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Jin W, Wang J, Chen S, Chen Q, Li D, Zhu M, Fu X, Huang Y, Lin P. UPLC-MS/MS determination of 71 neuropsychotropic drugs in human serum. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32274. [PMID: 38975205 PMCID: PMC11226775 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, a UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the rapid detection of 71 neuropsychotropic drugs in human serum for drug concentration monitoring and toxicity screening. The analytes were separated from the biological matrix by protein precipitation using a methanol-acetonitrile solvent mixture. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Kromasil ClassicShell C18 column (2.1*50 mm, 2.5 μ m) with gradient elution using acetonitrile-0.2 % acetic acid and 10 mM ammonium acetate as the mobile phases (flow rate 0.4 mL/min, column temperature 40 °C, injection volume 5 μL). An electrospray ion source in both positive and negative ion modes with multiple ion monitoring was used. The total run time was 6 min. All compounds were quantified using the isotope internal standard method. Totally, 71 drugs were detected within their linear ranges with correlation coefficients greater than 0.990. The intra- and inter-batch precision relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the low, medium, and high concentration points were less than 15 %, with an accuracy of 90%-110 %. All compounds except Moclobemide N-oxindole are stabilised within 7 days. The relative matrix effect results for each analyte were within ±20 % of the requirements. The method is validated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, easy to use, and has a low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Jin
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Shanghai Biotree Biomedical Technology Co, China
| | - Shuzi Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xiaomei Fu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yingyu Huang
- Shanghai Biotree Biomedical Technology Co, China
| | - Ping Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
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2
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Yang H, Liu C, Zhu C, Zheng Y, Li J, Zhu Q, Wang H, Fang X, Liu Q, Liang M, Liu Z. Determination of ten antipsychotics in blood, hair and nails: Validation of a LC-MS/MS method and forensic application of keratinized matrix analysis. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 234:115557. [PMID: 37406464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Determination of antipsychotics from biological samples is meaningful in the field of clinical and forensic medicine. Compared to blood, keratinized matrices such as hair and nails have attracted increasing attention in drug analysis for wider detection window. Nevertheless, the distribution and stability of antipsychotics in keratinized matrices are not clarified yet. Therefore, we developed a LC-MS/MS based method for simultaneous determination of 10 antipsychotics from blood, hair and nails, with high recovery (78.1-107.4%, 71.3-93.5% and 75.2-90.5%), low LOD (5-10 pg/mL, 5-10 pg/mg and 5 pg/mg) and high accuracy (96.0%-101.6%, 97.5%-102.5% and 97.6-101.7%). The method was applied to sets of blood, hair, and nail samples of 54 patients who received long-term therapy, and significant correlations between drug concentrations in blood and hair was found, while the correlation between nails and other matrices varied depending on the drug. Except for olanzapine, the concentrations of antipsychotics in segmental hair samples were consistent with drug exposure. Besides, the hair and nail samples of suspects in two forensic cases were analyzed and provided supporting evidence for the suspects' psychiatric state. Our research offered a deeper understanding of keratinized matrix as stable and retrospective bio-samples for antipsychotics detection in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Yang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430000 Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430000 Wuhan, China
| | - Chuanhong Zhu
- Criminal Investigation Bureau, Wuhan Public Security Bureau, 430000 Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Criminal Investigation Bureau, Wuhan Public Security Bureau, 430000 Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Li
- Criminal Investigation Bureau, Wuhan Public Security Bureau, 430000 Wuhan, China
| | | | - Hao Wang
- Wuhan YouFu Hospital, 430000 Wuhan, China
| | | | - Quan Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Hubei University of Police, 430000 Wuhan, China
| | - Man Liang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430000 Wuhan, China.
| | - Zilong Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430000 Wuhan, China.
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de Campos EG, de Almeida OGG, De Martinis ECP. The role of microorganisms in the biotransformation of psychoactive substances and its forensic relevance: a critical interdisciplinary review. Forensic Sci Res 2023; 8:173-184. [PMID: 38221972 PMCID: PMC10785599 DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owad025] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are widespread on the planet being able to adapt, persist, and grow in diverse environments, either rich in nutrient sources or under harsh conditions. The comprehension of the interaction between microorganisms and drugs is relevant for forensic toxicology and forensic chemistry, elucidating potential pathways of microbial metabolism and their implications. Considering the described scenario, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review of the state of the art of interactions amongst microorganisms and common drugs of abuse. Additionally, other drugs of forensic interest are briefly discussed. This paper outlines the importance of this area of investigation, covering the intersections between forensic microbiology, forensic chemistry, and forensic toxicology applied to drugs of abuse, and it also highlights research potentialities. Key points Microorganisms are widespread on the planet and grow in a myriad of environments.Microorganisms can often be found in matrices of forensic interest.Drugs can be metabolized or produced (e.g. ethanol) by microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo G de Campos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, USA
| | - Otávio G G de Almeida
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine C P De Martinis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Yue M, Kus L, Katta S, Su I, Li L, Haas DM, Quinney SK. Pharmacokinetics of Antidepressants in Pregnancy. J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 63 Suppl 1:S137-S158. [PMID: 37317494 PMCID: PMC10442696 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Depression is common in pregnant women. However, the rate of antidepressant treatment in pregnancy is significantly lower than in nonpregnant women. Although some antidepressants may cause potential risks to the fetus, not treating or withdrawing the treatment is associated with relapsing and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth. Pregnancy-associated physiologic changes can alter pharmacokinetics (PK) and may impact dosing requirements during pregnancy. However, pregnant women are largely excluded from PK studies. Dose extrapolation from the nonpregnant population could lead to ineffective doses or increased risk of adverse events. To better understand PK changes during pregnancy and guide dosing decisions, we conducted a literature review to catalog PK studies of antidepressants in pregnancy, with a focus on maternal PK differences from the nonpregnant population and fetal exposure. We identified 40 studies on 15 drugs, with most data from patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine. Most of the studies have relatively poor quality, with small sample sizes, reporting concentrations at delivery only, a large amount of missing data, and not including times and adequate dose information. Only four studies collected multiple samples following a dose and reported PK parameters. In general, there are limited data available regarding PK of antidepressants in pregnancy and deficiencies in data reporting. Future studies should provide accurate information on drug dosing and timing of dose, PK sample collection, and individual-level PK data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yue
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lauren Kus
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Shilpa Katta
- School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Isaac Su
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lang Li
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - David M. Haas
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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Rubicondo J, Scuffi L, Pietrosemoli L, Mineo M, Terranova F, Bartucca M, Trignano C, Bertol E, Vaiano F. A New Multi-Analyte LC-MS-MS Screening Method for the Detection of 120 NPSs and 49 Drugs in Hair. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 46:e262-e273. [PMID: 36453750 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has been increasingly used for screening purposes in forensic toxicology. High versatility and low time/resource consumption are the main advantages of this technology. Numerous multi-analyte methods have been validated in order to face the analytical challenge of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). However, forensic toxicologists must focus the attention also on "classical" NPSs and medicines, such as benzodiazepines (BDZs) and prescription opioids. In this paper, a new method for the simultaneous detection of 169 substances (120 NPSs and 49 other drugs) in hair by LC-MS-MS is described. After the decontamination of hair samples with dichloromethane, a 20-mg aliquot of the sample was mixed with 1 mL of methanol (MeOH; 0.1% of formic acid) and then sonicated at room temperature for 2 h. The mixture was then dried under nitrogen stream and reconstituted with 100 µL of MeOH. LC separation was achieved with a 100-mm-long C18 column in 35 min, and mass acquisition was performed in dynamic multiple reaction monitoring mode and in positive ionization. The analysis results were very sensitive, with the limit of quantification ranging from 0.07 to 10.0 pg/mg. Accuracy and precision were always within the acceptable criteria. Matrix effect and recovery rate ranges were from -21.3 to + 21.9% and from 75.0 to 99.3%, respectively. The new method was successfully applied in a preliminary study on the prevalence of NPSs, BDZs and other substances in case of driving license issuance. In 14% of cases, BDZs/antidepressants (mainly trazodone, diazepam/nordiazepam and flunitrazepam) were found. Codeine, ketamine, methylone and mephedrone were also detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rubicondo
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - L Scuffi
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - L Pietrosemoli
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - M Mineo
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - F Terranova
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - M Bartucca
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - C Trignano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43c, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - E Bertol
- U.R.I.To.N.-Unit of Research, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - F Vaiano
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy.,U.R.I.To.N.-Unit of Research, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
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Kintz P, Blanchot A, Ameline A, Richert P, Gheddar L, Garnier JF, Raul JS. Antidépresseurs et pratique de la plongée sous-marine. A propos d’un accident aux conséquences fatales. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Zijp TR, Izzah Z, Åberg C, Gan CT, Bakker SJL, Touw DJ, van Boven JFM. Clinical Value of Emerging Bioanalytical Methods for Drug Measurements: A Scoping Review of Their Applicability for Medication Adherence and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. Drugs 2021; 81:1983-2002. [PMID: 34724175 PMCID: PMC8559140 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01618-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Direct quantification of drug concentrations allows for medication adherence monitoring (MAM) and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Multiple less invasive methods have been developed in recent years: dried blood spots (DBS), saliva, and hair analyses. AIM To provide an overview of emerging drug quantification methods for MAM and TDM, focusing on the clinical validation of methods in patients prescribed chronic drug therapies. METHODS A scoping review was performed using a systematic search in three electronic databases covering the period 2000-2020. Screening and inclusion were performed by two independent reviewers in Rayyan. Data from the articles were aggregated in a REDCap database. The main outcome was clinical validity of methods based on study sample size, means of cross-validation, and method description. Outcomes were reported by matrix, therapeutic area and application (MAM and/or TDM). RESULTS A total of 4590 studies were identified and 175 articles were finally included; 57 on DBS, 66 on saliva and 55 on hair analyses. Most reports were in the fields of neurological diseases (37%), infectious diseases (31%), and transplantation (14%). An overview of clinical validation was generated of all measured drugs. A total of 62 drugs assays were applied for MAM and 131 for TDM. CONCLUSION MAM and TDM are increasingly possible without traditional invasive blood sampling: the strengths and limitations of DBS, saliva, and hair differ, but all have potential for valid and more convenient drug monitoring. To strengthen the quality and comparability of future evidence, standardisation of the clinical validation of the methods is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja R Zijp
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Zamrotul Izzah
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christoffer Åberg
- University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - C Tji Gan
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan J L Bakker
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Touw
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Medication Adherence Expertise Center of the Northern Netherlands (MAECON), Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Job F M van Boven
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Medication Adherence Expertise Center of the Northern Netherlands (MAECON), Groningen, The Netherlands
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Rygaard K, Linnet K, Johansen SS. A Systematic Review of Metabolite-to-Drug Ratios of Pharmaceuticals in Hair for Forensic Investigations. Metabolites 2021; 11:686. [PMID: 34677401 PMCID: PMC8539361 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11100686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
After ingestion, consumed drugs and their metabolites are incorporated into hair, which has a long detection window, ranging up to months. Therefore, in addition to conventional blood and urine analyses, hair analysis can provide useful information on long-term drug exposure. Meta-bolite-to-drug (MD) ratios are helpful in interpreting hair results, as they provide useful information on drug metabolism and can be used to distinguish drug use from external contamination, which is otherwise a limitation in hair analysis. Despite this, the MD ratios of a wide range of pharmaceuticals have scarcely been explored. This review aims to provide an overview of MD ratios in hair in a range of pharmaceuticals of interest to forensic toxicology, such as antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs, benzodiazepines, common opiates/opioids, etc. The factors influencing the ratio were evaluated. MD ratios of 41 pharmaceuticals were reported from almost 100 studies. MD ratios below 1 were frequently reported, indicating higher concentrations of the parent pharmaceutical than of its metabolite in hair, but wide-ranging MD ratios of the majority of pharmaceuticals were found. Intra- and interindividual differences and compound properties were variables possibly contributing to this. This overview presents guidance for future comparison and evaluation of MD ratios of pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Rygaard
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V’s Vej 11, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.L.); (S.S.J.)
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Moeller BC, Flores L, Clifford A, Alarcio G, Mosburg M, Arthur RM. Detection of Methylphenidate in Equine Hair Using Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195798. [PMID: 34641342 PMCID: PMC8510229 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylphenidate is a powerful central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for abuse in horse racing. The detection of methylphenidate use is of interest to horse racing authorities for both prior to and during competition. The use of hair as an alternative sampling matrix for equine anti-doping has increased as the number of detectable compounds has expanded. Our laboratory developed a liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry method to detect the presence of methylphenidate in submitted samples. Briefly, hair was decontaminated, cut, and pulverized prior to liquid–liquid extraction in basic conditions before introduction to the LC-MS system. Instrumental analysis was conducted using a Thermo Q Exactive mass spectrometer using parallel reaction monitoring using a stepped collision energy to obtain sufficient product ions for qualitative identification. The method was validated and limits of quantitation, linearity, matrix effects, recovery, accuracy, and precision were determined. The method has been applied to confirm the presence of methylphenidate in official samples submitted by racing authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Moeller
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (L.F.); (A.C.); (G.A.); (M.M.)
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-530-752-8700
| | - Luis Flores
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (L.F.); (A.C.); (G.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Amel Clifford
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (L.F.); (A.C.); (G.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Gwendolyne Alarcio
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (L.F.); (A.C.); (G.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Mary Mosburg
- KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (L.F.); (A.C.); (G.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Rick M. Arthur
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
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Cobo-Golpe M, de-Castro-Ríos A, Cruz A, Páramo M, López-Rivadulla M, Lendoiro E. Determination of antidepressants and benzodiazepines in paired hair and nail samples. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 326:110935. [PMID: 34333195 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Hair and nails are keratinized matrices that can be used in Toxicology as matrices for the long-term detection of substances. Whereas hair is an established matrix with decades of use in this field, nails have been less studied, especially including a comparison to hair samples. Specifically in the case of antidepressant and benzodiazepine drugs, very few publications analyzing these drugs in nail samples exist as of yet. For this reason, in the present study a method for the detection of 12 antidepressant and benzodiazepine drugs in hair and nail samples was developed. Samples were decontaminated with 3 washes of dichloromethane, and 25 or 30 mg of hair and nails, respectively, were pulverized. Then, the samples were incubated with 1.5 mL water:ACN (50:50, v/v) with horizontal agitation for 90 min. The supernatant was evaporated and reconstituted in 200 µL of methanol and 2 mL of 2% FA in water, submitted to solid phase extraction (SPE) using Oasis MCX cartridges and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The method was satisfactorily validated in nail and hair samples for the following parameters: linearity, LOD (0.005-0.02 ng/mg), LOQ (0.01-0.02 ng/mg), selectivity, carryover, accuracy, imprecision, matrix effect, extraction efficiency, process efficiency and autosampler stability. Matched fingernail, toenail and hair samples were obtained from 21 patients under treatment with any of the studied drugs and analyzed with the developed method. The most frequently detected drugs were venlafaxine (n = 11), trazodone (n = 6), zolpidem (n = 5), alprazolam (n = 5) and nordiazepam (n = 5). Concentrations in hair, fingernails and toenails, respectively, were 44.31 ng/mg, 8.05-43.35 ng/mg and 7.02-22.69 ng/mg for venlafaxine; 5.40-19.08 ng/mg, 0.13-1.00 ng/mg and 0.42-1.04 ng/mg for trazodone; 13.86 ng/mg, 5.19 ng/mg and 9.11 ng/mg for fluoxetine; 7.42 ng/mg, 1.85 ng/mg and 0.03-2.81 ng/mg for sertraline; 0.40-1.42 ng/mg, 0.12 ng/mg and 0.16 ng/mg for zolpidem; and 0.02-0.11 ng/mg, 0.07-1.07 ng/mg and 0.05 ng/mg for alprazolam for the patients under active treatment. Hair concentrations were higher than nail concentrations for most drugs in patients under active treatment, with the exception of diazepam (n = 1; 0.12 ng/mg in hair and 0.41 ng/mg in fingernails). Fingernail concentrations were lower than toenail concentrations in patients under active treatment in most compared cases. Comparison of fingernails and toenails of a patient with antifungal treatment did not show an observable effect in concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cobo-Golpe
- Servicio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana de-Castro-Ríos
- Servicio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Angelines Cruz
- Servicio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mario Páramo
- Servizo de Psiquiatría, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Manuel López-Rivadulla
- Servicio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Elena Lendoiro
- Servicio de Toxicología, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Kintz P, Raul JS, Ameline A. Evidence of repeated mirtazapine poisoning in children by hair analysis. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1165-1170. [PMID: 33559900 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14684] [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] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mirtazapine is an antidepressant drug, used to treat depression, but also, in some specific conditions, to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. Although mirtazapine is not a hypnotic, it can make the subject feel drowsy. Children under the age of 18 should not take mirtazapine, but for some very special diseases, a physician can prescribe it for a limited period of time. The authors report a case involving 2 children (7- and 9-year-old) who were administered mirtazapine without consent by the mother, who was under daily therapy with this antidepressant. Hair specimens, collected from the children were tested by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for mirtazapine and its metabolite, N-desmethylmirtazapine, on 3 × 1 cm segments. The hair test results (3 × 1 cm segments) have demonstrated that both children have been repetitively exposed to mirtazapine for approximately the last 3 months before hair collection, with concentrations in the range 1.32-3.79 and 0.64-2.54 ng/mg for mirtazapine and N-desmethylmirtazapine, respectively. Environmental contamination was ruled out as the measured concentrations are highly variable according to the pattern of drug distribution and the washes were negative. Hair testing for drugs appears as an excellent diagnostic tool for child protection toward drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Kintz
- Institut de Médecine Légale, Strasbourg, France.,X-Pertise Consulting, Mittelhausbergen, France
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Kintz P, Raul JS, Ameline A. The use of multiple keratinous matrices (head hair, axillary hair, and toenail clippings) can help narrowing a period of drug exposure: experience with a criminal case involving 25I-NBOMe and 4-MMC. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1461-1465. [PMID: 33527191 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02511-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this publication is to present the interest of collecting several keratinous specimens in order to document possible drug impairment at the time of the assault, when knowledge solely occurred 7 months after. A subject committed a murder and within minutes after the crime self-inflicted serious wounds. He was charged to the hospital where he slowly recovered. After several weeks, he was sent to prison. During this period, intelligence indicated possible drug impairment at the time of the assault after using 25I-NBOMe and 4-MMC. Head hair (4 cm), axillary hair, and toenails were collected 7 months after the crime. New psychoactive substances were tested in each specimen using LC-MS/MS, which revealed the presence of 25I-NBOMe and 4-MMC in axillary hair (2 and 6 pg/mg) and toenails (1 and 5 pg/mg). However, the perpetrator claimed that the positive findings were due to contamination in prison. Therefore, the head hair was also tested and results returned negative (LOQ at 1 pg/mg), demonstrating absence of contamination during the last 4 months before collection. Combining the window of drug detection in axillary hair (about 4 to 8 months) and the one of toenail clippings (up to 8 months), and excluding drug exposure during the previous 4 months as well as external contamination as the head hair results were negative, allowed us to conclude that the positive findings in axillary hair and toenails are more likely than not consistent with consumption of both 25I-NBOMe and 4-MMC at the time of the crime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Kintz
- X-Pertise Consulting, 42 rue principale, 67206, Mittelhausbergen, France.
- Institut de médecine légale, 11 rue Humann, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | | | - Alice Ameline
- Institut de médecine légale, 11 rue Humann, 67000, Strasbourg, France
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Shankar N, Guimarães AO, Napoli E, Giulivi C. Forensic determination of hair deposition time in crime scenes using electron paramagnetic resonance. J Forensic Sci 2020; 66:72-82. [PMID: 32986869 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14570] [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: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Several types of biological samples, including hair strands, are found at crime scenes. Apart from the identification of the value and the contributor of the probative evidence, it is important to prove that the time of shedding of hair belonging to a suspect or victim matches the crime window. To this end, to estimate the ex vivo aging of hair, we evaluated time-dependent changes in melanin-derived free radicals in blond, brown, and black hairs by using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). Hair strands aged under controlled conditions (humidity 40%, temperature 20-22°C, indirect light, with 12/12 hour of light/darkness cycles) showed a time-dependent decay of melanin-derived radicals. The half-life of eumelanin-derived radicals in hair under our experimental settings was estimated at 22 ± 2 days whereas that of pheomelanin was about 2 days suggesting better stabilization of unpaired electrons by eumelanin. Taken together, this study provides a reference for future forensic studies on determination of degradation of shed hair in a crime scene by following eumelanin radicals by utilizing the non-invasive, non-destructive, and highly specific EPR technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhita Shankar
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - André O Guimarães
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Laboratório de Ciências Físicas, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eleonora Napoli
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cecilia Giulivi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Kintz P. Negative hair test result after long-term drug use. About a case involving morphine and literature review. Clin Chem Lab Med 2020; 59:267-273. [PMID: 32692696 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-0950] [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: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Although it has been accepted by most scientists that drugs circulating in blood are eligible to hair incorporation, this cannot be considered as a general statement. A 42-year old man was found dead in his swimming pool. He was living alone, and seen alive 2 days before by a neighbour. Femoral blood, cardiac blood and hair were collected during body examination. Free morphine was identified in femoral blood at 28 ng/mL, corresponding to his treatment for chronic pain (3 × 5 mg daily for 4 months). However, with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) at 10 pg/mg, segmental hair testing (3 × 1 cm) for morphine was negative. In this paper, the author has reviewed the different factors which can be responsible of this discrepancy. Several variables can influence the detection of a drug in hair and the author has listed reasons that can account for the absence of analytical response in hair after drug administration. The drug may not be incorporated in hair. That is the case for large bio-molecules, such as hormones, which cannot be transferred from the blood capillaries to growing cells of hair. Cosmetic treatments (perming, colouring, bleaching) or environmental aggressions (ultraviolet radiation, thermal application) will always reduce the concentrations. In this case, the lack of morphine detection was attributed to the effects of chlorinated water from the swimming pool. A negative hair result is also a result. However, this can be interpreted in three different ways: 1. the owner of the hair did not take or was not exposed to the specific drug, 2. the procedure is not sensitive enough to detect the drug, or 3. something happened after drug incorporation (cosmetic treatment, environmental influence).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Kintz
- X-Pertise Consulting, 42 rue principale, 67206, Mittelhausbergen, France.,Institut de médecine légale, 11 rue Humann, 67000, Strasbourg, France
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