1
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Che P, Davidson JT, Kool J, Kohler I. Electron activated dissociation - a complementary fragmentation technique to collision-induced dissociation for metabolite identification of synthetic cathinone positional isomers. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1283:341962. [PMID: 37977786 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341962] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, a remarkable number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have emerged onto the drug market, resulting in serious threats to both public health and society. Despite their abundance and potential toxicity, there is little information available on their metabolism, a crucial piece of information for clinical and forensic purposes. NPS metabolism can be studied using in vitro models, such as liver microsomes, cytosol, hepatocytes, etc. The tentative structural elucidation of metabolites of NPS formed using in vitro models is typically carried out using liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS2) with collision-induced dissociation (CID) as a fragmentation method. However, the thermally-excited ions produced with CID may not be sufficient for unambiguous identification of metabolites or their complete characterization. Electron-activated dissociation (EAD), a relatively new fragmentation approach that can be used to fragment singly-charged ions, may provide complementary structural information that can be used to further improve the confidence in metabolite identification. The aim of this study was to compare CID and EAD as fragmentation methods for the characterization and identification of synthetic cathinone positional isomers and their metabolites. The in vitro metabolism of 2-methylethcathinone (2-MEC), 3-methylethcathinone (3-MEC) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) was investigated with both CID and EAD methods using LC-HRMS2. Four, seven and six metabolites were tentatively identified for the metabolism of 2-MEC, 3-MEC and 4-MEC, respectively. Here, the metabolism of 3-MEC and 2-MEC is reported for the first time. The EAD product ion mass spectra showed different fragmentation patterns compared to CID, where unique and abundant product ions were observed in EAD but not in CID. More importantly, certain EAD exclusive product ions play a significant role in structural elucidation of some metabolites. These results highlight the important role that EAD fragmentation can play in metabolite identification workflows, by providing additional fragmentation data compared with CID and, thus, enhancing the confidence in structural elucidation of drug metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Che
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J Tyler Davidson
- Sam Houston State University, Department of Forensic Science, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Kohler
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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2
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Lopes RP, Ferro RA, Milhazes M, Figueira M, Caldeira MJ, Antunes AMM, Gaspar H. Metabolic stability and metabolite profiling of emerging synthetic cathinones. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1145140. [PMID: 37033613 PMCID: PMC10080127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1145140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones constitute the second largest groups of new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are especially popular among adolescents and young adults. Due to their potential toxicity, the recreational use of these NPS constitute a serious worldwide public health problem. However, their fast appearance in the market renders the continuous updating of NPS information highly challenging for forensic authorities. The unavailability of pharmacokinetic data for emerging NPS is critical for forensic and clinical verifications. With the ultimate goal of having a proactive approach towards the NPS issue, high resolution mass spectrometry was used in the current work to assess preliminary pharmacokinetic data for 8 selected cathinones: 4 reported substances (4-CIC, 3-CMC, 4-CMC and 4-MEAP) and 4 previously unreported ones (3-CIC, 4-MDMB, 4-MNEB and 4-MDMP) for which the emergence on the NSP market is expected to be eminent, were also included in this study. Based on the calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters, half-life and intrinsic clearance, 4-CMC and 4-MDMB are low and high clearance compounds, respectively, and all the remaining cathinones included in this study are intermediate clearance compounds. This fact anticipates the key role of metabolites as suitable biomarkers to extend detection windows beyond those provided by the parent cathinones. Reduction of the keto group and hydroxylation on the alkyl chains were the common metabolic pathways identified for all cathinones. However, the relative importance of these metabolic transformations is dependent on the cathinone substituents. The glucuronic acid conjugation to metabolites stemming for keto group reduction constituted the sole Phase II transformation identified. To our knowledge, this study constitutes the first metabolite profiling of the already reported synthetic cathinones 4-CIC, 3-CMC and 4-CMC. Noteworthy is the fact that 3-CMC accounts for almost a quarter of the quantity of powders seized during 2020. The analytical methods developed, and the metabolites characterized, are now available to be included in routine screening methods to attest the consumption of the 8 cathinones studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita P. Lopes
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel A. Ferro
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório de Polícia Científica da Polícia Judiciária (LPC/PJ), Novo edifício Sede da Polícia Judiciária, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Milhazes
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Figueira
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Caldeira
- Laboratório de Polícia Científica da Polícia Judiciária (LPC/PJ), Novo edifício Sede da Polícia Judiciária, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. M. Antunes
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Alexandra M. M. Antunes, ; Helena Gaspar,
| | - Helena Gaspar
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre—Polytechnic of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Alexandra M. M. Antunes, ; Helena Gaspar,
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3
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Gavrilović I, Gelu Y, Abbate V. In Vitro Metabolic Study of Four Synthetic Cathinones: 4-MPD, 2-NMC, 4F-PHP and bk-EPDP. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020115. [PMID: 35208190 PMCID: PMC8877857 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of illicit drugs is exceedingly prevalent in society, and several of them can be illegally purchased from the internet. This occurrence is particularly augmented by the rapid emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), which are sold and distributed as “legal highs”. Amongst NPS, the class of synthetic cathinones represents stimulant substances exhibiting similar effects to amphetamine and its derivatives. Despite potentially being less psychoactive than amphetamine, synthetic cathinones are harmful substances for humans, and little or no information is available regarding their pharmacology and toxicology. The present study investigated the in vitro metabolism and metabolites of four recent synthetic cathinones, namely, 1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(methylamino)-pentanone (4-MPD), 1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-dimethylamino-propanone (2-NMC), 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl-hexanone (4F-PHP) and 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(ethylamino)-1-pentanone (bk-EPDP). Our in vitro metabolism study resulted in 24 identified metabolites, including both phase I and phase II metabolites. All metabolites were detected and identified using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry and may serve as additional markers of abuse of these NPS in toxicological analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Gavrilović
- Drug Control Centre, King’s College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK;
| | - Yunita Gelu
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK;
| | - Vincenzo Abbate
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)207-83895
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Zarrouk E, Lenski M, Bruno C, Thibert V, Contreras P, Privat K, Ameline A, Fabresse N. High-resolution mass spectrometry: Theoretical and technological aspects. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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5
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Pérez-Alcaraz A, Borrull F, Calull M, Aguilar C. Cathinones in urine samples: A review of recent advances for their determination by chromatographic and related techniques. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Braham MY, Franchi A, Cartiser N, Bévalot F, Bottinelli C, Fabrizi H, Fanton L. Fatal 4-MEC Intoxication: Case Report and Review of Literature. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2021; 42:57-61. [PMID: 32773434 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Synthetic cathinones are one of the major pharmacological families of new psychoactive substances and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) has emerged in recent years as a recreational psychostimulant. We report a case of a 35-year-old man found dead and naked at home by his friend. Although no anatomic cause of death was observed at autopsy, toxicological analysis identified 4-MEC and hydroxyzine at therapeutic level (160 ng/mL). 4-Methylethcathinone was quantified in autopsy samples by a validated method consisting in liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry: peripheral blood, 14.6 μg/mL; cardiac blood, 43.4 μg/mL; urine, 619 μg/mL; vitreous humor, right 2.9 μg/mL and left 4.4 μg/mL; bile, 43.5 μg/mL; and gastric content, 28.2 μg/mL. The cause of death was 4-MEC intoxication and the manner of death could be either accidental or suicidal. The literature concerning 4-MEC was reviewed, focusing on distribution in classical postmortem matrices and 4-MEC metabolism and postmortem redistribution and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Yassine Braham
- From the Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine
| | | | - Nathalie Cartiser
- From the Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine
| | | | | | - Hervé Fabrizi
- From the Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine
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7
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La Maida N, Di Trana A, Giorgetti R, Tagliabracci A, Busardò FP, Huestis MA. A Review of Synthetic Cathinone-Related Fatalities From 2017 to 2020. Ther Drug Monit 2021; 43:52-68. [PMID: 32881779 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are designer analogs of the natural active principle of khat. Since their appearance on the black market in 2003, their popularity has increased annually, and they have become the most seized class of new psychoactive substances reported to the UNODC Early Warning Advisory system. The constant introduction of newly synthesized molecules makes this issue difficult to monitor. The authors reviewed the most recent SC-related fatalities worldwide to highlight new trends of consumption, reporting acute pharmacological and toxicological symptoms, scene investigations, analytical methods, and reported SC concentrations in diverse biological matrices. METHODS A literature search was performed using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Research Gate to identify relevant scientific publications from 2017 to 2020. In addition, a search was conducted through the EU EWS. RESULTS From 2017 to 2020, 31 different SCs were identified in 75 reported fatal intoxications in the literature, alone or in combination with other substances. The most abused SCs were N-ethylpentylone, N-ethylhexedrone, and 4-chloromethcathinone. The EU EWS included less detail on 72 additional SC-related fatalities from 2017 to 2020. CONCLUSIONS New SCs continuously replace older natural and synthetic stimulant drugs, making determining the cause of death difficult. Analytical methods and high-performance mass spectrometry instruments are essential to detect the low concentrations of these potent new SCs. Little data are available on the pharmacology of these new drugs; the evaluation of toxicological antemortem and postmortem findings provides critical data on the drug's pharmacology and toxicology and for the interpretation of new SC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia La Maida
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy ; and
| | - Annagiulia Di Trana
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy ; and
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy ; and
| | - Adriano Tagliabracci
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy ; and
| | - Francesco P Busardò
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy ; and
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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8
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Lopes BT, Caldeira MJ, Gaspar H, Antunes AMM. Metabolic Profile of Four Selected Cathinones in Microsome Incubations: Identification of Phase I and II Metabolites by Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Front Chem 2021; 8:609251. [PMID: 33511100 PMCID: PMC7835677 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.609251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of synthetic cathinones, the second largest class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) reported worldwide, represents a serious public health risk. One of the biggest challenges created by the rapid spread of NPS on the illegal drug market is the discovery of selective biomarkers for their detection in biological matrices, which is only possible through the study of their metabolic profile. The synthetic cathinones 4'-methyl-N,N-dimethylcathinone (4-MDMC), 4'-methyl-N,N-diethylcathinone (4-MDEC), 4'-chloro-α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (4Cl-PVP), and 4'-chloroethylcathinone (4-CEC) are NPS recently seized in Europe, and, with the exception of 4-CEC, no metabolism study was reported for these cathinones. With the ultimate goal of overcoming this gap, these cathinones were incubated in vitro in human and rat liver microsomes in the presence of Phase I and II (glucuronidation) co-factors, using α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) as positive control. The metabolite identification was performed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS). This allowed the identification of multiple Phase I and glucuronide metabolites of the selected cathinones. Additionally, a new glucuronide conjugate, derived from the recreational drug α-PVP, was herein identified for the first time. Importantly, we have demonstrated that 4-MDMC and 4-MDEC can act as prodrugs of the controlled substances 4-MMC and 4-MEC, respectively. The metabolites herein identified are expected to play an important role not only by acting as potential selective biomarkers of the intake of the synthetic cathinones selected for this study but also to understand their potential adverse effects and link these causative agents to toxicities, thereby helping in the treatment of non-fatal intoxications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz T. Lopes
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), ULisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- BioISI – Biosystems & Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Caldeira
- Laboratório de Polícia Científica da Polícia Judiciária (LPC/PJ), Novo edifício Sede da Polícia Judiciária, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Gaspar
- BioISI – Biosystems & Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre - Polytechnic of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. M. Antunes
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), ULisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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9
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Manier SK, Schwermer F, Wagmann L, Eckstein N, Meyer MR. Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry-Based In Vitro Toxicometabolomics of the Synthetic Cathinones 4-MPD and 4-MEAP in Pooled Human Liver Microsomes. Metabolites 2020; 11:metabo11010003. [PMID: 33374857 PMCID: PMC7824391 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones belong to the most often seized new psychoactive substances on an international level. This study investigated the toxicometabolomics, particularly the in vitro metabolism of 2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-pentanone (4-MPD) and 2-(ethylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-pentanone (4-MEAP) in pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) using untargeted metabolomics techniques. Incubations were performed with the substrates in concentrations ranging from 0, 12.5, and 25 µM. Analysis was done by means of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS/MS) in full scan only and the obtained data was evaluated using XCMS Online and MetaboAnalyst. Significant features were putatively identified using a separate parallel reaction monitoring method. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test for prefiltering significant features and subsequent hierarchical clustering, as well as principal component analysis (PCA). Hierarchical clustering or PCA showed a distinct clustering of all concentrations with most of the features z-scores rising with the concentration of the investigated substances. Identification of significant features left many of them unidentified but revealed metabolites of both 4-MPD and 4-MEAP. Both substances formed carboxylic acids, were hydroxylated at the alkyl chain, and formed metabolites after combined hydroxylation and reduction of the cathinone oxo group. 4-MPD additionally formed a dihydroxy metabolite and a hydroxylamine. 4-MEAP was additionally found reduced at the cathinone oxo group, N-dealkylated, and formed an oxo metabolite. These findings are the first to describe the metabolic pathways of 4-MPD and to extend our knowledge about the metabolism of 4-MEAP. Findings, particularly the MS data of the metabolites, are essential for setting up metabolite-based toxicological (urine) screening procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha K. Manier
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (S.K.M.); (F.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Florian Schwermer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (S.K.M.); (F.S.); (L.W.)
- Applied Pharmacy, Campus Pirmasens, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, 66953 Pirmasens, Germany;
| | - Lea Wagmann
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (S.K.M.); (F.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Niels Eckstein
- Applied Pharmacy, Campus Pirmasens, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, 66953 Pirmasens, 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, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (S.K.M.); (F.S.); (L.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6841-16-2643
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10
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Cartiser N, Sahy A, Advenier AS, Franchi A, Revelut K, Bottinelli C, Bévalot F, Fanton L. Fatal intoxication involving 4-methylpentedrone (4-MPD) in a context of chemsex. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 319:110659. [PMID: 33370656 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
4-methylpentedrone (4-MPD) is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) belonging to the cathinone class. We report an original case of death mainly involving 4-MPD, along with cocaine, sildenafil, bromazepam and nevirapine. The investigation data and the autopsy findings indicated fatal intoxication in a chemsex context (drug use during sex). 4-MPD concentrations were determined in peripheral blood (1285 ng/mL), cardiac blood (1128 ng/mL), urine (>10,000 ng/mL), bile (1187 ng/mL) and vitreous humor (734 and 875 ng/mL in left and right samples, respectively) by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. 4-MPD metabolites were explored by GC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. Due to the paucity of data concerning 4-MPD, its use and effects were gathered from online user testimonies. This case illustrates the toxicity of this infrequent pentedrone derivate and confirms the significant overdose risk associated with chemsex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Cartiser
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine, Lyon, France.
| | - Anaïs Sahy
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine, Lyon, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Advenier
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine, Lyon, France
| | - Angélique Franchi
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine, Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | - Laurent Fanton
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Service of Forensic Medicine, Lyon, France; University of Lyon, UCBL1, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France
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11
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Fabregat-Safont D, Barneo-Muñoz M, Carbón X, Hernández F, Martinez-Garcia F, Ventura M, Stove CP, Sancho JV, Ibáñez M. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of synthetic cathinones: Evaluation of the blood-brain barrier permeability of 13 related compounds in rats. Addict Biol 2020; 26:e12979. [PMID: 33289258 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are the second most commonly seized new psychoactive substance family in Europe. These compounds have been related to several intoxication cases, including fatalities. Although the pharmacological effects, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of cathinones have been studied, there is little information about the permeability of these compounds through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This is an important parameter to understand the behavior and potency of cathinones. In this work, 13 selected cathinones have been analyzed in telencephalon tissue from Sprague-Dawley rats intraperitoneally dosed at 3 mg/kg. Our results revealed a direct relationship between compound polarity and BBB permeability, with higher permeability for the more polar cathinones. The chemical moieties present in the cathinone had an important impact on the BBB permeability, with lengthening of the α-alkyl chain or functionalization of the aromatic ring with alkyl moieties resulting in lower concentration in telencephalon tissue. Our data suggest that transport of cathinones is a carrier-mediated process, similar to cocaine transport across the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fabregat-Safont
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain
| | - Manuela Barneo-Muñoz
- Predepartmental Unit of Medicine, Unitat Mixta de Neuroanatomia Funcional NeuroFun-UVEG-UJI, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain
| | - Xoán Carbón
- Energy Control, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain
| | - Ferran Martinez-Garcia
- Predepartmental Unit of Medicine, Unitat Mixta de Neuroanatomia Funcional NeuroFun-UVEG-UJI, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain
| | - Mireia Ventura
- Energy Control, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan V Sancho
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain
| | - María Ibáñez
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain
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12
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Carrola J, Duarte N, Florindo P, Henriques S, da Silva G, Bijlsma L, Moreira R, Correia C, Perry MDJ, Lopes Á, de Mello-Sampayo C, Bronze MDR. Metabolism of N-ethylhexedrone and buphedrone: An in vivo study in mice using HPLC-MS/MS. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1159:122340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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13
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Fabregat-Safont D, Mardal M, Sancho JV, Hernández F, Linnet K, Ibáñez M. Metabolic profiling of four synthetic stimulants, including the novel indanyl-cathinone 5-PPDi, after human hepatocyte incubation. J Pharm Anal 2020; 10:147-156. [PMID: 32373386 PMCID: PMC7192961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are new psychoactive substances that represent a health risk worldwide. For most of the 130 reported compounds, information about toxicology and/or metabolism is not available, which hampers their detection (and subsequent medical treatment) in intoxication cases. The principles of forensic analytical chemistry and the use of powerful analytical techniques are indispensable for stablishing the most appropriate biomarkers for these substances. Human metabolic fate of synthetic cathinones can be assessed by the analysis of urine and blood obtained from authentic consumers; however, this type of samples is limited and difficult to access. In this work, the metabolic behaviour of three synthetic cathinones (4-CEC, 4-CPrC and 5-PPDi) and one amphetamine (3-FEA) has been evaluated by incubation with pooled human hepatocytes and metabolite identification has been performed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. This in vitro approach has previously shown its feasibility for obtaining excretory human metabolites. 4-CEC and 3-FEA were not metabolised, and for 4-CPrC only two minor metabolites were obtained. On the contrary, for the recently reported 5-PPDi, twelve phase I metabolites were elucidated. Up to our knowledge, this is the first metabolic study of an indanyl-cathinone. Data reported in this paper will allow the detection of these synthetic stimulants in intoxication cases, and will facilitate future research on the metabolic behaviour of other indanyl-based cathinones. In vitro metabolic behaviour of 4-CEC, 4-CPrC, 5-PPDi and 3-FEA has been evaluated. Metabolite elucidation has been performed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. 4-CEC and 3-FEA were not metabolised. Two minor metabolites were obtained for 4-CPrC. Twelve phase I metabolites were elucidated for the indanyl-cathinone 5-PPDi. Up to our knowledge, this is the first metabolic study of an indanyl-cathinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fabregat-Safont
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
| | - Marie Mardal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's vej 11, 2100, København Ø, Denmark.,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Sykehusvegen, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Juan V Sancho
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
| | - Kristian Linnet
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's vej 11, 2100, København Ø, Denmark
| | - María Ibáñez
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
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14
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Cláudia M, Pedro A, Tiago R, Francisco CR, Eugenia G. Determination of New Psychoactive Substances in Whole Blood Using Microwave Fast Derivatization and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:92-102. [PMID: 31436798 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The production and consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) has been raising a major concern worldwide. Due to easy access and available information, many NPSs continue to be synthesized with an alarming increase of those available to purchase, despite all the control efforts created. A new analytical method was developed and validated to determine a group of phenethylamines and synthetic cathinones: cathinone, flephedrone, buphedrone, 4-MTA, α-PVP, methylone, 2C-P, ethylone, pentylone, MDPV and bromo-dragonFLY in whole blood. A mixed-mode solid phase extraction was applied to 250 μL of sample, and the extracts were derivatized with fast microwave technique before being analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The validation procedure followed the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX) guidelines with parameters that included selectivity, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy, recoveries and stability. The method presented linearity between 5 and 500 ng/mL for cathinone, buphedrone, 4-MTA, methylone, 2C-P and bromo-dragonFLY, 10-500 ng/mL for flephedrone, ethylone, pentylone and MDPV, and 40-500 ng/mL for α-PVP, with determination coefficients above 0.99 for all analytes. Recoveries ranged between 70.3% and 116.6%, and regarding intra- and inter-day precision, the relative mean errors were typically lower than 8.6%. The method was successfully applied to over 100 authentic samples from the Laboratory of Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology, Centre Branch, of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margalho Cláudia
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses - Delegação do Centro, Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Largo da Sé Nova, 3000-213, Coimbra Portugal
| | - Almeida Pedro
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses - Delegação do Centro, Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Largo da Sé Nova, 3000-213, Coimbra Portugal.,Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rosado Tiago
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia-UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-284, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Corte Real Francisco
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses - Delegação do Centro, Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Largo da Sé Nova, 3000-213, Coimbra Portugal
| | - Gallardo Eugenia
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia-UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-284, Covilhã, Portugal
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15
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Richter LHJ, Menges J, Wagmann L, Brandt SD, Stratford A, Westphal F, Flockerzi V, Meyer MR. In vitro toxicokinetics and analytical toxicology of three novel NBOMe derivatives: phase I and II metabolism, plasma protein binding, and detectability in standard urine screening approaches studied by means of hyphenated mass spectrometry. Forensic Toxicol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-019-00498-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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16
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Usai EM, Manca I, Pettinau F, Mastino A, Pittau B. Chemical Characterization and in vitro
Metabolism of a Novel Class of Delta Opioid Receptor Agonists, Analogs of SNC-80. ChemistrySelect 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201803906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Maria Usai
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology; National Research Council; 09010 Pula (CA) Italy
| | - Ilaria Manca
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology; National Research Council; 09010 Pula (CA) Italy
| | - Francesca Pettinau
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology; National Research Council; 09010 Pula (CA) Italy
| | - Antonio Mastino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology; National Research Council; 09010 Pula (CA) Italy
- Department of Chemical; Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences; University of Messina; Messina Italy
| | - Barbara Pittau
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology; National Research Council; 09010 Pula (CA) Italy
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17
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Richter LHJ, Beck A, Flockerzi V, Maurer HH, Meyer MR. Cytotoxicity of new psychoactive substances and other drugs of abuse studied in human HepG2 cells using an adopted high content screening assay. Toxicol Lett 2018; 301:79-89. [PMID: 30465810 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are still an emerging issue in clinical and forensic toxicology. Information about their cytotoxic potential is limited or even unavailable before distribution and thus their intake can be of high risk for consumers. The aim of the presented study was to develop a strategy to identify cytotoxic potential of NPS based on a high content screening assay (HCSA) using HepG2 cell line and four fluorescent dyes, namely Hoechst33342, TMRM, CAL-520, and TOTO-3. The HCSA was optimized to work without an automated analyzer by using the model compounds fluvastatin, paracetamol, propranolol, and simvastatin. The following parameters were monitored: stained nuclei as a measure for cell count as well as nuclear size and nuclear intensity (all Hoechst33342), mitochondrial membrane potential (TMRM), cytosolic calcium level (CAL-520), and plasma membrane integrity (TOTO-3). The present study showed strong cytotoxic potential for the NPS 5F-PB-22 and MDAI, moderate effects for MDMA, MDPV, methylone, cathinone, 4-MEC, and mephedrone, and no toxic effects for methamphetamine. To assess the metabolic suitability of HepG2 cells under the chosen conditions, cell culture supernatants were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolites were merely detected for lipophilic drugs such as 5F-PB-22 and MDPV and in addition with a much lower abundance in comparison to the parent compound but the study only allowed a qualitative look for metabolites and the used liver cell line might not ideal when considering metabolism.
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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
| | - Andreas Beck
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Veit Flockerzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, 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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18
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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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19
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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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20
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Luethi D, Liechti ME, Krähenbühl S. Mechanisms of hepatocellular toxicity associated with new psychoactive synthetic cathinones. Toxicology 2017. [PMID: 28645576 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are a new class of psychostimulant substances. Rarely, they can cause liver injury but associated mechanisms are not completely elucidated. In order to increase our knowledge about mechanisms of hepatotoxicity, we investigated the effect of five frequently used cathinones on two human cell lines. Bupropion was included as structurally related drug used therapeutically. In HepG2 cells, bupropion, MDPV, mephedrone and naphyrone depleted the cellular ATP content at lower concentrations (0.2-1mM) than cytotoxicity occurred (0.5-2mM), suggesting mitochondrial toxicity. In comparison, methedrone and methylone depleted the cellular ATP pool and induced cytotoxicity at similar concentrations (≥2mM). In HepaRG cells, cytotoxicity and ATP depletion could also be demonstrated, but cytochrome P450 induction did not increase the toxicity of the compounds investigated. The mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased in HepG2 cells by bupropion, MDPV and naphyrone, confirming mitochondrial toxicity. Bupropion, but not the other compounds, uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation. Bupropion, MDPV, mephedrone and naphyrone inhibited complex I and II of the electron transport chain, naphyrone also complex III. All four mitochondrial toxicants were associated with increased mitochondrial ROS and increased lactate production, which was accompanied by a decrease in the cellular total GSH pool for naphyrone and MDPV. In conclusion, bupropion, MDPV, mephedrone and naphyrone are mitochondrial toxicants impairing the function of the electron transport chain and depleting cellular ATP stores. Since liver injury is rare in users of these drugs, affected persons must have susceptibility factors rendering them more sensitive for these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Luethi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Centre of Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Centre of Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Krähenbühl
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Centre of Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland.
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21
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Caspar AT, Gaab JB, Michely JA, Brandt SD, Meyer MR, Maurer HH. Metabolism of the tryptamine-derived new psychoactive substances 5-MeO-2-Me-DALT, 5-MeO-2-Me-ALCHT, and 5-MeO-2-Me-DIPT and their detectability in urine studied by GC-MS, LC-MS n , and LC-HR-MS/MS. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:184-195. [PMID: 28342193 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many N,N-dialkylated tryptamines show psychoactive properties and were encountered as new psychoactive substances. The aims of the presented work were to study the phase I and II metabolism and the detectability in standard urine screening approaches (SUSA) of 5-methoxy-2-methyl-N,N-diallyltryptamine (5-MeO-2-Me-DALT), 5-methoxy-2-methyl-N-allyl-N-cyclohexyltryptamine (5-MeO-2-Me-ALCHT), and 5-methoxy-2-methyl-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-2-Me-DIPT) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography coupled with multistage accurate mass spectrometry (LC-MSn ), and liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS/MS). For metabolism studies, urine was collected over a 24 h period after administration of the compounds to male Wistar rats at 20 mg/kg body weight (BW). Phase I and II metabolites were identified after urine precipitation with acetonitrile by LC-HR-MS/MS. 5-MeO-2-Me-DALT (24 phase I and 12 phase II metabolites), 5-MeO-2-Me-ALCHT (24 phase I and 14 phase II metabolites), and 5-MeO-2-Me-DIPT (20 phase I and 11 phase II metabolites) were mainly metabolized by O-demethylation, hydroxylation, N-dealkylation, and combinations of them as well as by glucuronidation and sulfation of phase I metabolites. Incubations with mixtures of pooled human liver microsomes and cytosols (pHLM and pHLC) confirmed that the main metabolic reactions in humans and rats might be identical. Furthermore, initial CYP activity screenings revealed that CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 were involved in hydroxylation, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 in O-demethylation, and CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 in N-dealkylation. For SUSAs, GC-MS, LC-MSn , and LC-HR-MS/MS were applied to rat urine samples after 1 or 0.1 mg/kg BW doses, respectively. In contrast to the GC-MS SUSA, both LC-MS SUSAs were able to detect an intake of 5-MeO-2-Me-ALCHT and 5-MeO-2-Me-DIPT via their metabolites following 1 mg/kg BW administrations and 5-MeO-2-Me-DALT following 0.1 mg/kg BW dosage. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim T Caspar
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | - Jonas B Gaab
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | - Julian A Michely
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James, Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.,The Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, 1483 Shulgin Road, Lafayette, CA, 94549, USA
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
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22
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Gracia-Lor E, Castiglioni S, Bade R, Been F, Castrignanò E, Covaci A, González-Mariño I, Hapeshi E, Kasprzyk-Hordern B, Kinyua J, Lai FY, Letzel T, Lopardo L, Meyer MR, O'Brien J, Ramin P, Rousis NI, Rydevik A, Ryu Y, Santos MM, Senta I, Thomaidis NS, Veloutsou S, Yang Z, Zuccato E, Bijlsma L. Measuring biomarkers in wastewater as a new source of epidemiological information: Current state and future perspectives. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 99:131-150. [PMID: 28038971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The information obtained from the chemical analysis of specific human excretion products (biomarkers) in urban wastewater can be used to estimate the exposure or consumption of the population under investigation to a defined substance. A proper biomarker can provide relevant information about lifestyle habits, health and wellbeing, but its selection is not an easy task as it should fulfil several specific requirements in order to be successfully employed. This paper aims to summarize the current knowledge related to the most relevant biomarkers used so far. In addition, some potential wastewater biomarkers that could be used for future applications were evaluated. For this purpose, representative chemical classes have been chosen and grouped in four main categories: (i) those that provide estimates of lifestyle factors and substance use, (ii) those used to estimate the exposure to toxicants present in the environment and food, (iii) those that have the potential to provide information about public health and illness and (iv) those used to estimate the population size. To facilitate the evaluation of the eligibility of a compound as a biomarker, information, when available, on stability in urine and wastewater and pharmacokinetic data (i.e. metabolism and urinary excretion profile) has been reviewed. Finally, several needs and recommendations for future research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Gracia-Lor
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain; IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Milan, Italy.
| | - Richard Bade
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain.
| | - Frederic Been
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Erika Castrignanò
- Deparment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Iria González-Mariño
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Milan, Italy.
| | - Evroula Hapeshi
- NIREAS-International Water Research Center, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | | | - Juliet Kinyua
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Foon Yin Lai
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Letzel
- Analytical Group, Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
| | - Luigi Lopardo
- Deparment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Jake O'Brien
- National Research Center for Environmental Toxicology, The University of Queensland, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - Pedram Ramin
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark.
| | - Nikolaos I Rousis
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Milan, Italy.
| | - Axel Rydevik
- Deparment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Yeonsuk Ryu
- Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment, Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, LA-Interdisciplinary Centre for marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Portugal; FCUP-Dept of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ivan Senta
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece.
| | - Sofia Veloutsou
- Analytical Group, Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
| | - Zhugen Yang
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, G128LT Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Ettore Zuccato
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Milan, Italy.
| | - Lubertus Bijlsma
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain.
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Identification and quantification of 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in hair by LC–MS/MS after chronic administration. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 270:39-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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24
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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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25
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Michely JA, Brandt SD, Meyer MR, Maurer HH. Biotransformation and detectability of the new psychoactive substances N,N-diallyltryptamine (DALT) derivatives 5-fluoro-DALT, 7-methyl-DALT, and 5,6-methylenedioxy-DALT in urine using GC-MS, LC-MSn, and LC-HR-MS/MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 409:1681-1695. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-0117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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26
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Molnár B, Fodor B, Csámpai A, Hidvégi E, Molnár-Perl I. Structure-related new approach in the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of cathinone type synthetic drugs. J Chromatogr A 2016; 1477:70-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2016.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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27
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Kintz P, Richeval C, Jamey C, Ameline A, Allorge D, Gaulier JM, Raul JS. Detection of the designer benzodiazepine metizolam in urine and preliminary data on its metabolism. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:1026-1033. [PMID: 27671107 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Designer benzodiazepines provide an attractive alternative to prescribed benzodiazepines for abuse purposes as they are readily available via the Internet without control. Metizolam was ordered via the Internet and a 2 mg blue tablet was orally administered to a 54-year-old man. Urine samples were collected over 6 days in polypropylene tubes. After liquid/liquid extraction at pH 9.5, metizolam was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) using a standard method devoted to benzodiazepines, and ions transitions, at m/z 328.9 > 275.0 and 328.9 > 300.0. Metizolam was detectable in hydrolyzed urine during the 46-h period, with concentrations always lower than 11 ng/mL. About 0.3% of the initial dose was excreted in urines as total unchanged metizolam during the first 24 h. The most relevant potential CYP- and UGT-dependent metabolites of metizolam were investigated in vitro using human liver microsome incubation and, subsequently, liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) analysis. Three mono-hydroxylated metabolites were produced including a hydroxylation compound at the 2-ethyl moiety of metizolam (M1) as quantitatively main metabolite, and a N-hydroxymetiazolam (M2). The structure of the third metabolite (M3) could not be elucidated because of a too low experimental production rate. Two authentic urine samples were analyzed using the same analytical method to search for metabolites of metizolam. M1, together with its glucuronide (M1-Glu), and M2 were observed in urine at the 8 h mark, whereas only M1 and M1-Glu were still detected in urine at 30 h post administration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Kintz
- X-Pertise Consulting, Oberhausbergen, France.,Institut de medicine légale, Strasbourg, France
| | - Camille Richeval
- CHU Lille, Unité Fonctionnelle de Toxicologie, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, EA 4483 - IMPECS - IMPact de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé humaine, Lille, France
| | | | | | - Delphine Allorge
- CHU Lille, Unité Fonctionnelle de Toxicologie, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, EA 4483 - IMPECS - IMPact de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé humaine, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Michel Gaulier
- CHU Lille, Unité Fonctionnelle de Toxicologie, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, EA 4483 - IMPECS - IMPact de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé humaine, Lille, France
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New psychoactive substances: an overview on recent publications on their toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:2421-44. [PMID: 27665567 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1812-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review article covers English-written and PubMed-listed review articles and original studies published between January 2015 and April 2016 dealing with the toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics of new psychoactive substances. Compounds covered include stimulants and entactogens, synthetic cannabinoids, tryptamines, NBOMes, phencyclidine-like drugs, benzodiazepines, and opioids. First, an overview and discussion is provided on timely review articles followed by an overview and discussion on recent original studies. Both sections are then concluded by an opinion on these latest developments. This review shows that the NPS market is still highly dynamic and that the data published on their toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics can hardly keep pace with the appearance of new entities. However, data available are very helpful to understand and predict how NPS may behave in severe intoxication. The currently best-documented parameter is the in vitro metabolism of NPS, a prerequisite to allow detection of NPS in biological matrices in cases of acute intoxications or chronic consumption. However, additional data such as their chronic toxicity are still lacking.
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29
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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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30
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Schaefer N, Helfer AG, Kettner M, Laschke MW, Schlote J, Ewald AH, Meyer MR, Menger MD, Maurer HH, Schmidt PH. Metabolic patterns of JWH-210, RCS-4, and THC in pig urine elucidated using LC-HR-MS/MS: Do they reflect patterns in humans? Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:613-625. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Schaefer
- Institute of Legal Medicine; Saarland University; Building 80.2 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Andreas G. Helfer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology; Saarland University; Building 46 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Mattias Kettner
- Institute of Legal Medicine; Saarland University; Building 80.2 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery; Saarland University; Building 65/66 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Julia Schlote
- Institute of Legal Medicine; Saarland University; Building 80.2 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Andreas H. Ewald
- Institute of Legal Medicine; Saarland University; Building 80.2 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Markus R. Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology; Saarland University; Building 46 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology; Heidelberg University Hospital; Im Neuenheimer Feld 410 D-69120 Heidelberg Germany
| | - Michael D. Menger
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery; Saarland University; Building 65/66 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Hans H. Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology; Saarland University; Building 46 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Peter H. Schmidt
- Institute of Legal Medicine; Saarland University; Building 80.2 D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
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31
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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: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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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Wink CSD, Michely JA, Jacobsen-Bauer A, Zapp J, Maurer HH. Diphenidine, a new psychoactive substance: metabolic fate elucidated with rat urine and human liver preparations and detectability in urine using GC-MS, LC-MSn, and LC-HR-MSn. Drug Test Anal 2016; 8:1005-1014. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carina S. D. Wink
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical; Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University; D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | - Julian A. Michely
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical; Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University; D-66421 Homburg (Saar) Germany
| | | | - Josef Zapp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology; Saarland University; D-66123 Saarbrücken 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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Mardal M, Gracia-Lor E, Leibnitz S, Castiglioni S, Meyer MR. Toxicokinetics of new psychoactive substances: plasma protein binding, metabolic stability, and human phase I metabolism of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 studied using in vitro tools and LC-HR-MS/MS. Drug Test Anal 2016; 8:1039-1048. [PMID: 26810883 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The new psychoactive substance WIN 55,212-2 ((R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(4-morpholinylmethyl)pyrrolo-[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-1-napthalenylmethanone) is a potent synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist. The metabolism of WIN 55,212-2 in man has never been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the human in vitro metabolites of WIN 55,212-2 using pooled human liver microsomes and liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS/MS) to provide targets for toxicological, doping, and environmental screening procedures. Moreover, a metabolic stability study in pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) was carried out. In total, 19 metabolites were identified and the following partly overlapping metabolic steps were deduced: degradation of the morpholine ring via hydroxylation, N- and O-dealkylation, and oxidative deamination, hydroxylations on either the naphthalene or morpholine ring or the alkyl spacer with subsequent oxidation, epoxide formation with subsequent hydrolysis, or combinations. In conclusion, WIN 55,212-2 was extensively metabolized in human liver microsomes incubations and the calculated hepatic clearance was comparably high, indicating a fast and nearly complete metabolism in vivo. This is in line with previous findings on other synthetic cannabinoids. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Mardal
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, D-66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Emma Gracia-Lor
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Svenja Leibnitz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, D-66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, D-66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany. .,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Helfer AG, Michely JA, Weber AA, Meyer MR, Maurer HH. Orbitrap technology for comprehensive metabolite-based liquid chromatographic–high resolution-tandem mass spectrometric urine drug screening – Exemplified for cardiovascular drugs. Anal Chim Acta 2015; 891:221-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2015.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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35
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Blood pressure reductions following catheter-based renal denervation are not related to improvements in adherence to antihypertensive drugs measured by urine/plasma toxicological analysis. Clin Res Cardiol 2015; 104:1097-105. [DOI: 10.1007/s00392-015-0905-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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36
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Metabolism of the new psychoactive substances N,N-diallyltryptamine (DALT) and 5-methoxy-DALT and their detectability in urine by GC–MS, LC–MS n , and LC–HR–MS–MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 407:7831-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-8955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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