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Soares J, Costa VM, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. An updated review on synthetic cathinones. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2895-2940. [PMID: 34100120 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cathinone, the main psychoactive compound found in the plant Catha edulis Forsk. (khat), is a β-keto analogue of amphetamine, sharing not only the phenethylamine structure, but also the amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring cathinone that largely entered the recreational drug market at the end of 2000s. The former "legal status", impressive marketing strategies and their commercial availability, either in the so-called "smartshops" or via the Internet, prompted their large spread, contributing to their increasing popularity in the following years. As their popularity increased, the risks posed for public health became clear, with several reports of intoxications and deaths involving these substances appearing both in the social media and scientific literature. The regulatory measures introduced thereafter to halt these trending drugs of abuse have proved to be of low impact, as a continuous emergence of new non-controlled derivatives keep appearing to replace those prohibited. Users resort to synthetic cathinones due to their psychostimulant properties but are often unaware of the dangers they may incur when using these substances. Therefore, studies aimed at unveiling the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these substances are imperative, as they will provide increased expertise to the clinicians that face this problem on a daily basis. The present work provides a comprehensive review on history and legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects and lethality in humans, as well as on the current knowledge of the neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Soares
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-ENAS (Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit), CEBIMED (Biomedical Research Centre), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
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Mégarbane B, Gamblin C, Roussel O, Bouaziz-Amar E, Chevillard L, Callebert J, Chen H, Morineau G, Laplanche JL, Etheve-Quelquejeu M, Liechti ME, Benturquia N. The neurobehavioral effects of the designer drug naphyrone - an experimental investigation with pharmacokinetics and concentration/effect relationship in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1943-1957. [PMID: 32399634 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The recreational use of naphyrone, a potent synthetic cathinone with a pyrovalerone structure, has raised questions about possible deleterious neurobehavioral consequences. OBJECTIVE To investigate naphyrone-induced neurobehavioral effects and alterations in brain monoamines using two patterns of abuse, i.e., single and repeated (binge) use. METHODS We studied naphyrone dose/induced locomotor activity relationship at 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg in mice. We investigated the effects of single (30 mg/kg; acute injection) versus repeated (30 mg/kg ×3/day for 3 days; binge injection) intraperitoneal naphyrone administration on locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, spatial recognition memory, anhedonia, behavioral despair, and social interaction. We measured post-mortem prefrontal cortex levels of monoamines and modeled naphyrone pharmacokinetics and concentration/locomotor effect relationship. RESULTS Both naphyrone administration patterns induced time-dependent increases in locomotor activity (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and social interaction (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) but did not alter spatial recognition memory or anhedonia. Acute naphyrone injection induced anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.01) and reduced resignation (p < 0.01) whereas binge administration induced non-anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.05) and did not alter behavioral despair. Both patterns increased the prefrontal cortex dopamine (p < 0.0001) and norepinephrine (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) but not serotonin content. Naphyrone pharmacokinetics followed a two-compartment model with an overall elimination half-life of 0.3 h. The naphyrone concentration/locomotor effect relationship was described by an additive Emax model with an EC50 of 672 μg/L. CONCLUSIONS Single naphyrone administration increases locomotor activity according to a direct concentration/effect relationship. The neurobehavioral effects after binge differs from those after single administration and are not explained by drug accumulation given the relatively fast elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mégarbane
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France.,Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Olivier Roussel
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France.,Toxicology Department, Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale, Rosny sous-Bois, France
| | | | | | | | - Huixiong Chen
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Mélanie Etheve-Quelquejeu
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Benturquia
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France. .,Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris University, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006, Paris, France.
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Couto RAS, Gonçalves LM, Carvalho F, Rodrigues JA, Rodrigues CMP, Quinaz MB. The Analytical Challenge in the Determination of Cathinones, Key-Players in the Worldwide Phenomenon of Novel Psychoactive Substances. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2018; 48:372-390. [DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2018.1439724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A. S. Couto
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Moreira Gonçalves
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José A. Rodrigues
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cecília M. P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M. Beatriz Quinaz
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Tyrkkö E, Andersson M, Kronstrand R. The Toxicology of New Psychoactive Substances: Synthetic Cathinones and Phenylethylamines. Ther Drug Monit 2016; 38:190-216. [PMID: 26587869 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are substitutes for classical drugs of abuse and there are now compounds available from all groups of classical drugs of abuse. During 2014, the number of synthetic cathinones increased dramatically and, together with phenylethylamines, they dominate the NPS markets in the European Union. In total, 31 cathinones and 9 phenylethylamines were encountered in 2014. The aim of this article was to summarize the existing knowledge about the basic pharmacology, metabolism, and human toxicology of relevant synthetic cathinones and phenylethylamines. Compared with existing reviews, we have also compiled the existing case reports from both fatal and nonfatal intoxications. METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search using bibliographic databases PubMed and Web of Science, complemented with Google Scholar. The focus of the literature search was on original articles, case reports, and previously published review articles published in 2014 or earlier. RESULTS The rapid increase of NPSs is a growing concern and sets new challenges not only for societies in drug prevention and legislation but also in clinical and forensic toxicology. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the pharmacodynamic profile of cathinones is similar to that of other psychomotor stimulants. Metabolism studies show that cathinones and phenylethylamines are extensively metabolized; however, the parent compound is usually detectable in human urine. In vitro studies have shown that many cathinones and phenylethylamines are metabolized by CYP2D6 enzymes. This indicates that these drugs may have many possible drug-drug interactions and that genetic polymorphism may influence their toxicity. However, the clinical and toxicological relevance of CYP2D6 in adverse effects of cathinones and phenylethylamines is questionable, because these compounds are metabolized by other enzymes as well. The toxidromes commonly encountered after ingestion of cathinones and phenylethylamines are mainly of sympathomimetic and hallucinogenic character with a risk of excited delirium and life-threatening cardiovascular effects. CONCLUSIONS The acute and chronic toxicity of many NPSs is unknown or very sparsely investigated. There is a need for evidence-based-treatment recommendations for acute intoxications and a demand for new strategies to analyze these compounds in clinical and forensic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elli Tyrkkö
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
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Maurer HH, Meyer MR. High-resolution mass spectrometry in toxicology: current status and future perspectives. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:2161-2172. [PMID: 27369376 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1764-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) approaches using time-of-flight or Orbitrap techniques for research and application in various toxicology fields, particularly in clinical toxicology and forensic toxicology published since 2013 and referenced in PubMed. In the introduction, an overview on applications of HRMS in various toxicology fields is given with reference to current review articles. Papers concerning HRMS in metabolism, screening, and quantification of pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse, and toxins in human body samples are critically reviewed. Finally, a discussion on advantages as well as limitations and future perspectives of these methods is included.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Ellefsen KN, Concheiro M, Huestis MA. Synthetic cathinone pharmacokinetics, analytical methods, and toxicological findings from human performance and postmortem cases. Drug Metab Rev 2016; 48:237-65. [PMID: 27249313 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2016.1188937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are commonly abused novel psychoactive substances (NPS). We present a comprehensive systematic review addressing in vitro and in vivo synthetic cathinone pharmacokinetics, analytical methods for detection and quantification in biological matrices, and toxicological findings from human performance and postmortem toxicology cases. Few preclinical administration studies examined synthetic cathinone pharmacokinetic profiles (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), and only one investigated metabolite pharmacokinetics. Synthetic cathinone metabolic profiling studies, primarily with human liver microsomes, elucidated metabolite structures and identified suitable biomarkers to extend detection windows beyond those provided by parent compounds. Generally, cathinone derivatives underwent ketone reduction, carbonylation of the pyrrolidine ring, and oxidative reactions, with phase II metabolites also detected. Reliable analytical methods are necessary for cathinone identification in biological matrices to document intake and link adverse events to specific compounds and concentrations. NPS analytical methods are constrained in their ability to detect new emerging synthetic cathinones due to limited commercially available reference standards and continuous development of new analogs. Immunoassay screening methods are especially affected, but also gas-chromatography and liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry confirmation methods. Non-targeted high-resolution-mass spectrometry screening methods are advantageous, as they allow for retrospective data analysis and easier addition of new synthetic cathinones to existing methods. Lack of controlled administration studies in humans complicate interpretation of synthetic cathinones in biological matrices, as dosing information is typically unknown. Furthermore, antemortem and postmortem concentrations often overlap and the presence of other psychoactive substances are typically found in combination with cathinones derivatives, further confounding result interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla N Ellefsen
- a Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP , National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health , Baltimore , MD , USA ;,b Program in Toxicology , University of Maryland Baltimore , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Marta Concheiro
- c Department of Sciences, John Jay College of Criminal Justice , City University of New York , New York , NY , USA
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- a Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP , National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Simultaneous identification and quantification of new psychoactive substances in blood by GC-APCI-QTOFMS coupled to nitrogen chemiluminescence detection without authentic reference standards. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:3395-400. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9461-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Paul M, Bleicher S, Guber S, Ippisch J, Polettini A, Schultis W. Identification of phase I and II metabolites of the new designer drug α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) in human urine by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2015; 50:1305-1317. [PMID: 26505776 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolidinophenones represent one emerging class of newly encountered drugs of abuse, also known as 'new psychoactive substances', with stimulating psychoactive effects. In this work, we report on the detection of the new designer drug α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) and its phase I and II metabolites in a human urine sample of a drug abuser. Determination and structural elucidation of these metabolites have been achieved by liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS). By tentative identification, the exact and approximate structures of 19 phase I metabolites and nine phase II glucuronides were elucidated. Major metabolic pathways revealed the reduction of the ß-keto moieties to their corresponding alcohols, didesalkylation of the pyrrolidine ring, hydroxylation and oxidation of the aliphatic side chain leading to n-hydroxy, aldehyde and carboxylate metabolites, and oxidation of the pyrrolidine ring to its lactam followed by ring cleavage and additional hydroxylation, reduction and oxidation steps and combinations thereof. The most abundant phase II metabolites were glucuronidated ß-keto-reduced alcohols. Besides the great number of metabolites detected in this sample, α-PHP is still one of the most abundant ions together with its ß-keto-reduced alcoholic dihydro metabolite. Monitoring of these metabolites in clinical and forensic toxicology may unambiguously prove the abuse of the new designer drug α-PHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Paul
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Toxicology, Synlab MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Sergej Bleicher
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Toxicology, Synlab MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Susanne Guber
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Toxicology, Synlab MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Josef Ippisch
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Toxicology, Synlab MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Aldo Polettini
- Department of Public Health, University of Verona, Policlinico Borgoroma, Verona, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Schultis
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Toxicology, Synlab MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
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Meyer MR, Wagmann L, Schneider-Daum N, Loretz B, de Souza Carvalho C, Lehr CM, Maurer HH. P-glycoprotein interactions of novel psychoactive substances - stimulation of ATP consumption and transport across Caco-2 monolayers. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 94:220-6. [PMID: 25637762 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to drugs for therapeutic use, there are only few data available concerning interactions between P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and drugs of abuse (DOA). In this work, interactions between structurally diverse DOA and P-gp were investigated using different strategies. First, the effect on the P-gp ATPase activity was studied by monitoring of ATP consumption after addition to recombinant, human P-gp. Second, DOA showing an increased ATP consumption were further characterized regarding their transport across filter grown Caco-2- monolayers. Analyses were performed by luminescence and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Among the nine DOA initially screened, benzedrone, diclofensine, glaucine, JWH-200, MDBC, WIN-55,212-2 showed an increase of ATP consumption in the ATPase stimulation assay. In Caco-2 transport studies, Glaucine, JWH-200, mitragynine, WIN-55,212-2 could moreover be identified as non-transported substrates, but inhibitors of P-gp activity. Thus, drug-drug or drug-food interactions should be very likely for these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Lea Wagmann
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Schneider-Daum
- Dept of Drug Delivery, Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Brigitta Loretz
- Dept of Drug Delivery, Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Cristiane de Souza Carvalho
- Dept of Drug Delivery, Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Claus-Michael Lehr
- Dept of Drug Delivery, Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
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Recent developments in urinalysis of metabolites of new psychoactive substances using LC–MS. Bioanalysis 2014; 6:2083-107. [DOI: 10.4155/bio.14.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, an ever-increasing number of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have appeared on the recreational drug market. To account for this development, analytical toxicologists have to continuously adapt their methods to encompass the latest NPSs. Urine is the preferred biological matrix for screening analysis in different areas of analytical toxicology. However, the development of urinalysis procedures for NPSs is complicated by the fact that generally little or no information on urinary excretion patterns of such drugs exists when they first appear on the market. Metabolism studies are therefore a prerequisite in the development of urinalysis methods for NPSs. In this article, the literature on the urinalysis of NPS metabolites will be reviewed, focusing on articles published after 2008.
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Švidrnoch M, Lněníčková L, Válka I, Ondra P, Maier V. Utilization of micellar electrokinetic chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry employed volatile micellar phase in the analysis of cathinone designer drugs. J Chromatogr A 2014; 1356:258-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2014.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Helfer AG, Turcant A, Boels D, Ferec S, Lelièvre B, Welter J, Meyer MR, Maurer HH. Elucidation of the metabolites of the novel psychoactive substance 4-methyl-N-ethyl-cathinone (4-MEC) in human urine and pooled liver microsomes by GC-MS and LC-HR-MS/MS techniques and of its detectability by GC-MS or LC-MSnstandard screening approaches. Drug Test Anal 2014; 7:368-75. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas G. Helfer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology; Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University; D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Alain Turcant
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Angers France
| | - David Boels
- Centre Anti-Poison; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Angers France
| | - Séverine Ferec
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Angers France
| | - Bénédicte Lelièvre
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Angers France
| | - Jessica Welter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology; Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University; D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Markus R. Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology; Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University; D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Hans H. Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology; Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University; D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
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Merola G, Fu H, Tagliaro F, Macchia T, McCord BR. Chiral separation of 12 cathinone analogs by cyclodextrin-assisted capillary electrophoresis with UV and mass spectrometry detection. Electrophoresis 2014; 35:3231-41. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201400077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Merola
- Department of Chemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine; Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona; Verona Italy
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation; Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome Italy
| | - Hanzhuo Fu
- Department of Chemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine; Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - Teodora Macchia
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation; Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome Italy
| | - Bruce R. McCord
- Department of Chemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
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Appendino G, Minassi A, Taglialatela-Scafati O. Recreational drug discovery: natural products as lead structures for the synthesis of smart drugs. Nat Prod Rep 2014; 31:880-904. [PMID: 24823967 DOI: 10.1039/c4np00010b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to December 2013. Over the past decade, there has been a growing transition in recreational drugs from natural materials (marijuana, hashish, opium), natural products (morphine, cocaine), or their simple derivatives (heroin), to synthetic agents more potent than their natural prototypes, which are sometimes less harmful in the short term, or that combine properties from different classes of recreational prototypes. These agents have been named smart drugs, and have become popular both for personal consumption and for collective intoxication at rave parties. The reasons for this transition are varied, but are mainly regulatory and commercial. New analogues of known illegal intoxicants are invisible to most forensic detection techniques, while the alleged natural status and the lack of avert acute toxicity make them appealing to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the advent of the internet has made possible the quick dispersal of information among users and the on-line purchase of these agents and/or the precursors for their synthesis. Unlike their natural products chemotypes (ephedrine, mescaline, cathinone, psilocybin, THC), most new drugs of abuse are largely unfamiliar to the organic chemistry community as well as to health care providers. To raise awareness of the growing plague of smart drugs we have surveyed, in a medicinal chemistry fashion, their development from natural products leads, their current methods of production, and the role that clandestine home laboratories and underground chemists have played in the surge of popularity of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Appendino
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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Valente MJ, Guedes de Pinho P, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho F, Carvalho M. Khat and synthetic cathinones: a review. Arch Toxicol 2013; 88:15-45. [PMID: 24317389 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
For centuries, 'khat sessions' have played a key role in the social and cultural traditions among several communities around Saudi Arabia and most East African countries. The identification of cathinone as the main psychoactive compound of khat leaves, exhibiting amphetamine-like pharmacological properties, resulted in the synthesis of several derivatives structurally similar to this so-called natural amphetamine. Synthetic cathinones were primarily developed for therapeutic purposes, but promptly started being misused and extensively abused for their euphoric effects. In the mid-2000's, synthetic cathinones emerged in the recreational drug markets as legal alternatives ('legal highs') to amphetamine, 'ecstasy', or cocaine. Currently, they are sold as 'bath salts' or 'plant food', under ambiguous labels lacking information about their true contents. Cathinone derivatives are conveniently available online or at 'smartshops' and are much more affordable than the traditional illicit drugs. Despite the scarcity of scientific data on these 'legal highs', synthetic cathinones use became an increasingly popular practice worldwide. Additionally, criminalization of these derivatives is often useless since for each specific substance that gets legally controlled, one or more structurally modified analogs are introduced into the legal market. Chemically, these substances are structurally related to amphetamine. For this reason, cathinone derivatives share with this drug both central nervous system stimulating and sympathomimetic features. Reports of intoxication and deaths related to the use of 'bath salts' have been frequently described over the last years, and several attempts to apply a legislative control on synthetic cathinones have been made. However, further research on their pharmacological and toxicological properties is fully required in order to access the actual potential harm of synthetic cathinones to general public health. The present work provides a review on khat and synthetic cathinones, concerning their historical background, prevalence, patterns of use, legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and their physiological and toxicological effects on animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Valente
- REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal,
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Concheiro M, Anizan S, Ellefsen K, Huestis MA. Simultaneous quantification of 28 synthetic cathinones and metabolites in urine by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2013; 405:9437-48. [PMID: 24196122 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-013-7386-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are novel stimulants derived from cathinone, with amphetamines or cocaine-like effects, often labeled "not for human consumption" and considered "legal highs". Emergence of these new designer drugs complicate interpretation of forensic and clinical cases, with introduction of many new analogs designed to circumvent legislation and vary effects and potencies. We developed a method for the simultaneous quantification of 28 synthetic cathinones, including four metabolites, in urine by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). These cathinones include cathinone, methcathinone, and synthetic cathinones position-3'-substituted, N-alkyl-substituted, ring-substituted, methylenedioxy-substituted, and pyrrolidinyl-substituted. One mL phosphate buffer pH 6 and 25 μL IStd solution were combined with 0.25 mL urine, and subjected to solid phase cation exchange extraction (SOLA SCX). The chromatographic reverse-phase separation was achieved with a gradient mobile phase of 0.1 % formic acid in water and in acetonitrile in 20 min. We employed a Q Exactive high resolution mass spectrometer, with compounds identified and quantified by target-MSMS experiments. The assay was linear from 0.5-1 to 100 μg/L, with limits of detection of 0.25-1 μg/L. Imprecision (n = 20) was <15.9 % and accuracy (n = 20) 85.2-118.1 %. Extraction efficiency was 78.9-116.7 % (CV 1.4-16.7 %, n = 5), process efficiency 57.7-104.9 %, and matrix effects from -29.5 % to 1.5 % (CV 1.9-13.1 %, n = 10). Most synthetic cathinones were stable at 4 °C for 72 h (n = 27) and after 3 freeze-thaw cycles (n = 26), but many (n = 19) were not stable at room temperature for 24 h (losses up to -67.6 %). The method was applied to authentic urine specimens from synthetic cathinone users. This method provides a comprehensive confirmation method for 28 synthetic cathinones in urine, with good selectivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Concheiro
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 200, Room 05A721, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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Kanu AB, Brandt SD, Williams MD, Zhang N, Hill HH. Analysis of Psychoactive Cathinones and Tryptamines by Electrospray Ionization Atmospheric Pressure Ion Mobility Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2013; 85:8535-42. [DOI: 10.1021/ac401951a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Bakarr Kanu
- Department of Chemistry, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North
Carolina 27110, United States
| | - Simon D. Brandt
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, U.K
| | - Mike D. Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4630,
United States
| | - Nancy Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4630,
United States
| | - Herbert H. Hill
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4630,
United States
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