. Noteworthy, no SCB affected cell viability (MTT reduction, lactate dehydrogenase release, Neutral Red inclusion). Use of the cannabinoid receptor (CBR) antagonists SR141716A and SR144528, as well as HEK293T cells, which do not express CBRs, confirmed the involvement of these receptors in SCB-mediated mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization but not on other events, suggesting an off-target action regulating SCB-induced kidney cell death. Our results further strengthen the relevance of the endocannabinoid system in maintaining mitochondrial function in kidney cells, as we demonstrate that HK-2 incubation with CBR antagonists or inhibitors of endocannabinoid biosynthesis (ie, methyl arachydonyl fluorophosphonate, tetrahydrolipstatin) alone produced deleterious effects similar to those now reported for SCBs. Overall, SCB-induced nephrotoxicity seems to be mainly regulated at the mitochondrial level, but the specific mechanisms involved require further clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Araújo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Helena Carmo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
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12
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Giorgetti A, Mogler L, Haschimi B, Halter S, Franz F, Westphal F, Fischmann S, Riedel J, Pütz M, Auwärter V. Detection and phase I metabolism of the 7‐azaindole‐derived synthetic cannabinoid 5F‐AB‐P7AICA including a preliminary pharmacokinetic evaluation. Drug Test Anal 2019; 12:78-91. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology University‐Hospital of Padova Italy
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Lukas Mogler
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Belal Haschimi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Florian Franz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig‐Holstein Kiel Germany
| | - Svenja Fischmann
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig‐Holstein Kiel Germany
| | - Jan Riedel
- Federal Criminal Police Office Forensic Science Institute Wiesbaden Germany
| | - Michael Pütz
- Federal Criminal Police Office Forensic Science Institute Wiesbaden Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
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13
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Gaunitz F, Kieliba T, Thevis M, Mercer‐Chalmers‐Bender K. Solid‐phase extraction–liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the qualitative analysis of 61 synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in urine. Drug Test Anal 2019; 12:27-40. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Gaunitz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Tobias Kieliba
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Katja Mercer‐Chalmers‐Bender
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Cologne Cologne Germany
- Health Department Basel‐Stadt Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Basel Switzerland, Basel Switzerland
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14
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Presley BC, Logan BK, Jansen-Varnum SA. In vitro Phase I metabolism of indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-CHMINACA via human liver microsome incubation and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1264-1276. [PMID: 31108568 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids have proliferated over the last decade and have become a major public health and analytical challenge, critically impacting the clinical and forensic communities. Indazole carboxamide class synthetic cannabinoids have been particularly rampant, and exhibit severe toxic effects upon consumption due to their high binding affinity and potency at the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 ). MDMB-CHMINACA, methyl 2-[1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido]-3,3-dimethylbutanoate, a compound of this chemical class, has been identified in forensic casework and is structurally related to several other synthetic cannabinoids. This study presents the first extensive report on the Phase I metabolic profile of MDMB-CHMINACA, a potent synthetic cannabinoid. The in vitro metabolism of MDMB-CHMINACA was determined via incubation with human liver microsomes and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The accurate masses of precursor and fragments, mass error (ppm), and chemical formula were obtained for each metabolite. Twenty-seven metabolites were identified, encompassing twelve metabolite types. The major biotransformations observed were hydroxylation and ester hydrolysis. Hydroxylations were located predominantly on the cyclohexylmethyl (CHM) moiety. Ester hydrolysis was followed by additional biotransformations, including dehydrogenation; mono- and dihydroxylation and ketone formation, each with dehydrogenation. Minor metabolites were identified and reported. The authors propose that CHM-monohydroxylated metabolites specific to MDMB-CHMINACA are the most suitable candidates for implementation into bioanalytical assays to demonstrate consumption of this synthetic cannabinoid. Due to the structural similarity of MDMB-CHMINACA and currently trending synthetic cannabinoids whose metabolic profiles have not been reported, the results of this study can be used as a guide to predict their metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Presley
- Temple University Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Barry K Logan
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Susan A Jansen-Varnum
- Temple University Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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15
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Kovács K, Kereszty É, Berkecz R, Tiszlavicz L, Sija É, Körmöczi T, Jenei N, Révész-Schmehl H, Institóris L. Fatal intoxication of a regular drug user following N-ethyl-hexedrone and ADB-FUBINACA consumption. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 65:92-100. [PMID: 31128567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In Hungary, N-ethyl-hexedrone (NEH) was the most frequently seized stimulant designer drug in 2017, while among synthetic cannabinoids ADB-FUBINACA and AB-FUBINACA were the most popular. Symptoms of intoxication by these substances are well known but less is known about the pathology of overdose-related death. NEH-induced fatal intoxication has not been described in the literature and knowledge surrounding the particular circumstances of death could be useful better public education of risk and more adequate treatment of overdose patients. In this report, we characterize the case of a 23-year-old male regular drug user who died a few hours after NEH and ADB-FUBINACA consumption. His medical history showed arrhythmia in childhood, and some seizures. Autopsy found he had a BMI of 42.9, a hypertrophic and dilated heart, severe atherosclerosis of the valves, coronaries and the arteries, and edema of the internal organs. Histology confirmed those findings. Postmortem blood levels of NEH were 285 ng/ml, along with 0.08 ng/ml ADB-FUBINACA and five ADB-FUBINACA metabolites. Based on the blood concentrations measured in suspected drug users (≤83.9 ng/ml) we hypothesize that NEH intoxication was the cause of death in this case, with heart disease being a co-factor and that the synthetic cannabinoid effect might have been accompaniment. This case also offered the opportunity to identify the metabolites of ADB-FUBINACA in the blood. We identified metabolites in the post-mortem blood by comparing them to human liver microsomal enzyme metabolites in vitro. Three major and two minor metabolites were found in the blood, of which two could only be derived from ADB-FUBINACA, as opposed to other cannabinoids. The case highlights the importance of the complex analysis of drug related deaths by medico-legal autopsy, histopathology and toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Kovács
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Éva Kereszty
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Róbert Berkecz
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Tiszlavicz
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Éva Sija
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tímea Körmöczi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Jenei
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Hungary
| | - Hajnal Révész-Schmehl
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Hungary
| | - László Institóris
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
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16
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Gamage TF, Farquhar CE, McKinnie RJ, Kevin RC, McGregor IS, Trudell ML, Wiley JL, Thomas BF. Synthetic Cannabinoid Hydroxypentyl Metabolites Retain Efficacy at Human Cannabinoid Receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 368:414-422. [PMID: 30552295 PMCID: PMC6374541 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.254425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are novel psychoactive substances that are easily acquired, widely abused as a substitute for cannabis, and associated with cardiotoxicity and seizures. Although the structural bases of these compounds are scaffolds with known affinity and efficacy at the human cannabinoid type-1 receptor (hCB1), upon ingestion or inhalation they can be metabolized to multiple chemical entities of unknown pharmacological activity. A large proportion of these metabolites are hydroxylated on the pentyl chain, a key substituent that determines receptor affinity and selectivity. Thus, the pharmacology of SC metabolites may be an important component in understanding the in vivo effects of SCs. We examined nine SCs (AB-PINACA, 5F-AB-PINACA, ADB/MDMB-PINACA, 5F-ADB, 5F-CUMYL-PINACA, AMB-PINACA, 5F-AMB, APINACA, and 5F-APINACA) and their hydroxypentyl (either 4-OH or 5-OH) metabolites in [3H]CP55,940 receptor binding and the [35S]GTPγS functional assay to determine the extent to which these metabolites retain activity at cannabinoid receptors. All of the SCs tested exhibited high affinity (<10 nM) and efficacy for hCB1 and hCB2 The majority of the hydroxypentyl metabolites retained full efficacy at hCB1 and hCB2, albeit with reduced affinity and potency, and exhibited greater binding selectivity for hCB2 These data suggest that phase I metabolites may be contributing to the in vivo pharmacology and toxicology of abused SCs. Considering this and previous reports demonstrating that metabolites retain efficacy at the hCB1 receptor, the full pharmacokinetic profiles of the parent compounds and their metabolites need to be considered in terms of the pharmacological effects and time course associated with these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Gamage
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.F.G., C.E.F., J.L.W., B.F.T.); Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana (R.J.M., M.L.T.); and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (R.C.K., I.S.M.)
| | - Charlotte E Farquhar
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.F.G., C.E.F., J.L.W., B.F.T.); Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana (R.J.M., M.L.T.); and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (R.C.K., I.S.M.)
| | - Ryan J McKinnie
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.F.G., C.E.F., J.L.W., B.F.T.); Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana (R.J.M., M.L.T.); and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (R.C.K., I.S.M.)
| | - Richard C Kevin
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.F.G., C.E.F., J.L.W., B.F.T.); Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana (R.J.M., M.L.T.); and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (R.C.K., I.S.M.)
| | - Iain S McGregor
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.F.G., C.E.F., J.L.W., B.F.T.); Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana (R.J.M., M.L.T.); and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (R.C.K., I.S.M.)
| | - Mark L Trudell
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.F.G., C.E.F., J.L.W., B.F.T.); Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana (R.J.M., M.L.T.); and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (R.C.K., I.S.M.)
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.F.G., C.E.F., J.L.W., B.F.T.); Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana (R.J.M., M.L.T.); and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (R.C.K., I.S.M.)
| | - Brian F Thomas
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.F.G., C.E.F., J.L.W., B.F.T.); Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana (R.J.M., M.L.T.); and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (R.C.K., I.S.M.)
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17
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Structure-metabolism relationships of valine and tert-leucine-derived synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists: a systematic comparison of the in vitro phase I metabolism using pooled human liver microsomes and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Forensic Toxicol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-00462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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18
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The ongoing challenge of novel psychoactive drugs of abuse. Part I. Synthetic cannabinoids (IUPAC Technical Report). PURE APPL CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2017-0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In the past decade, the world has experienced a large increase in the number of novel compounds appearing on the illicit drug market for recreational purposes. Such substances are designed to circumvent governmental regulations; the illegal drug manufacturers take a known psychoactive compound reported in the scientific literature and slightly modify its chemical structure in order to produce analogues that will mimic the pharmacological activity of the original substance. Many of these novel substances are sold via the Internet. Among the various chemical classes, synthetic cannabinoid receptor modulators, commonly referred to as “synthetic cannabinoids” have been at the forefront, as demonstrated by the frequency of drug seizures, numerous severe toxic effects, and fatalities associated with some of these substances. This review presents the chemical structures of relevant synthetic cannabinoids and describes their mechanism of action, pharmacological features, metabolic pathways, and structure-activity relationships. It illustrates the approaches used in forensic testing, both for bulk analysis (drug seizures) and for analytical toxicology (biological matrices) and discusses aspects of regulation surrounding this drug class. This report is intended to provide pertinent information for the purposes of informing scientific, medical, social, and governmental bodies about this ever-evolving recreational drug class and the challenges it poses worldwide.
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19
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Synthetic cannabinoids are substrates and inhibitors of multiple drug-metabolizing enzymes. Arch Pharm Res 2018; 41:691-710. [PMID: 30039377 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-018-1055-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids, a new class of psychoactive substances, are potent agonists of cannabinoid receptors, which mimic the psychoactive effects of the principal psychoactive component of cannabis, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Despite governmental scheduling as illicit drugs, new synthetic cannabinoids are being produced. The abuse of synthetic cannabinoids with several drugs containing different chemical groups has resulted in large numbers of poisonings. This has increased the urgency for forensic and public health laboratories to identify the metabolites of synthetic cannabinoids and apply this knowledge to the development of analytical methods and for toxicity prediction. It is necessary to determine whether synthetic cannabinoids are involved in drug-metabolizing enzyme-mediated drug-drug interactions. This review describes the metabolic pathways of 13 prevalent synthetic cannabinoids and various drug-metabolizing enzymes responsible for their metabolism, including cytochrome P450 (CYP), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), and carboxylesterases. The inhibitory effects of synthetic cannabinoids on CYP and UGT activities are also reviewed to predict the potential of synthetic cannabinoids for drug-drug interactions. The drug-metabolizing enzymes responsible for metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids should be characterized and the effects of synthetic cannabinoids on CYP and UGT activities should be determined to predict the pharmacokinetics of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoid-induced drug-drug interactions in the clinic.
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20
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Hernández F, Castiglioni S, Covaci A, de Voogt P, Emke E, Kasprzyk‐Hordern B, Ort C, Reid M, Sancho JV, Thomas KV, van Nuijs AL, Zuccato E, Bijlsma L. Mass spectrometric strategies for the investigation of biomarkers of illicit drug use in wastewater. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2018; 37:258-280. [PMID: 27750373 PMCID: PMC6191649 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of illicit drugs in urban wastewater is the basis of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), and has received much scientific attention because the concentrations measured can be used as a new non-intrusive tool to provide evidence-based and real-time estimates of community-wide drug consumption. Moreover, WBE allows monitoring patterns and spatial and temporal trends of drug use. Although information and expertise from other disciplines is required to refine and effectively apply WBE, analytical chemistry is the fundamental driver in this field. The use of advanced analytical techniques, commonly based on combined chromatography-mass spectrometry, is mandatory because the very low analyte concentration and the complexity of samples (raw wastewater) make quantification and identification/confirmation of illicit drug biomarkers (IDBs) troublesome. We review the most-recent literature available (mostly from the last 5 years) on the determination of IDBs in wastewater with particular emphasis on the different analytical strategies applied. The predominance of liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to quantify target IDBs and the essence to produce reliable and comparable results is illustrated. Accordingly, the importance to perform inter-laboratory exercises and the need to analyze appropriate quality controls in each sample sequence is highlighted. Other crucial steps in WBE, such as sample collection and sample pre-treatment, are briefly and carefully discussed. The article further focuses on the potential of high-resolution mass spectrometry. Different approaches for target and non-target analysis are discussed, and the interest to perform experiments under laboratory-controlled conditions, as a complementary tool to investigate related compounds (e.g., minor metabolites and/or transformation products in wastewater) is treated. The article ends up with the trends and future perspectives in this field from the authors' point of view. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 37:258-280, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Hernández
- Research Institute for Pesticides and WaterUniversity Jaume ICastellónSpain
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesIRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario NegriMilanItaly
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological CenterUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Pim de Voogt
- KWR Watercycle Research InstituteNieuwegeinthe Netherlands
- IBED—University of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Erik Emke
- KWR Watercycle Research InstituteNieuwegeinthe Netherlands
| | | | - Christoph Ort
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag)DübendorfSwitzerland
| | - Malcolm Reid
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)OsloNorway
| | - Juan V. Sancho
- Research Institute for Pesticides and WaterUniversity Jaume ICastellónSpain
| | | | | | - Ettore Zuccato
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesIRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario NegriMilanItaly
| | - Lubertus Bijlsma
- Research Institute for Pesticides and WaterUniversity Jaume ICastellónSpain
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21
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Manier SK, Richter LHJ, Schäper J, Maurer HH, Meyer MR. Different in vitro and in vivo tools for elucidating the human metabolism of alpha-cathinone-derived drugs of abuse. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:1119-1130. [PMID: 29314710 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In vitro and in vivo experiments are widely used for studying the metabolism of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The availability of such data is required for toxicological risk assessments and development of urine screening approaches. This study investigated the in vitro metabolism of the 5 pyrrolidinophenone-derived NPS alpha-pyrrolidinobutyrophenone (alpha-PBP), alpha-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone (alpha-PVT), alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (alpha-PHP), alpha-pyrrolidinoenanthophenone (alpha-PEP, PV8), and alpha-pyrrolidinooctanophenone (alpha-POP, PV9). First, they were incubated with pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) or pooled human liver S9 fraction (pS9) for identification of the main phase I and II metabolites. All substances formed hydroxy metabolites and lactams. Longer alkyl chains resulted in keto group and carboxylic acid formation. Comparing these results with published data obtained using pHLM, primary human hepatocytes (PHH), and authentic human urine samples, PHH provided the most extensive metabolism. Second, enzyme kinetic studies showed that the initial metabolic steps were formed by cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYP) CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 resulting in pyrrolidine, thiophene or alkyl hydroxy metabolites depending on the length of the alkyl chain. The kinetic parameters indicated an increasing affinity of the CYP enzymes with increase of the length of the alkyl chain. These parameters were then used to calculate the contribution of a single CYP enzyme to the in vivo hepatic clearance. CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 were mainly involved in the case of alpha-PBP and CYP1A2, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 in the case of alpha-PVT, alpha-PHP, alpha-PEP, and alpha-POP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha K Manier
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Homburg, Germany
| | - Lilian H J Richter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Homburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schäper
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Bavaria, München, Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Homburg, Germany
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22
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Montesano C, Vannutelli G, Fanti F, Vincenti F, Gregori A, Rita Togna A, Canazza I, Marti M, Sergi M. Identification of MT-45 Metabolites: In Silico Prediction, In Vitro Incubation with Rat Hepatocytes and In Vivo Confirmation. J Anal Toxicol 2017; 41:688-697. [PMID: 28985323 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkx058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MT-45 is a synthetic opioid with a pharmacological activity comparable to morphine and it has been involved in intoxications and fatalities reported in Europe and in USA. It was recently subject to control measures, but to date the metabolic pathways of the substance are still unknown. Using rat hepatocytes and LC-HRMS, 14 novel Phase I and II MT-45 metabolites were identified, products of monohydroxylation, dihydroxylation and N-dealkylation; glucuronide conjugation of mono- and dihydroxylated metabolites also occurred. The detected metabolites were firstly predicted in silico, then incubation of the drug with rat hepatocytes was carried out and the obtained metabolites were identified by LC-HRMS, with retention times, mass shift between theoretical mass and observed mass (<5 ppm), peak abundance and fragmentation pattern. Hydroxylated MT-45 was found to be the major metabolite of MT-45 in vitro experiments. The presence of all metabolites was confirmed by in vivo experiments in urine samples of CD-1 male mice; in these samples hydroxy-MT-45-glucuronide and di-hydroxy-MT-45-glucuronide are the most abundant metabolites, while the parent drug is found at concentration <10 ng mL-1 after 300 min. The knowledge of Phase I and II MT-45 metabolite structure is then crucial to develop analytical methods to identify MT-45 consumption in clinical and forensic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Montesano
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Vannutelli
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Fanti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Vincenti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Adolfo Gregori
- Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), Carabinieri, Viale di Tor di Quinto, 151, 00191 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Togna
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Vittorio Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Canazza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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23
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Sensitive quantification of 5F-PB-22 and its three metabolites 5F-PB-22 3-carboxyindole, B-22 N-5-hydroxypentyl and PB-22 N-pentanoic acid in authentic urine specimens obtained from four individuals by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Forensic Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-017-0395-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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24
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Li J, Liu C, Li T, Hua Z. UPLC-HR-MS/MS-based determination study on the metabolism of four synthetic cannabinoids, ADB-FUBICA, AB-FUBICA, AB-BICA and ADB-BICA, by human liver microsomes. Biomed Chromatogr 2017; 32. [PMID: 28992356 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Since 2012, several cannabimimetic indazole and indole derivatives with valine amino acid amide residue have emerged in the illicit drug market, and have gradually replaced the old generations of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) with naphthyl or adamantine groups. Among them, ADB-FUBICA [N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide], AB-FUBICA [N-(1-amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide], AB-BICA [N-(1-amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-benzyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] and ADB-BICA [N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-benzyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] were detected in China recently, but unfortunately no information about their in vitro human metabolism is available. Therefore, biomonitoring studies to screen their consumption lack any information about the potential biomarkers (e.g. metabolites) to target. To bridge this gap, we investigated their phase I metabolism by incubating with human liver microsomes, and the metabolites were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolites generated by N-dealkylation and hydroxylation on the 1-amino-alkyl moiety were found to be predominant for all these four substances, and others which underwent hydroxylation, amide hydrolysis and dehydrogenation were also observed in our investigation. Based on our research, we recommend that the N-dealkylation and hydroxylation metabolites are suitable and appropriate analytical markers for monitoring their intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- National Narcotic Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of Minister of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotic Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of Minister of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- National Narcotic Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of Minister of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotic Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of Minister of Public Security, Beijing, China
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25
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Tang AS, Loh SW, Koh HB, Tan S, Yap AT, Zhang SH. Differentiation and identification of 5F-PB-22 and its isomers. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 279:53-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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26
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Kevin RC, Lefever TW, Snyder RW, Patel PR, Gamage TF, Fennell TR, Wiley JL, McGregor IS, Thomas BF. Kinetic and metabolic profiles of synthetic cannabinoids NNEI and MN-18. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:137-147. [PMID: 28834241 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In 2014 and 2015, synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists NNEI (N-1-naphthalenyl-1-pentyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide) and MN-18 (N-1-naphthalenyl-1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) were detected in recreationally used and abused products in multiple countries, and were implicated in episodes of poisoning and toxicity. Despite this, the pharmacokinetic profiles of NNEI and MN-18 have not been characterized. In the present study NNEI and MN-18 were incubated in rat and human liver microsomes and hepatocytes, to estimate kinetic parameters and to identify potential metabolic pathways, respectively. These parameters and pathways were then examined in vivo, via analysis of blood and urine samples from catheterized male rats following intraperitoneal (3 mg/kg) administration of NNEI and MN-18. Both NNEI and MN-18 were rapidly cleared by rat and human liver microsomes, and underwent a range of oxidative transformations during incubation with rat and human hepatocytes. Several unique metabolites were identified for the forensic identification of NNEI and MN-18 intake. Interestingly, NNEI underwent a greater number of biotransformations (20 NNEI metabolites versus 10 MN-18 metabolites), yet parent MN-18 was eliminated at a faster rate than NNEI in vivo. Additionally, in vivo elimination was more rapid than in vitro estimates. These data highlight that even closely related synthetic cannabinoids can possess markedly distinct pharmacokinetic profiles, which can vary substantially between in vitro and in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Kevin
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Iain S McGregor
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Öztürk YE, Yeter O, Öztürk S, Karakus G, Ates I, Buyuk Y, Yurdun T. Detection of metabolites of the new synthetic cannabinoid CUMYL-4CN-BINACA in authentic urine samples and human liver microsomes using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:449-459. [PMID: 28691766 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2248] [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] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CUMYL-4CN-BINACA(1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) is a recently introduced indazole-3-carboxamide-type synthetic cannabinoid (SC) that was detected in herbal incense seized by of the Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul Narcotics Department, in May 2016 in Turkey. Recently introduced SCs are not detected in routine toxicological analysis; therefore, analytical methods to measure these compounds are in demand. The present study aims to identify urinary marker metabolites of CUMYL-4CN-BINACA by investigating its metabolism in human liver microsomes and to confirm the results in authentic urine samples (n = 80). In this study, 5 μM CUMYL-4CN-BINACA was incubated with human liver microsomes (HLMs) for up to 3 hours, and metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Less than 21% of the CUMYL-4CN-BINACA parent compound remained after 3 hours of incubation. We identified 18 metabolites that were formed via monohydroxylation, dealkylation, oxidative decyanation to aldehyde, alcohol, and carboxylic acid formation, glucuronidation or reaction combinations. CUMYL-4CN-BINACA N-butanoic acid (M16) was found to be major metabolite in HLMs. In urine samples CUMYL-4CN-BINACA was not detected; CUMYL-4CN-BINACA N-butanoic acid (M16) was major metabolite after β-glucuronidase hydrolysis. Based on these findings, we recommend using M16 (CUMYL-4CN-BINACA N-butanoic acid), M8 and M11 (hydroxylcumyl CUMYL-4CN-BINACA) as urinary marker metabolites to confirm CUMYL-4CN-BINACA intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeter Erol Öztürk
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Chemistry Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oya Yeter
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Chemistry Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serkan Öztürk
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Chemistry Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Goksun Karakus
- Biruni University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Istanbul, Turkey.,Marmara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ismail Ates
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Chemistry Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yalçın Buyuk
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Morque Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Turkan Yurdun
- Marmara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Istanbul, Turkey
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Longworth M, Connor M, Banister SD, Kassiou M. Synthesis and Pharmacological Profiling of the Metabolites of Synthetic Cannabinoid Drugs APICA, STS-135, ADB-PINACA, and 5F-ADB-PINACA. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1673-1680. [PMID: 28574245 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) containing a 1-pentyl-1-H substituted indole or indazole are abused around the world and are associated with an array of serious side effects. These compounds undergo extensive phase 1 metabolism after ingestion with little understanding whether these metabolites are contributing to the cannabimimetic activity of the drugs. This work presents the synthesis and pharmacological characterization of the major metabolites of two high concern SCs; APICA and ADB-PINACA. In a fluorometric assay of membrane potential, all metabolites that did not contain a carboxylic acid functionality retained potent activity at both the CB1 (EC50 = 14-787 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 5.5-291 nM) receptors regardless of heterocyclic core or 3-carboxamide substituent. Of note were the 5-hydroxypentyl and 4-pentanone metabolites which showed significant increases in CB2 functional selectivity. These results suggest that the metabolites of SCs potentially contribute to the overall pharmacological profile of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Longworth
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark Connor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Banister
- Department
of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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29
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Richter LHJ, Maurer HH, Meyer MR. New psychoactive substances: Studies on the metabolism of XLR-11, AB-PINACA, FUB-PB-22, 4-methoxy-α-PVP, 25-I-NBOMe, and meclonazepam using human liver preparations in comparison to primary human hepatocytes, and human urine. Toxicol Lett 2017; 280:142-150. [PMID: 28782580 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.07.901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are an increasing problem in clinical and forensic toxicology. The knowledge of their metabolism is important for toxicological risk assessment and for developing toxicological urine screenings. Considering the huge numbers of NPS annually appearing on the market, metabolism studies should be realized in a fast, simple, cost efficient, and reliable way. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were recommended to be the gold standard for in vitro metabolism studies as they are expected to contain natural enzyme clusters, co-substrates, and drug transporters. In addition, they were already successfully used for metabolism studies of NPS. However, they also have disadvantages such as high costs and limited applicability without special equipment. The aims of the present study were therefore first to investigate exemplarily the phase I and phase II metabolism of six NPS (XLR-11, AB-PINACA, FUB-PB-22, 4-methoxy-α-PVP, 25-I-NBOMe, and meclonazepam) from different drug classes using pooled human S9 fraction (pS9) or pooled human liver microsomes combined with cytosol (pHLM/pHLC) after addition of the co-substrates for the main metabolic phase I and II reactions. Second to compare results to published data generated using primary human hepatocytes and human urine samples. Results of the incubations with pS9 or pHLM/pHLC were comparable in number and abundance of metabolites. Formation of metabolites, particularly after multi-step reactions needed a longer incubation time. However, incubations using human liver preparations resulted in a lower number of total detected metabolites compared to PHH, but they were still able to allow the identification of the main human urinary excretion products. Human liver preparations and particularly the pooled S9 fraction could be shown to be a sufficient and more cost-efficient alternative in context of metabolism studies also for developing toxicological urine screenings. It might be recommended to use the slightly cheaper pS9 fraction instead of a pHLM/pHLC combination. As formation of some metabolites needed a long incubation time, two sampling points at 60 and 360min should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian H J Richter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
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30
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Carlier J, Diao X, Wohlfarth A, Scheidweiler K, Huestis MA. In Vitro Metabolite Profiling of ADB-FUBINACA, A New Synthetic Cannabinoid. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:682-691. [PMID: 29403341 PMCID: PMC5771045 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666161108123419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolite profiling of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) is critical for documenting drug consumption. N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (ADB-FUBINACA) is an emerging synthetic cannabinoid whose toxicological and metabolic data are currently unavailable. We aimed to determine optimal markers for identifying ADB-FUBINACA intake. Metabolic stability was evaluated with human liver microsome incubations. Metabolites were identified after 1 and 3 h incubation with pooled human hepatocytes, liquid chromatography- high resolution mass spectrometry in positive-ion mode (5600+ TripleTOF®, Sciex) and several data mining approaches (MetabolitePilot™, Sciex). Metabolite separation was achieved on an Ultra Biphenyl column (Restek®); full-scan TOF-MS and information-dependent acquisition MS/MS data were acquired. ADB-FUBINACA microsomal half-life was 39.7 min, with a predicted hepatic clearance of 9.0 mL/min/kg and a 0.5 extraction ratio (intermediate-clearance drug). Twenty-three metabolites were identified. Major metabolic pathways were alkyl and indazole hydroxylation, terminal amide hydrolysis, subsequent glucuronide conjugations, and dehydrogenation. We recommend ADB-FUBINACA hydroxyalkyl, hydroxydehydroalkyl and hydroxylindazole metabolites as ADB-FUBINACA intake markers. N-dealkylated metabolites are not specific ADB-FUBINACA metabolites and should not be used as definitive markers of consumption. This is the first ADB-FUBINACA in vitro metabolism study; in vivo experiments enabling pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics studies or urine from authentic clinical/forensic cases are needed to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Carlier
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A727, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Xingxing Diao
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A727, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Ariane Wohlfarth
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A727, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden. Division of Drug Research, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karl Scheidweiler
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A727, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A727, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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31
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Kevin RC, Wood KE, Stuart J, Mitchell AJ, Moir M, Banister SD, Kassiou M, McGregor IS. Acute and residual effects in adolescent rats resulting from exposure to the novel synthetic cannabinoids AB-PINACA and AB-FUBINACA. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:757-769. [PMID: 28093016 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116684336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have rapidly proliferated as recreational drugs, and may present a substantial health risk to vulnerable populations. However, information on possible effects of long-term use is sparse. This study compared acute and residual effects of the popular indazole carboxamide SC compounds AB-PINACA and AB-FUBINACA in adolescent rats with ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and control treatments. Albino Wistar rats were injected (i.p.) with AB-PINACA or AB-FUBINACA every second day (beginning post-natal day (PND) 31), first at a low dose (0.2 mg/kg on 6 days) followed by a higher dose (1 mg/kg on a further 6 days). THC-treated rats received equivalent doses of 6 × 1 mg/kg and 6 × 5 mg/kg. During drug treatment, THC, AB-PINACA, and AB-FUBINACA decreased locomotor activity at high and low doses, increased anxiety-like behaviours and audible vocalisations, and reduced weight gain. Two weeks after dosing was completed, all cannabinoid pre-treated rats exhibited object recognition memory deficits. These were notably more severe in rats pre-treated with AB-FUBINACA. However, social interaction was reduced in the THC pre-treated group only. Six weeks post-dosing, plasma levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-12 were reduced by AB-FUBINACA pre-treatment, while cerebellar endocannabinoids were reduced by THC and AB-PINACA pre-treatment. The acute effects of AB-PINACA and AB-FUBINACA were broadly similar to those of THC, suggesting that acute SC toxicity in humans may be modulated by dose factors, including inadvertent overdose and product contamination. However, some lasting residual effects of these different cannabinoid receptor agonists were subtly different, hinting at recruitment of different mechanisms of neuroadaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Kevin
- 1 School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katie E Wood
- 1 School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jordyn Stuart
- 1 School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew J Mitchell
- 2 Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Moir
- 3 School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Michael Kassiou
- 3 School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- 1 School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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32
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Watanabe S, Kuzhiumparambil U, Nguyen MA, Cameron J, Fu S. Metabolic Profile of Synthetic Cannabinoids 5F-PB-22, PB-22, XLR-11 and UR-144 by Cunninghamella elegans. AAPS JOURNAL 2017; 19:1148-1162. [DOI: 10.1208/s12248-017-0078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lam RPK, Tang MHY, Leung SC, Chong YK, Tsui MSH, Mak TWL. Supraventricular tachycardia and acute confusion following ingestion of e-cigarette fluid containing AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA: a case report with quantitative analysis of serum drug concentrations. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017; 55:662-667. [PMID: 28393558 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1307385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA are structurally similar synthetic cannabinoids with potent CB1 receptor agonistic effects. Very little is known about their pharmacology and toxicology. OBJECTIVE To report a case of supraventricular tachycardia and acute confusion after ingestion of e-cigarette fluid containing AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA, with quantitative analysis of the serum drug concentrations. CASE REPORT A healthy 24-year-old man ingested two drops of e-cigarette fluid which were later found to contain AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA. Within 30 min of ingestion, he became somnolent, confused, and agitated, with palpitation and vomiting. On arrival to the emergency department, a short run of supraventricular tachycardia was noted, which resolved spontaneously. Bedside urine immunoassay failed to detect recreational drugs. Laboratory blood tests showed mild hypokalemia. Exposure to AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA was confirmed analytically, with serum concentrations of 5.6 ng/mL and 15.6 ng/mL, respectively, in the blood sample collected on presentation. The patient recovered uneventfully with supportive treatment and was discharged 22 h after admission. DISCUSSION AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA are orally bioavailable with rapid onset of toxicity after ingestion. In this case, supraventricular tachycardia was likely the result of exposure to AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA. The serum concentrations of AB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA were higher than those previously reported in fatal cases. CONCLUSION In the context of acute poisoning, the presence of unexplained tachyarrhythmias, confusion, and a negative recreational drug screen should prompt clinicians to consider synthetic cannabinoid toxicity as a differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex Pui Kin Lam
- a Emergency Medicine Unit, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region , China
| | - Magdalene Huen Yin Tang
- b Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory , Princess Margaret Hospital, Lai Chi Kok , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region , China
| | - Siu Chung Leung
- c Accident and Emergency Department , Queen Mary Hospital , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region , China
| | - Yeow Kuan Chong
- b Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory , Princess Margaret Hospital, Lai Chi Kok , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region , China
| | - Matthew Sik Hon Tsui
- c Accident and Emergency Department , Queen Mary Hospital , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region , China
| | - Tony Wing Lai Mak
- b Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory , Princess Margaret Hospital, Lai Chi Kok , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region , China
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34
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In vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetics and metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids CUMYL-PICA and 5F-CUMYL-PICA. Forensic Toxicol 2017; 35:333-347. [PMID: 28824730 PMCID: PMC5519669 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-017-0361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CUMYL-PICA [1-pentyl-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] and 5F-CUMYL-PICA [1-(5-fluoropentyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] are recently identified recreationally used/abused synthetic cannabinoids, but have uncharacterized pharmacokinetic profiles and metabolic processes. This study characterized clearance and metabolism of these compounds by human and rat liver microsomes and hepatocytes, and then compared these parameters with in vivo rat plasma and urine sampling. It also evaluated hypothermia, a characteristic cannabimimetic effect. Incubation of CUMYL-PICA and 5F-CUMYL-PICA with rat and human liver microsomes suggested rapid metabolic clearance, but in vivo metabolism was prolonged, such that parent compounds remained detectable in rat plasma 24 h post-dosing. At 3 mg/kg (intraperitoneally), both compounds produced moderate hypothermic effects. Twenty-eight metabolites were tentatively identified for CUMYL-PICA and, coincidentally, 28 metabolites for 5F-CUMYL-PICA, primarily consisting of phase I oxidative transformations and phase II glucuronidation. The primary metabolic pathways for both compounds resulted in the formation of identical metabolites following terminal hydroxylation or dealkylation of the N-pentyl chain for CUMYL-PICA or of the 5-fluoropentyl chain for 5F-CUMYL-PICA. These data provide evidence that in vivo elimination of CUMYL-PICA, 5F-CUMYL-PICA and other synthetic cannabinoids is delayed compared to in vitro modeling, possibly due to sequestration into adipose tissue. Additionally, the present data underscore the need for careful selection of metabolites as analytical targets to distinguish between closely related synthetic cannabinoids in forensic settings.
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35
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Detection of metabolites of two synthetic cannabimimetics, MDMB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA, in authentic human urine specimens by accurate mass LC–MS: a comparison of intersecting metabolic patterns. Forensic Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-017-0356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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36
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Allibe N, Richeval C, Willeman T, Humbert L, Allorge D, Maignan M, Eysseric-Guerin H, Stanke-Labesque F, Gaulier JM. Case reports: Four concomitant non-fatal intoxications with AB-FUBINACA and MDMA. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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37
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Cannaert A, Storme J, Franz F, Auwärter V, Stove CP. Detection and Activity Profiling of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Their Metabolites with a Newly Developed Bioassay. Anal Chem 2016; 88:11476-11485. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b02600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Storme
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Florian Franz
- Institute
of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center −
University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute
of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center −
University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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38
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Bartlett MG, Chen B. Editor-in-Chief editorial and introduction to 'Metabolomics and biomarkers' special issue. Biomed Chromatogr 2016; 30:5-6. [PMID: 26479865 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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39
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Tentative identification of in vitro metabolites of 5-APDB, a synthetic benzofuran, by LC-Q/TOF-MS. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2016; 1033-1034:296-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2016.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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40
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Borg D, Tverdovsky A, Stripp R. A Fast and Comprehensive Analysis of 32 Synthetic Cannabinoids Using Agilent Triple Quadrupole LC–MS-MS. J Anal Toxicol 2016; 41:6-16. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkw104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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41
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Kohyama E, Chikumoto T, Tada H, Kitaichi K, Ito T. Analytical differentiation of quinolinyl- and isoquinolinyl-substituted 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1 H-indole-3-carboxylates: 5F-PB-22 and its ten isomers. Forensic Toxicol 2016; 35:56-65. [PMID: 28127408 PMCID: PMC5215287 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation among regioisomers of synthetic cannabinoids in forensic drug analysis is a crucial issue, since all isomers are not regulated by law. New equivalent analogs obtained via minor modification of their preexisting molecules keep on emerging. Isomers formed via substitutional exchange are also a cause for concern. This study is focused on the isomeric molecules that stem from minor modifications of 5F-PB-22. The analytical properties of these molecules and methods of differentiation are reported. Scan mode analysis using gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) was performed using the authentic 5F-PB-22 standard, five regioisomeric quinolinyl ester indoles, and five regioisomeric isoquinolinyl ester indoles. Because it was not possible to separate 5F-PB-22 from the 5-hydroxyquinoline isomer using GC and all analytes showed similar EI mass spectra, liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was performed. Using LC, a successful separation of 5F-PB-22 from all isomers could be achieved. Based on the electrospray ionization-mass spectra, the protonated molecular ion at m/z 377.2 was selected as the precursor ion for the regioisomeric and structural isomeric differentiation. Collision-induced dissociation provides relative intensity differences in the product ions among the isomers, enabling mass spectrometric differentiation of the isomers. To our knowledge, this is the first report on mass spectrometric differentiation of 5F-PB-22 and its ten isomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erina Kohyama
- Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Health and Environmental Sciences, 1-1 Naka-fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, Gifu, 504-0838 Japan
| | - Takao Chikumoto
- Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Health and Environmental Sciences, 1-1 Naka-fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, Gifu, 504-0838 Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tada
- Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Health and Environmental Sciences, 1-1 Naka-fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, Gifu, 504-0838 Japan
| | - Kiyoyuki Kitaichi
- Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196 Japan
| | - Tetsuro Ito
- Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Health and Environmental Sciences, 1-1 Naka-fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, Gifu, 504-0838 Japan ; Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196 Japan
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42
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Longworth M, Banister SD, Mack JBC, Glass M, Connor M, Kassiou M. The 2-alkyl-2 H-indazole regioisomers of synthetic cannabinoids AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA are possible manufacturing impurities with cannabimimetic activities. Forensic Toxicol 2016; 34:286-303. [PMID: 27547266 PMCID: PMC4971050 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Indazole-derived synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) featuring an alkyl substituent at the 1-position and l-valinamide at the 3-carboxamide position (e.g., AB-CHMINACA) have been identified by forensic chemists around the world, and are associated with serious adverse health effects. Regioisomerism is possible for indazole SCs, with the 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomer of AB-CHMINACA recently identified in SC products in Japan. It is unknown whether this regiosiomer represents a manufacturing impurity arising as a synthetic byproduct, or was intentionally synthesized as a cannabimimetic agent. This study reports the synthesis, analytical characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of commonly encountered indazole SCs AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, 5F-AB-PINACA and their corresponding 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers. Both regioisomers of each SC were prepared from a common precursor, and the physical properties, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy of all SC compounds are described. Additionally, AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA were found to act as high potency agonists at CB1 (EC50 = 2.1-11.6 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 5.6-21.1 nM) receptors in fluorometric assays, while the corresponding 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers demonstrated low potency (micromolar) agonist activities at both receptors. Taken together, these data suggest that 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers of AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA are likely to be encountered by forensic chemists and toxicologists as the result of improper purification during the clandestine synthesis of 1-alkyl-1H-indazole regioisomers, and can be distinguished by differences in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry fragmentation pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Longworth
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - James B C Mack
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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43
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Shanks KG, Clark W, Behonick G. Death Associated With the Use of the Synthetic Cannabinoid ADB-FUBINACA. J Anal Toxicol 2016; 40:236-9. [PMID: 26755539 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkv142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids have been found in herbal incense products for the last several years. We report the rapid death of an individual that was certified as synthetic cannabinoid-associated. The autopsy blood specimen was extracted by a liquid-liquid extraction at pH 10.2 into a hexane-ethyl acetate mixture and analyzed by a generalized synthetic cannabinoid LC-MS-MS method. For this case report, we briefly describe the instrumental analysis and extraction methods for the detection of ADB-FUBINACA in postmortem blood, toxicological results for the postmortem blood specimen (ADB-FUBINACA, 7.3 ng/mL; THC, 1.1 ng/mL; THC-COOH, 4.7 ng/mL), case information and circumstances and pertinent findings at autopsy. The cause of death was certified as coronary arterial thrombosis in combination with synthetic cannabinoid use. Manner of death was accident.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William Clark
- East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, USA
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44
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In vitro, in vivo and in silico metabolic profiling of α-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone, a novel thiophene stimulant. Bioanalysis 2015; 8:65-82. [PMID: 26648097 DOI: 10.4155/bio.15.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little or no pharmacological or toxicological data are available for novel psychoactive substances when they first emerge, making their identification and interpretation in biological matrices challenging. MATERIALS & METHODS A new synthetic cathinone, α-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone (α-PVT), was incubated with hepatocytes and samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to a Q Exactive™ Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Authentic urine specimens from suspected α-PVT cases were also analyzed. Scans were data mined with Compound Discoverer™ for identification and structural elucidation of metabolites. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Seven α-PVT metabolites were identified in hepatocyte incubations, and in the authentic urine samples, also with an additional monohydroxylated product and a glucuronide of low intensity. α-PVT dihydroxypyrrolidinyl, α-PVT 2-ketopyrrolidinyl, α-PVT hydroxythiophenyl and α-PVT thiophenol had the most intense in vivo signals.
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45
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Hsin‐Hung Chen M, Dip A, Ahmed M, Tan ML, Walterscheid JP, Sun H, Teng B, Mozayani A. Detection and Characterization of the Effect of AB-FUBINACA and Its Metabolites in a Rat Model. J Cell Biochem 2015; 117:1033-43. [PMID: 26517302 PMCID: PMC5063098 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids were originally developed by academic and pharmaceutical laboratories with the hope of providing therapeutic relief from the pain of inflammatory and degenerative diseases. However, recreational drug enthusiasts have flushed the market with new strains of these potent drugs that evade detection yet endanger public health and safety. Although many of these drug derivatives were published in the medical literature, others were merely patented without further characterization. AB‐FUBINACA is an example of one of the new indazole‐carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids introduced in the past year. Even though AB‐FUBINACA has become increasingly prominent in forensic drug and toxicology specimens analyses, little is known about the pharmacology of this substance. To study its metabolic fate, we utilized Wistar rats to study the oxidative products of AB‐FUBINACA in urine and its effect on gene expressions in liver and heart. Rats were injected with 5 mg/kg of AB‐FUBINACA each day for 5 days. Urine samples were collected every day at the same time. On day 5 after treatment, we collected the organs such as liver and heart. The urine samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry, which revealed several putative metabolites and positioning of the hydroxyl addition on the molecule. We used quantitative PCR gene expression array to analyze the hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity on these rats and confirmed by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. We identified three genes significantly associated with dysfunction of oxidation and inflammation. Our study reports in vivo metabolites of AB‐FUBINACA in urine and its effect on the gene expressions in liver and heart. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1033–1043, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals. Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aybike Dip
- Department of Administration of JusticeTexas Southern UniversityHoustonTexas77030
| | - Mostafa Ahmed
- Department of Administration of JusticeTexas Southern UniversityHoustonTexas77030
- Research Center for Human GeneticsThe Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexas77030
| | - Michael L. Tan
- Research Center for Human GeneticsThe Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexas77030
| | | | - Hua Sun
- Research Center for Human GeneticsThe Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexas77030
| | - Ba‐Bie Teng
- Research Center for Human GeneticsThe Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexas77030
- University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at HoustonHoustonTexas77030
| | - Ashraf Mozayani
- Department of Administration of JusticeTexas Southern UniversityHoustonTexas77030
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46
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Identification of AB-FUBINACA metabolites in authentic urine samples suitable as urinary markers of drug intake using liquid chromatography quadrupole tandem time of flight mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2015; 8:950-6. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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47
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Identification and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids in “spice-like” herbal mixtures: update of the German situation for the spring of 2015. Forensic Toxicol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-015-0292-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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48
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Banister SD, Moir M, Stuart J, Kevin RC, Wood KE, Longworth M, Wilkinson SM, Beinat C, Buchanan AS, Glass M, Connor M, McGregor IS, Kassiou M. Pharmacology of Indole and Indazole Synthetic Cannabinoid Designer Drugs AB-FUBINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, ADB-PINACA, 5F-AB-PINACA, 5F-ADB-PINACA, ADBICA, and 5F-ADBICA. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1546-59. [PMID: 26134475 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) designer drugs based on indole and indazole scaffolds and featuring l-valinamide or l-tert-leucinamide side chains are encountered with increasing frequency by forensic researchers and law enforcement agencies and are associated with serious adverse health effects. However, many of these novel SCs are unprecedented in the scientific literature at the time of their discovery, and little is known of their pharmacology. Here, we report the synthesis and pharmacological characterization of AB-FUBINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, ADB-PINACA, 5F-AB-PINACA, 5F-ADB-PINACA, ADBICA, 5F-ADBICA, and several analogues. All synthesized SCs acted as high potency agonists of CB1 (EC50 = 0.24-21 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 0.88-15 nM) receptors in a fluorometric assay of membrane potential, with 5F-ADB-PINACA showing the greatest potency at CB1 receptors. The cannabimimetic activities of AB-FUBINACA and AB-PINACA in vivo were evaluated in rats using biotelemetry. AB-FUBINACA and AB-PINACA dose-dependently induced hypothermia and bradycardia at doses of 0.3-3 mg/kg, and hypothermia was reversed by pretreatment with a CB1 (but not CB2) antagonist, indicating that these SCs are cannabimimetic in vivo, consistent with anecdotal reports of psychoactivity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jordyn Stuart
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michelle Glass
- School
of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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49
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Banister SD, Stuart J, Kevin RC, Edington A, Longworth M, Wilkinson SM, Beinat C, Buchanan AS, Hibbs DE, Glass M, Connor M, McGregor IS, Kassiou M. Effects of bioisosteric fluorine in synthetic cannabinoid designer drugs JWH-018, AM-2201, UR-144, XLR-11, PB-22, 5F-PB-22, APICA, and STS-135. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1445-58. [PMID: 25921407 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) designer drugs featuring bioisosteric fluorine substitution are identified by forensic chemists and toxicologists with increasing frequency. Although terminal fluorination of N-pentyl indole SCs is sometimes known to improve cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor binding affinity, little is known of the effects of fluorination on functional activity of SCs. This study explores the in vitro functional activities of SC designer drugs JWH-018, UR-144, PB-22, and APICA, and their respective terminally fluorinated analogues AM-2201, XLR-11, 5F-PB-22, and STS-135 at human CB1 and CB2 receptors using a FLIPR membrane potential assay. All compounds demonstrated agonist activity at CB1 (EC50 = 2.8-1959 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 6.5-206 nM) receptors, with the fluorinated analogues generally showing increased CB1 receptor potency (∼2-5 times). Additionally, the cannabimimetic activities and relative potencies of JWH-018, AM-2201, UR-144, XLR-11, PB-22, 5F-PB-22, APICA, and STS-135 in vivo were evaluated in rats using biotelemetry. All SCs dose-dependently induced hypothermia and reduced heart rate at doses of 0.3-10 mg/kg. There was no consistent trend for increased potency of fluorinated SCs over the corresponding des-fluoro SCs in vivo. Based on magnitude and duration of hypothermia, the SCs were ranked for potency (PB-22 > 5F-PB-22 = JWH-018 > AM-2201 > APICA = STS-135 = XLR-11 > UR-144).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Banister
- Department
of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jordyn Stuart
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Richard C. Kevin
- School
of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Amelia Edington
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Mitchell Longworth
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Shane M. Wilkinson
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Corinne Beinat
- Department
of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Alexandra S. Buchanan
- Center
for Immersive and Simulation-based Learning, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Anaesthesia, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - David E. Hibbs
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michelle Glass
- School
of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- School
of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Discipline
of Medical Radiation Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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50
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Wang M, Lu Y, Liu J, Li H, Wei Y. Metabolite identification of seven active components of Huan-Nao-Yi-Cong-Fang in rat plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with hybrid ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr 2015; 30:269-79. [PMID: 26138785 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Minchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering; Beijing University of Chemical Technology; Beijing 100029 People's Republic of China
| | - Yanzhen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering; Beijing University of Chemical Technology; Beijing 100029 People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangang Liu
- Xiyuan Hospital; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing 100091 People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Xiyuan Hospital; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing 100091 People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering; Beijing University of Chemical Technology; Beijing 100029 People's Republic of China
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