1
|
Esdar N, Pawlik E, Eickhoff SB, Raupach A, Ritz-Timme S, Mayer F. Cardiac effects of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:823-831. [PMID: 38214738 PMCID: PMC11003885 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03146-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids become increasingly popular as a supposedly safe and legal alternative to cannabis. In order to circumvent the German New Psychoactive Substances Law, producers of so-called herbal mixtures rapidly design new substances with structural alterations that are not covered by the law. Acting as full agonists not only at the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2, synthetic cannabinoids might have not only desired mental but also serious physical adverse effects. However, knowledge of adverse effects of specific substances is sparse and incomplete. This also accounts for 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE, a synthetic cannabinoid, which has been detected regularly in Germany in recent years. By using an animal model, the isolated perfused Langendorff heart, the study at hand aimed on finding out more about possible cardiovascular adverse effects of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE. Hearts of male Wistar rats, which were excised postmortem, were exposed to two different concentrations of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE: 13 hearts were exposed to 50 ng/ml and 12 hearts were exposed to 100 ng/ml. Thirteen control hearts were merely exposed to an additional amount of buffer solution. Functional parameters heart rate, minimal and maximum left ventricular pressure and coronary flow were documented at pre-defined time points during and after the administration of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE/additional buffer solution. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were documented throughout the experiments and evaluated afterwards. Kruskal-Wallis analysis was performed for each functional parameter as well as for the duration of the QRS complexes and the duration of RR intervals as derived from the ECGs. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis, comprising all functional and ECG parameters, was performed. Kruskal-Wallis analysis revealed only single significant p-values for QRS duration and minimum left ventricular pressure that did not pass a Bonferroni test. The results of the multivariate approach were also comparably homogeneous, but still the model correctly recognized hearts exposed to 100 ng/ml of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE more often than hearts exposed to the low concentration of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE or additional buffer solution. Evaluation of the ECGs presented single cases of ST depression and QT prolongation. Though certainly not unambiguous, these findings support the assumption that 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE can cause severe, if not lethal, cardiac adverse effects like arrhythmias or myocardial infarctions especially if it is consumed in combination with other drugs like alcohol or if the consumer suffers from pre-existing heart diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Esdar
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Departement of Trauma Surgery, Hand Surgery and Orthopedics, Petrus Hospital Wuppertal, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Evelyn Pawlik
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annika Raupach
- Departement of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ritz-Timme
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felix Mayer
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mugnaini C, Kostrzewa M, Casini M, Kumar P, Catallo V, Allarà M, Guastaferro L, Brizzi A, Paolino M, Tafi A, Kapatais C, Giorgi G, Vacondio F, Mor M, Corelli F, Ligresti A. Systematic Modification of the Substitution Pattern of the 7-Hydroxy-5-oxopyrazolo[4,3- b]pyridine-6-carboxamide Scaffold Enabled the Discovery of New Ligands with High Affinity and Selectivity for the Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor. Molecules 2023; 28:4958. [PMID: 37446625 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective ligands of the CB2 receptor are receiving considerable attention due to their potential as therapeutic agents for a variety of diseases. Recently, 7-hydroxy-5-oxopyrazolo[4,3-b]pyridine-6-carboxamide derivatives were shown to act at the CB2 receptor either as agonists or as inverse agonists/antagonists in vitro and to have anti-osteoarthritic activity in vivo. In this article, we report the synthesis, pharmacological profile, and molecular modeling of a series of twenty-three new 7-hydroxy-5-oxopyrazolo[4,3-b]pyridine-6-carboxamides with the aim of further developing this new class of selective CB2 ligands. In addition to these compounds, seven other analogs that had been previously synthesized were included in this study to better define the structure-activity relationship (SAR). Ten of the new compounds studied were found to be potent and selective ligands of the CB2 receptor, with Ki values ranging from 48.46 to 0.45 nM and CB1/CB2 selectivity indices (SI) ranging from >206 to >4739. In particular, compounds 54 and 55 were found to be high-affinity CB2 inverse agonists that were not active at all at the CB1 receptor, whereas 57 acted as an agonist. The functional activity profile of the compounds within this structural class depends mainly on the substitution pattern of the pyrazole ring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marta Casini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Poulami Kumar
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Valeria Catallo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Laura Guastaferro
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Paolino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Tafi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Christelos Kapatais
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Giorgi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dvorácskó S, Körmöczi T, Sija É, Bende B, Weiczner R, Varga T, Ilisz I, Institóris L, Kereszty ÉM, Tömböly C, Berkecz R. Focusing on the 5F-MDMB-PICA, 4F-MDMB-BICA synthetic cannabinoids and their primary metabolites in analytical and pharmacological aspects. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 470:116548. [PMID: 37182749 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, more and more new synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) appearing on the illicit market present challenges to analytical, forensic, and toxicology experts. For a better understanding of the physiological effect of SCs, the key issue is studying their metabolomic and psychoactive properties. In this study, our validated targeted reversed phase UHPLC-MS/MS method was used for determination of urinary concentration of 5F-MDMB-PICA, 4F-MDMB-BICA, and their primary metabolites. The liquid-liquid extraction procedure was applied for the enrichment of SCs.The pharmacological characterization of investigated SCs were studied by radioligand competition binding and ligand stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding assays. For 5F-MDMB-PICA and 4F-MDMB-BICA, the median urinary concentrations were 0.076 and 0.312 ng/mL. For primary metabolites, the concentration range was 0.029-881.02* ng/mL for 5F-MDMB-PICA-COOH, and 0.396-4579* ng/mL for 4F-MDMB-BICA-COOH. In the polydrug aspect, the 22 urine samples were verified to be abused with 6 illicit drugs. The affinity of the metabolites to CB1R significantly decreased compared to the parent ligands. In the GTPγS functional assay, both 5F-MDMB-PICA and 4F-MDMB-BICA were acting as full agonists, while the metabolites were found as weak inverse agonists. Additionally, the G-protein stimulatory effects of the full agonist 5F-MDMB-PICA and 4F-MDMB-BICA were reduced by metabolites. These results strongly indicate the dose-dependent CB1R-mediated weak inverse agonist effects of the two butanoic acid metabolites. The obtained high concentration of main urinary metabolites of 5F-MDMB-PICA and 4F-MDMB-BICA confirmed the relevance of their routine analysis in forensic and toxicological practices. Based on in vitro binding assays, the metabolites presumably might cause a lower psychoactive effect than parent compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, Hungary; Department of Medical Chemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tímea Körmöczi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged Somogyi, utca 4., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Éva Sija
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, Kossuth Lajos sgt. 40., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Balázs Bende
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Center, H-6720 Szeged, Korányi fasor 6., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Roland Weiczner
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, Kossuth Lajos sgt. 40., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tibor Varga
- Drug Laboratory Szeged, Drug Investigation Department, Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Kossuth Lajos sgt. 22-24, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Ilisz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged Somogyi, utca 4., Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Institóris
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, Kossuth Lajos sgt. 40., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Éva M Kereszty
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Centre, Kossuth Lajos sgt. 40., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Róbert Berkecz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged Somogyi, utca 4., Szeged, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Groth O, Roider G, Angerer V, Schäper J, Graw M, Musshoff F, Auwärter V. "Spice"-related deaths in and around Munich, Germany: A retrospective look at the role of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in our post-mortem cases over a seven-year period (2014-2020). Int J Legal Med 2023:10.1007/s00414-023-02995-2. [PMID: 37072496 PMCID: PMC10247575 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02995-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs, "Spice") are a diverse group of recreational drugs, with their structural and pharmacological variability still evolving. Forensic toxicologists often rely on previous reports to assess their role in intoxication cases. This work provides detailed information on the "Spice"-related fatalities around Munich, Germany, from 2014 to 2020. All cases underwent an autopsy. Pharmaceutical and illicit drugs were detected and quantified in post-mortem peripheral blood or liver by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Based on circumstantial evidence, only those cases for which a prior consumption was suspected underwent additional analyses for SCRAs and other new psychoactive substances in post-mortem blood, liver or antemortem specimens. Drug concentrations, pathological findings at autopsy and case histories were considered to assess and rank the SCRAs' involvement in each death. Concentration ranges for the individual substances in blood were defined and their distribution patterns over the investigated period were determined and correlated with their legal status and local police seizures. We identified 41 different SCRAs among 98 fatalities. 91.8% were male, at a median age of 36 years. SCRAs played a causative role in 51%, contributory role in 26%, and an insignificant role in 23% of cases. In correlation with local police seizures and legal status, 5F-ADB was the most prevalent in our cases, followed by 5F-MDMB-PICA and AB-CHMINACA. Cumyl-CBMICA and 5F-MDMB-P7AICA were among the least frequently detected SCRAs. "Spice"-related fatalities and SCRAs' causative role have significantly decreased among our cases since the German New Psychoactive Substances Act.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olwen Groth
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Gabriele Roider
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Angerer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital, 9010, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jan Schäper
- Forensic Science Institute, Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (BLKA), 80636, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Graw
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Musshoff
- Forensic Toxicological Center (FTC) Munich, Dessauerstrasse 13-15, 80992, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Balcaen M, Ventura M, Gil C, Luf A, Martins D, Cunha M, Tögel-Lins K, Wolf D, Blanckaert P, Deconinck E. Challenges in Drug Surveillance: Strengthening the Analysis of New Psychoactive Substances by Harmonizing Drug Checking Services in Proficiency Testing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4628. [PMID: 36901637 PMCID: PMC10002093 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug checking is a proven harm reduction strategy and provides real-time information on the market of new psychoactive substances (NPS). It combines chemical analysis of samples with direct engagement with people who use drugs (PWUD), giving the ability to increase preparedness and responsiveness towards NPS. Next to that, it supports rapid identification of potential unwitting consumption. However, NPS cause a toxicological battle for the researchers, as factors such as the unpredictability and quick shift of the market complicate the detection. METHODS To evaluate challenges posed towards drug checking services, proficiency testing was set up to evaluate existing analytical techniques and investigate the capability to correctly identify circulating NPS. Twenty blind substances, covering the most common categories of substances, were analyzed according to the existing protocols of the existing drug checking services, including several analytical methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with diode array detector (LC-DAD). RESULTS The proficiency test scores range from 80 to 97.5% accuracy. The most common issues and errors are mainly unidentified compounds, presumably due to no up-to-date libraries, and/ or confusion between structural isomers, such as 3- and 4-chloroethcathinone, or structural analogs, such as MIPLA (N-methyl-N-isopropyl lysergamide) and LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide). CONCLUSIONS The participating drug checking services have access to adequate analytical tools to provide feedback to drug users and provide up-to-date information on NPS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margot Balcaen
- Unit Illicit Drugs, Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases, Scientific Direction Epidemiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mireia Ventura
- Energy Control, Associació Benestar i Desenvolupament, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Gil
- Energy Control, Associació Benestar i Desenvolupament, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anton Luf
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mar Cunha
- Kosmicare, 1170-283 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Danny Wolf
- Legal-high-Inhaltsstoffe, 60439 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Blanckaert
- Unit Illicit Drugs, Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases, Scientific Direction Epidemiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eric Deconinck
- Service Medicines and Health Products, Scientific Direction Physical and Chemical Health Risks, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Malaca S, Busardò FP, Nittari G, Sirignano A, Ricci G. Fourth Generation of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists: A Review on the Latest Insights. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:2603-2617. [PMID: 34781870 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666211115170521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past few years, an emerging number of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) entered the illicit market. NPSs are designed to resemble the effects of classical drugs of abuse, reinforcing their effects and duration. Among the most abused NPS, synthetic cannabinoids are cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) that mimic the effect of the main psychotropic phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). METHODS We herein reviewed the international literature to provide available information on the newest SCRAs generation. RESULTS Compared to the previous SCRAs generations, the structures of the last generation result in increased affinity for and efficacy at cannabinoid CB1 receptors, which are thought to be mainly responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC and its analogues. Accordingly, these more potent cannabimimetic effects may increase the number of adverse reactions such as neurological disorders (e.g., psychosis, agitation, irritability, paranoia, confusion, and anxiety), psychiatric episodes (e.g., hallucinations, delusions, self-harm), other physical conditions (e.g., tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmia, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever) and deaths. In the last decade, more than a hundred SCRAs from different chemical classes emerged on the illicit web market. SCRAs have been thoroughly studied: they were physico-chemically characterized, and pharmaco-toxicological characteristics were investigated. The last SCRAs generations include increasingly potent and toxic compounds, posing a potential health threat to consumers. CONCLUSION From November 2017 to February 2021, at least 20 new "fourth-generation" SCRAs were formally reported to international drug agencies. Our understanding of the neurotoxicity of these compounds is still limited due to the lack of global data, but their potency and their toxicity are likely higher than those of the previous generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Malaca
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco P Busardò
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kevin RC, Mirlohi S, Manning JJ, Boyd R, Cairns EA, Ametovski A, Lai F, Luo JL, Jorgensen W, Ellison R, Gerona RR, Hibbs DE, McGregor IS, Glass M, Connor M, Bladen C, Zamponi GW, Banister SD. Putative Synthetic Cannabinoids MEPIRAPIM, 5F-BEPIRAPIM (NNL-2), and Their Analogues Are T-Type Calcium Channel (Ca V3) Inhibitors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1395-1409. [PMID: 35442021 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a large and growing class of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Two recently identified compounds, MEPIRAPIM and 5F-BEPIRAPIM (NNL-2), have not been confirmed as agonists of either cannabinoid receptor subtype but share structural similarities with both SCRAs and a class of T-type calcium channel (CaV3) inhibitors under development as new treatments for epilepsy and pain. In this study, MEPIRAPIM and 5F-BEPIRAPIM and 10 systematic analogues were synthesized, analytically characterized, and pharmacologically evaluated using in vitro cannabinoid receptor and CaV3 assays. Several compounds showed micromolar affinities for CB1 and/or CB2, with several functioning as low potency agonists of CB1 and CB2 in a membrane potential assay. 5F-BEPIRAPIM and four other derivatives were identified as potential CaV3 inhibitors through a functional calcium flux assay (>70% inhibition), which was further confirmed using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Additionally, MEPIRAPIM and 5F-BEPIRAPIM were evaluated in vivo using a cannabimimetic mouse model. Despite detections of MEPIRAPIM and 5F-BEPIRAPIM in the NPS market, only the highest MEPIRAPIM dose (30 mg/kg) elicited a mild hypothermic response in mice, with no hypothermia observed for 5F-BEPIRAPIM, suggesting minimal central CB1 receptor activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Kevin
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Somayeh Mirlohi
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Jamie J. Manning
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A. Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Adam Ametovski
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Felcia Lai
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jia Lin Luo
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - Ross Ellison
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Roy R. Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - David E. Hibbs
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Chris Bladen
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gerald W. Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Samuel D. Banister
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Neue psychoaktive Substanzen. Notf Rett Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10049-021-00952-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
9
|
Pulver B, Riedel J, Schönberger T, Pütz M, Schäper J, Kunert N, Putzer K, Hermann G, Auwärter V, Westphal F. Comprehensive structural characterisation of the newly emerged synthetic cannabimimetics Cumyl-BC[2.2.1]HpMeGaClone, Cumyl-BC[2.2.1]HpMINACA, and Cumyl-BC[2.2.1]HpMICA featuring a norbornyl methyl side chain. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
10
|
Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A New Threat for Young Drug Users with Forensic-Toxicological Implications. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050440. [PMID: 34068903 PMCID: PMC8156937 DOI: 10.3390/life11050440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a severe health risk for drug users. Even though the phenomenon has been growing since the early 2000s, the mechanisms of action of NPS at the receptors and beyond them are still scarcely understood. The aim of the present study was to provide a systematic review of the updated knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, cathinones, and stimulants. The study was conducted on the PubMed database. Study eligibility criteria included relevance to the topic, English language, and time of publication (2010–2020). A combined Mesh and free-text protocols search was performed. Study selection was performed on the title/abstract and, in doubtful cases, on the full texts of papers. Of the 580 records identified through PubMed searching and reference checking, 307 were excluded by title/abstract and 78 additional papers were excluded after full-text reading, leaving a total of 155 included papers. Molecular mechanisms of synthetic opioids, synthetic cannabinoids, stimulants, psychedelics, and hallucinogens were reviewed and mostly involved both a receptor-mediated and non-receptor mediated cellular modulation with multiple neurotransmitters interactions. The molecular mechanisms underlying the action of NPS are more complex than expected, with a wide range of overlap among activated receptors and neurotransmitter systems. The peculiar action profile of single compounds does not necessarily reflect that of the structural class to which they belong, accounting for possible unexpected toxic reactions.
Collapse
|
11
|
Pike E, Grafinger KE, Cannaert A, Ametovski A, Luo JL, Sparkes E, Cairns EA, Ellison R, Gerona R, Stove CP, Auwärter V, Banister SD. Systematic evaluation of a panel of 30 synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists structurally related to MMB-4en-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA, and MMB-4CN-BUTINACA using a combination of binding and different CB 1 receptor activation assays: Part I-Synthesis, analytical characterization, and binding affinity for human CB 1 receptors. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1383-1401. [PMID: 33787091 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are one of the largest and most structurally diverse classes of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Despite this, pharmacological data are often lacking following the identification of a new SCRA in drug markets. In this first of a three-part series, we describe the synthesis, analytical characterization, and binding affinity of a proactively generated, systematic library of 30 indole, indazole, and 7-azaindole SCRAs related to MMB-4en-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA, and MMB-4CN-BUTINACA featuring a 4-pentenyl (4en-P), butyl (B/BUT), or 4-cyanobutyl (4CN-B/BUT) tail and a methyl l-valinate (MMB), methyl l-tert-leucinate (MDMB), methyl l-phenylalaninate (MPP), l-valinamide (AB), l-tert-leucinamide (ADB), l-phenylalaninamide (APP), adamantyl (A), or cumyl head group. Competitive radioligand binding assays demonstrated that the indazole core conferred the highest CB1 binding affinity (Ki = 0.17-39 nM), followed by indole- (Ki = 0.95-160 nM) and then 7-azaindole-derived SCRAs (Ki = 5.4-271 nM). Variation of the head group had the greatest effect on binding, with tert-leucine amides and methyl esters (Ki = 0.17-14 nM) generally showing the greatest affinities, followed by valine derivatives (Ki = 0.72-180 nM), and then phenylalanine derivatives (Ki = 2.5-271 nM). Adamantyl head groups (Ki = 8.8-59 nM) were suboptimal for binding, whereas the cumyl analogues consistently conferred high affinity (Ki = 0.62-36 nM). Finally, both butyl (Ki = 3.1-163 nM) and 4-cyanobutyl (Ki = 5.5-44 nM) tail groups were less favorable for CB1 binding than their corresponding 4-pentenyl counterparts (Ki = 0.72-25 nM).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Pike
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, UK
| | - Katharina Elisabeth Grafinger
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adam Ametovski
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jia Lin Luo
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric Sparkes
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ross Ellison
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Roy Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Samuel D Banister
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Haschimi B, Grafinger KE, Pulver B, Psychou E, Halter S, Huppertz LM, Westphal F, Pütz M, Auwärter V. New synthetic cannabinoids carrying a cyclobutyl methyl side chain: Human Phase I metabolism and data on human cannabinoid receptor 1 binding and activation of Cumyl-CBMICA and Cumyl-CBMINACA. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1499-1515. [PMID: 33788409 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) represent a large group of new psychoactive substances (NPS), sustaining a high prevalence on the drug market since their first detection in 2008. Cumyl-CBMICA and Cumyl-CBMINACA, the first representatives of a new subclass of SCs characterized by a cyclobutyl methyl (CBM) moiety, were identified in July 2019 and February 2020. This work aimed at evaluating basic pharmacological characteristics and human Phase I metabolism of these compounds. Human Phase I metabolites were tentatively identified by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) of urine samples and confirmed by a pooled human liver microsome (pHLM) assay. The basic pharmacological evaluation was performed by applying a competitive ligand binding assay and a functional activation assay (GTPγS) using cell membranes carrying the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (hCB1 ). Investigation of the human Phase I metabolism resulted in the identification of specific urinary markers built by monohydroxylation or dihydroxylation. Although Cumyl-CBMICA was primarily hydroxylated at the indole ring, hydroxylation of Cumyl-CBMINACA mainly occurred at the CBM moiety. Both substances acted as agonists at the hCB1 receptor, although substantial differences could be observed. Cumyl-CBMINACA showed higher binding affinity (Ki = 1.32 vs. 29.3 nM), potency (EC50 = 55.4 vs. 497 nM), and efficacy (Emax = 207% vs. 168%) than its indole counterpart Cumyl-CBMICA. This study confirms that substitution of an indole by an indazole core tends to increase in vitro potency, which is potentially reflected by higher in vivo potency. The emergence and disappearance of SCs distributed via online shops carrying a CBM moiety once more demonstrate the "cat-and-mouse" game between manufacturers and legislation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belal Haschimi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Herrmann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Elisabeth Grafinger
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Pulver
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Herrmann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany
| | - Evangelia Psychou
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Herrmann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laura M Huppertz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Pütz
- Federal Criminal Police Office, Forensic Science Institute, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hur KH, Ma SX, Lee BR, Ko YH, Seo JY, Ryu HW, Kim HJ, Yoon S, Lee YS, Lee SY, Jang CG. Abuse Potential of Synthetic Cannabinoids: AM-1248, CB-13, and PB-22. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:384-391. [PMID: 33935046 PMCID: PMC8255142 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the expanding recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) threatens public health. SCBs produce psychoactive effects similar to those of tetrahydrocannabinol, the main component of cannabis, and additionally induce unexpected pharmacological side effects. SCBs are falsely advertised as legal and safe, but in reality, SCB abuse has been reported to cause acute intoxication and addictive disorders. However, because of the lack of scientific evidence to elucidate their dangerous pharmacological effects, SCBs are weakly regulated and continue to circulate in illegal drug markets. In the present study, the intravenous self-administration (IVSA) paradigm was used to evaluate the abuse potential of three SCBs (AM-1248, CB-13, and PB-22) in rats. All three SCBs maintained IVSA with a large number of infusions and active lever presses, demonstrating their reinforcing effects. The increase of active lever presses was particularly significant during the early IVSA sessions, indicating the reinforcementenhancing effects of the SCBs (AM-1248 and CB-13). The number of inactive lever presses was significantly higher in the SCB groups (AM-1248 and CB-13) than that in the vehicle group, indicating their impulsive effects. In summary, these results demonstrated that SCBs have distinct pharmacological properties and abuse potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Hyun Hur
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Shi-Xun Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Ram Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hyun Ko
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Yeon Seo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Won Ryu
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Seolmin Yoon
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Haschimi B, Giorgetti A, Mogler L, Nagy TZ, Kramer S, Halter S, Boros S, Dobos A, Hidvégi E, Auwärter V. The Novel Psychoactive Substance Cumyl-CH-MEGACLONE: Human Phase-I Metabolism, Basic Pharmacological Characterization and Comparison to Other Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists with a γ-Carboline-1-One Core. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:277-290. [PMID: 32514544 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) remain one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances on the European drug market. In December 2018, Cumyl-CH-MEGACLONE, a novel SC based on a γ-carboline-1-one core structure, was firstly identified in Hungary and later also other European countries. This work aims to reveal the pharmacological characteristics and phase-I metabolism of Cumyl-CH-MEGACLONE and compare the data to its analogs Cumyl-PEGACLONE and 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE. The purified substance was characterized by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS), attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Phase-I metabolites were identified by LC-QToF-MS analysis combined with a scheduled precursor ion list of authentic urine samples and confirmed by comparison with metabolites built in vitro by pooled human liver microsome assays. Pharmacological data were obtained in a competitive ligand binding assay and a receptor activation assay at the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (hCB1). The structure of 5-cyclohexylmethyl-2-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-1-one (semisystematic name: Cumyl-CH-MEGACLONE) was identified in a herbal blend as the main active ingredient. Investigation of phase-I biotransformation of Cumyl-CH-MEGACLONE led to three monohydroxylated metabolites (M08, M10 and M13) as reliable urinary markers for proof of consumption. At the hCB1, Cumyl-CH-MEGACLONE shows high binding affinity with Ki = 1.01 nM (2.5-fold higher than JWH-018), an EC50 of 1.22 nM and high efficacy with EMAX = 143.4% above constitutive activity of the receptor (1.13-fold higher than JWH-018). Comparison to the analogs 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE and Cumyl-PEGACLONE (both are hCB1 full agonists carrying a 5-fluoropentyl or pentyl chain instead of the cyclohexylmethyl moiety) suggests that Cumyl-CH-MEGACLONE is more likely to resemble the pharmacologic profile of the latter one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belal Haschimi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University Hospital of Padova, Via S. Giovanni di Verdara 123, 35137 Padova, Italy
| | - Lukas Mogler
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tibor Zsigmond Nagy
- Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Drug Investigation Department, Mosonyi 9, 1087 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Selina Kramer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sándor Boros
- Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Drug Investigation Department, Mosonyi 9, 1087 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Dobos
- Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Mosonyi 9, 1087 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Előd Hidvégi
- Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Mosonyi 9, 1087 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Halter S, Pulver B, Wilde M, Haschimi B, Westphal F, Riedel J, Pütz M, Schönberger T, Stoll S, Schäper J, Auwärter V. Cumyl-CBMICA: A new synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist containing a cyclobutyl methyl side chain. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:208-216. [PMID: 33037749 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the beginning of the phenomenon of new psychoactive substances (NPS), synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) have been the largest and most prevalent subclass of these drugs in Europe. Many countries implemented specific legislation scheduling classes of substances defined on the basis of their chemical structure to reduce supply. We describe the identification and analytical characterization within the EU project ADEBAR plus of 1-(cyclobutylmethyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide which resulted in the formal notification through the Early Warning System of the European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). This is the first identification of this new SCRA worldwide and the analytical data was distributed (inter-)nationally right after identification in 2019. First, the substance was isolated from the herbal material using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Structure elucidation and analytical characterization were performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-solid state infrared spectroscopy (GC-sIR), liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-qToF-MS), Raman spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The new compound contains a cyclobutyl methyl group as a side chain and has not been described in any patent to our knowledge. Based on the semisystematic nomenclature of SCRAs, we propose Cumyl-CBMICA as a short name for the compound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Pulver
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany
| | - Maurice Wilde
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Belal Haschimi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan Riedel
- Federal Criminal Police Office, Forensic Science Institute, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Michael Pütz
- Federal Criminal Police Office, Forensic Science Institute, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Torsten Schönberger
- Federal Criminal Police Office, Forensic Science Institute, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Stefanie Stoll
- Federal Criminal Police Office, Forensic Science Institute, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Jan Schäper
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Bavaria, Forensic Science Institute, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bijlsma L, Bade R, Been F, Celma A, Castiglioni S. Perspectives and challenges associated with the determination of new psychoactive substances in urine and wastewater - A tutorial. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1145:132-147. [PMID: 33453874 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS), often designed as (legal) substitutes to conventional illicit drugs, are constantly emerging in the drug market and being commercialized in different ways and forms. Their use continues to cause public health problems and is therefore of major concern in many countries. Monitoring NPS use, however, is arduous and different sources of information are required to get more insight of the prevalence and diffusion of NPS use. The determination of NPS in pooled urine and wastewater has shown great potential, adding a different and complementary light on this issue. However, it also presents analytical challenges and limitations that must be taken into account such as the complexity of the matrices, the high sensitivity and selectivity required in the analytical methods as a consequence of the low analyte concentrations as well as the rapid transience of NPS on the drug market creating a scenario with constantly moving analytical targets. Analytical investigation of NPS in pooled urine and wastewater is based on liquid chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry and can follow different strategies: target, suspect and non-target analysis. This work aims to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different data acquisition workflows and data exploration approaches in mass spectrometry, but also pays attention to new developments such as ion mobility and the use of in-silico prediction tools to improve the identification capabilities in high-complex samples. This tutorial gives an insight into this emerging topic of current concern, and describes the experience gathered within different collaborations and projects supported by key research articles and illustrative practical examples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Bijlsma
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, 12071, Castellón, Spain.
| | - R Bade
- University of South Australia, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, Health and Biomedical Innovation, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
| | - F Been
- KWR Water Research Institute, Chemical Water Quality and Health, 3430 BB, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - A Celma
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, 12071, Castellón, Spain
| | - S Castiglioni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri - IRCCS, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 20156, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Janssens L, Cannaert A, Connolly MJ, Liu H, Stove CP. In vitro
activity profiling of Cumyl‐PEGACLONE variants at the CB
1
receptor: Fluorination
versus
isomer exploration. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1336-1343. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liesl Janssens
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | | | | | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Halter S, Mogler L, Auwärter V. Quantification of Herbal Mixtures Containing Cumyl-PEGACLONE-Is Inhomogeneity Still an Issue? J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:81-85. [PMID: 31044247 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonizts (SCRAs), also known as synthetic cannabinoids, are mostly consumed in the form of herbal mixtures available in online shops. These herbal mixtures are produced by soaking dried, crushed plant material in a solution of SCRAs or by spraying the solution on the plant material. Inhomogeneity in the distribution of the active ingredient can occur during the production process and pose a serious health risk for consumers of these drugs. In the present study 20 herbal mixtures containing Cumyl-PEGACLONE, one of the most prevalent SCRAs in Germany in 2017, were quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) after an initial screening by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. All investigated herbal mixtures were purchased in online shops during a systematic product monitoring carried out in the frame of the EU project "SPICE Profiling". The complete content of the packages was divided into aliquots without homogenization and extracted three times with methanol under ultrasonication. The combined extracts of each aliquot were filtered and quantified with a fully validated HPLC-DAD method using a 7-point calibration curve (1-50 μg/mL). The Cumyl-PEGACLONE content in the analyzed material ranged from 8.6 to 146 mg/g (median 29.4 mg/g, mean 38.5 mg/g). The intrapackage concentration variability was mostly below 10% RSD. Analyzed concentrations roughly correlated with product advisory (e.g., "strong") on the websites, if available. Aliquots at the bottom of a package generally tended to show higher levels of Cumyl-PEGACLONE than the upper aliquots. Packages of the same brand with different date of order did not always show the same mean concentrations. Compared to former studies, the SCRA concentrations are generally lower and the risk of extreme variation of intrapackage SCRA contents seems to have dropped.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Hebelstr. 27, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Mogler
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Hebelstr. 27, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Münster-Müller S, Scheid N, Zimmermann R, Pütz M. Combination of stable isotope ratio data and chromatographic impurity signatures as a comprehensive concept for the profiling of highly prevalent synthetic cannabinoids and their precursors. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1108:129-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
21
|
Alam RM, Keating JJ. Adding more "spice" to the pot: A review of the chemistry and pharmacology of newly emerging heterocyclic synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:297-315. [PMID: 31854124 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) first appeared on the international recreational drug market in the early 2000s in the form of SCRA-containing herbal blends. Due to the cannabimimetic effects associated with the consumption of SCRAs, they have acquired an ill-informed reputation for being cheap, safe, and legal alternatives to illicit cannabis. Possessing high potency and affinity for the human cannabinoid receptor subtype-1 (CB1 ) and -2 (CB2 ), it is now understood that the recreational use of SCRAs can have severe adverse health consequences. The major public health problem arising from SCRA use has pressed legislators around the world to employ various control strategies to curb their recreational use. To circumvent legislative control measures, SCRA manufacturers have created a wide range of SCRA analogs that contain, more recently, previously unencountered azaindole, γ-carbolinone, or carbazole heterocyclic scaffolds. At present, little information is available regarding the chemical syntheses of these newly emerging classes of SCRA, from a clandestine perspective. When compared with previous generations of indole- and indazole-type SCRAs, current research suggests that many of these heterocyclic SCRA analogs maintain high affinity and efficacy at both CB1 and CB2 but largely evade legislative control. This review highlights the importance of continued research in the field of SCRA chemistry and pharmacology, as recreational SCRA use remains a global public health issue and represents a serious control challenge for law enforcement agencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Alam
- Analytical & Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John J Keating
- Analytical & Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Giorgetti A, Mogler L, Halter S, Haschimi B, Alt A, Rentsch D, Schmidt B, Thoma V, Vogt S, Auwärter V. Four cases of death involving the novel synthetic cannabinoid 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE. Forensic Toxicol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-019-00514-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Cumyl-PEGACLONE was the first synthetic cannabinoid (SC) with a γ-carbolinone core structure detected in forensic casework and, since then, it has dominated the German SC-market. Here the first four cases of death involving its fluorinated analog, 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE, a recently emerged γ-carbolinone derived SC, are reported.
Methods
Complete postmortem examinations were performed. Postmortem samples were screened by immunoassay, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. For quantification of SCs, the standard addition method was employed. Herbal blends were analyzed by GC–MS. In each case of death, the Toxicological Significance Score (TSS) was assigned to the compound.
Results
5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE was identified at concentrations ranging 0.09–0.45 ng/mL in postmortem femoral blood. In case 1, signs of hypothermia and kidney bleedings were noted. Despite a possible tolerance due to long term SC use, a TSS of 3 was assigned. In case 2, an acute heroin intoxication occurred and a contributory role (TSS = 1) of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE was suggested. In case 3, a prisoner was found dead. GC–MS analysis of herbal blends, retrieved in his cell together with paraphernalia, confirmed the presence of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE and a causative role was deemed probable (TSS = 2). In case 4, the aspiration of gastric content due to a SC-induced coma was observed (TSS = 3).
Conclusions
5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE is an emerging and extremely potent SC which raises serious public health concerns. A comprehensive analysis of circumstantial, clinical, and postmortem findings, as well as an in-depth toxicological analysis is necessary for a valid interpretation and for the assessment of the toxicological significance.
Collapse
|
23
|
Potts AJ, Cano C, Thomas SHL, Hill SL. Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists: classification and nomenclature. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019; 58:82-98. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1661425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Potts
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit for Chemical Threats and Hazards, Medical Toxicology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - C. Cano
- School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - S. H. L. Thomas
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit for Chemical Threats and Hazards, Medical Toxicology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - S. L. Hill
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit for Chemical Threats and Hazards, Medical Toxicology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nash C, Glowacki L, Gerostamoulos D, Pigou P, Scott T, Kostakis C. Identification of a thermal degradation product of CUMYL‐PEGACLONE and its detection in biological samples. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1480-1485. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Nash
- Forensic Science SA GPO Box 2790 Adelaide 5001 South Australia Australia
| | - Linda Glowacki
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine 65 Kavanagh St, Southbank 3006 Victoria Australia
| | - Dimitri Gerostamoulos
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine 65 Kavanagh St, Southbank 3006 Victoria Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine Monash University Southbank 3006 Victoria Australia
| | - Paul Pigou
- Forensic Science SA GPO Box 2790 Adelaide 5001 South Australia Australia
- Flinders University of South Australia Sturt Road Bedford Park 5042 South Australia Australia
| | - Timothy Scott
- Forensic Science SA GPO Box 2790 Adelaide 5001 South Australia Australia
- Flinders University of South Australia Sturt Road Bedford Park 5042 South Australia Australia
| | - Chris Kostakis
- Forensic Science SA GPO Box 2790 Adelaide 5001 South Australia Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Scheduling of new psychoactive substance the Swiss way: A review and critical analysis. Sci Justice 2019; 59:459-466. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
26
|
Müller CE. [Progress in cannabis research from a pharmaceutical chemist's point of view]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 62:818-824. [PMID: 31161229 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-019-02964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Preparations of hemp, Cannabis sativa, have been used for thousands of years as recreational and therapeutic drugs. The most important constituents are the psychoactive (-)-trans-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a partial agonist at cannabinoid (CB) receptors CB1 and CB2, and the non-psychoactive pleiotropic cannabidiol (CBD). Both compounds are highly lipophilic, like the endogenous CB receptor agonists, the arachidonic acid derivatives anandamide and arachidonoyl glycerol. The CB receptors belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors, and the first X‑ray crystal structures of both CB receptors subtypes have recently been obtained, which will facilitate the rational design of novel synthetic ligands. Besides the already largely established indications such as chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced vomiting, multiple sclerosis-associated spasms, and cachexia, there is preliminary evidence for several further cannabinoid effects, which will have to be confirmed by clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christa E Müller
- Pharmazeutisches Institut, Pharmazeutische Chemie I, Universität Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121, Bonn, Deutschland. .,Pharma-Zentrum Bonn (PZB), Universität Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Banister SD, Kevin RC, Martin L, Adams A, Macdonald C, Manning JJ, Boyd R, Cunningham M, Stevens MY, McGregor IS, Glass M, Connor M, Gerona RR. The chemistry and pharmacology of putative synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) new psychoactive substances (NPS) 5F‐PY‐PICA, 5F‐PY‐PINACA, and their analogs. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:976-989. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Banister
- School of ChemistryThe University of Sydney NSW Australia
- Department of PathologyStanford University CA USA
| | - Richard C. Kevin
- School of PsychologyThe University of Sydney Camperdown NSW Australia
| | - Lewis Martin
- School of PsychologyThe University of Sydney Camperdown NSW Australia
| | - Axel Adams
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring LaboratoryUniversity of California San Francisco CA USA
| | - Christa Macdonald
- School of Medical SciencesThe University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Jamie J. Manning
- School of Medical SciencesThe University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesMacquarie University NSW Australia
| | - Michael Cunningham
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of PharmacyThe University of Mississippi MS USA
| | | | - Iain S. McGregor
- School of PsychologyThe University of Sydney Camperdown NSW Australia
| | - Michelle Glass
- School of Medical SciencesThe University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesMacquarie University NSW Australia
| | - Roy R. Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring LaboratoryUniversity of California San Francisco CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Aknouche F, Ameline A, Richeval C, Schapira AJ, Coulon A, Maruejouls C, Gaulier JM, Kintz P. Testing for SGT-151 (CUMYL-PEGACLONE) and its Metabolites in Blood and Urine after Surreptitious Administration. J Anal Toxicol 2019; 44:75-80. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Ameline
- Institut de médecine légale, 11 rue Humann, Strasbourg, France
| | - Camille Richeval
- Unité fonctionnelle de toxicologie, CHU Lille, CS 70001, Lille, France
| | | | - Audrey Coulon
- Unité fonctionnelle de toxicologie, CHU Lille, CS 70001, Lille, France
| | | | | | - Pascal Kintz
- Institut de médecine légale, 11 rue Humann, Strasbourg, France
- X-Pertise Consulting, 42 rue principale, Mittelhausbergen, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Halter S, Angerer V, Röhrich J, Groth O, Roider G, Hermanns-Clausen M, Auwärter V. Cumyl-PEGACLONE: A comparatively safe new synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist entering the NPS market? Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:347-349. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine; University of Freiburg; Albertstr. 9 79104 Freiburg Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School; University of Freiburg; Hebelstr. 27 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Verena Angerer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine; University of Freiburg; Albertstr. 9 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Jörg Röhrich
- Institute of Forensic Medicine; University Hospital Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Am Pulverturm 3 55131 Mainz Germany
| | - Olwen Groth
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Toxicology; University of Munich; Nussbaumstr. 26 80336 Munich Germany
| | - Gabriele Roider
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Toxicology; University of Munich; Nussbaumstr. 26 80336 Munich Germany
| | - Maren Hermanns-Clausen
- Poisons Information Center, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Center for Pediatrics, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine; University of Freiburg; Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine; University of Freiburg; Albertstr. 9 79104 Freiburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Angerer V, Franz F, Moosmann B, Bisel P, Auwärter V. 5F-Cumyl-PINACA in 'e-liquids' for electronic cigarettes: comprehensive characterization of a new type of synthetic cannabinoid in a trendy product including investigations on the in vitro and in vivo phase I metabolism of 5F-Cumyl-PINACA and its non-fluorinated analog Cumyl-PINACA. Forensic Toxicol 2018; 37:186-196. [PMID: 30636986 PMCID: PMC6315005 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0451-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent years e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes have become an attractive alternative to smoking tobacco. A new trend is the use of e-liquids containing synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) instead of smoking cannabis or herbal mixtures laced with SCs. In the frame of a systematic monitoring of the online market of 'legal high' products, e-liquids from online retailers who also sell herbal blends were bought. METHODS The products were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In some of the e-liquids an unknown compound was detected which was identified as the SC 5F-Cumyl-PINACA (1-(5-fluoropentyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. To investigate the phase I metabolism of this new class of compounds, 5F-Cumyl-PINACA and its non-fluorinated analog Cumyl-PINACA were incubated with pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM). Cumyl-PINACA was additionally ingested orally (0.6 mg) by a volunteer in a controlled self-experiment. To assess the relative potency of Cumyl-PINACA a set of SCs were characterized using a cAMP assay. RESULTS Metabolism of 5F-Cumyl-PINACA and Cumyl-PINACA showed similarities with AM-2201 and JWH-018. The main metabolites were formed by hydroxylation at the N-pentyl side chain. The main metabolites detected in the volunteer's urine sample were the same as in the pHLM assay. All SCs tested with the cAMP assay were full agonists at the CB1 receptor. Cumyl-PINACA was the most potent SC among the tested compounds and showed an EC50 value of 0.06 nM. CONCLUSIONS The increasing popularity of e-liquids particularly among young people, and the extreme potency of the added SCs, pose a serious threat to public health. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the tentative identification of human in vivo metabolites of Cumyl-PINACA and 5F-Cumyl-PINACA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Angerer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Franz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Hebelstr. 27, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bjoern Moosmann
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Rorschacher Str. 95, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Bisel
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mogler L, Halter S, Wilde M, Franz F, Auwärter V. Human phase I metabolism of the novel synthetic cannabinoid 5F-CUMYL-PEGACLONE. Forensic Toxicol 2018; 37:154-163. [PMID: 30636984 PMCID: PMC6315001 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE 5F-CUMYL-PEGACLONE is a recently emerged γ-carbolinone derived synthetic cannabinoid. The present study aimed to identify phase I metabolites to reliably prove consumption of the substance by urine analysis and to differentiate from the uptake of the non-fluorinated analog CUMYL-PEGACLONE. METHODS For metabolite characterization, phase I metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry after incubation with pooled human liver microsomes. Reliability of the biomarkers was evaluated by analysis of human urine samples (n = 20) by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Sample preparation included β-glucuronidase treatment followed by liquid-liquid extraction. RESULTS In total, 15 metabolites were detected in vivo and characterized. Metabolic reactions were primarily observed at the γ-carbolinone core and the 5-fluoropentyl chain, and included N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, hydrolytic defluorination, formation of a dihydrodiol, oxidation to the pentanoic acid metabolite and formation of the propionic acid metabolite. Six of these metabolites were identical with phase I metabolites of CUMYL-PEGACLONE, which must be considered for interpretation of analytical findings in urine samples. CONCLUSIONS 5F-CUMYL-PEGACLONE was subject to extensive metabolism in humans. The propionic acid metabolite was the most abundant metabolite in all urine samples and should be targeted when maximum sensitivity is needed (e.g., drug abstinence control). However, this metabolite also occurs in the biotransformation of the non-fluorinated analog and is, therefore, not a compound-specific marker. For differentiation, a metabolite hydroxylated at the γ-carbolinone core showed to be the most reliable marker and should be used as an additional target analyte.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Mogler
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Hebelstraße 27, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstrasse 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Hebelstraße 27, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstrasse 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maurice Wilde
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Hebelstraße 27, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstrasse 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Franz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Hebelstraße 27, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstrasse 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstrasse 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Banister SD, Adams A, Kevin RC, Macdonald C, Glass M, Boyd R, Connor M, McGregor IS, Havel CM, Bright SJ, Vilamala MV, Lladanosa CG, Barratt MJ, Gerona RR. Synthesis and pharmacology of new psychoactive substance 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA, a scaffold- hopping analog of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists 5F-CUMYL-PICA and 5F-CUMYL-PINACA. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:279-291. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Banister
- Department of Pathology; Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford CA 94305 USA
| | - Axel Adams
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory; University of California; San Francisco CA 94143 USA
| | - Richard C. Kevin
- School of Psychology; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Christa Macdonald
- School of Medical Sciences; The University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- School of Medical Sciences; The University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Macquarie University; NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Macquarie University; NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- School of Psychology; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Christopher M. Havel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology; University of California; San Francisco CA 94143 USA
| | - Stephen J. Bright
- School of Medical and Health Science; Edith Cowan University; Joondalup Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences; Curtin University; Perth Australia
| | | | | | - Monica J. Barratt
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences; Curtin University; Perth Australia
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW; Sydney NSW Australia
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program; Burnet Institute; Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Roy R. Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory; University of California; San Francisco CA 94143 USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Schoeder CT, Hess C, Madea B, Meiler J, Müller CE. Pharmacological evaluation of new constituents of "Spice": synthetic cannabinoids based on indole, indazole, benzimidazole and carbazole scaffolds. Forensic Toxicol 2018; 36:385-403. [PMID: 29963207 PMCID: PMC6002460 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the present study we characterized a series of synthetic cannabinoids containing various heterocyclic scaffolds that had been identified as constituents of "Spice", a preparation sold on the illicit drug market. All compounds were further investigated as potential ligands of the orphan receptors GPR18 and GPR55 that interact with some cannabinoids. METHODS The compounds were studied in radioligand binding assays to determine their affinity for human cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors expressed in CHO cells, and in cAMP accumulation assays to study their functionality. RESULTS Structure-activity relationships were analyzed. The most potent CB1 receptor agonist of the present series MDMB-FUBINACA (12) (Ki = 98.5 pM) was docked into the human CB1 receptor structure, and a plausible binding mode was identified showing high similarity with that of the co-crystallized THC derivatives. MDMB-CHMCZCA (41) displayed a unique profile acting as a full agonist at the CB1 receptor subtype, but blocking the CB2 receptor completely. Only a few weakly potent antagonists of GPR18 and GPR55 were identified, and thus all compounds showed high CB receptor selectivity, mostly interacting with both subtypes, CB1 and CB2. CONCLUSIONS These results will be useful to assess the compounds' toxicological risks and to guide legislation. Further studies on 41 are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara T. Schoeder
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cornelius Hess
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, University Hospital of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111 Bonn, Germany
| | - Burkhard Madea
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, University Hospital of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jens Meiler
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Stevenson Center, Station B 351822, Nashville, TN 37235 USA
| | - Christa E. Müller
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
- Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Banister SD, Connor M. The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist New Psychoactive Substances: Evolution. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2018; 252:191-226. [PMID: 30105473 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are the largest and most structurally diverse class of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Although the earliest SCRA NPS were simply repurposed from historical academic manuscripts or pharmaceutical patents describing cannabinoid ligands, recent examples bear hallmarks of rational design. SCRA NPS manufacturers have applied traditional medicinal chemistry strategies (such as molecular hybridization, bioisosteric replacement, and scaffold hopping) to existing cannabinoid templates in order to generate new molecules that circumvent structure-based legislation. Most SCRAs potently activate cannabinoid type 1 and type 2 receptors (CB1 and CB2, respectively), with the former contributing to the psychoactivity of these substances. SCRAs are generally more toxic than the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) found in cannabis, and this may be due to ligand bias, metabolism, or off-target activity. This chapter will chart the evolution of recently identified SCRA NPS chemotypes, as well as their putative manufacturing by-products and thermolytic degradants, and describe structure-activity relationships within each class.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Banister
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|