1
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Uljon S. Advances in fentanyl testing. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 116:1-30. [PMID: 37852717 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2023.05.004] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that was approved by the FDA in the late 1960s. In the decades since, non-prescription use of fentanyl, its analogs, and structurally unrelated novel synthetic opioids (NSO) has become a worsening public health crisis. There is a clear need for accessible testing for these substances in biological specimens and in apprehended drugs. Immunoassays for fentanyl in urine are available but their performance is restricted to facilities that hold moderate complexity laboratory licenses. Immunoassays for other matrices such as oral fluid (OF), blood, and meconium have been developed but are not widely available. Point of care tests (POCT), such as lateral flow immunoassays or fentanyl test strips (FTS), are widely available but not approved by the FDA for clinical use. All immunoassays are vulnerable to false positive and false negative results. Immunoassays may or may not be able to detect fentanyl analogs and NSOs. Mass spectrometry (MS) can accurately and reliably measure fentanyl and its major metabolite norfentanyl in urine and oral fluid. MS is available at reference laboratories and large hospitals. Liquid chromatography paired with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the most widely used method and has outstanding specificity and sensitivity for fentanyl and norfentanyl. When compared to immunoassays, MS is more expensive, requires more technical skill, and takes longer to result. Newer mass spectrometry methods can measure fentanyl analogs and NSO. Both mass spectrometry assays and immunoassays [in the form of fentanyl test strips (FTS)] have potential use in harm reduction programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacha Uljon
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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2
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Mohr ALA, Logan BK, Fogarty MF, Krotulski AJ, Papsun DM, Kacinko SL, Huestis MA, Ropero-Miller JD. Reports of Adverse Events Associated with Use of Novel Psychoactive Substances, 2017-2020: A Review. J Anal Toxicol 2022; 46:e116-e185. [PMID: 35445267 PMCID: PMC9282356 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An important role of modern forensic and clinical toxicologists is to monitor the adverse events of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Following a prior review from 2013 to 2016, this critical literature review analyzes and evaluates published case reports for NPS from January 2017 through December 2020. The primary objective of this study is to assist in the assessment and interpretation of these cases as well as provide references for confirmation methods. Chemistry, pharmacology, adverse events and user profiles (e.g., polypharmacy) for NPS are provided including case history, clinical symptoms, autopsy findings and analytical results. Literature reviews were performed in PubMed and Google Scholar for publications using search terms such as NPS specific names, general terms (e.g., 'designer drugs' and 'novel psychoactive substances'), drug classes (e.g., 'designer stimulants') and outcome-based terms (e.g., 'overdose' and 'death'). Government and website drug surveillance databases and abstracts published by professional forensic science organizations were also searched. Toxicological data and detailed case information were extracted, tabulated, analyzed and organized by drug category. Case reports included overdose fatalities (378 cases), clinical treatment and hospitalization (771 cases) and driving under the influence of drugs (170 cases) for a total of 1,319 cases providing details of adverse events associated with NPS. Confirmed adverse events with associated toxidromes of more than 60 NPS were reported including synthetic cannabinoid, NPS stimulant, NPS hallucinogen, NPS benzodiazepine and NPS opioid cases. Fifty of these NPS were reported for the first time in January 2017 through December 2020 as compared to the previous 4 years surveyed. This study provides insight and context of case findings described in the literature and in digital government surveillance databases and websites during a recent 4-year period. This review will increase the awareness of adverse events associated with NPS use to better characterize international emerging drug threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L A Mohr
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
- NMS Labs, 200 Welsh Rd, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
| | - Melissa F Fogarty
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | | | | | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Jeri D Ropero-Miller
- RTI International, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 East Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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3
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Ling J, Zhang W, Yan X, Liu W, Wang Y, Ding Y. Sensitive detection and primary metabolism analysis of flualprazolam in blood. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 90:102388. [PMID: 35691207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Flualprazolam, a new benzodiazepine psychoactive substance recently made available online, and outside the controlled substance list, is often used by criminals for rape and robbery. In this paper, flualprazolam was successfully identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Moreover, LC-Q-TOF-MS analysis method was proposed for the determination of flualprazolam in whole blood using the rabbit perfusion model. After metabolism analysis, a monohydroxylated metabolite 3-hydroxy-flualprazolam was found in the primary mass spectrum of metabolites. Meanwhile, the time effect curve of the flualprazolam in rabbit's blood was explored and the detection window was about 36 h. Moreover, the sensitivity of the established LC-Q-TOF-MS method was investigated with the limit of detection of 0.03 ng/mL. The successful analysis of an actual forensic case with this established method suggests that it might provide a reference method for drug detection or supervision in law enforcement agencies and identification institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ling
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenqi Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaojun Yan
- Institute of Forensic Science, Public Security Department of Hunan Province, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenlong Liu
- Institute of Criminal Science and Technology of Changsha Public Security Bureau, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, People's Republic of China, 100192, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjun Ding
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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4
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West H, Fitzgerald JL, Hopkins KL, Leeming MG, DiRago M, Gerostamoulos D, Clark N, Dietze P, White JM, Ziogas J, Reid GE. Trace Residue Identification, Characterization and Longitudinal Monitoring of the Novel Synthetic Opioid β-U10, from Discarded Drug Paraphernalia. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1576-1586. [PMID: 35562123 PMCID: PMC9542064 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Empirical data regarding dynamic alterations in illicit drug supply markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the potential for introduction of novel drug substances and/or increased poly-drug combination use at the 'street' level, i.e., directly proximal to the point of consumption, is currently lacking. Here, a high-throughput strategy employing ambient ionization-mass spectrometry is described for the trace residue identification, characterization and longitudinal monitoring of illicit drug substances found within >6,600 discarded drug paraphernalia (DDP) samples collected during a pilot study of an early warning system for illicit drug use in Melbourne, Australia from August 2020-February 2021, while significant COVID-19 lockdown conditions were imposed. The utility of this approach is demonstrated for the de novo identification and structural characterization of β-U10, a previously unreported naphthamide analogue within the 'U-series' of synthetic opioid drugs, including differentiation from its α-U10 isomer without need for sample preparation or chromatographic separation prior to analysis. Notably, β-U10 was observed with 23 other drug substances, most commonly in temporally distinct clusters with heroin, etizolam and diphenhydramine, and in a total of 182 different poly-drug combinations. Longitudinal monitoring of the number and weekly 'average signal intensity' (ASI) values of identified substances, developed here as a semi-quantitative proxy indicator of changes in availability, relative purity and compositions of street level drug samples, revealed that increases in the number of identifications and ASI for β-U10 and etizolam coincided with a 50% decrease in the number of positive detections and an order of magnitude decrease in the ASI for heroin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry West
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - John L Fitzgerald
- School of Social and Political Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine L Hopkins
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,School of Social and Political Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael G Leeming
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew DiRago
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dimitri Gerostamoulos
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicolas Clark
- North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia.,Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- National Drug Research Institute and enAble Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan M White
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - James Ziogas
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gavin E Reid
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Shafi A, Berry AJ, Sumnall H, Wood DM, Tracy DK. Synthetic opioids: a review and clinical update. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2022; 12:20451253221139616. [PMID: 36532866 PMCID: PMC9747888 DOI: 10.1177/20451253221139616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The term 'opioids' refers to both the natural compounds ('opiates') which are extracted from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) and their semi-synthetic and synthetic derivatives. They all possess relatively similar biochemical profiles and interact with the opioid receptors within the human body to produce a wide range of physiological effects. They have historically been used for medicinal purposes, their analgesic and sedative effects, and in the management of chronic and severe pain. They have also been used for non-medicinal and recreational purposes to produce feelings of relaxation, euphoria and well-being. Over the last decade, the emergence of an illegal market in new synthetic opioids has become a major global public health issue, associated with a substantial increase in unintentional overdoses and drug-related deaths. Synthetic opioids include fentanyl, its analogues and emerging non-fentanyl opioids. Their popularity relates to changes in criminal markets, pricing, potency, availability compared to classic opioids, ease of transport and use, rapid effect and lack of detection by conventional testing technologies. This article expands on our previous review on new psychoactive substances. We now provide a more in-depth review on synthetic opioids and explore the current challenges faced by people who use drugs, healthcare professionals, and global public health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Shafi
- South West London and Saint George's Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alex J Berry
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - David M Wood
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Derek K Tracy
- West London NHS Trust, Trust Headquarters, 1 Armstrong Way, Southall UB2 4SD, UK
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6
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Brunetti P, Pirani F, Carlier J, Giorgetti R, Busardò FP, Lo Faro AF. A 2017-2019 Update on Acute Intoxications and Fatalities from Illicit Fentanyl and Analogs. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:537-554. [PMID: 32860688 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to report the most recent cases of acute intoxication, fatalities and "driving under the influence" cases, involving illicit fentanyl and its newest analogs. When available, information on age, sex, circumstances of exposure, intoxication symptoms, cause of death (if applicable) and toxicology results from biological fluid testing was described. Scientific publications reporting fatalities or acute intoxications involving use of fentanyl derivatives were identified from PubMed, Scopus and institutional/governmental websites from January 2017 up to December 2019. The search terms, used alone and in combination, were as follows: fentanyl, street fentanyl, analogs, compounds, derivatives, abuse, fatality, fatalities, death, toxicity, intoxication and adverse effects. When considered relevant, reports not captured by the initial search but cited in other publications were also included. Of the 2890 sources initially found, only 44 were suitable for the review. Emergent data showed that the most common analogs detected in biological samples and seized materials are acetylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, butyrfentanyl, carfentanil, cyclopropylfentanyl, fluorofentanyl, 4-fluorobutyrfentanyl, 4-fluoroisobutyrfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, 2-methoxyacetylfentanyl, 3-methylfentanyl and ocfentanil. These compounds were frequently administered in association with other illicit substances, medicinal drugs and/or alcohol; patients and the victims often had a previous history of drug abuse. The trend of fentanyl analogs is rapidly evolving with illicit market fluctuations. Since information about potency and lethal dosage are frequently unknown, it is important to identify the new trends for further investigation on therapeutic use, toxicity and fatal doses, and implement public health measures. Recently marketed fentanyl analogs such as crotonylfentanyl and valerylfentanyl were not involved in intoxications to date, but should be carefully monitored. Many intoxications and fatalities might have gone unnoticed, and research efforts should focus on metabolite identification studies and the implementation of updated and comprehensive analytical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Brunetti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Filippo Pirani
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Jeremy Carlier
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
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7
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Lau JKC, Romanov V, Lukow S, Hopkinson AC, Verkerk UH. Cations Derived from Fentanyls Generated by Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization in the Presence of Ammonia: An IMS-MS Study. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:1700-1706. [PMID: 34143623 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.1c00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A set of fentanyl molecules when subjected to vacuum UV atmospheric pressure photoionization (VUV-APPI) in the presence of dopants (ammonia and anisole) shows two major bands in the ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) spectrum corresponding to (a) the protonated fentanyl, [M+H]+ and (b) a unique [M-74]+ ion. For the parent fentanyl, the [M-74]+ ion is at m/z 262 but, in the absence of ammonia, the product ion is shifted to m/z 245, corresponding to a difference of NH3. Collision-induced dissociations (CID) of the [M-74]+ ions for all the different fentanyls examined here show the same pattern of neutral losses, namely NH3 and HN=CH2, and the dominant product ion is at m/z 84 (shifted to m/z 98 for 3-methylfentanyl and m/z 142 and 231 for carfentanyl). Dissociation of the [M-74-NH3]+ ion derived from the fentanyls yields the same product ions as found in the electron impact (EI) ionization spectra of the fentanyls. The dissociation products of the [M-74-HN=CH2]+ ion are different, include the ion at m/z 84, and correspond to the fragmentation products of protonated norfentanyls. Theoretical modeling supports the opening of new fragmentation channels as a result of the reaction of the initially formed iminium cation with ammonia at atmospheric pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Kai-Chi Lau
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Vladimir Romanov
- Rapiscan Systems, 23 Frontage Road, Andover, Massachusetts 01810, United States
| | - Stefan Lukow
- Rapiscan Systems, 23 Frontage Road, Andover, Massachusetts 01810, United States
| | - Alan C Hopkinson
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Udo H Verkerk
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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8
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Valdez CA. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Synthetic Opioids Belonging to the Fentanyl Class: A Review. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2021; 52:1938-1968. [PMID: 34053394 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2021.1927668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The rising number of deaths caused by fentanyl overdosing in the US due to the overwhelming illicit use of this synthetic opioid has started a global campaign to develop efficient ways to control its production and distribution as well as discovering efficient antidotes to mitigate its lethal effects. Another important vein of focused research established by various agencies lies in the development of efficient and practical protocols for the detection of this opioid and analogs thereof in various matrices, whether environmental or biological in nature, particularly in the field of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The following review will cover the literature dealing with the detection and identification of synthetic opioids belonging to the fentanyl class by GC-MS means and hyphenated versions of the technique. Detailed descriptions will be given for the GC-MS methods employed for the analysis of the opioid, starting with the nature of the extraction protocol employed prior to analysis to the actual findings presented by the cited reports. Great effort has gone into describing the methods involved in each paper in a detailed manner and these have been compiled by year in tables at the end of each section for the reader's convenience. Lastly, the review will end with concluding remarks about the state of GC-MS analysis with regards to these powerful opioids and what lies ahead for this analytical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Valdez
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Forensic Science Center, Livermore, California, USA.,Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA.,Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, USA
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9
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Zebrafish early life stages as alternative model to study 'designer drugs': Concordance with mammals in response to opioids. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 419:115483. [PMID: 33722667 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the illicit drug market increases fast, posing a need to urgently understand their toxicity and behavioural effects. However, with currently available rodent models, NPS assessment is limited to a few substances per year. Therefore, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae have been suggested as an alternative model that would require less time and resources to perform an initial assessment and could help to prioritize substances for subsequent evaluation in rodents. To validate this model, more information on the concordance of zebrafish larvae and mammalian responses to specific classes of NPS is needed. Here, we studied toxicity and behavioural effects of opioids in zebrafish early life stages. Synthetic opioids are a class of NPS that are often used in pain medication but also frequently abused, having caused multiple intoxications and fatalities recently. Our data shows that fentanyl derivatives were the most toxic among the tested opioids, with toxicity in the zebrafish embryo toxicity test decreasing in the following order: butyrfentanyl>3-methylfentanyl>fentanyl>tramadol> O-desmethyltramadol>morphine. Similar to rodents, tramadol as well as fentanyl and its derivatives led to hypoactive behaviour in zebrafish larvae, with 3-methylfentanyl being the most potent. Physico-chemical properties-based predictions of chemicals' uptake into zebrafish embryos and larvae correlated well with the effects observed. Further, the biotransformation pattern of butyrfentanyl in zebrafish larvae was reminiscent of that in humans. Comparison of toxicity and behavioural responses to opioids in zebrafish and rodents supports zebrafish as a suitable alternative model for rapidly testing synthetic opioids.
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10
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W De Silva I, Couch AN, Verbeck GF. Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry Utilized with a Synthetic Microporous Polyolefin Silica Matrix Substrate in the Rapid Detection and Identification of More than 190 Synthetic Fentanyl Analogs. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:420-428. [PMID: 33296202 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fentanyl and its related synthetic analogs have recently become more readily available as a growing threat to public safety, such as pain relief and anesthetics. Sources of fentanyl are more likely to be illicitly manufactured than pharmaceutically manufactured and are often laced with other opioids, which ultimately increases the potency of fentanyl and results in an increased number of overdose deaths. The methods used to detect these compounds safely and quickly are of high interest due to their extreme potency. This study investigates the use of paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS), which is a simple atmospheric ionization process that can be used as a rapid study (60 s) with limited sample preparation and sample handling. PS-MS can be utilized with a synthetic microporous polyolefin silica matrix substrate, known as Teslin, which is manufactured by PPG Industries. The main characteristic of paper spray ionization with the Teslin substrate is the hydrophobicity, which is useful for a fast and direct analysis requiring only 1 μg of the sample. The application of this novel synthetic substrate to PS-MS has been illustrated with a fentanyl analog screening kit (FAS Kit), which was designed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the screening of 212 evolving synthetic opioids, including more than 190 fentanyl analogs. The comparable fragmentation with precursor molecule mass data from this study can be useful in improving the accurate detection and structural characterization of complex samples with a minimum interference of the isobaric components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imesha W De Silva
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
| | - Alleigh Nicole Couch
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
| | - Guido F Verbeck
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
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11
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Identification and Analytical Characterization of a Novel Synthetic Cannabinoid-Type Substance in Herbal Material in Europe. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26040793. [PMID: 33546439 PMCID: PMC7913736 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid diffusion of new psychoactive substances (NPS) presents unprecedented challenges to both customs authorities and analytical laboratories involved in their detection and characterization. In this study an analytical approach to the identification and structural elucidation of a novel synthetic cannabimimetic, quinolin-8-yl-3-[(4,4-difluoropiperidin-1-yl) sulfonyl]-4-methylbenzoate (2F-QMPSB), detected in seized herbal material, is detailed. An acid precursor 4-methyl-3-(4,4-difluoro-1-piperidinylsulfonyl) benzoic acid (2F-MPSBA), has also been identified in the same seized material. After extraction from the herbal material the synthetic cannabimimetic, also referred to as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists or “synthetic cannabinoids”, was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 1H, 13C, 19F and 15N nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-MS/MS) combined with chromatographic separation. A cheminformatics platform was used to manage and interpret the analytical data from these techniques.
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12
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Sethuvasan S, Sugumar P, Ponnuswamy M, Ponnuswamy S. Synthesis, spectral characterization, solution and solid-state conformations of N-nitroso-2,7-diaryl-1,4-diazepan-5-ones by NMR and XRD studies. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.129002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Feeney W, Moorthy AS, Sisco E. Spectral trends in GC-EI-MS data obtained from the SWGDRUG mass spectral library and literature: A resource for the identification of unknown compounds. Forensic Chem 2020; 31:10.1016/j.forc.2022.100459. [PMID: 36578315 PMCID: PMC9793444 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2022.100459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Rapid identification of new or emerging psychoactive substances remains a critical challenge in forensic drug chemistry laboratories. Current analytical protocols are well-designed for confirmation of known substances yet struggle when new compounds are encountered. Many laboratories initially attempt to classify new compounds using gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS). Though there is a large body of research focused on the analysis of illicit substances with GC-EI-MS, there is little high-level discussion of mass spectral trends for different classes of drugs. This manuscript compiles literature information and performs simple exploratory analyses on evaluated GC-EI-MS data to investigate mass spectral trends for illicit substance classes. Additionally, this work offers other important aspects: brief discussions of how each class of drugs is used; illustrations of EI mass spectra with proposed structures of commonly observed ions; and summaries of mass spectral trends that can help an analyst classify new illicit compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Feeney
- Corresponding author at: Surface and Trace Chemical Analysis Group, Material Measurement Laboratory, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA. (W. Feeney)
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14
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15
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Eshleman AJ, Nagarajan S, Wolfrum KM, Reed JF, Nilsen A, Torralva R, Janowsky A. Affinity, potency, efficacy, selectivity, and molecular modeling of substituted fentanyls at opioid receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 182:114293. [PMID: 33091380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Substituted fentanyls are abused and cause rapid fatal overdose. As their pharmacology is not well characterized, we examined in vitro pharmacology and structure-activity relationships of 22 substituted fentanyls with modifications of the fentanyl propyl group, and conducted in silico receptor/ligand modeling. Affinities for mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors (MOR, KOR, and DOR, respectively) heterologously expressed in mammalian cells were assessed in agonist radioligand binding assays. At MOR, furanyl fentanyl had higher affinity than fentanyl, while acryl, isobutyryl and cyclopropyl fentanyls had similar affinities. Comparing affinities, thiophene and methoxyacetyl fentanyls had highest selectivity for MOR (2520- and 2730-fold compared to KOR and DOR, respectively). Functional activities were assessed using [35S]GTPγS binding assays. At MOR, furanyl fentanyl had higher potency and 11 substituted fentanyls had similar high potencies compared to fentanyl. Eight compounds were full agonists of MOR and twelve compounds were partial agonists, with efficacies from 8.8% (phenyl fentanyl) to 60.2% (butyryl fentanyl). All efficacious compounds had selective functional potency for MOR. The predicted binding poses of flexible fentanyl and rigid morphine against MOR show partially overlapping binding pockets, with fentanyl maintaining additional interaction with the transmembrane (TM) 2 helix. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations revealed a predominant fentanyl binding pose involving various TM interactions. The piperidine nitrogen of substituted fentanyls establishes a salt-bridge with the conserved D-1473.32 residue and the propanamide carbonyl group establishes a hydrogen bond with the indole side-chain (-NH) of W-3187.35. The simulation suggests theN-linked phenethyl group may regulate the rotameric switch of W-2936.48. The predicted binding pose, in conjunction with in vitro binding affinity, clarified the molecular basis of the binding/selectivity profile of furanyl fentanyl and other derivatives at the sequence level. In summary, substituted fentanyls with high MOR potencies, selectivities, and efficacies are likely to have abuse and overdose potential. The work presented here is a prototype to investigate fentanyl derivatives and their abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Eshleman
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Shanthi Nagarajan
- Medicinal Chemistry Core, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Katherine M Wolfrum
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - John F Reed
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- Medicinal Chemistry Core, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Randy Torralva
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Aaron Janowsky
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; The Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
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16
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Hassanien SH, Bassman JR, Perrien Naccarato CM, Twarozynski JJ, Traynor JR, Iula DM, Anand JP. In vitro pharmacology of fentanyl analogs at the human mu opioid receptor and their spectroscopic analysis. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1212-1221. [PMID: 32415719 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are widely misused and account for almost half of overdose deaths in the United States. The cost in terms of lives, health care, and lost productivity is significant and has been declared a national crisis. Fentanyl is a highly potent mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonist and plays a significant role in the current opioid epidemic; fentanyl and its analogs (fentalogs) are increasingly becoming one of the biggest dangers in the opioid crisis. The availability of fentalogs in the illicit market is thought to play a significant role in the recent increase in opioid-related deaths. Although there is both rodent homolog in vivo and in vitro data for some fentalogs, prior to this publication very little was known about the pharmacology of many of these illicit compounds at the human MOR (hMOR). Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and in vitro assays, this study describes the spectral and pharmacological properties of 34 fentalogs. The reported spectra and chemical data will allow for easy identification of novel fentalogs in unknown or mixed samples. Taken together these data are useful for law enforcement and clinical workers as they will aid in the identification of fentalogs in unknown samples and can potentially be used to predict physiological effects after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Jessica P Anand
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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17
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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18
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Davidson JT, Sasiene ZJ, Jackson GP. The influence of chemical modifications on the fragmentation behavior of fentanyl and fentanyl‐related compounds in electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:957-967. [PMID: 32246896 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Tyler Davidson
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science West Virginia University Morgantown WV USA
| | - Zachary J. Sasiene
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry West Virginia University Morgantown WV USA
| | - Glen P. Jackson
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science West Virginia University Morgantown WV USA
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry West Virginia University Morgantown WV USA
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19
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Davidson JT, Sasiene ZJ, Jackson GP. The characterization of isobaric product ions of fentanyl using multi‐stage mass spectrometry, high‐resolution mass spectrometry and isotopic labeling. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:496-503. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Tyler Davidson
- Department of Forensic and Investigative ScienceWest Virginia University Morgantown WV USA
| | - Zachary J. Sasiene
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of ChemistryWest Virginia University Morgantown WV USA
| | - Glen P. Jackson
- Department of Forensic and Investigative ScienceWest Virginia University Morgantown WV USA
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of ChemistryWest Virginia University Morgantown WV USA
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20
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Distinguishing Between Cyclopropylfentanyl and Crotonylfentanyl by Methods Commonly Available in the Forensic Laboratory. Ther Drug Monit 2020; 41:519-527. [PMID: 30807539 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid analgesic fentanyl and its analogues pose a major health concern due to its high potency and the increasing number of overdose deaths worldwide. The analogues of fentanyl may differ in potency, toxicity, and legal status, and it is therefore important to develop analytical methods for their correct identification. This can be challenging since many fentanyl analogues are structural isomers. Two fentanyl isomers that have been in the spotlight lately due to difficulties regarding separation and identification are cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl, which have been reported to display nearly identical fragmentation patterns and chromatographic behavior. METHODS Chromatographic separation of cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography was investigated using 3 different stationary phases (high strength silica T3, ethylsiloxane/silica hybrid C18, and Kinetex biphenyl) using gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of 10 mM ammonium formate pH 3.1 and MeOH. Detection was performed by tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, the major metabolites of the 2 compounds formed on incubation with human liver microsomes were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis. RESULTS Baseline separation of cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl was achieved on the ethylsiloxane/silica hybrid C18 column with retention times of 6.79 and 7.35 minutes, respectively. The major metabolites of the 2 analogues formed by human liver microsomes differed, with the main biotransformation being N-dealkylation and carboxylation for cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl, respectively. We demonstrated the usefulness of the 2 approaches by unambiguously identifying cyclopropylfentanyl, as well as its metabolites, in 2 authentic postmortem blood samples. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we successfully demonstrated that cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl can be distinguished by methods commonly available in forensic laboratories.
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21
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Nan Q, Hejian W, Ping X, Baohua S, Junbo Z, Hongxiao D, Huosheng Q, Fenyun S, Yan S. Investigation of Fragmentation Pathways of Fentanyl Analogues and Novel Synthetic Opioids by Electron Ionization High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Electrospray Ionization High-Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2020; 31:277-291. [PMID: 31939667 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.9b00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The global drug market is characterized by the fast development of new psychoactive substances such as fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids, the detection of which is complicated by the lack of appropriate quality control procedures and references. Herein, we analyze the fragmentation pathways and characteristic ions of 25 novel fentanyl analogues and 5 novel synthetic opioids by electron ionization (EI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) high-resolution mass spectrometry to provide a reference for the identification of these species. In the ESI mode, fentanyl analogues mainly undergo piperidine ring degradation, phenethyl and piperidine ring dissociation, and piperidine ring and amide moiety cleavage, while piperidine ring degradation and phenethyl and piperidine ring dissociation are the major pathways in the EI mode. The five novel synthetic opioids largely undergo amide group dissociation and N-cyclohexyl bond cleavage in the ESI mode. Thus, this work facilitates the detection and quantitation of fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids or other substances with similar structures in forensic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Nan
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
- School of Pharmacy , Guangdong Pharmaceutical University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Wu Hejian
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Xiang Ping
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Shen Baohua
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Zhao Junbo
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Deng Hongxiao
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Qiang Huosheng
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Song Fenyun
- School of Pharmacy , Guangdong Pharmaceutical University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Shi Yan
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
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22
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23
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Oldenhof S, Ten Pierick A, Bruinsma J, Eustace S, Hulshof J, van den Berg J, Hoitink M. Identification of a novel fentanyl analog: p-Hydroxy-butyrylfentanyl. Drug Test Anal 2019; 12:152-155. [PMID: 31518047 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephen Eustace
- TU Delft/Department of Biotechnology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marnix Hoitink
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
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24
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Tabarra I, Soares S, Rosado T, Gonçalves J, Luís Â, Malaca S, Barroso M, Keller T, Restolho J, Gallardo E. Novel synthetic opioids - toxicological aspects and analysis. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 4:111-140. [PMID: 31304442 PMCID: PMC6609355 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2019.1588933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, there has been an emerging number of new psychoactive drugs. These drugs are frequently mentioned as "legal highs", "herbal highs", "bath salts" and "research chemicals". They are mostly sold and advertised on online forums and on the dark web. The emerging new psychoactive substances are designed to mimic the effects of psychoactive groups, which are often abused drugs. Novel synthetic opioids are a new trend in this context and represent an alarming threat to public health. Given the wide number of fatalities related to these compounds reported within the last few years, it is an important task to accurately identify these compounds in biologic matrices in order to administer an effective treatment and reverse the respiratory depression caused by opioid related substances. Clinicians dealing with fentanyl intoxication cases should consider that it could, in fact, be a fentanyl analogue. For this reason, it is a helpful recommendation to include synthetic opioids in the routine toxicological screening procedures, including analysis in alternative matrices, if available, to investigate poly-drug use and possible tolerance to opioids. To address this public health problem, better international collaboration, effective legislation, effective investigation, control of suspicious "research chemicals" online forums and continuous community alertness are required. This article aims to review diverse reported fatalities associated with new synthetic opioids describing them in terms of pharmacology, metabolism, posology, available forms, as well as their toxic effects, highlighting the sample procedures and analytical techniques available for their detection and quantification in biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Tabarra
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sofia Soares
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia - UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tiago Rosado
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia - UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sara Malaca
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia - UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mário Barroso
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Delegação do Sul, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Thomas Keller
- Departament of Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Salzburg, Austria
| | - José Restolho
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- nal von minden GmbH, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia - UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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25
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Klingberg J, Cawley A, Shimmon R, Fu S. Collision-Induced Dissociation Studies of Synthetic Opioids for Non-targeted Analysis. Front Chem 2019; 7:331. [PMID: 31139620 PMCID: PMC6527801 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The continual introduction of a large number of new psychoactive substances, along with the large turnover of these substances, necessitates the development of non-targeted detection strategies to keep pace with the ever-changing drug market. The production of certified reference materials often lags behind the introduction of new substances to the market, therefore these detection strategies need to be able to function without relying on reference materials or library spectra. Synthetic opioids have recently emerged as a drug class of particular concern due to the health issues caused by their incredibly high potency. A common method which has been used for non-targeted analysis in the past involves the identification of common product ions formed as a result of the fragmentation of the parent molecule. These common fragments can then potentially be used as markers to indicate the presence of a particular class of compounds within a sample. In this study, standards of a number of different synthetic opioids, including 14 fentanyl derivatives, 7 AH series opioids, 4 U series opioids, 4 W series opioids and MT-45, were subjected to collision-induced dissociation studies to determine how the compounds fragment. The spectra obtained from these studies included a number of diagnostic fragments common to the different opioid classes that, when used in combination, show potential for use as class predictors. By using simple data processing techniques, such as extracted ion chromatograms, these diagnostic product ions identified can be applied to a non-targeted screening workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Klingberg
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam Cawley
- Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, Racing NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ronald Shimmon
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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26
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Buchalter S, Marginean I, Yohannan J, Lurie IS. Gas chromatography with tandem cold electron ionization mass spectrometric detection and vacuum ultraviolet detection for the comprehensive analysis of fentanyl analogues. J Chromatogr A 2019; 1596:183-193. [PMID: 30876740 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Fentanyl and its derivatives are amongst the ever-growing list of emerging drugs which are impinging on current traditional analytical techniques employed in forensic laboratories. To avoid current regulations, fentanyl analogues are being illicitly synthesized by slight alterations of functional groups to the fentanyl skeleton leading to inaccurate identifications, thus posing the greatest challenge to laboratories. In this study, a novel analytical technique is presented in which gas chromatography (GC) is interfaced with both cold electron ionization mass spectrometric (cold EI MS) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) detection by the means of a flow splitter for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of twenty-four fentanyl analogues, including seven sets of positional isomers. For most of the twenty-four analogues, enhanced molecular ions were obtained with at least 1% intensity relative to base peak. In addition to enhanced molecular ions, the GC-cold EI MS maintained fragmentation pathways observed by GCMS with classical electron ionization. For the most part, VUV detection resulted in unique VUV spectra for fentanyl analogues including positional isomers. The combination of these two complementary detectors in tandem with the high resolving power of the gas chromatograph, allows for higher confidence in analyte identification by the combination of retention times, cold EI mass spectra and VUV spectra. The preferred method for quantitation was based on VUV detection and offered excellent determination coefficients (R2≥0.999) for most analytes over two orders of magnitude dynamic range, without the need for deuterated internal standards. For both run-to-run and day-to-day repeatability studies, at moderate solute concentrations, the correct fentanyl related compound was identified in almost every instance from a library containing all the fentanyl analogues plus hundreds of other analytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Buchalter
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Ioan Marginean
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Joshua Yohannan
- Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner, 1520 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 USA
| | - Ira S Lurie
- The George Washington University, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA.
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27
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Jannetto PJ, Helander A, Garg U, Janis GC, Goldberger B, Ketha H. The Fentanyl Epidemic and Evolution of Fentanyl Analogs in the United States and the European Union. Clin Chem 2019; 65:242-253. [DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2017.281626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Since 2013, an unprecedented surge in fentanyl overdose deaths has been caused by heroin laced with illicitly produced fentanyl and/or fentanyl analogs (FAs) sold as heroin. The US Drug Enforcement Agency's National Forensic Laboratory Information System reported a >300% increase in fentanyl encounters from 4697 in 2014 to 14440 in 2015. In 2015, the CDC reported 9580 deaths caused by synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, a 72% increase from 2014. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction has also encountered several new FAs in the heroin supply. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals containing mixtures of fentanyl and FAs continue to be a poorly recognized worldwide problem despite the WHO classifying several FAs as a serious threat to public health.
CONTENT
This review covers the epidemiology of fentanyl abuse and discusses the clinical practice implications of widespread fentanyl abuse. It includes a historical perspective on the illicit FAs that have appeared in the US and European Union and reviews the methods available to identify FAs and emerging technologies useful for identifying previously undescribed analogs. A compilation of structural and mass spectral data on FAs reported thus far is provided.
SUMMARY
Fentanyl and FAs have evolved into a global public health threat. It is important to understand the analytical, clinical, and regulatory efforts underway to assist communities affected by the current fentanyl epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Jannetto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Anders Helander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Uttam Garg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO
| | - Gregory C Janis
- MedTox Laboratories, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, St. Paul, MN
| | - Bruce Goldberger
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Hemamalini Ketha
- Mass Spectrometry and Toxicology, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Burlington, NC
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28
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Roda G, Faggiani F, Bolchi C, Pallavicini M, Dei Cas M. Ten Years of Fentanyl-like Drugs: a Technical-analytical Review. ANAL SCI 2019; 35:479-491. [PMID: 30686797 DOI: 10.2116/analsci.18r004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and its analogues, are a new public health warning. Clandestine laboratories produce drug analogues at a faster rate than these compounds can be controlled or scheduled by drug agencies. Detection requires specific testing and clinicians may be confronted with a sequence of severe issues concerning the diagnosis and management of these contemporary opioid overdoses. This paper deals with methods for biological sample treatment, as well as the methodologies of analysis that have been reported, in the last decade, in the field of fentanyl-like compounds. From this analysis, it emerges that the gold standard for the identification and quantification of 4-anilinopiperidines is LC-MS/MS, coupled with liquid-liquid or solid-phase extraction. In the end, the return to the scene of illicit fentanyls can be considered as a critical problem that can be tackled only with a global multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Roda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan
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29
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Lovrecic B, Lovrecic M, Gabrovec B, Carli M, Pacini M, Maremmani AGI, Maremmani I. Non-Medical Use of Novel Synthetic Opioids: A New Challenge to Public Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16020177. [PMID: 30634521 PMCID: PMC6352208 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16020177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: In the last decade there has been a progressive increase in the use of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) that are not yet under international control. In particular, novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) have reappeared on the recreational drug market in the last few years. As a result, the use of NSOs has increased rapidly. This poses an emerging and demanding challenge to public health. Aim: To raise awareness among clinicians and other professionals about NPSs, especially NSOs, to summarize current knowledge about pharmacological properties, forms of NSO on the market, pattern of use, effects and consequences of use. Methods: An electronic search was carried out on the Medline/PubMed and Google Scholar databases to find selected search terms. Results: Some NPSs are already controlled, while others can be legally sold directly on the drug market (mainly via internet, less so by drug dealers) or be used as precursors for the synthesis of other designer drugs that mimic the psychoactive effects of controlled substances. Potential side-effects of NSOs include miosis, sedation, respiratory depression, hypothermia, inhibition of gastrointestinal propulsion, death (from opioid overdose). Conclusions: The severity of the opioid crisis has intensified with the introduction of highly potent NSOs on the drug market. As long as addicts are dying from overdose or similar causes, there is something more constructive to do than waiting for addicts to overdose on heroin at a place located near a remedy, as if to say, within reach of naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mercedes Lovrecic
- National Institute of Public Health, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Centre for Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Izola Health Centre, 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
| | - Branko Gabrovec
- National Institute of Public Health, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Marco Carli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Matteo Pacini
- G. De Lisio Institute of Behavioral Sciences, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Angelo G I Maremmani
- Department of Psychiatry, North-Western Tuscany Region NHS Local Health Unit, Versilia Zone, 55049 Viareggio, Italy.
- Association for the Application of Neuroscientific Knowledge to Social Aims (AU-CNS), Pietrasanta, 55045 Lucca, Italy.
| | - Icro Maremmani
- G. De Lisio Institute of Behavioral Sciences, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
- Association for the Application of Neuroscientific Knowledge to Social Aims (AU-CNS), Pietrasanta, 55045 Lucca, Italy.
- Vincent P. Dole Dual Disorder Unit, Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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Addressing the Fentanyl Analogue Epidemic by Multiplex UHPLC-MS/MS Analysis of Whole Blood. Ther Drug Monit 2018; 40:738-748. [DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Illicit fentanyl and its analogues are very dangerous synthetic opioids, with high abuse potential and severe adverse effects including coma and death. They are used as adulterants in street heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, or as heroin substitutes sold to unaware users with a high risk of overdoses. Fentanyl and its analogues have also been identified in counterfeit medicinal products, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and alprazolam tablets, or as components of speedball mixtures together with cocaine or other stimulants. In recent years, a number of epidemics involving acute intoxications and deaths related to illicit fentanyl or its analogues have occurred in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan. In several cases, fatalities involved polysubstance use. A review of the most recent case reports or case series of acute intoxications and fatalities involving illicit fentanyl and its newest analogues is herein provided, together with the available information on intoxication symptoms, eventual death cause, and metabolites detected in different biological fluids and reported concentrations.
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Barbosa LDM, Santos JM, de Morais DR, Nimtz AV, Eberlin MN, de Oliveira MF, Costa JL. Fast UHPLC-MS/MS method for analysis of furanylfentanyl in different seized blotter papers. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:178-183. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lilian de Melo Barbosa
- Technical-Scientific Police Superintendence; Criminalistics Institute; Campinas São Paulo Brazil
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras; University of São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto São Paulo Brazil
| | - Jandyson Machado Santos
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory; University of Campinas, Institute of Chemistry; Campinas São Paulo Brazil
- Chemistry Department; Federal Rural University of Pernambuco; Recife Pernambuco Brazil
| | - Damila Rodrigues de Morais
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory; University of Campinas, Institute of Chemistry; Campinas São Paulo Brazil
| | - Alessandra Valério Nimtz
- Technical-Scientific Police Superintendence; Criminalistics Institute; Campinas São Paulo Brazil
| | - Marcos Nogueira Eberlin
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory; University of Campinas, Institute of Chemistry; Campinas São Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Campinas; Campinas São Paulo Brazil
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McBride EM, Verbeck GF. A Mass Spectrometer in Every Fume Hood. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2018; 29:1555-1566. [PMID: 29881996 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-018-1964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Since their inception, mass spectrometers have played a pivotal role in the direction and application of synthetic chemical research. The ability to develop new instrumentation to solve current analytical challenges in this area has always been at the heart of mass spectrometry, although progress has been slow at times. Herein, we briefly review the history of how mass spectrometry has been used to approach challenges in organic chemistry, how new developments in portable instrumentation and ambient ionization have been used to open novel areas of research, and how current techniques have the ability to expand on our knowledge of synthetic mechanisms and kinetics. Lastly, we discuss the relative paucity of work done in recent years to embrace the concept of improving benchtop synthetic chemistry with mass spectrometry, the disconnect between applications and fundamentals within these studies, and what hurdles still need to be overcome. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan M McBride
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, TX,, 76203, USA
| | - Guido F Verbeck
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, TX,, 76203, USA.
- CHEM 195, 1508 West Mulberry Street, Denton, TX, 76201, USA.
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35
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Qin D, Li L, Li J, Li J, Zhao D, Li Y, Li B, Zhang X. A New Compound Isolated from the Reduced Ribose-Tryptophan Maillard Reaction Products Exhibits Distinct Anti-inflammatory Activity. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:6752-6761. [PMID: 29895144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b01561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a compound of 532.24 Da named BF-4 was separated from the ribose-tryptophan Maillard reaction products by solvent extraction and purified through reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The purified compound BF-4 was identified as 3-((1 H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-8-(5-((1 H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-6-oxomorpholin-2-yl)-9-hydroxy-1,7,4-dioxazecan-2-one in accordance with 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra and LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. BF-4 significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. It inhibited nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation through suppressing phosphorylation of IκBα, P65, P38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). The anti-inflammatory activity of BF-4 was comparable to dexamethasone, and more importantly, BF-4 showed less cytotoxicity than dexamethasone on the normal human liver cell LO2. The results indicate that BF-4 is a promising anti-inflammatory agent with pharmaceutical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qin
- College of Food Science and Engineering , South China University of Technology , 381 Wushan Road , Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640 , China
- College of Food Science and Engineering , Anhui Science and Technology University , Bengbu 233100 , China
| | - Lin Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering , South China University of Technology , 381 Wushan Road , Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640 , China
- School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology , Dongguan University of Technology , Dongguan 523808 , China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety , 381 Wushan Road , Guangzhou 510640 , China
| | - Jing Li
- Center for Molecular Metabolism , Nanjing University of Science and Technology , 200 Xiaolingwei Street , Nanjing 210094 , China
| | - Jinlong Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou 510515 , China
| | - Di Zhao
- College of Food Science and Engineering , South China University of Technology , 381 Wushan Road , Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640 , China
| | - Yuting Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology , Dongguan University of Technology , Dongguan 523808 , China
| | - Bing Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering , South China University of Technology , 381 Wushan Road , Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640 , China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety , 381 Wushan Road , Guangzhou 510640 , China
| | - Xia Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering , South China University of Technology , 381 Wushan Road , Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640 , China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety , 381 Wushan Road , Guangzhou 510640 , China
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36
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Kimergård A, Dunne J, Bøgen A, Hindersson P, Breindahl T. Characteristics of opioid-maintained clients smoking fentanyl patches: The importance of confirmatory drug analysis illustrated by a case series and mini-review. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:917-926. [PMID: 29675893 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The increase in opioid prescribing in many European countries over the last decade has raised concerns about associated diversion, overdose, and mortality. Fentanyl is one of these synthetic opioids that is typically prescribed as a transdermal patch for pain that requires continuous pain relief and has been the focus of investigation due to reports of overdose and death. We report a case series of 14 drug addiction treatment entrants, who entered treatment in a service located in the region of Southern Denmark from August 2015 to December 2015 for smoking fentanyl patches. Clients presented with difficulties breathing and pains in the lungs. The clients had a history of past opioid use, including heroin. Relapses resulted in treatment disengagement. Immunoassays for fentanyl were used in the service. In some cases, false negative results occurred. Clients' urine samples were subsequently analysed in a collaborating laboratory. Seven clients tested positive for fentanyl. One client was positive for both fentanyl and heroin. Analyses were also positive for other opioids and metabolites in 6 clients, predominantly codeine and oxycodone. Results from confirmatory analysis contributed to clearer insights into clients' drug histories, which facilitated personalised care plans consisting of opioid agonist therapy informed by confirmed drug use. In Denmark, prescription levels of fentanyl are high, which has been accompanied by observations of diversion and smoking in a smaller population. In addition to revision of inappropriate prescribing to reduce diversion, we recommend increased reliance upon confirmatory drug analysis in the addiction treatment sector in Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kimergård
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Jacklyn Dunne
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Peter Hindersson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, North Denmark Regional Hospital (Aalborg University), Hjørring, Denmark
| | - Torben Breindahl
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, North Denmark Regional Hospital (Aalborg University), Hjørring, Denmark
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37
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New synthetic opioids in biological and non-biological matrices: A review of current analytical methods. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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38
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Noble C, Weihe Dalsgaard P, Stybe Johansen S, Linnet K. Application of a screening method for fentanyl and its analogues using UHPLC-QTOF-MS with data-independent acquisition (DIA) in MSE
mode and retrospective analysis of authentic forensic blood samples. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:651-662. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Noble
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - Petur Weihe Dalsgaard
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - Sys Stybe Johansen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Denmark
| | - Kristian Linnet
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Denmark
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Armenian P, Vo KT, Barr-Walker J, Lynch KL. Fentanyl, fentanyl analogs and novel synthetic opioids: A comprehensive review. Neuropharmacology 2017; 134:121-132. [PMID: 29042317 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 355] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Deaths from opioid use are increasing in the US, with a growing proportion due to synthetic opioids. Until 2013, sporadic outbreaks of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs contaminating the heroin supply caused some deaths in heroin users. Since then, fentanyl has caused deaths in every state and fentanyl and its analogs have completely infiltrated the North American heroin supply. In 2014, the first illicit pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700 were detected. These pills, which look like known opioids or benzodiazepines, have introduced synthetic opioids to more unsuspecting customers. As soon as these drugs are regulated by various countries, new compounds quickly appear on the market, making detection difficult and the number of cases likely underreported. Standard targeted analytical techniques such as GC-MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry) and LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) can detect these drugs, but novel compound identification is aided by nontargeted testing with LC-HRMS (liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry). Fentanyl, fentanyl analogs and other novel synthetic opioids are all full agonists of varying potencies at the μ-opioid receptor, leading to typical clinical effects of miosis and respiratory and central nervous system depression. Due to their high affinity for μ-opioid receptors, larger doses of naloxone are required to reverse the effects than are commonly used. Synthetic opioids are an increasingly major public health threat requiring vigilance from multiple fields including law enforcement, government agencies, clinical chemists, pharmacists, and physicians, to name a few, in order to stem its tide. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Patil Armenian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco-Fresno, 155 N Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93701, USA.
| | - Kathy T Vo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California Poison Control System, San Francisco Division, UCSF Box 1369, San Francisco, CA 94143-1369, USA.
| | - Jill Barr-Walker
- University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Library, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
| | - Kara L Lynch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Clinical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
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Liu C, Li T, Han Y, Hua Z, Jia W, Qian Z. The identification and analytical characterization of 2,2'-difluorofentanyl. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:774-780. [PMID: 28851108 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) have expanded their distribution and become widely available in the global market in recent years. The illicit use of fentanyl and its analogs has become an important worldwide concern linked to their high potency and risk of fatal overdose. This study describes the analytical characterization of a new fentanyl derivative N-(1-(2-fluorophenethyl)-4-piperidinyl)-N-(2-fluorophenyl)propionamide (2,2'-difluorofentanyl). Identification was based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report on analytical data for this compound. The most abundant fragment ion in the electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrum under collision-induced dissociation (CID) mode was formed by the cleavage between the piperidine ring and the N-phenyl-amide moiety of the protonated molecule. Two diagnostic ions in the electron ionization (EI) mass spectrum were formed by the loss of a tropylium ion (M-91), and by the degradation of the piperidine ring and dissociate of the COC2 H5 moiety altogether, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Han
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jia
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhua Qian
- Institute of Forensic Science of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
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Heroin and fentanyl overdoses in Kentucky: Epidemiology and surveillance. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 46:120-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Guerrieri D, Rapp E, Roman M, Thelander G, Kronstrand R. Acrylfentanyl: Another new psychoactive drug with fatal consequences. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 277:e21-e29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Zawilska JB. An Expanding World of Novel Psychoactive Substances: Opioids. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:110. [PMID: 28713291 PMCID: PMC5492455 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The abuse of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been increasing dramatically worldwide since late 2000s. By the end of 2015, more than 560 NPS had been reported to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Although the most popular compounds are synthetic cannabinoids and psychostimulatory derivatives of cathinone (so-called β-keto-amphetamines), novel synthetic opioids have recently emerged on the recreational drug market. They include fentanyl (a potent narcotic analgesic) and its analogs (e.g., acetylfentanyl, acryloylfentanyl, carfentanil, α-methylfentanyl, 3-methylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, 4-fluorobutyrylfentanyl, 4-methoxybutyrylfentanyl, 4-chloroisobutyrylfentanyl, 4-fluoroisobutyrylfentanyl, tetrahydrofuranylfentanyl, cyclopentylfentanyl, and ocfentanil) and compounds with different chemical structures, such as AH-7921, MT-45, and U-47700. This survey provides an overview of the pharmacological properties, pattern of use, and desired and unwanted effects of the above-listed novel opioids. Special emphasis is given to cases of non-fatal and lethal intoxication involving these compounds.
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Acryloylfentanyl, a recently emerged new psychoactive substance: a comprehensive review. Forensic Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-017-0367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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45
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Kimergård A, Foley M, Davey Z, Wadsworth E, Drummond C, Deluca P. The challenge of complex drug use: Associated use of codeine-containing medicines and new psychoactive substances in a European cross-sectional online population. Hum Psychopharmacol 2017; 32. [PMID: 28597537 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Misuse of codeine-containing medicines in combination with new psychoactive substances (NPS) is inadequately described. This study characterises codeine consumption amongst NPS users and non-NPS users to provide warning of health issues. METHODS Online survey conducted between July 2015 and March 2016. RESULTS Out of 340 respondents, residing in a country in Europe and using codeine recently, 63.8% were female. Mean age: 34.9 years (SD = 12.4). Substance use included NPS (18.5%) and illicit controlled drugs (55.9%). Factors relating to codeine use found to significantly predict NPS use were consuming codeine extracted from combination tablets (OR = 16.79, 95% CI [8.67, 32.51]), obtaining codeine from friends, family, and acquaintances (OR = 3.98, 95% CI [1.82, 8.7]), use of illicit controlled drugs (OR = 34.99, 95% CI [8.39, 145.94]) and use of codeine to experience euphoria (OR = 6.41, 95% CI [3.42, 12.04]). CONCLUSIONS Amongst NPS users, codeine is less likely to be used daily but more likely to be used for recreational purposes. Smaller populations engaging in high-risk use exist who take multiple drugs in high doses. Combinations of misused codeine and NPS highlight the need for policy to respond to a more complex drug situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kimergård
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michelle Foley
- School of Health Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Zoe Davey
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elle Wadsworth
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Colin Drummond
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paolo Deluca
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Helander A, Bäckberg M, Signell P, Beck O. Intoxications involving acrylfentanyl and other novel designer fentanyls – results from the Swedish STRIDA project. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017; 55:589-599. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1303141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Helander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Patrick Signell
- Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olof Beck
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
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47
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Breindahl T, Kimergård A, Andreasen MF, Pedersen DS. Identification of a new psychoactive substance in seized material: the synthetic opioid N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenethyl)piperidin-4-yl]prop-2-enamide (Acrylfentanyl). Drug Test Anal 2017; 9:415-422. [PMID: 27476446 PMCID: PMC5396312 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Among the new psychoactive substances (NPS) that have recently emerged on the market, many of the new synthetic opioids have shown to be particularly harmful. A new synthetic analogue of fentanyl, N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenethyl)piperidin-4-yl]prop-2-enamide (acrylfentanyl), was identified in powder from a seized capsule found at a forensic psychiatric ward in Denmark. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified a precursor to synthetic fentanyls, N-phenyl-1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-amine; however, the precursor 1-(2-phenethyl)piperidin-4-one, was not detected. Analysis of the electron impact mass spectrum of the main, unknown chromatographic peak (GC) tentatively identified an acryloyl analogue of fentanyl. Further analyses by quadrupole time-of-flight high resolution mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS), matrix-assisted laser ionization Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MALDI-Orbitrap-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and infra-red spectroscopy (IR) confirmed the presence of acrylfentanyl (also known as acryloylfentanyl). Quantitative analysis with liquid chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determined the content of acrylfentanyl in the powder, equal to 88.3 mass-% acrylfentanyl hydrochloride. An impurity observed by NMR was identified as triethylamine hydrochloride. Acrylfentanyl is sold on the Internet as a 'research chemical'. Like other synthetic fentanyls, such as acetylfentanyl, it poses a serious risk of fatal intoxication. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Drug Testing and Analysis Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Breindahl
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, North Denmark Regional Hospital (Aalborg University), Hjørring, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kimergård
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mette Findal Andreasen
- Section for Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Daniel Sejer Pedersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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48
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Brandt SD, Kavanagh PV. Addressing the challenges in forensic drug chemistry. Drug Test Anal 2017; 9:342-346. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon D. Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences; Liverpool John Moores University; Byrom Street Liverpool L3 3AF UK
| | - Pierce V. Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James Hospital; Dublin 8, D08W9RT Ireland
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49
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Identification and physicochemical characterization of 4-fluorobutyrfentanyl (1-((4-fluorophenyl)(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)amino)butan-1-one, 4-FBF) in seized materials and post-mortem biological samples. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:405-414. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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