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Kutzler J, Polettini AE, Bleicher S, Sauer C, Schultis W, Neukamm MA, Auwärter V. Synthetic cannabinoids in hair-Prevalence of use in abstinence control programs for driver's license regranting in Germany. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:518-531. [PMID: 37731292 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Although the use, structural variety, and prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have steadily increased on the drug market, they are rarely analyzed in abstinence control programs for driver's license regranting. The aim of this study was to determine the SC prevalence in these programs by analyzing hair samples collected between March 2020 and March 2021 from various regions in Germany, mainly Bavaria (40%). Specimens were analyzed quantitatively for drugs of abuse and qualitatively for 107 SCs. Hair samples were screened by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and to search for unknown SC analogs, positive samples were additionally screened by liquid chromatography-high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-qTOF/MS). The analysis of 5097 hair samples resulted in 181 SC detections (3.6%), showing a wide range of 44 SCs, with up to 13 different compounds found in a single sample. The most prevalent compounds were 5F-MDMB-PICA and MDMB-4en-PINACA; furthermore, 10 new substances not initially covered by LC-MS/MS analysis were detected by LC-qTOF/MS. The SC positivity rate was comparable to cocaine (5.4%) and amphetamine (2.6%). Only in 35 cases (0.7%), SC analysis was requested by the clients, highlighting the insufficient coverage of SC consumption in the studied collective. In summary, hair sample analysis proved to be a valuable tool to monitor the use of SCs. In order to keep pace with newly emerging SC analogs, an up-to-date analytical method is essential. Prospectively, SCs should be more routinely screened in hair analysis for abstinence control to avoid cannabis substitution by SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kutzler
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Postgraduate Course for Toxicology and Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Legal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aldo Eliano Polettini
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
- Department of Diagnostics & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sergej Bleicher
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Christoph Sauer
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schultis
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Merja A Neukamm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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2
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Lea Houston M, Morgan J, Kelso C. Narrative Review of the Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, and Toxicities of Illicit Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:92-109. [PMID: 37190813 DOI: 10.2174/1389557523666230515163107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are the most diverse class of new psychoactive substances worldwide, with approximately 300 unique SCRAs identified to date. While the use of this class of drug is not particularly prevalent, SCRAs are associated with several deaths every year due to their severe toxicity. METHODS A thorough examination of the literature identified 15 new SCRAs with a significant clinical impact between 2015 and 2021. RESULTS These 15 SCRAs have been implicated in 154 hospitalizations and 209 deaths across the US, Europe, Asia, and Australasia during this time period. CONCLUSION This narrative review provides pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicologic data for SCRAs as a drug class, including an in-depth review of known pharmacological properties of 15 recently identified and emerging SCRAs for the benefit of researchers, policy makers, and clinicians who wish to be informed of developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Lea Houston
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jody Morgan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Celine Kelso
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Molecular Horizons Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Norman C, Webling K, Kyslychenko O, Reid R, Krotulski AJ, Farrell R, Deventer MH, Liu H, Connolly MJ, Guillou C, Vinckier IMJ, Logan BK, NicDaéid N, McKenzie C, Stove CP, Gréen H. Detection in seized samples, analytical characterization, and in vitro metabolism of the newly emerged 5-bromo-indazole-3-carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Drug Test Anal 2023. [PMID: 38037247 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3609] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a diverse class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and new structural scaffolds have emerged on the recreational drug market since the enactment of Chinese SCRA analog controls in 2021. This study reports the first SCRAs to be detected with a bromide at the 5 position (5'Br) on the phenyl ring of the indazole core and without a tail moiety. ADB-5'Br-INACA (ADMB-5'Br-INACA) and MDMB-5'Br-INACA were detected in seized samples from Scottish prisons, Belgian customs, and US forensic casework. The brominated analog with a tail moiety, ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA (ADMB-5'Br-BUTINACA), was also detected in Scottish prisons and US forensic casework. The metabolites of these compounds and the predicted compound MDMB-5'Br-BUTINACA were identified through incubation with primary human hepatocytes to aid in their toxicological identification. The bromide on the indazole remains intact on metabolites, allowing these compounds to be easily distinguished in toxicological samples from their non-brominated analogs. Glucuronidation was more common for tail-less analogs than their butyl tail-containing counterparts. Forensic toxicologists are advised to update their analytical methods with the characteristic ions for these compounds, as well as their anticipated urinary markers: amide hydrolysis and monoOH at tert-butyl metabolites (after β-glucuronidase treatment) for ADB-5'Br-INACA; monoOH at tert-butyl and amide hydrolysis metabolites for ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA; and ester hydrolysis metabolites with additional metabolites for MDMB-5'Br-INACA and MDMB-5'Br-BUTINACA. Toxicologists should remain vigilant to the emergence of new SCRAs with halogenation of the indazole core and tail-less analogs, which have already started to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Norman
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kristin Webling
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Oleksandra Kyslychenko
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Reid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan Farrell
- Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Claude Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
- Toxicology Department, NMS Labs, Horsham, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Niamh NicDaéid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Chiron AS, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Henrik Gréen
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
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4
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Wang Z, Leow EYQ, Moy HY, Chan ECY. Advances in urinary biomarker research of synthetic cannabinoids. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 115:1-32. [PMID: 37673518 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2023.03.004] [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: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are chemical compounds designed to mimic the action of existing illicit recreational drugs. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a subclass of NPS which bind to the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, and mimic the action of cannabis. SCs have dominated recent NPS seizure reports worldwide. While urine is the most common matrix for drug-of-abuse testing, SCs undergo extensive Phase I and Phase II metabolism, resulting in almost undetectable parent compounds in urine samples. Therefore, the major urinary metabolites of SCs are usually investigated as surrogate biomarkers to identify their consumption. Since seized urine samples after consuming novel SCs may be unavailable in a timely manner, human hepatocytes, human liver microsomes and human transporter overexpressed cell lines are physiologically-relevant in vitro systems for performing metabolite identification, metabolic stability, reaction phenotyping and transporter experiments to establish the disposition of SC and its metabolites. Coupling these in vitro experiments with in vivo verification using limited authentic urine samples, such a two-pronged approach has proven to be effective in establishing urinary metabolites as biomarkers for rapidly emerging SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziteng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric Yu Quan Leow
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hooi Yan Moy
- Analytical Toxicology Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric Chun Yong Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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5
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Krishnamurthy S, Kadu RD. A comprehensive review on detection of cannabinoids using hyphenated techniques. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-023-02732-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
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6
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Simultaneous fatal poisoning of two victims with 4F-MDMB-BINACA and ethanol. Forensic Toxicol 2023; 41:151-157. [PMID: 36652056 PMCID: PMC9849308 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-022-00632-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Methyl-2-(1-(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (4F-MDMB-BINACA) is a newly emerging synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA) first described in 2018 in both Europe and the United States. Two fatal cases are reported caused by simultaneous consumption of 4F-MDMB-BINACA and ethanol. METHODS The victims were brothers who were both found deceased after consuming 4F-MDMB-BINACA and ethanol. Post-mortem toxicological analyses of blood and urine were carried out by supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SFC-MS/MS) and headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID). RESULTS The concentration of 4F-MDMB-BINACA in the postmortem blood was 2.50 and 2.34 ng/mL, and blood alcohol concentration was 2.11 and 2.49 g/L, respectively. CONCLUSION According to the reported cases and reviews of the scientific literature, concurrent ethanol consumption should amplify the toxicity of SCRAs. The threshold SCRA concentration for fatal overdose can be estimated ng/mL level (0.37-4.1 ng/mL according to the reported cases) in cases in which 1.5-2.5 g/L of ethanol is present in the blood.
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7
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Cheng JYK, Hui JWS, Chan WS, So MH, Hong YH, Leung WT, Ku KW, Yeung HS, Lo KM, Fung KM, Ip CY, Dao KL, Cheung BKK. Interpol review of toxicology 2019-2022. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2022; 6:100303. [PMID: 36597440 PMCID: PMC9799715 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bobbie Kwok-keung Cheung
- Corresponding author. Government Laboratory, 7/F, Homantin Government Offices, 88 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, SAR, Hong Kong, China. http://www.govtlab.gov.hk/
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8
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Lee J, Jiang H. Analysis of indole and indazole amides synthetic cannabinoids by differential Raman spectroscopy based on ANN. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:2242-2252. [PMID: 36069004 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15133] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A simple, rapid, accurate, and non-destructive method was developed for the determination of cannabinoids, combining principal component analysis and multi-layer perceptron neural network to classify indole and indazole amide synthetic cannabinoids. Under the experimental conditions of this study, 25 experimental samples were successfully classified into two categories as the final classification, which guaranteed 96% correct rate. First, the samples were manually classified and divided into two categories according to the difference in peak position and peak intensity of the differential Raman characteristic peaks at 650-540 cm-1 , etc. Fisher's discriminant method (FDA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the experimental data. Fisher's discriminant analysis was used to formulate two classification functions to discriminate the results of manual classification, and the overall accuracy rate of classification reached 88%. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of the data, which could reduce the influence of redundant data on the experimental results. The original data, FDA-processed data and PCA-processed data, and artificial neural network algorithm (ANN-MLP/RBF) were combined to build a classification model. In the MLP model, the classification accuracy of the original data, FDA-processed data, and PCA-processed data was 80%, 92%, and 96% respectively, and the overall accuracy of the sample classification was 89.33%. In the RBF model, the accuracy of sample classification was 76%, 84%, and 92% respectively, and the overall accuracy of sample classification was 84%. Differential Raman spectroscopy could be used to distinguish 25 kinds of synthetic cannabinoids, and finally, the samples were divided into two categories. The PCA + MLP model was the best for processing spectral data. Based on the perspective of multivariate data, this study demonstrated that the method could be used for rapid and non-destructive testing of indole and indazole amide synthetic cannabinoids and that an efficient and non-destructive classification model was obtained. This method could be used for rapid detection and inspection of drugs in the field of forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Lee
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Criminal Investigation School, People's Public Security University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.,Criminal Investigation School, People's Public Security University of China, Beijing, China
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9
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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.
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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
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10
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Xinze Liu, Liu W, Xiang P, Hang T, Shi Y, Yue L, Yan H. Metabolism of ADB-4en-PINACA in Zebrafish and Rat Liver Microsomes Determined by Liquid Chromatography–High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1061934822080184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Li H, Qian Z, Zhao Y, Zheng H. Study on the metabolic process of synthetic cannabinoids 4F-MDMB-BINACA and 4F-MDMB-BICA in human liver microsome and zebrafish model via UHPLC-QE Orbitrap MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:3905-3916. [PMID: 35389093 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04034-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In order to address the increasing abuse of synthetic cannabinoids, on July 1, 2021, China listed the whole category of synthetic cannabinoids in the Supplementary Catalog for the Control of Non-medicinal Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Because synthetic cannabinoids metabolize rapidly, techniques are urgently needed to identify the phase I metabolites of new synthetic cannabinoids, as well as the symbol metabolites, which can be used for detection in real cases. In this study, we used pooled human liver microsome (pHLM) and zebrafish combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) Q Exactive Orbitrap MS to identify the phase I metabolites of two new synthetic cannabinoids 4F-MDMB-BICA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA in vitro and in vivo, respectively. We studied the toxicokinetics of 4F-MDMB-BICA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA by sampling from a pHLM incubation system at different time points to study the change in metabolites over time. We detected a total of 14 metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BINACA and 16 metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BICA in this study. Metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BICA were detected in vitro for the first time. One metabolite of 4F-MDMB-BINACA, M05, was discovered for the first time. Based on the toxicokinetics results, we recommend three metabolites (M03, M11, M12) of 4F-MDMB-BINACA and three metabolites (M10, M12, M14) of 4F-MDMB-BICA as their symbol metabolites. The results showed that these two structurally similar synthetic cannabinoids 4F-MDMB-BINACA and 4F-MDMB-BICA had similar metabolic processes, as well as similar structures of their main symbol metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhenhua Qian
- Institute of Forensic Science Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China.
| | - Yanbiao Zhao
- Institute of Forensic Science Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Institute of Forensic Science Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
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12
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Abstract
Newly emerging synthetic cannabinoid compounds continue to be found in the designer drug market. They are often targeted as a 'legal high' alternative to traditional cannabinoids via 'darknet' markets and their increased potency and efficacy are becoming a growing concern internationally. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 4-CN-CUMYL-BUTINACA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, 5F-AEB, 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA and EMB-FUBINACA exhibited similar behavioral effects as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Locomotor activity was assessed in an open-field assay using Swiss-Webster mice. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate between intraperitoneal injections of Δ9-THC (3 mg/kg) and vehicle. Following successful training, substitution tests for 4-CN-CUMYL-BUTINACA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, 5F-AEB, 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA and EMB-FUBINACA were conducted. All of the test compounds decreased locomotor activity. 4-CN-CUMYL-BUTINACA (ED50 = 0.26 mg/kg), 4F-MDMB-BINACA (ED50 = 0.019 mg/kg), 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA (ED50 = 0.13 mg/kg) and EMB-FUBINACA (ED50 = 0.13 mg/kg) each fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of the training dose of Δ9-THC, whereas 5F-AEB produced only a maximum of 67% drug-appropriate responding at 0.5 mg/kg. Higher doses produced piloerection, exophthalmos and convulsions. 4-CN-CUMYL-BUTINACA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA and EMB-FUBINACA are likely to produce similar subjective effects in humans as those produced by abused synthetic cannabinoids, and may therefore share similar abuse liability. In contrast, 5F-AEB may have a reduced abuse liability given its weaker THC-like discriminative stimulus effects but maybe more dangerous due to the adverse effects observed at doses needed to produce discriminative stimulus effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Gatch
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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13
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Vaccaro G, Massariol A, Guirguis A, Kirton SB, Stair JL. NPS detection in Prison: a Systematic Literature Review of Use, Drug Form, and Analytical Approaches. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1350-1367. [PMID: 35355411 PMCID: PMC9545023 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a systematic literature review on the detection of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in prison settings. It includes the most frequently reported NPS classes, the routes and forms used for smuggling, and the methods employed to analyze biological and non-biological samples. The search was carried out using MEDLINE (EBSCO), Scopus (ELSEVIER), PubMed (NCBI) and Web of Science (Clarivate) databases, along with reports from the grey literature in line with the PRISMA-S guidelines. A total of 2708 records were identified, of which 50 met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed the most prevalent NPS class reported in prison was synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). The most frequently reported SCs in non-biological samples were 4F-MDMB-BINACA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, and 5F-ADB. These were smuggled mainly through the postal services deposited on paper or herbal matrices. Concentrations of SCs detected on seized paper ranged between 0.05-1.17 mg/cm2 . The SCs most frequently reported in biological specimens (i.e., urine, blood, saliva, and wastewater) were 5F-MDMB-PICA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA and MDMB-4en-PINACA. Concentrations of SCs reported in femoral blood and serum were 0.12-0.48 ng/ml and 34-17 ng/ml, respectively. Hyphenated techniques were predominantly employed and generally successful for the detection of NPS in biological (i.e., LC-HRMS/MS) and non-biological samples (i.e., LC-HRMS/MS and GC-MS. The on-site technique IMS showed promise for detecting SCs in various forms, however immunoassays were not recommended. Future work should focus on accurate in-field detection of SCs deposited on paper and in urine and saliva to improve real-time decision-making, as well as wastewater and air monitoring for overall drug use trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Science, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Anna Massariol
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Science, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Science, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Swansea University Medical School, The Grove, Singleton Campus, Swansea, UK
| | - Stewart B Kirton
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Science, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Jacqueline L Stair
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Science, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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14
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Park YM, Dahlem C, Meyer MR, Kiemer AK, Müller R, Herrmann J. Induction of Liver Size Reduction in Zebrafish Larvae by the Emerging Synthetic Cannabinoid 4F-MDMB-BINACA and Its Impact on Drug Metabolism. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27041290. [PMID: 35209079 PMCID: PMC8879502 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish (ZF; Danio rerio) larvae have become a popular in vivo model in drug metabolism studies. Here, we investigated the metabolism of methyl 2-[1-(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido]-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (4F-MDMB-BINACA) in ZF larvae after direct administration of the cannabinoid via microinjection, and we visualized the spatial distributions of the parent compound and its metabolites by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Furthermore, using genetically modified ZF larvae, the role of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) on drug metabolism was studied. Receptor-deficient ZF mutant larvae were created using morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs), and CB2-deficiency had a critical impact on liver development of ZF larva, leading to a significant reduction of liver size. A similar phenotype was observed when treating wild-type ZF larvae with 4F-MDMB-BINACA. Thus, we reasoned that the cannabinoid-induced impaired liver development might also influence its metabolic function. Studying the metabolism of two synthetic cannabinoids, 4F-MDMB-BINACA and methyl 2-(1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (7′N-5F-ADB), revealed important insights into the in vivo metabolism of these compounds and the role of cannabinoid receptor binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mi Park
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Campus E8 1, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany;
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Charlotte Dahlem
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Campus C2 3, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (C.D.); (A.K.K.)
| | - Markus R. Meyer
- Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
| | - Alexandra K. Kiemer
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Campus C2 3, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (C.D.); (A.K.K.)
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Campus E8 1, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany;
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Jennifer Herrmann
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Campus E8 1, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (J.H.)
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15
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de Campos EG, de Almeida OGG, De Martinis BS, De Martinis ECP. Cocaine esterase occurrence in global wastewater microbiomes and potential for biotransformation of novel psychoactive substances. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 14:96-109. [PMID: 34761870 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of drugs in wastewater for forensic purposes has been constantly increasing and the investigation of the potential interaction between drugs or metabolites and sewage microbiota is important. The results demonstrated that cocaine esterase genes were widely distributed in 1142 global wastewater samples collected from 64 countries and linked to several bacterial species. In addition, in silico predictions indicated that carfentanil, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, 5F-MDMB-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA and mitragynine might also undergo microbial hydrolysis, in a similar fashion of cocaine degradation by cocaine esterase. In conclusion, it was demonstrated the microbial potential to hydrolyze drugs of abuse in wastewater environments, contributing to the critical evaluation of potential metabolites as biomarkers for microbial and human transformation of drugs in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo G de Campos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Otávio G G de Almeida
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Bruno S De Martinis
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Elaine C P De Martinis
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
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16
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Tokarczyk B, Jurczyk A, Krupińska J, Adamowicz P. Fatal intoxication with new synthetic cannabinoids 5F-MDMB-PICA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA-parent compounds and metabolite identification in blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022; 18:393-402. [PMID: 35699867 PMCID: PMC9194349 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) remain one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances. Recently, new synthetic cannabinoids 5F-MDMB-PICA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA are increasing in popularity. A 33-year-old man lost consciousness after smoking an unknown substance. A glass pipe and two lumps of substance that turned out to contain 5F-MDMB-PICA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA were found at the scene. Blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid were collected during the examination of the body. The synthetic cannabinoids were isolated from autopsy materials by precipitation with acetonitrile and extraction with ethyl acetate. The screening and quantitative analyses were performed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF) technique was used for metabolite identification. 5F-MDMB-PICA was detected and quantified in all analysed materials, whereas 4F-MDMB-BINACA was found only in cerebrospinal fluid. The determined concentrations of 5F-MDMB-PICA were 0.9 (blood), 0.1 (urine) and 3.2 ng/mL (cerebrospinal fluid). The concentration of 4F-MDMB-BINACA in cerebrospinal fluid was 0.1 ng/mL. The main metabolites of both compounds (hydrolysis and oxidative defluorination) were found in all analysed body fluids. Cerebrospinal fluid may be important alternative material in autopsy cases. Rapid elimination of 5F-MDMB-PICA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA compounds also means that the metabolite analysis can be crucial for the investigation. Laboratories must be made aware of their presence and incorporate these SCs and their metabolites into workflows for detection and confirmation. Ester hydrolysis and oxidative defluorination products can be found in blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid making them useful biomarkers of intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Tokarczyk
- grid.419017.a0000 0001 0701 6599Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jurczyk
- grid.8267.b0000 0001 2165 3025Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Sedziowska 18a, 91-304 Lodz, Poland
| | - Justyna Krupińska
- grid.8267.b0000 0001 2165 3025Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Sedziowska 18a, 91-304 Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Adamowicz
- Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033, Krakow, Poland.
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17
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Orazietti V, Basile G, Giorgetti R, Giorgetti A. Effects of synthetic cannabinoids on psychomotor, sensory and cognitive functions relevant for safe driving. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:998828. [PMID: 36226105 PMCID: PMC9548613 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.998828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recreational use of Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs), one of the largest groups of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), has increased globally over the past few years. Driving is a structured process requiring the cooperation of several cognitive and psychomotor functions, organized in different levels of complexity. Each of these functions can be affected when Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of SCs. In order to reduce the likelihood of SC-related road accidents, it is essential to understand which areas of psychomotor performance are most affected by these substances, as well as the severity of impairment. For this purpose, a multiple database- literature review of recent experimental studies in humans and animals regarding the psychomotor effects of SCs has been performed. Despite the many limitations connected to experimental studies on humans, results showed a consistency between animal and human data. SCs appear to impair psychomotor performance in humans, affecting different domains related to safe driving even at low doses. Cases of DUI of SC have been repeatedly reported, although the exact prevalence is likely to be underestimated due to current analytical and interpretative issues. For this reason, an accurate physical examination performed by trained and experienced personnel has a primary role in recognizing signs of impairment in case of strong suspicion of SC consumption. The identification of a suspected case should be followed by reliable laboratory examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Orazietti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basile
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Galeazzi Orthopedics Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy.,Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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18
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OUP accepted manuscript. Clin Chem 2022; 68:848-855. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvac045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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19
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Sparkes E, Boyd R, Chen S, Markham JW, Luo JL, Foyzun T, Zaman H, Fletcher C, Ellison R, McGregor IS, Santiago MJ, Lai F, Gerona RR, Connor M, Hibbs DE, Cairns EA, Glass M, Ametovski A, Banister SD. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of newly detected synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists AB-4CN-BUTICA, MMB-4CN-BUTINACA, MDMB-4F-BUTICA, MDMB-4F-BUTINACA and their analogs. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1010501. [PMID: 36245876 PMCID: PMC9558907 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1010501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) continue to make up a significant portion new psychoactive substances (NPS) detected and seized worldwide. Due to their often potent activation of central cannabinoid receptors in vivo, use of SCRAs can result in severe intoxication, in addition to other adverse health effects. Recent detections of AB-4CN-BUTICA, MMB-4CN-BUTINACA, MDMB-4F-BUTICA and MDMB-4F-BUTINACA mark a continuation in the appearance of SCRAs bearing novel tail substituents. The proactive characterization campaign described here has facilitated the detection of several new SCRAs in toxicological case work. Here we detail the synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of recently detected SCRAs, as well as a systematic library of 32 compounds bearing head, tail, and core group combinations likely to appear in future. In vitro radioligand binding assays revealed most compounds showed moderate to high affinity at both CB1 (pK i = < 5 to 8.89 ± 0.09 M) and CB2 (pK i = 5.49 ± 0.03 to 9.92 ± 0.09 M) receptors. In vitro functional evaluation using a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay showed that most compounds were sub-micromolar to sub-nanomolar agonists at CB1 (pEC50 = < 5 to 9.48 ± 0.14 M) and CB2 (pEC50 = 5.92 ± 0.16 to 8.64 ± 0.15 M) receptors. An in silico receptor-ligand docking approach was utilized to rationalize binding trends for CB2 with respect to the tail substituent, and indicated that rigidity in this region (i.e., 4-cyanobutyl) was detrimental to affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Sparkes
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shuli Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jack W Markham
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jia Lin Luo
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tahira Foyzun
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Humayra Zaman
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charlotte Fletcher
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ross Ellison
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Iain S McGregor
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marina J Santiago
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Felcia Lai
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Roy R Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mark Connor
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David E Hibbs
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Adam Ametovski
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Gilbert N, Costello A, Ellison JR, Khan U, Knight M, Linnell MJ, Ralphs R, Mewis RE, Sutcliffe OB. Synthesis, characterisation, detection and quantification of a novel hexyl-substituted synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist: (S)-N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-hexyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (ADB-HINACA). Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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21
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Giorgetti A, Barone R, Pelletti G, Garagnani M, Pascali J, Haschimi B, Auwärter V. Development and validation of a rapid LC-MS/MS method for the detection of 182 novel psychoactive substances in whole blood. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:202-223. [PMID: 34599648 PMCID: PMC9298299 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The analysis of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) represents a challenge in forensic toxicology, due to the high number of compounds characterized by different structures and physicochemical properties both among different subclasses and within a single subclass of NPS. The aim of the present work is the development and validation of a targeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for the detection of NPS in whole blood. Materials and methods A protein‐precipitation based LC‐MS/MS method for the detection of more than 180 NPS was developed and validated by assessing the following parameters: selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD) and of quantification (LOQ) recovery, and matrix effect. Then, the method was applied to real forensic samples. Results The method allowed the identification of 132 synthetic cannabinoids, 22 synthetic opioids, and 28 substances among synthetic cathinones, stimulants, and other drugs. Validation was successfully achieved for most of the compounds. Linearity was in the range of 0.25–10 ng/ml for synthetic cannabinoids and 0.25–25 ng/ml for other drugs. Accuracy and precision were acceptable according to international guidelines. Three cases tested positive for fentanyl and ketamine, in the setting of emergency room administration. Conclusions The present methodology represents a fast, not expensive, wide‐panel method for the analysis of more than 180 NPS by LC‐MS/MS, which can be profitably applied both in a clinical context and in postmortem toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella Barone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Garagnani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jennifer Pascali
- Department of Legal and Occupational Medicine, Toxicology and Public Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Belal Haschimi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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22
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Suicide by vaping the synthetic cannabinoid 4F-MDMB-BINACA: cannabinoid receptors and fluoride at the crossroads of toxicity? Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:684-688. [PMID: 34542803 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00424-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A 22-year-old man was hospitalized after stating he would 'commit suicide in a non-detectable way'. He was admitted with a severe necrotizing pancreatitis and acute kidney injury, evolving to multiple organ failure. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and he died 11 days after hospital admission. Postmortem histopathology confirmed fulminant necrotizing pancreatitis, acute tubular necrosis, cerebral edema, pericentral/midzonal hepatocellular necrosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, were detected in urine and serum collected at hospital admission. The same drug was found in a vapor fluid found in the man's apartment. As cannabis use has been etiologically linked to acute pancreatitis, we hypothesize that the more afferent and potent 4F-MDMB-BINACA could induce acute pancreatitis via stimulation of cannabinoid (CB)1-receptors. Alternatively, terminal fluorination could have induced a dose-dependent toxic effect on a wide range of cellular processes, leading to cell dysfunction and death. This is the first clinicopathological description of a lethal intoxication with 4F-MDMB-BINACA, following extensive vaping. Toxic effects could either relate to CB-receptor binding or to direct fluoride toxicity.
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23
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Cytotoxicity, metabolism, and isozyme mapping of the synthetic cannabinoids JWH-200, A-796260, and 5F-EMB-PINACA studied by means of in vitro systems. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3539-3557. [PMID: 34453555 PMCID: PMC8492589 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03148-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Intake of synthetic cannabinoids (SC), one of the largest classes of new psychoactive substances, was reported to be associated with acute liver damage but information about their hepatotoxic potential is limited. The current study aimed to analyze the hepatotoxicity including the metabolism-related impact of JWH-200, A-796260, and 5F-EMB-PINACA in HepG2 cells allowing a tentative assessment of different SC subclasses. A formerly adopted high-content screening assay (HCSA) was optimized using a fully automated epifluorescence microscope. Metabolism-mediated effects in the HCSA were additionally investigated using the broad CYP inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole. Furthermore, phase I metabolites and isozymes involved were identified by in vitro assays and liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. A strong cytotoxic potential was observed for the naphthoylindole SC JWH-200 and the tetramethylcyclopropanoylindole compound A-796260, whereas the indazole carboxamide SC 5F-EMB-PINACA showed moderate effects. Numerous metabolites, which can serve as analytical targets in urine screening procedures, were identified in pooled human liver microsomes. Most abundant metabolites of JWH-200 were formed by N-dealkylation, oxidative morpholine cleavage, and oxidative morpholine opening. In case of A-796260, most abundant metabolites included an oxidative morpholine cleavage, oxidative morpholine opening, hydroxylation, and dihydroxylation followed by dehydrogenation. Most abundant 5F-EMB-PINACA metabolites were generated by ester hydrolysis plus additional steps such as oxidative defluorination and hydroxylation. To conclude, the data showed that a hepatotoxicity of the investigated SC cannot be excluded, that metabolism seems to play a minor role in the observed effects, and that the extensive phase I metabolism is mediated by several isozymes making interaction unlikely.
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24
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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.
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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
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Qin S, Xin G, Wei J, He G, Yuan Z, Liu H, Zhang X, Wang Y, Zhang WF, Lu J. Metabolic Profiles of 5F-MDMB-PICA in Human Urine, Serum, and Hair Samples Using LC-Q Exactive HF MS. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:408-420. [PMID: 33860792 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2020, 5F-MDMB-PICA (5F-MDMB-2201) was one of the most common synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) identified in drugs seized by the Beijing Drug Control Agency and it was categorized as Schedule II by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in March 2020. It is difficult to detect 5F-MDMB-PICA in biological matrices due to its fast metabolic rate in vivo. In this work, 5F-MDMB-PICA metabolic profiles were investigated by liquid chromatography-Q Exactive HF Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-QE-HF-MS), with accurate mass measurements in human urine, serum, and pubic hair. To obtain intact metabolites, solid-phase extraction (SPE) for urine and serum and direct ultrasonic extraction for pubic hair were applied to clean the samples without enzymatic hydrolysis. The differences in 5F-MDMB-PICA metabolism in the three different matrices were compared for the first time to determine the best detection biomarkers for monitoring 5F-MDMB-PICA misuse. Urine samples were determined to be the preferred biological material for identifying 5F-MDMB-PICA abuse. Forty-seven intact metabolites were detected in human urine, the ester-hydrolyzed with glucuronidated metabolite in urine samples can be used as the primary biomarker to identify drug misuse. Fifteen metabolites were found in serum samples. Ester hydrolysis was considered to be the major metabolic pathway, and a large number of metabolites were involved with it. Zero metabolites apart from the parent drug were detected in pubic hair samples. Twenty-eight new metabolites and their metabolic pathways were characterized and tentatively identified by LC-QE-HF-MS, and a new potential biomarker (M5 Ester hydrolysis + propionic acid) was also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyang Qin
- The Criminal Investigation Department of Beijing Public Security Bureau, 1st Longgang Road, Haidian District Beijing 100085, China (Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security)
| | - Guobin Xin
- The Criminal Investigation Department of Beijing Public Security Bureau, 1st Longgang Road, Haidian District Beijing 100085, China (Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security)
| | - Juanna Wei
- The Criminal Investigation Department of Beijing Public Security Bureau, 1st Longgang Road, Haidian District Beijing 100085, China (Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security)
| | - Genye He
- National Anti-doping Laboratory, China Anti-doping Agency, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zengping Yuan
- The Criminal Investigation Department of Beijing Public Security Bureau, 1st Longgang Road, Haidian District Beijing 100085, China (Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security)
| | - Hua Liu
- The Criminal Investigation Department of Beijing Public Security Bureau, 1st Longgang Road, Haidian District Beijing 100085, China (Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security)
| | - Xu Zhang
- The Criminal Investigation Department of Beijing Public Security Bureau, 1st Longgang Road, Haidian District Beijing 100085, China (Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security)
| | - Yuanfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science, China University of Political Science and Law, No 26 Houtun South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100025, China.,China Collaborative Innivation Center of Judical Civilization, No 26 Houtun South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100025, China
| | - Wen Fang Zhang
- The Criminal Investigation Department of Beijing Public Security Bureau, 1st Longgang Road, Haidian District Beijing 100085, China (Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security)
| | - Jianghai Lu
- Drug and Food Anti-doping Laboratory, China Anti-Doping Agency, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
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A Systematic Study of the In Vitro Pharmacokinetics and Estimated Human In Vivo Clearance of Indole and Indazole-3-Carboxamide Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists Detected on the Illicit Drug Market. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051396. [PMID: 33807614 PMCID: PMC7961380 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro pharmacokinetic studies were conducted on enantiomer pairs of twelve valinate or tert-leucinate indole and indazole-3-carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) detected on the illicit drug market to investigate their physicochemical parameters and structure-metabolism relationships (SMRs). Experimentally derived Log D7.4 ranged from 2.81 (AB-FUBINACA) to 4.95 (MDMB-4en-PINACA) and all SCRAs tested were highly protein bound, ranging from 88.9 ± 0.49% ((R)-4F-MDMB-BINACA) to 99.5 ± 0.08% ((S)-MDMB-FUBINACA). Most tested SCRAs were cleared rapidly in vitro in pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) and pooled cryopreserved human hepatocytes (pHHeps). Intrinsic clearance (CLint) ranged from 13.7 ± 4.06 ((R)-AB-FUBINACA) to 2944 ± 95.9 mL min−1 kg−1 ((S)-AMB-FUBINACA) in pHLM, and from 110 ± 34.5 ((S)-AB-FUBINACA) to 3216 ± 607 mL min−1 kg−1 ((S)-AMB-FUBINACA) in pHHeps. Predicted Human in vivo hepatic clearance (CLH) ranged from 0.34 ± 0.09 ((S)-AB-FUBINACA) to 17.79 ± 0.20 mL min−1 kg−1 ((S)-5F-AMB-PINACA) in pHLM and 1.39 ± 0.27 ((S)-MDMB-FUBINACA) to 18.25 ± 0.12 mL min−1 kg−1 ((S)-5F-AMB-PINACA) in pHHeps. Valinate and tert-leucinate indole and indazole-3-carboxamide SCRAs are often rapidly metabolised in vitro but are highly protein bound in vivo and therefore predicted in vivo CLH is much slower than CLint. This is likely to give rise to longer detection windows of these substances and their metabolites in urine, possibly as a result of accumulation of parent drug in lipid-rich tissues, with redistribution into the circulatory system and subsequent metabolism.
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Yue L, Xiang P, Shen B, Xu D, Song F, Yan H. Metabolism of 4F-MDMB-BICA in zebrafish by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1223-1229. [PMID: 33629502 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, in vivo metabolic studies of the synthetic cannabinoid 4F-MDMB-BICA were investigated using zebrafish models. The metabolites were identified and structurally illustrated by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Fourteen phase-I metabolites and four phase-II metabolites were generated from zebrafish. The main metabolic pathways of the phase-I metabolism included N-dealkylation, N-dealkylation combined with hydroxylation, amide hydrolysis, oxidative defluorination, oxidative defluorination to butyric acid, acetic acid formation at the indole side chain, hydroxylation, ester hydrolysis followed by hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and N-dealkylation, and oxidative defluorination subsequently combined with dehydrogenation. The main biotransformations of the phase-II metabolism were glucuronidation and sulfation. Two phase-I metabolites (A1 and A11) and four phase-II metabolites (A2, A3, A4, and A12) were reported for the first time. A14, which was confirmed in human biological samples, was detected only in zebrafish samples but not found in human liver microsome incubation study. The current study indicates that the zebrafish model is a promising tool for elucidating the metabolism of NPS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linna Yue
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Baohua Shen
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Duoqi Xu
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenyun Song
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
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Körmöczi T, Sija É, Institóris L, Kereszty ÉM, Ilisz I, Berkecz R. Analytical Methodologies for the Characterization and Analysis of the Parent Compound and Phase I Metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BICA in Human Microsome, Urine, and Blood Samples. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:bkab004. [PMID: 33404059 PMCID: PMC8866813 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
4F-MDMB-BICA is one of the most dangerous new illicit synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) in 2020. Consumption of 4F-MDMB-BICA has been associated with a number of death cases and related serious adverse health effects in Hungary. Therefore, the use of reliable analytical methods to confirm the intake of 4F-MDMB-BICA is an important issue in forensic practice. Besides the detection of the parent compounds of SCs, the screening of their metabolites provides a reliable confirmation of their consumption, in particular, when the parent compound is under the limit of detection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the identification of metabolites of 4F-MDMD-BICA after treatment with pooled human liver microsome (pHLM), and in human urine and blood samples using the combination of data obtained by comprehensive UHPLC-HRMS and semi-targeted UHPLC-HRMS/MS methods. Finally, our routine UHPLC-MS/MS method for screening urine and blood SCs was improved by adding the parent compound and selected main biomarkers of 4F-MDMD-BICA. From the pHLM assay of 4F-MDMD-BICA, 30 phase I metabolites were characterized and structural information thus obtained provided the basis of further identification of in vivo urine and blood metabolites. Overall, 20 urinary and 13 blood in vivo metabolites of 4F-MDMD-BICA have been identified by the investigation of five authentic urine and two blood samples. The ester hydrolysis metabolite was selected as a reliable primary biomarker in urine and blood. As secondary targets, urinary mono-hydroxylation metabolite and ester hydrolysis + dehydrogenation metabolite in blood were recommended due to their abundance and selectivity. Overall, the main phase I metabolites of 4F-MDMD-BICA were successfully characterized, and our routine analytical method with related sample preparation procedure provided a reliable analytical tool for screening both 4F-MDMD-BICA and its selected metabolites in urine and blood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tímea Körmöczi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Somogyi utca 4, Szeged 6720, Hungary
| | - Éva Sija
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Kossuth Lajos sgt. 40, Szeged 6724, Hungary
| | - László Institóris
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Kossuth Lajos sgt. 40, Szeged 6724, Hungary
| | - Éva M Kereszty
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Kossuth Lajos sgt. 40, Szeged 6724, Hungary
| | - István Ilisz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Somogyi utca 4, Szeged 6720, Hungary
| | - Róbert Berkecz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Somogyi utca 4, Szeged 6720, Hungary
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29
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Collins M. Synthetic Cannabinomimetics: A Brief History and the Challenges They Pose for the Forensic Chemist. Aust J Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/ch20322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Since the first detection of synthetic cannabinomimetics in herbal smoking blends in 2008 the clandestine production of these compounds, based on seizure data, increased in number every year until ~2012. In recent years there has been a decline in synthetic cannabinomimetic production both in number and diversity. The synthetic details of the first generation cannabinoids were documented in the scientific and medical literature making production comparatively simple. Subsequent generations of synthetic cannabinoids involved more complex but still very practicable synthetic chemistry. This resulted in a period of rapid growth in synthetic cannabinoids creating a health crisis and problems for forensic chemists faced with many substances for which no certified reference materials existed. Routine forensic chemistry laboratories were well practiced at identifying known drugs using chromatographic–mass spectrometric techniques and comparison to reference materials. However as synthetic cannabinomimetics, often referred to in the literature as synthetic cannabinoids, appeared in large numbers, few laboratories were equipped with the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers and high resolution mass spectrometers (HRMS) required for identification of unknown substances. These developments also challenged public prosecutors for opinions from forensic experts as to the legality or otherwise of these novel drugs.
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Monitoring metabolism of synthetic cannabinoid 4F-MDMB-BINACA via high-resolution mass spectrometry assessed in cultured hepatoma cell line, fungus, liver microsomes and confirmed using urine samples. Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00562-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
A tert-leucinate derivative synthetic cannabinoid, methyl (2S)-2-([1-(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbonyl]amino)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (4F-MDMB-BINACA, 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA or 4F-ADB) is known to adversely impact health. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of three different modes of monitoring metabolism: HepG2 liver cells, fungus Cunninghamella elegans (C. elegans) and pooled human liver microsomes (HLM) for comparison with human in-vivo metabolism in identifying suitable urinary marker(s) for 4F-MDMB-BINACA intake.
Methods
Tentative structure elucidation of in-vitro metabolites was performed on HepG2, C. elegans and HLM using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. In-vivo metabolites obtained from twenty authentic human urine samples were analysed using liquid chromatography–Orbitrap mass spectrometry.
Results
Incubation with HepG2, C. elegans and HLM yielded nine, twenty-three and seventeen metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BINACA, respectively, formed via ester hydrolysis, hydroxylation, carboxylation, dehydrogenation, oxidative defluorination, carbonylation or reaction combinations. Phase II metabolites of glucosidation and sulfation were also exclusively identified using C. elegans model. Eight in-vivo metabolites tentatively identified were mainly products of ester hydrolysis with or without additional dehydrogenation, N-dealkylation, monohydroxylation and oxidative defluorination with further oxidation to butanoic acid. Metabolites with intact terminal methyl ester moiety, i.e., oxidative defluorination with further oxidation to butanoic acid, were also tentatively identified.
Conclusions
The in-vitro models presented proved useful in the exhaustive metabolism studies. Despite limitations, HepG2 identified the major 4F-MDMB-BINACA ester hydrolysis metabolite, and C. elegans demonstrated the capacity to produce a wide variety of metabolites. Both C. elegans and HLM produced all the in-vivo metabolites. Ester hydrolysis and ester hydrolysis plus dehydrogenation 4F-MDMB-BINACA metabolites were recommended as urinary markers for 4F-MDMB-BINACA intake.
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31
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Cannaert A, Sparkes E, Pike E, Luo JL, Fang A, Kevin RC, Ellison R, Gerona R, Banister SD, Stove CP. Synthesis and in Vitro Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Activity of Recently Detected Synthetic Cannabinoids 4F-MDMB-BICA, 5F-MPP-PICA, MMB-4en-PICA, CUMYL-CBMICA, ADB-BINACA, APP-BINACA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, A-CHMINACA, 5F-AB-P7AICA, 5F-MDMB-P7AICA, and 5F-AP7AICA. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:4434-4446. [PMID: 33253529 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are an evolving class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) with structurally diverse compounds emerging each year. Due to the rapid pace at which these drugs enter the market, there is often little or nil information regarding the pharmacology of these substances despite widespread human use. In this study, 12 recently emerged SCRAs (reported between 2018 and 2020) were synthesized, analytically characterized, and pharmacologically evaluated using a live cell-based nanoluciferase complementation reporter assay that monitors in vitro cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) activation via its interaction with β-arrestin 2 (βarr2). All synthesized SCRAs acted as agonists of CB1, although differences in potency (EC50 = 2.33-5475 nM) and efficacy (Emax = 37-378%) were noted, and several structure-activity relationships were identified. SCRAs featuring indazole cores (EC50 = 2.33-159 nM) were generally of equal or greater potency than indole analogues (EC50 = 32.9-330 nM) or 7-azaindole derivatives (EC50 = 64.0-5475 nM). Interestingly, with the exception of APP-BINACA (Emax = 75.7%) and 5F-A-P7AICA (Emax = 37.4%), all SCRAs showed greater efficacy than the historical SCRA JWH-018 to which responses were normalized (Emax = 142-378%). The most potent CB1 agonists in the study were ADB-BINACA (EC50 = 6.36 nM), 4F-MDMB-BINACA (EC50 = 7.39 nM), and MDMB-4en-PINACA (EC50 = 2.33 nM). Notably, all of these SCRAs featured an indazole core as well as a "bulky" tert-butyl moiety in the pendant amino acid side chain. This study confirms that recently detected SCRAs 4F-MDMB-BICA, 5F-MPP-PICA, MMB-4en-PICA, CUMYL-CBMICA, ADB-BINACA, APP-BINACA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, A-CHMINACA, 5F-AB-P7AICA, 5F-MDMB-P7AICA, and 5F-AP7AICA were all able to activate the CB1 receptor in vitro, albeit to different extents, and are potentially psychoactive in vivo. These results indicate that further evaluation of these widely used NPS is warranted to better understand the risks associated with human consumption of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Eric Sparkes
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Edward Pike
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Jia Lin Luo
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Ada Fang
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Richard C. Kevin
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Ross Ellison
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Roy Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Samuel D. Banister
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
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Lie W, Cheong EJY, Goh EML, Moy HY, Cannaert A, Stove CP, Chan ECY. Diagnosing intake and rationalizing toxicities associated with 5F-MDMB-PINACA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA abuse. Arch Toxicol 2020; 95:489-508. [PMID: 33236189 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02948-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
5F-MDMB-PINACA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA are synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) that elicit cannabinoid psychoactive effects. Defining pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) relationships governing SCs and their metabolites are paramount to investigating their in vivo toxicological outcomes. However, the disposition kinetics and cannabinoid receptor (CB) activities of the primary metabolites of SCs are largely unknown. Additionally, reasons underlying the selection of ester hydrolysis metabolites (EHMs) as urinary biomarkers are often unclear. Here, metabolic reaction phenotyping was performed to identify key metabolizing enzymes of the parent SCs. Hepatic clearances of parent SCs and their EHMs were estimated from microsomal metabolic stability studies. Renal clearances were simulated using a mechanistic kidney model incorporating in vitro permeability and organic anionic transporter 3 (OAT3)-mediated uptake data. Overall clearances were considered in tandem with estimated volumes of distribution for in vivo biological half-lives (t1/2) predictions. Interactions of the compounds with CB1 and CB2 were investigated using a G-protein coupled receptor activation assay. We demonstrated that similar enzymatic isoforms were implicated in the metabolism of 5F-MDMB-PINACA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA. Our in vivo t1/2 determinations verified the rapid elimination of parent SCs and suggest prolonged circulation of their EHMs. The pronounced attenuation of the potencies and efficacies of the metabolites against CB1 and CB2 further suggests how toxic manifestations of SC abuse are likely precipitated by augmented exposure to parent SCs. Notably, basolateral OAT3-mediated uptake of the EHMs substantiates their higher urinary abundance. These novel insights underscore the importance of mechanistic, quantitative and systematic characterization of PK-PD relationships in rationalizing the toxicities of SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Lie
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Eleanor Jing Yi Cheong
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Evelyn Mei Ling Goh
- Analytical Toxicology Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, 11 Outram Road, Singapore, 169078, Singapore
| | - Hooi Yan Moy
- Analytical Toxicology Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, 11 Outram Road, Singapore, 169078, Singapore
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eric Chun Yong Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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YETER O. Simultaneous determination of 4F-MDMB BINACA, a new synthetic cannabinoid, and its metabolites in human blood samples by LC-MS/MS. JOURNAL OF THE TURKISH CHEMICAL SOCIETY, SECTION A: CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.18596/jotcsa.770427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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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.
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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
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Recent bionalytical methods for the determination of new psychoactive substances in biological specimens. Bioanalysis 2020; 12:1557-1595. [PMID: 33078960 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2020-0148] [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: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the problems associated with the consumption of new psychoactive substances is that in most scenarios of acute toxicity the possibility of quick clinical action may be impaired because many screening methods are not responsive to them, and laboratories are not able to keep pace with the appearance of new substances. For these reasons, developing and validating new analytical methods is mandatory in order to efficiently face those problems, allowing laboratories to be one step ahead. The goal of this work is to perform a critical review regarding bionalytical methods that can be used for the determination of new psychoactive substances (phenylethylamines, cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, opioids, benzodiazepines, etc), particularly concerning sample preparation techniques and associated analytical methods.
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Wagmann L, Frankenfeld F, Park YM, Herrmann J, Fischmann S, Westphal F, Müller R, Flockerzi V, Meyer MR. How to Study the Metabolism of New Psychoactive Substances for the Purpose of Toxicological Screenings-A Follow-Up Study Comparing Pooled Human Liver S9, HepaRG Cells, and Zebrafish Larvae. Front Chem 2020; 8:539. [PMID: 32766204 PMCID: PMC7380166 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The new psychoactive substances (NPS) market continues to be very dynamic. A large number of compounds belonging to diverse chemical groups continue to emerge. This makes their detection in biological samples challenging for clinical and forensic toxicologists. Knowledge of the metabolic fate of NPS is crucial for developing comprehensive screening procedures. As human studies are not feasible due to ethical concerns, the current study aimed to compare the NPS' metabolic pattern in incubations with pooled human liver S9 fraction (pHLS9), human liver HepaRG cells, and zebrafish larvae. The latter model was recently shown to be a promising preclinical surrogate for human hepatic metabolism of a synthetic cannabinoid. However, studies concerning other NPS classes are still missing and therefore an amphetamine-based N-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) compound, a synthetic cathinone, a pyrrolidinophenone analog, a lysergamide, as well as another synthetic cannabinoid were included in the current study. Liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap-based high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze metabolic data. Zebrafish larvae were found to produce the highest number of phase I but also phase II metabolites (79 metabolites in total), followed by HepaRG cells (66 metabolites). Incubations with pHLS9 produced the least metabolites (57 metabolites). Furthermore, the involvement of monooxygenases and esterases in the metabolic phase I transformations of 4F-MDMB-BINACA was elucidated using single-enzyme incubations. Several cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes were shown to contribute, and CYP3A5 was involved in all CYP-catalyzed reactions, while amide and ester hydrolysis were catalyzed by the human carboxylesterase (hCES) isoforms hCES1b and/or hCES1c. Finally, metabolites were compared to those present in human biosamples if data were available. Overall, the metabolic patterns in HepaRG cells provided the worst overlap with that in human biosamples. Zebrafish larvae experiments agreed best with data found in human plasma and urine analysis. The current study underlines the potential of zebrafish larvae as a tool for elucidating the toxicokinetics of NPS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Wagmann
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Frankenfeld
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Yu Mi Park
- Department of Microbial Natural Products (MINS), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jennifer Herrmann
- Department of Microbial Natural Products (MINS), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Svenja Fischmann
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Department of Microbial Natural Products (MINS), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Veit Flockerzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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The synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA: A case series. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 314:110410. [PMID: 32683270 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
5F-MDMB-PICA has been detected in products sold on the internet as well as in biological samples since 2016. It is associated with serious adverse health and behavioral effects and even death. Herein we report on twelve cases with proven 5F-MDMB-PICA consumption, including three fatalities, four cases of driving under the influence of drugs and five other criminal acts. In these cases, 5F-MDMB-PICA was detected in postmortem blood or serum. Concentrations ranged from 0.1-16ng/mL. In some blood (serum) and urine samples, the hydrolysis metabolite of 5F-MDMB-PICA (M12) could also be detected. In this case series, co-consumption with other drugs occurred in 9 of 12 cases, most commonly alcohol, cannabis and other contemporary SCs. In five cases, 4F-MDMB-BINACA was also detected. The described cases demonstrate various adverse effects that might be associated with 5F-MDMB-PICA. Observed physical adverse effects were mainly balance deficiencies and ocular effects such as reddened conjunctivae, glassy eyes and delayed or unresponsive pupil light reactions. Observed mental and behavioral effects were mainly changing moods, aggression, confusion, erratic behavior, mental leaps, disorientation, slowed reaction, logorrhea and slurred speech. Due to the fast changing market of synthetic cannabinoids, data on such new appearing substances are basically scarce. Because of the limited number of studies on pharmacological properties of synthetic cannabinoids, reports of findings in human samples along with corresponding case history descriptions can be valuable for the interpretation of upcoming routine cases.
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Norman C, Walker G, McKirdy B, McDonald C, Fletcher D, Antonides LH, Sutcliffe OB, Nic Daéid N, McKenzie C. Detection and quantitation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in infused papers from prisons in a constantly evolving illicit market. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:538-554. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Norman
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
| | - Gillian Walker
- Public Protection Unit, Scottish Prison Service Edinburgh UK
| | - Brian McKirdy
- Public Protection Unit, Scottish Prison Service Edinburgh UK
| | - Ciara McDonald
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
- Department of Pure and Applied ChemistryUniversity of Strathclyde UK
| | - Daniel Fletcher
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life SciencesUniversity of Dundee UK
| | - Lysbeth H. Antonides
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic ScienceUniversity of Dundee UK
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental ScienceManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Niamh Nic Daéid
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic ScienceUniversity of Dundee UK
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
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Halter S, Haschimi B, Mogler L, Auwärter V. Impact of legislation on NPS markets in Germany – The rise and fall of 5F‐ADB. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:853-856. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic MedicineForensic Toxicology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate SchoolUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Belal Haschimi
- Institute of Forensic MedicineForensic Toxicology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate SchoolUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Lukas Mogler
- Institute of Forensic MedicineForensic Toxicology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic MedicineForensic Toxicology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
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