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Alberto-Silva AS, Hemmer S, Bock HA, da Silva LA, Scott KR, Kastner N, Bhatt M, Niello M, Jäntsch K, Kudlacek O, Bossi E, Stockner T, Meyer MR, McCorvy JD, Brandt SD, Kavanagh P, Sitte HH. Bioisosteric analogs of MDMA: Improving the pharmacological profile? J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38898705 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') is re-emerging in clinical settings as a candidate for the treatment of specific neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder) in combination with psychotherapy. MDMA is a psychoactive drug, typically regarded as an empathogen or entactogen, which leads to transporter-mediated monoamine release. Despite its therapeutic potential, MDMA can induce dose-, individual-, and context-dependent untoward effects outside safe settings. In this study, we investigated whether three new methylenedioxy bioisosteres of MDMA improve its off-target profile. In vitro methods included radiotracer assays, transporter electrophysiology, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence-based assays, pooled human liver microsome/S9 fraction incubations, metabolic stability studies, isozyme mapping, and liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. In silico methods included molecular docking. Compared with MDMA, all three MDMA bioisosteres (ODMA, TDMA, and SeDMA) showed similar pharmacological activity at human serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine transporters (hSERT, hDAT, and hNET, respectively) but decreased agonist activity at 5-HT2A/2B/2C receptors. Regarding their hepatic metabolism, they differed from MDMA, with N-demethylation being the only metabolic route shared, and without forming phase II metabolites. In addition, TDMA showed an enhanced intrinsic clearance in comparison to its congeners. Additional screening for their interaction with human organic cation transporters (hOCTs) and plasma membrane monoamine transporter (hPMAT) revealed a weaker interaction of the MDMA analogs with hOCT1, hOCT2, and hPMAT. Our findings suggest that these new MDMA bioisosteres might constitute appealing therapeutic alternatives to MDMA, sparing the primary pharmacological activity at hSERT, hDAT, and hNET, but displaying a reduced activity at 5-HT2A/2B/2C receptors and alternative hepatic metabolism. Whether these MDMA bioisosteres may pose lower risk alternatives to the clinically re-emerging MDMA warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Alberto-Silva
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Selina Hemmer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hailey A Bock
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Leticia Alves da Silva
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kenneth R Scott
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nina Kastner
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manan Bhatt
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Niello
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Jäntsch
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Kudlacek
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elena Bossi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Center for Research in Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - 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
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Pierce Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
- Center for Addiction Research and Science, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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2
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Alberto-Silva AS, Hemmer S, Bock HA, Alves da Silva L, Scott KR, Kastner N, Bhatt M, Niello M, Jäntsch K, Kudlacek O, Bossi E, Stockner T, Meyer MR, McCorvy JD, Brandt SD, Kavanagh P, Sitte HH. Bioisosteric analogs of MDMA with improved pharmacological profile. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.08.588083. [PMID: 38645142 PMCID: PMC11030374 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.08.588083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ' ecstasy' ) is re-emerging in clinical settings as a candidate for the treatment of specific psychiatric disorders (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder) in combination with psychotherapy. MDMA is a psychoactive drug, typically regarded as an empathogen or entactogen, which leads to transporter-mediated monoamine release. Despite its therapeutic potential, MDMA can induce dose-, individual-, and context-dependent untoward effects outside safe settings. In this study, we investigated whether three new methylenedioxy bioisosteres of MDMA improve its off-target profile. In vitro methods included radiotracer assays, transporter electrophysiology, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence-based assays, pooled human liver microsome/S9 fraction incubation with isozyme mapping, and liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. In silico methods included molecular docking. Compared with MDMA, all three MDMA bioisosteres (ODMA, TDMA, and SeDMA) showed similar pharmacological activity at human serotonin and dopamine transporters (hSERT and hDAT, respectively) but decreased activity at 5-HT 2A/2B/2C receptors. Regarding their hepatic metabolism, they differed from MDMA, with N -demethylation being the only metabolic route shared, and without forming phase II metabolites. Additional screening for their interaction with human organic cation transporters (hOCTs) and plasma membrane transporter (hPMAT) revealed a weaker interaction of the MDMA analogs with hOCT1, hOCT2, and hPMAT. Our findings suggest that these new MDMA analogs might constitute appealing therapeutic alternatives to MDMA, sparing the primary pharmacological activity at hSERT and hDAT, but displaying a reduced activity at 5-HT 2A/2B/2C receptors and reduced hepatic metabolism. Whether these MDMA bioisosteres may pose lower risk alternatives to the clinically re-emerging MDMA warrants further studies.
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3
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Isoflucypram: Combining in vivo and NAMs data in a weight of evidence approach to demonstrate the human non-relevance of the mode of action leading to the subtle thyroid effects observed in the rat. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 131:105154. [PMID: 35276315 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Isoflucypram (ISY) is a new cereal fungicide with an overall favorable toxicity profile. As the thyroid was identified as a target organ only in the rat, following repeat dosing; short term in vivo (rat) and in vitro mechanistic studies were conducted to substantiate the thyroid changes as being secondary to liver enzyme induction via PXR/CAR activation and to determine the human non-relevance of the thyroid effects. The in vivo studies established ISY as a weak prototypical hepatic PXR/CAR enzyme inducer (P450 and T4-UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (T4-UDPGT) activities), with the induction being associated with increased liver weight/hepatocellular hypertrophy/proliferation. Thyroid effects (minimal follicular cell hypertrophy/proliferation, slight, statistically significantly increased thyroid stimulating hormone) occurred at doses where liver stimulation was already established. Direct thyroid effects (in vitro thyroid peroxidase and sodium iodide symporter inhibition) were excluded. Marked quantitative species differences were identified when comparing rat and human hepatic enzyme activities in vitro, particularly for T4-UDPGT. Specifically, basal T4-UDPGT was 4-fold lower in human compared to rat hepatocytes. In addition, T4-UDPGT was induced in vitro in rat but not in human hepatocytes following ISY treatment. Overall, the weight of evidence supports a liver mediated mode of action for the isoflucypram-induced slight rat thyroid changes as well as the human non-relevance of these findings.
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Recent trends in drugs of abuse metabolism studies for mass spectrometry-based analytical screening procedures. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:5551-5559. [PMID: 33792746 PMCID: PMC8410689 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03311-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The still increasing number of drugs of abuse, particularly the so-called new psychoactive substances (NPS), poses an analytical challenge for clinical and forensic toxicologists but also for doping control. NPS usually belong to various classes such as synthetic cannabinoids, phenethylamines, opioids, or benzodiazepines. Like other xenobiotics, NPS undergo absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes after consumption, but only very limited data concerning their toxicokinetics and safety properties is available once they appear on the market. The inclusion of metabolites in mass spectral libraries is often crucial for the detection of NPS especially in urine screening approaches. Authentic human samples may represent the gold standard for identification of metabolites but are often not available and clinical studies cannot be performed due to ethical concerns. However, numerous alternative in vitro and in vivo models are available. This trends article will give an overview on selected models, discuss current studies, and highlight recent developments.
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Comparison of Three Untargeted Data Processing Workflows for Evaluating LC-HRMS Metabolomics Data. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10090378. [PMID: 32967365 PMCID: PMC7570355 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10090378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) raw data is a crucial step in untargeted metabolomics studies to minimize false positive findings. A variety of commercial or open source software solutions are available for such data processing. This study aims to compare three different data processing workflows (Compound Discoverer 3.1, XCMS Online combined with MetaboAnalyst 4.0, and a manually programmed tool using R) to investigate LC-HRMS data of an untargeted metabolomics study. Simple but highly standardized datasets for evaluation were prepared by incubating pHLM (pooled human liver microsomes) with the synthetic cannabinoid A-CHMINACA. LC-HRMS analysis was performed using normal- and reversed-phase chromatography followed by full scan MS in positive and negative mode. MS/MS spectra of significant features were subsequently recorded in a separate run. The outcome of each workflow was evaluated by its number of significant features, peak shape quality, and the results of the multivariate statistics. Compound Discoverer as an all-in-one solution is characterized by its ease of use and seems, therefore, suitable for simple and small metabolomic studies. The two open source solutions allowed extensive customization but particularly, in the case of R, made advanced programming skills necessary. Nevertheless, both provided high flexibility and may be suitable for more complex studies and questions.
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Abstract
Krokodil is the street name for a homemade mixture that has been used as a cheap substitute for heroin. The main active substance in krokodil is desomorphine, an opioid that is 10 times more potent than morphine. Krokodil use began in Russia and Ukraine but has spread throughout several countries in Europe and North America. Krokodil is produced from codeine tablets in a bootleg reaction performed under clandestine and unsanitary conditions. The toxicity of krokodil is characterized by devastating symptoms that start as black ulcers at the injection site and evolve to gangrene and limb amputation. The dangerous effects of krokodil are associated with its homemade nature and lack of purification prior to use. In this review, we discuss the chemical and pharmacological properties and the metabolism of desomorphine, the preparation of krokodil, and how its homemade nature contributes to its toxicity. The synthesis of krokodil produces several other morphinans in addition to desomorphine that warrant further study as possible analgesic alternatives to morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Amorim Alves
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Humanities and Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University 1015 Floyd Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23284, United States
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
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Qiao S, Xu H, Zhang W, Yang W, Guo D, Wang W, Xu W, Liu Y, Liu G, Cui Y, Yu H, Li Q. Identification of characteristic heroin metabolites in urine based on data-mining technology and multivariate statistics analysis combined with a targeted verification approach for distinguishing heroin abusers. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1152:122251. [PMID: 32673834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122251] [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: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A common phenomenon shows that ingestion of opium poppy shell-containing drugs can result in a "false-positive" urinalysis test result for mandatory or workplace heroin abuse screening. Owing to the short detection window (8 h in urine) of the characteristic heroin metabolite 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) confirmation or exclusion of heroin abusers still presents major challenges for toxicologists. In this work, we developed an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry method (UPLC-TOF-MS) with online data acquisition and multiple post-data-mining technologies combined with a multivariate statistical and batch validation analysis workflow to assess the characteristic urine metabolites of heroin abusers. Based on the proposed methods, 28 characteristic metabolites were structurally identified, and their fragmentation patterns and metabolite pathways were also summarized. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the internal relationship and similarities among the identified metabolites, and seven representative metabolites were selected as "Target-metabolites". Multi-batch urine of samples of heroin abusers were certified based on the UPLC-MS/MS method for further validation of the practicability of using this method for routine analysis. Overall, the target-metabolites can be utilized as assistant "biomarkers" in workplace or mandatory drug screenings. This approach encourages further studies on the development of the "false-positive" identification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Qiao
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Haishan Xu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wenfang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100192, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Center for DMPK Research of Herbal Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Danming Guo
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Weizhe Xu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Yongsuo Liu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Guoru Liu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Yujing Cui
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Hongyan Yu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Qingyan Li
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China.
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Mella-Raipán J, Romero-Parra J, Recabarren-Gajardo G. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Heroin and Desomorphine. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3905-3927. [PMID: 32568519 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are arguably one of the most important pharmacologic classes, mainly due to their rich history, their useful and potent analgesic effects, and also, just as importantly, their "Dark Side", constituted by their reinforcing properties that have led countless of users to a spiral of addiction, biological dependence, tolerance, withdrawal syndromes, and death. Among the most significant abused and addictive known opioids are heroin and desomorphine, both synthetic derivatives of morphine that belong to the 4,5-epoxymorphinan structural chemical group of the opioid family drugs. These agents share not only structural, pharmacological, and epidemiological features but also a common geographical distribution. A drop in Afghan heroin production and its "exports" to Russia gave rise to widespread consumption of desomorphine in ex-Soviet republics during the first decade of the 21st century, representing an economical and accessible alternative for misusers to this sort of derivative. Herein we review the state of the art of history, chemistry and synthesis, pharmacology, and impact on society of these "cursed cousins".
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Mella-Raipán
- Instituto de Quı́mica y Bioquı́mica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaı́so, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaı́so 2360102, Chile
- Facultad de Farmacia, Centro de Investigación Farmacopea Chilena, Universidad de Valparaı́so,, Av. Gran Bretaña 1093, Valparaı́so 2360102, Chile
| | - Javier Romero-Parra
- Departamento de Quı́mica Orgánica y Fisicoquı́mica, Facultad de Ciencias Quı́micas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone 1007, Casilla
233, 8380492 Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Recabarren-Gajardo
- Bioactive Heterocycles Synthesis Laboratory, BHSL, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Quı́mica y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 306, Avda. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, 7820436 Santiago, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile,, Marcoleta 391, 8330024 Santiago, Chile
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Tools for studying the metabolism of new psychoactive substances for toxicological screening purposes – A comparative study using pooled human liver S9, HepaRG cells, and zebrafish larvae. Toxicol Lett 2019; 305:73-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Richter LHJ, Jacobs CM, Mahfoud F, Kindermann I, Böhm M, Meyer MR. Development and application of a LC-HRMS/MS method for analyzing antihypertensive drugs in oral fluid for monitoring drug adherence. Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1070:69-79. [PMID: 31103169 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Nonadherence to antihypertensive drugs therapy is known to be a serious issue in hypertension treatment. Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) was shown to allow the assessment of such nonadherence in blood and urine sample. However, their sampling may represent a logistical challenge and are often not favored by the patients. We questioned whether oral fluid (OF) might be an easier accessible alternative matrix for adherence monitoring of cardiovascular drugs (CD). A qualitative method for adherence monitoring of 78 commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs in OF using LC high-resolution MS (LC-HRMS/MS) was therefore developed, validated, and used to study the presence of antihypertensive medication in OF. Selectivity, ion suppression and enhancement due coeluting analytes, carry over, limits of detection (LOD), limits of identification (LOI), recovery (RE), matrix effects (ME), and process efficiency (PE) were investigated. For demonstrating applicability, over 50 OF samples were investigated and data were compared to findings in blood and urine. Selectivity in OF was given for all compounds via their MS2 spectra and no total suppression of signals could be observed. Determined LOI in OF for ten analytes was higher than the given therapeutic plasma concentration. Furthermore, RE, ME, and PE were in acceptable ranges for more than 65% of the compounds. In total, 208 prescriptions of CD to 57 patients were analyzed and demonstrated the suitability of for adherence monitoring in principle. OF was comparable to plasma regarding the drug categories and the frequencies of hits, except for acidic compounds but more hits could be found in urine samples. A analytical method using OF as analytical matrix was successfully developed. Application showed that it might be a suitable alternative for adherence monitoring of selected drugs in the future, particularly those having no acidic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian H J Richter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Cathy M Jacobs
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Felix Mahfoud
- Klinik für Innere Medizin III (Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin), Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ingrid Kindermann
- Klinik für Innere Medizin III (Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin), Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Michael Böhm
- Klinik für Innere Medizin III (Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin), Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, 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, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
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11
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Winborn J, Kerrigan S. Stability and Hydrolysis of Desomorphine-Glucuronide. J Anal Toxicol 2019; 43:536-542. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractDesomorphine, the principal opioid in Krokodil, has an analgesic potency approximately ten-times that of morphine. Similar to other opioids, during phase II metabolism it undergoes conjugation with glucuronic acid to form desomorphine-glucuronide. Although hydrolysis of conjugated species is sometimes required prior to analysis, desomorphine-glucuronide has not been fully investigated. In this study, six hydrolysis procedures were optimized and evaluated. Deconjugation efficiencies using chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis were evaluated and stability in aqueous solution was assessed. Acid hydrolysis was compared with five β-glucuronidase sources (BGTurbo™, IMCSzyme™, Escherichia coli, Helix pomatia and Patella vulgata). At optimal conditions, each hydrolysis method produced complete hydrolysis (≥96%). However, under simulated challenging conditions, P. vulgata was the most efficient β-glucuronidase for the hydrolysis of desomorphine-glucuronide. Both BGTurbo™ and IMCSzyme™ offered fast hydrolysis with no need for sample cleanup prior to liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF-MS) analysis. Hydrolysates using E. coli, H. pomatia and P. vulgata underwent additional sample treatment using β-Gone™ cartridges. Additionally, the stability of free and conjugated drug was evaluated at elevated temperature (60°C) in aqueous solutions between pH 4 and 10. No degradation was observed for either desomorphine or desomorphine-glucuronide under any of the conditions tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Winborn
- Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, Box 2525, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
| | - Sarah Kerrigan
- Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, Box 2525, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
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12
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Winborn J, Kerrigan S. Quantitative analysis of desomorphine in blood and urine using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1106-1107:43-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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13
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Grafinger KE, Wilke A, König S, Weinmann W. Investigating the ability of the microbial model Cunninghamella elegans for the metabolism of synthetic tryptamines. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:721-729. [PMID: 30462883 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Tryptamines can occur naturally in plants, mushrooms, microbes, and amphibians. Synthetic tryptamines are sold as new psychoactive substances (NPS) because of their hallucinogenic effects. When it comes to NPS, metabolism studies are of crucial importance, due to the lack of pharmacological and toxicological data. Different approaches can be taken to study in vitro and in vivo metabolism of xenobiotica. The zygomycete fungus Cunninghamella elegans (C. elegans) can be used as a microbial model for the study of drug metabolism. The current study investigated the biotransformation of four naturally occurring and synthetic tryptamines [N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 4-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine (4-HO-MET), N,N-di allyl-5-methoxy tryptamine (5-MeO-DALT) and 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isoporpoyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT)] in C. elegans after incubation for 72 hours. Metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS/MS) with a quadrupole time-of-flight (QqTOF) instrument. Results were compared to already published data on these substances. C. elegans was capable of producing all major biotransformation steps: hydroxylation, N-oxide formation, carboxylation, deamination, and demethylation. On average 63% of phase I metabolites found in the literature could also be detected in C. elegans. Additionally, metabolites specific for C. elegans were identified. Therefore, C. elegans is a suitable complementary model to other in vitro or in vivo methods to study the metabolism of naturally occurring or synthetic tryptamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Elisabeth Grafinger
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Wilke
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Offenburg, Badstrasse 24, 77652, Offenburg, Germany
| | - Stefan König
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Weinmann
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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14
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Winborn J, Kerrigan S. Analysis of Desomorphine in Urine Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry. J Anal Toxicol 2018; 43:340-345. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Winborn
- Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Sarah Kerrigan
- Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX, USA
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15
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Advanced In Vitro HepaRG Culture Systems for Xenobiotic Metabolism and Toxicity Characterization. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2018; 44:437-458. [DOI: 10.1007/s13318-018-0533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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16
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Richter LHJ, Beck A, Flockerzi V, Maurer HH, Meyer MR. Cytotoxicity of new psychoactive substances and other drugs of abuse studied in human HepG2 cells using an adopted high content screening assay. Toxicol Lett 2018; 301:79-89. [PMID: 30465810 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are still an emerging issue in clinical and forensic toxicology. Information about their cytotoxic potential is limited or even unavailable before distribution and thus their intake can be of high risk for consumers. The aim of the presented study was to develop a strategy to identify cytotoxic potential of NPS based on a high content screening assay (HCSA) using HepG2 cell line and four fluorescent dyes, namely Hoechst33342, TMRM, CAL-520, and TOTO-3. The HCSA was optimized to work without an automated analyzer by using the model compounds fluvastatin, paracetamol, propranolol, and simvastatin. The following parameters were monitored: stained nuclei as a measure for cell count as well as nuclear size and nuclear intensity (all Hoechst33342), mitochondrial membrane potential (TMRM), cytosolic calcium level (CAL-520), and plasma membrane integrity (TOTO-3). The present study showed strong cytotoxic potential for the NPS 5F-PB-22 and MDAI, moderate effects for MDMA, MDPV, methylone, cathinone, 4-MEC, and mephedrone, and no toxic effects for methamphetamine. To assess the metabolic suitability of HepG2 cells under the chosen conditions, cell culture supernatants were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolites were merely detected for lipophilic drugs such as 5F-PB-22 and MDPV and in addition with a much lower abundance in comparison to the parent compound but the study only allowed a qualitative look for metabolites and the used liver cell line might not ideal when considering metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian H J Richter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Beck
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Veit Flockerzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
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17
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Richter LHJ, Maurer HH, Meyer MR. Metabolic fate of the new synthetic cannabinoid 7'N-5F-ADB in rat, human, and pooled human S9 studied by means of hyphenated high-resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:305-317. [PMID: 30160067 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are an important issue in clinical/forensic toxicology. 7'N-5F-ADB, a synthetic cannabinoid derived from 5F-ADB, appeared recently on the market. Up to now, no data about its mass spectral fragmentation pattern, metabolism, and thus suitable targets for toxicological urine screenings have been available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the metabolic fate of 7'N-5F-ADB in rat, human, and pooled human S9 (pS9). The main human urinary excretion products, which can be used as targets for toxicological screening procedures, were identified by Orbitrap (OT)-based liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS). In addition, possible differentiation of 7'N-5F-ADB and 5F-ADB via LC-HRMS/MS was studied. Using the in vivo and in vitro models for metabolism studies, 36 metabolites were tentatively identified. 7'N-5F-ABD was extensively metabolized in rat and human with minor species differences observed. The unchanged parent compound could be found in human urine but metabolites were far more abundant. The most abundant ones were the hydrolyzed ester (M5), the hydrolyzed ester in combination with hydroxylation of the tertiary butyl part (M11), and the hydrolyzed ester in addition to glucuronidation (M30). Besides the parent compound, these metabolites should be used as targets for urine-based toxicological screening procedures. Two urine-paired human plasma samples contained mainly the parent compound (c = 205 μg/L, 157 μg/L) and, at a higher abundance, the compound after ester hydrolysis (M5). In pS9 incubations, the parent compound, M5, and M30 were detectable among others. Furthermore, a differentiation of both compounds was possible due to different retention times and fragmentation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian H J Richter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421, 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, 66421, Homburg, Germany
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18
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Graziano S, Anzillotti L, Mannocchi G, Pichini S, Busardò FP. Screening methods for rapid determination of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in conventional and non-conventional biological matrices. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 163:170-179. [PMID: 30316062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, a global awareness has arisen from the reported harmful effects and public health risks associated with the consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Improving efforts in the detection and identification of these substances have emerged as a global analytical challenge involving the large range of NPSs' chemical structures and the variety of conventional and non-conventional biological matrices. Indeed, detection capabilities and screening tools impact many fields and settings, including seized products analysis, workplace and roadside drug controls, emergency rooms, drug addiction treatment clinics, post-mortem and criminal caseworks, law enforcement and health interventions. Colorimetric, immunochemical and chromatographic-mass spectrometry techniques have been investigated and developed for the rapid identification of NPSs. Considering the continuous emergence of new substances, this review offers a panoramic view on the current status of analytical approaches for the rapid screening of NPSs, including, when available, data on conventional and non-conventional biological matrices. Although some of the presented methods are sound and promising, their applications are still limited, thus proving the importance of further investigations. New screening and sensitive targeted methods for NPS and their metabolites should be developed in different types of biological matrices, where concentration of substances and matrix effects can be significantly different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Graziano
- National Centre on Drug Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Anzillotti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Giulio Mannocchi
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Drug Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Section of Legal Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Conca 71, Ancona, Italy.
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19
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Pettersson Bergstrand M, Richter LHJ, Maurer HH, Wagmann L, Meyer MR. In vitro
glucuronidation of designer benzodiazepines by human UDP-glucuronyltransferases. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:45-50. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Pettersson Bergstrand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS); Saarland University; Homburg Germany
| | - Lilian H. J. Richter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS); Saarland University; Homburg Germany
| | - Hans H. Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS); Saarland University; Homburg Germany
| | - 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
| | - 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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20
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In vitro metabolism of desomorphine. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 289:140-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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21
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Sorrentino A, Trotta S, Colucci AP, Aventaggiato L, Marzullo A, Solarino B. Lethal endomyocarditis caused by chronic “Krokodil” intoxication. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2018; 14:229-235. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-018-9967-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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22
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Lessmann F, Bury D, Weiss T, Hayen H, Brüning T, Koch HM. De-novo identification of specific exposure biomarkers of the alternative plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) after low oral dosage to male volunteers by HPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. Biomarkers 2018; 23:196-206. [DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2017.1410856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Lessmann
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Bury
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Heiko Hayen
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Holger M. Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
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23
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Caspar AT, Kollas AB, Maurer HH, Meyer MR. Development of a quantitative approach in blood plasma for low-dosed hallucinogens and opioids using LC-high resolution mass spectrometry. Talanta 2017; 176:635-645. [PMID: 28917801 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The WHO annually reports an increasing abuse of new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are a heterogeneous group of synthetic drugs and are consumed as substitute for controlled drugs of abuse. In this work, we focused on highly potent derivatives such those of phenethylamine (2C), N-2-methoxybenzyl phenethylamine (NBOMes), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and fentanyl. Severe to fatal intoxications were described due to their high potency. Therefore, they have to be taken at very low doses resulting in low blood concentration in the low ng/mL range, which is a challenge for reliable analytical detection and quantification. The aim of this work was therefore to design a simple, robust, and fast method for simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple substances of the different classes in human blood plasma using liquid chromatography (LC) high resolution (HR) mass spectrometry (MS) with alternating HR full-scan (HRFS) MS and "All-ions fragmentation" (AIF) MS. The paper contains results of the method validation according to the EMA guideline, including intra-/interday accuracy and precision, matrix effects, storage and benchtop analyte stability as well as selectivity and carryover. All validation criteria were fulfilled for most tested compounds except for the NBOMe derivatives, one out of ten 2C-derivatives and butyryl fentanyl, which failed at accuracy and/or precision or at the acceptance criteria for matrix effect. Reasons for this are discussed and solutions presented. Despite some limitations, the HRFS + AIFMS analysis allowed detection of most of the analytes down to 0.1ng/mL, seamless integration of new or unexpected analytes, identification and quantification with no limitations on the number of monitored compounds, and reevaluation of the acquired data also concerning metabolism studies using group-indicating fragment ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim T Caspar
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas B Kollas
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
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24
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Richter LHJ, Maurer HH, Meyer MR. New psychoactive substances: Studies on the metabolism of XLR-11, AB-PINACA, FUB-PB-22, 4-methoxy-α-PVP, 25-I-NBOMe, and meclonazepam using human liver preparations in comparison to primary human hepatocytes, and human urine. Toxicol Lett 2017; 280:142-150. [PMID: 28782580 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.07.901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are an increasing problem in clinical and forensic toxicology. The knowledge of their metabolism is important for toxicological risk assessment and for developing toxicological urine screenings. Considering the huge numbers of NPS annually appearing on the market, metabolism studies should be realized in a fast, simple, cost efficient, and reliable way. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were recommended to be the gold standard for in vitro metabolism studies as they are expected to contain natural enzyme clusters, co-substrates, and drug transporters. In addition, they were already successfully used for metabolism studies of NPS. However, they also have disadvantages such as high costs and limited applicability without special equipment. The aims of the present study were therefore first to investigate exemplarily the phase I and phase II metabolism of six NPS (XLR-11, AB-PINACA, FUB-PB-22, 4-methoxy-α-PVP, 25-I-NBOMe, and meclonazepam) from different drug classes using pooled human S9 fraction (pS9) or pooled human liver microsomes combined with cytosol (pHLM/pHLC) after addition of the co-substrates for the main metabolic phase I and II reactions. Second to compare results to published data generated using primary human hepatocytes and human urine samples. Results of the incubations with pS9 or pHLM/pHLC were comparable in number and abundance of metabolites. Formation of metabolites, particularly after multi-step reactions needed a longer incubation time. However, incubations using human liver preparations resulted in a lower number of total detected metabolites compared to PHH, but they were still able to allow the identification of the main human urinary excretion products. Human liver preparations and particularly the pooled S9 fraction could be shown to be a sufficient and more cost-efficient alternative in context of metabolism studies also for developing toxicological urine screenings. It might be recommended to use the slightly cheaper pS9 fraction instead of a pHLM/pHLC combination. As formation of some metabolites needed a long incubation time, two sampling points at 60 and 360min should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian H J Richter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
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25
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Richter LHJ, Flockerzi V, Maurer HH, Meyer MR. Pooled human liver preparations, HepaRG, or HepG2 cell lines for metabolism studies of new psychoactive substances? A study using MDMA, MDBD, butylone, MDPPP, MDPV, MDPB, 5-MAPB, and 5-API as examples. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2017; 143:32-42. [PMID: 28601767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Metabolism studies play an important role in clinical and forensic toxicology. Because of potential species differences in metabolism, human samples are best suitable for elucidating metabolism. However, in the case of new psychoactive substances (NPS), human samples of controlled studies are not available. Primary human hepatocytes have been described as gold standard for in vitro metabolism studies, but there are some disadvantages such as high costs, limited availability, and variability of metabolic enzymes. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate and compare the metabolism of six methylenedioxy derivatives (MDMA, MDBD, butylone, MDPPP, MDPV, MDPB) and two bioisosteric analogues (5-MAPB, 5-API) using pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) combined with cytosol (pHLC) or pooled human liver S9 fraction (pS9) all after addition of co-substrates for six phase I and II reactions. In addition, HepaRG and HepG2 cell lines were used. Results of the different in vitro tools were compared to each other, to corresponding published data, and to metabolites identified in human urine after consumption of MDMA, MDPV, or 5-MAPB. Incubations with pHLM plus pHLC showed similar results as pS9. A more cost efficient model for prediction of targets for toxicological screening procedures in human urine should be identified. As expected, the incubations with HepaRG provided better results than those with HepG2 concerning number and signal abundance of the metabolites. Due to easy handling without special equipment, incubations with pooled liver preparations should be the most suitable alternative to find targets for toxicological screening procedures for methylenedioxy derivatives and bioisosteric analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian H J Richter
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Veit Flockerzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 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, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
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26
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Caspar AT, Gaab JB, Michely JA, Brandt SD, Meyer MR, Maurer HH. Metabolism of the tryptamine-derived new psychoactive substances 5-MeO-2-Me-DALT, 5-MeO-2-Me-ALCHT, and 5-MeO-2-Me-DIPT and their detectability in urine studied by GC-MS, LC-MS n , and LC-HR-MS/MS. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:184-195. [PMID: 28342193 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many N,N-dialkylated tryptamines show psychoactive properties and were encountered as new psychoactive substances. The aims of the presented work were to study the phase I and II metabolism and the detectability in standard urine screening approaches (SUSA) of 5-methoxy-2-methyl-N,N-diallyltryptamine (5-MeO-2-Me-DALT), 5-methoxy-2-methyl-N-allyl-N-cyclohexyltryptamine (5-MeO-2-Me-ALCHT), and 5-methoxy-2-methyl-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-2-Me-DIPT) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography coupled with multistage accurate mass spectrometry (LC-MSn ), and liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS/MS). For metabolism studies, urine was collected over a 24 h period after administration of the compounds to male Wistar rats at 20 mg/kg body weight (BW). Phase I and II metabolites were identified after urine precipitation with acetonitrile by LC-HR-MS/MS. 5-MeO-2-Me-DALT (24 phase I and 12 phase II metabolites), 5-MeO-2-Me-ALCHT (24 phase I and 14 phase II metabolites), and 5-MeO-2-Me-DIPT (20 phase I and 11 phase II metabolites) were mainly metabolized by O-demethylation, hydroxylation, N-dealkylation, and combinations of them as well as by glucuronidation and sulfation of phase I metabolites. Incubations with mixtures of pooled human liver microsomes and cytosols (pHLM and pHLC) confirmed that the main metabolic reactions in humans and rats might be identical. Furthermore, initial CYP activity screenings revealed that CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 were involved in hydroxylation, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 in O-demethylation, and CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 in N-dealkylation. For SUSAs, GC-MS, LC-MSn , and LC-HR-MS/MS were applied to rat urine samples after 1 or 0.1 mg/kg BW doses, respectively. In contrast to the GC-MS SUSA, both LC-MS SUSAs were able to detect an intake of 5-MeO-2-Me-ALCHT and 5-MeO-2-Me-DIPT via their metabolites following 1 mg/kg BW administrations and 5-MeO-2-Me-DALT following 0.1 mg/kg BW dosage. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim T Caspar
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | - Jonas B Gaab
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | - Julian A Michely
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James, Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.,The Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, 1483 Shulgin Road, Lafayette, CA, 94549, USA
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 46, D-66421, Homburg (Saar), Germany
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27
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Alves EA, Brandão P, Neves JF, Cravo SM, Soares JX, Grund JPC, Duarte JA, Afonso CMM, Pereira Netto AD, Carvalho F, Dinis-Oliveira RJ. Repeated subcutaneous administrations of krokodil causes skin necrosis and internal organs toxicity in Wistar rats: putative human implications. Hum Psychopharmacol 2017; 32. [PMID: 28657190 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE "Krokodil" is the street name for an impure homemade drug mixture used as a cheap substitute for heroin, containing desomorphine as the main opioid. Abscesses, gangrene, thrombophlebitis, limb ulceration and amputations, jaw osteonecrosis, skin discoloration, ulcers, skin infections, and bleeding are some of the typical reported signs in humans. This study aimed to understand the toxicity of krokodil using Wistar male rats as experimental model. METHODS Animals were divided into seven groups and exposed subcutaneously to NaCl 0.9% (control), krokodil mixture free of psychotropic substances (blank krokodil), pharmaceutical grade desomorphine 1 mg/kg, and four different concentrations of krokodil (containing 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg of desomorphine) synthesized accordingly to a "domestic" protocol followed by people who inject krokodil (PWIK). Daily injections for five consecutive days were performed, and animals were sacrificed 24 hr after the last administration. Biochemical and histological analysis were carried out. RESULTS It was shown that the continuous use of krokodil may cause injury at the injection area, with formation of necrotic zones. The biochemical results evidenced alterations on cardiac and renal biomarkers of toxicity, namely, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, and uric acid. Significant alteration in levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione on kidney and heart suggested that oxidative stress may be involved in krokodil-mediated toxicity. Cardiac congestion was the most relevant finding of continuous krokodil administration. CONCLUSIONS These findings contribute notably to comprehension of the local and systemic toxicological impact of this complex drug mixture on major organs and will hopefully be useful for the development of appropriate treatment strategies towards the human toxicological effects of krokodil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Amorim Alves
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal.,Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,EPSJV-Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Brandão
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Neves
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Manuela Cravo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Xavier Soares
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jean-Paul C Grund
- CVO-Addiction Research Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.,Freudenthal Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carlos M M Afonso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Investigation (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal.,Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Desomorphine (Krokodil): An overview of its chemistry, pharmacology, metabolism, toxicology and analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 173:59-68. [PMID: 28199917 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Krokodil" or "Crocodile" is an illegal homemade desomorphine drug obtained from chemical reactions of commercial codeine drugs with several other powerful and highly toxic chemical agents increasing its addiction and hallucinogenic effects when compared with other morphine analogues. METHODS This paper summarizes a complete review about an old drug called desomorphine (Krokodil), presenting its chemistry, pharmacology, metabolism, toxicology and analysis. RESULTS It is of particular interest and concern because this cheaper injectable semisynthetic opioid drug has been largely used in recent years for recreational purposes in several Eastern European as well as North and South American countries, despite known damage to health that continuous use might induce. These injuries are much stronger and more aggressive than morphine's, infecting and rotting skin and soft tissue to the bone of addicts at the point of injection in less than three years, which, in most cases, evolves to death. On this basis, it is imperative that literature reviews focus on the chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and analysis of dangerous Krokodil to find strategies for rapid and effective determination to mitigate its adverse effects on addicts and prevent consumption. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to know the symptoms and consequences of the use of Krokodil, as well as METHODS: for identification and quantification of desomorphine, contaminants and metabolites, which can help the forensic work of diagnosis and propose actions to control and eradicate this great danger to public health around the world.
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In vitro monoamine oxidase inhibition potential of alpha-methyltryptamine analog new psychoactive substances for assessing possible toxic risks. Toxicol Lett 2017; 272:84-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Winborn J, Kerrigan S. Desomorphine Screening Using Commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays. J Anal Toxicol 2017; 41:455-460. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkx024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Caspar AT, Brandt SD, Stoever AE, Meyer MR, Maurer HH. Metabolic fate and detectability of the new psychoactive substances 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)- N- [(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine (25B-NBOMe) and 2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)- N- [(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine (25C-NBOMe) in human and rat urine by GC–MS, LC–MS n , and LC–HR–MS/MS approaches. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2017; 134:158-169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2016.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Trace-Level Screening of Chemicals Related to Clandestine Desomorphine Production with Ambient Sampling, Portable Mass Spectrometry. J CHEM-NY 2017. [DOI: 10.1155/2017/8571928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Desomorphine is a semisynthetic opioid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of a dangerous homemade injectable mixture that goes by street name “Krokodil.” Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) and paper spray ionization (PSI) are implemented on a portable mass spectrometer for the direct analysis of desomorphine and precursor reagent codeine from multiple substrates of potential relevance to clandestine drug laboratory synthesis and paraphernalia seizure. Minimal sample preparation required for analysis and portability of the instrument suggest the potential for rapid, on-site analysis of evidence, a highly desired benefit for forensic science and law enforcement practitioners. Both DESI-MS and PSI-MS can generate spectra consistent with preceding data obtained using traditional ionization methods, while demonstrating detection limits in the low- to sub-ng levels.
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Highlight report: high-resolution mass spectrometry. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:3149-3150. [PMID: 27815600 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1883-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Maurer HH, Meyer MR. High-resolution mass spectrometry in toxicology: current status and future perspectives. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:2161-2172. [PMID: 27369376 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1764-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) approaches using time-of-flight or Orbitrap techniques for research and application in various toxicology fields, particularly in clinical toxicology and forensic toxicology published since 2013 and referenced in PubMed. In the introduction, an overview on applications of HRMS in various toxicology fields is given with reference to current review articles. Papers concerning HRMS in metabolism, screening, and quantification of pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse, and toxins in human body samples are critically reviewed. Finally, a discussion on advantages as well as limitations and future perspectives of these methods is included.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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