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Bursová M, Hložek T, Sokol M, Židková M, Čabala R. Methoxetamine and its metabolites: Postmortem determination in body fluids of human cadaver. J Anal Toxicol 2024; 48:70-74. [PMID: 37978578 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the forensic case of a 42-year-old man, a known drug user, who died at home and whose body was only discovered 2 months later. Autopsy was performed on a corpse in the late postmortem stage where no apparent cause of death was found. A toxicological screening of biological materials (blood, urine and gastric content) using liquid chromatography with different types of mass detection (ion trap and high-resolution) revealed the presence of methoxetamine (MXE), a ketamine analog, and its metabolites. MXE and a number of its metabolites (e.g., O-desmethyl, N-desethyl, hydroxy, glucuronides and sulfates) were identified in urine. Based on the results, a method using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the determination of MXE concentration in biological materials. The following values of MXE concentration were found: blood-3.6 ng/mL, urine-70.5 ng/mL and gastric content-18.0 ng/mL. Given the absence of other drugs, medications and poisons, it can be inferred that despite relatively low blood concentrations, MXE contributed to the victim's death. The present case demonstrates that even after 2 months, MXE and its several metabolites can be detected and determined in the human cadaver at a relatively advanced stage of decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Bursová
- Military Institute of Forensic Medicine, Military University Hospital Prague, U Vojenské nemocnice 1200, Prague 6 169 02, Czech Republic
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 2, Prague 2 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Hložek
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 2, Prague 2 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Sokol
- Military Institute of Forensic Medicine, Military University Hospital Prague, U Vojenské nemocnice 1200, Prague 6 169 02, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Židková
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 2, Prague 2 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Radomír Čabala
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 2, Prague 2 121 08, Czech Republic
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Van Wijk XMR, Goodnough R, Colby JM. Mass spectrometry in emergency toxicology: Current state and future applications. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2019; 56:225-238. [DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2019.1585415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xander M. R. Van Wijk
- Department of Pathology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, US
| | - Robert Goodnough
- California Poison Control System, San Francisco Division, San Francisco, CA, US
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, US
| | - Jennifer M. Colby
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, US
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Logan BK, Mohr AL, Friscia M, Krotulski AJ, Papsun DM, Kacinko SL, Ropero-Miller JD, Huestis MA. Reports of Adverse Events Associated with Use of Novel Psychoactive Substances, 2013–2016: A Review. J Anal Toxicol 2017; 41:573-610. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkx031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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Methoxetamine, a novel psychoactive substance with serious adverse pharmacological effects: a review of case reports and preclinical findings. Behav Pharmacol 2016; 27:489-96. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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5
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Wallach J, Colestock T, Cicali B, Elliott SP, Kavanagh PV, Adejare A, Dempster NM, Brandt SD. Syntheses and analytical characterizations ofN-alkyl-arylcyclohexylamines. Drug Test Anal 2015; 8:801-15. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Wallach
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy; University of the Sciences; Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Tristan Colestock
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy; University of the Sciences; Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Brian Cicali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy; University of the Sciences; Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Simon P. Elliott
- ROAR Forensics; Malvern Hills Science Park; Geraldine Road WR14 3SZ UK
| | - Pierce V. Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine; Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James Hospital; Dublin 8 Ireland
| | - Adeboye Adejare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy; University of the Sciences; Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | - Nicola M. Dempster
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences; Liverpool John Moores University; Byrom Street Liverpool L3 3AF UK
| | - Simon D. Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences; Liverpool John Moores University; Byrom Street Liverpool L3 3AF UK
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Chiappini S, Claridge H, Corkery JM, Goodair C, Loi B, Schifano F. Methoxetamine-related deaths in the UK: an overview. Hum Psychopharmacol 2015. [PMID: 26216557 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to provide an update on the data given on methoxetamine (MXE)-related fatalities that occurred in 2011-2013, presented at the Second International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances. METHODS Fatalities involving MXE were extracted from the database of the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, which receives information on drug-related deaths from Coroners in the UK and Islands (Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey) and other data suppliers. RESULTS Eight cases, received by 3 September 2013, in which MXE was found at post-mortem and/or directly implicated in the death and/or mentioned in the Coroner's verdict are described. The median age at death was 27 years, with the majority of White ethnicity (6/8) and male (7/8). MXE was used together with other substances in 7/8 cases. MXE was found at post-mortem in all cases, directly implicated in the deaths of four and likely to have had an influence in two. CONCLUSIONS More research needs to be conducted into its health effects and toxicity potential. Health care professionals should be made aware of the potential health harms of MXE, in order to develop early intervention measures and minimise the number of MXE-related poisonings and fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Chiappini
- National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD), International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Hugh Claridge
- National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD), International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - John M Corkery
- National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD), International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Christine Goodair
- National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD), International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Barbara Loi
- National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD), International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD), International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
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Wiesner A, Tyl A, Zawilska JB. Metoksetamina – nowy związek psychoaktywny („dopalacz”) o silnym działaniu psychodysleptycznym. ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ADDICTION 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.alkona.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Hondebrink L, Nugteren-van Lonkhuyzen JJ, Van Der Gouwe D, Brunt TM. Monitoring new psychoactive substances (NPS) in The Netherlands: data from the drug market and the Poisons Information Centre. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 147:109-15. [PMID: 25541244 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) appearing on the illicit drug market strongly increased. However, little is known about their toxic effects and risks. Therefore, we determined the most frequently occurring NPS in The Netherlands and combined this with data regarding drug-related intoxications. METHODS Data from the Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS) and the Dutch Poisons Information Centre (DPIC) were combined and jointly analyzed. RESULTS The number of drug samples submitted to DIMS for analysis containing NPS increased from 22 in 2007 to 431 samples in 2013. The most frequently submitted NPS in 2013 included 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B), 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA), methoxetamine (MXE) and 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB). From 2012 onwards, the number of NPS bought as drug of choice exceeded those appearing as adulterants in established drugs. The DPIC was consulted about 35 NPS exposures in 2013, most frequently involving 4-FA, mephedrone, MXE, 2C-B and 6-APB. Following NPS exposure, neurological and psychological symptoms were most frequently reported, like agitation and hallucinations. In addition, cardiovascular symptoms like hypertension and tachycardia often occurred. CONCLUSIONS NPS are currently being purchased as drug of choice in The Netherlands and their availability and use is increasing. Although pharmacological and toxicological data are scarce, NPS can induce pronounced clinical effects. Therefore, the monitoring of trends in NPS prevalence needs to be continued, combined with reported clinical effects, and preferably supported by analytical confirmation of exposures in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hondebrink
- National Poisons Information Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Daan Van Der Gouwe
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Department of Drug Monitoring, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tibor M Brunt
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Department of Drug Monitoring, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Adamowicz P, Zuba D. Fatal Intoxication with Methoxetamine. J Forensic Sci 2014; 60 Suppl 1:S264-8. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Adamowicz
- Institute of Forensic Research; Westerplatte 9 Krakow 31-033 Poland
| | - Dariusz Zuba
- Institute of Forensic Research; Westerplatte 9 Krakow 31-033 Poland
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Zawilska JB. Methoxetamine – a novel recreational drug with potent hallucinogenic properties. Toxicol Lett 2014; 230:402-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Acton WJ, Lanza M, Agarwal B, Jürschik S, Sulzer P, Breiev K, Jordan A, Hartungen E, Hanel G, Märk L, Mayhew CA, Märk TD. Headspace analysis of new psychoactive substances using a Selective Reagent Ionisation-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY 2014; 360:28-38. [PMID: 25844048 PMCID: PMC4375562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijms.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The rapid expansion in the number and use of new psychoactive substances presents a significant analytical challenge because highly sensitive instrumentation capable of detecting a broad range of chemical compounds in real-time with a low rate of false positives is required. A Selective Reagent Ionisation-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (SRI-ToF-MS) instrument is capable of meeting all of these requirements. With its high mass resolution (up to m/Δm of 8000), the application of variations in reduced electric field strength (E/N) and use of different reagent ions, the ambiguity of a nominal (monoisotopic) m/z is reduced and hence the identification of chemicals in a complex chemical environment with a high level of confidence is enabled. In this study we report the use of a SRI-ToF-MS instrument to investigate the reactions of H3O+, O2+, NO+ and Kr+ with 10 readily available (at the time of purchase) new psychoactive substances, namely 4-fluoroamphetamine, methiopropamine, ethcathinone, 4-methylethcathinone, N-ethylbuphedrone, ethylphenidate, 5-MeO-DALT, dimethocaine, 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran and nitracaine. In particular, the dependence of product ion branching ratios on the reduced electric field strength for all reagent ions was investigated and is reported here. The results reported represent a significant amount of new data which will be of use for the development of drug detection techniques suitable for real world scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Joe Acton
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ Lancaster, UK
| | - Matteo Lanza
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Leopold-Franzens Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bishu Agarwal
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Simone Jürschik
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Sulzer
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +43 512 214 800 050; fax: +43 512 214 800 099.
| | - Kostiantyn Breiev
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Leopold-Franzens Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alfons Jordan
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eugen Hartungen
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gernot Hanel
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lukas Märk
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Chris A. Mayhew
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Tilmann D. Märk
- IONICON Analytik GmbH, Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institut für Ionenphysik und Angewandte Physik, Leopold-Franzens Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Lanza M, Acton WJ, Jürschik S, Sulzer P, Breiev K, Jordan A, Hartungen E, Hanel G, Märk L, Mayhew CA, Märk TD. Distinguishing two isomeric mephedrone substitutes with selective reagent ionisation mass spectrometry (SRI-MS). JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2013; 48:1015-8. [PMID: 24078242 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The isomers 4-methylethcathinone and N-ethylbuphedrone are substitutes for the recently banned drug mephedrone. We find that with conventional proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), it is not possible to distinguish between these two isomers, because essentially for both substances, only the protonated molecules are observed at a mass-to-charge ratio of 192 (C12 H18NO(+)). However, when utilising an advanced PTR-MS instrument that allows us to switch the reagent ions (selective reagent ionisation) from H3O(+) (which is commonly used in PTR-MS) to NO(+), O2(+) and Kr(+), characteristic product (fragment) ions are detected: C4H10N(+) (72 Da) for 4-methylethcathinone and C5 H12N(+) (86 Da) for N-ethylbuphedrone; thus, selective reagent ionisation MS proves to be a powerful tool for fast detection and identification of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lanza
- IONICON Analytik GmbH., Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 3, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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Helander A, Beck O, Hägerkvist R, Hultén P. Identification of novel psychoactive drug use in Sweden based on laboratory analysis – initial experiences from the STRIDA project. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2013; 73:400-6. [DOI: 10.3109/00365513.2013.793817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Abe E, Ricard F, Darrouzain F, Alvarez JC. An automated method for measurement of methoxetamine in human plasma by use of turbulent flow on-line extraction coupled with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric detection. Anal Bioanal Chem 2012; 405:239-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-012-6470-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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