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Tseng LP, Lan YS, Lee YH, Lee YC, Chou YC, Lee HH, Chang MY, Liang SS, Lin YC. Optimizing analytical precision in the identification of synthetic cathinones and isomers: a comparative assessment of diverse GC-MS operating parameters. ANAL SCI 2024; 40:1397-1407. [PMID: 38649628 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-024-00572-0] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Analyzing new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in forensic laboratories present a formidable challenge globally. Within illicit drug analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) emerges as a robust analytical tool. This study endeavors to assess and compare peak resolution in the analysis of illicit drugs, specifically focusing on 21 synthetic cathinones, encompassing 9 cathinone isomers. Varied GC-MS operating conditions, including distinct GC-MS columns and thermal gradients, were systematically employed for the simultaneous analysis of these synthetic cathinones. The study utilized HP-1 nonpolar and HP-5MS low-bleed columns to achieve optimal analyte resolution through modulation of GC-MS oven conditions. Mass spectra were meticulously recorded within a mass-to-charge (m/z) range spanning from 40 to 500 in full scan mode. The data showed that the cathinone isomers slightly differed in retention times and mass spectra. The GC oven conditions affected the peak resolution for chromatographic separation even with the same column. The peak resolution improved using a slower thermal gradient heat speed with a prolonged analysis time. Conclusively, the interplay of GC columns and thermal gradients emerged as pivotal factors impacting peak resolution in the analysis of illicit drugs. These empirical insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of peak resolution dynamics and facilitate the identification of synthetic cathinones, including their isomers, in seized materials through the judicious application of GC-MS methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Tseng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tz-You 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yung-Sheng Lan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tz-You 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yung-Hung Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tz-You 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Cheng Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tz-You 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Cheng Chou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tz-You 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hei-Hwa Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tz-You 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mei-Ying Chang
- Department of Photonics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Shin Liang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, #100, Tz-You 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Doctoral Degree Program of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
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2
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Dixon DI, Antonides LH, Costello A, Crane B, Embleton A, Fletcher ML, Gilbert N, Hulme MC, James MJ, Lever MA, Maccallum CJ, Millea MF, Pimlott JL, Robertson TBR, Rudge NE, Schofield CJ, Zukowicz F, Kemsley EK, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Comparative study of the analysis of seized samples by GC-MS, 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy within a Night-Time Economy (NTE) setting. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 219:114950. [PMID: 35914505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Rapid analysis of surrendered or seized drug samples provides important intelligence for health (e.g. treatment or harm reduction), and custodial services. Herein, three in-situ techniques, GC-MS, 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, with searchable libraries, are used to analyse 318 samples qualitatively, using technique specific library-based searches, obtained over the period 24th - 29th August 2019. 259 samples were identified as consisting of a single component, of which cocaine was the most prevalent (n = 158). Median match scores for all three techniques were ≥ 0.84 and showed agreement except for metformin (n = 1), oxandrolone (identified as vitamin K by IR (n = 4)), diazepam (identified as zolpidem by FT-IR (n = 2)) and 2-Br-4,5-DMPEA (n = 1), a structural isomer of 2C-B identified as a polymer of cellulose (cardboard) by FT-IR. 51 samples were found to consist of two or more components, of which 49 were adulterated cocaine samples (45 binary and 4 tertiary samples). GC-MS identified all components present in the 49 adulterated cocaine samples, whereas IR identified only cocaine in 88 % of cases (adulterant only = 12 %). The breakdown for 1H NMR spectroscopy was all components identified (51 %), cocaine only (33 %), adulterant only (10 %), cocaine and one adulterant (tertiary mixtures only, 6 %).
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Affiliation(s)
- David I Dixon
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Lysbeth H Antonides
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Andrew Costello
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, UK
| | - Benjamin Crane
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Arran Embleton
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Mark L Fletcher
- Manchester Pride, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3LD, UK
| | - Nicolas Gilbert
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Matthew C Hulme
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Molly J James
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Michael A Lever
- Manchester Pride, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3LD, UK
| | - Conner J Maccallum
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Molly F Millea
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Jessica L Pimlott
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Thomas B R Robertson
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Nathan E Rudge
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, UK
| | - Filip Zukowicz
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - E Kate Kemsley
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Ryan E Mewis
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
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3
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Ling J, Zhang W, Yan X, Liu W, Wang Y, Ding Y. Sensitive detection and primary metabolism analysis of flualprazolam in blood. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 90:102388. [PMID: 35691207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Flualprazolam, a new benzodiazepine psychoactive substance recently made available online, and outside the controlled substance list, is often used by criminals for rape and robbery. In this paper, flualprazolam was successfully identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Moreover, LC-Q-TOF-MS analysis method was proposed for the determination of flualprazolam in whole blood using the rabbit perfusion model. After metabolism analysis, a monohydroxylated metabolite 3-hydroxy-flualprazolam was found in the primary mass spectrum of metabolites. Meanwhile, the time effect curve of the flualprazolam in rabbit's blood was explored and the detection window was about 36 h. Moreover, the sensitivity of the established LC-Q-TOF-MS method was investigated with the limit of detection of 0.03 ng/mL. The successful analysis of an actual forensic case with this established method suggests that it might provide a reference method for drug detection or supervision in law enforcement agencies and identification institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ling
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenqi Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaojun Yan
- Institute of Forensic Science, Public Security Department of Hunan Province, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenlong Liu
- Institute of Criminal Science and Technology of Changsha Public Security Bureau, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, People's Republic of China, 100192, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjun Ding
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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4
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Guilty by Dissociation: Part A: Development of a rapid Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC)-MS/MS methodology for the analysis of regioisomeric diphenidine-derived Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 216:114798. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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5
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Guilty by Dissociation: Part B: Evaluation of Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC-UV) for the analysis of regioisomeric diphenidine-derived Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 216:114797. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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6
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Ameen A, Brown K, Dennany L. Can synthetic cannabinoids be reliably screened with electrochemistry? An assessment of the ability to screen for synthetic cannabinoids STS-135 and BB-22 within a single sample matrix. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.116141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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7
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Fast & fluorinated – Development and validation of a rapid benchtop NMR approach and other routine screening methods for the detection and quantification of synthesized fluorofentanyl derivatives. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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8
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Ryan RYM, Fernandez A, Wong Y, Miles JJ, Cock IE. The medicinal plant Tabebuia impetiginosa potently reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in primary human lymphocytes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5519. [PMID: 33750911 PMCID: PMC7970899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bark from the Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos (Bignoniaceae) tree has long been used in traditional South American healing practises to treat inflammation. However, its anti-inflammatory activity has not been closely examined. Here we use chemical extraction, qualitative phytochemical examination, toxicity testing and quantitative examination of anti-inflammatory activity on human cells ex vivo. All extracts were found to be nontoxic. We found different extracts exhibited unique cytokine profiles with some extracts outperforming a positive control used in the clinic. These results verify the immunomodulatory activity of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos (Bignoniaceae) tree bark-derived compounds. Collectively, combining a lack of toxicity and potency in human immune cells supports further fractionation and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Y M Ryan
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, 4878, Australia.,School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Alejandra Fernandez
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.,Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Yide Wong
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, 4878, Australia.,Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, 4878, Australia
| | - John J Miles
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia. .,Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, 4878, Australia. .,Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, 4878, Australia.
| | - Ian E Cock
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia. .,Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
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9
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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10
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Baptista-Hon DT, Smith M, Singleton S, Antonides LH, Nic Daeid N, McKenzie C, Hales TG. Activation of μ-opioid receptors by MT-45 (1-cyclohexyl-4-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperazine) and its fluorinated derivatives. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3436-3448. [PMID: 32246840 PMCID: PMC7348096 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A fluorinated derivative (2F-MT-45) of the synthetic μ-opioid receptor agonist MT-45 (1-cyclohexyl-4-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperazine) was recently identified in a seized illicit tablet. While MT-45 is a Class A drug, banned in a number of countries, nothing is known about the pharmacology of 2F-MT-45. This study compares the pharmacology of MT-45, its fluorinated derivatives and two of its metabolites. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used a β-arrestin2 recruitment assay in CHO cells stably expressing μ receptors to quantify the apparent potencies and efficacies of known (MT-45, morphine, fentanyl and DAMGO) and potential agonists. In addition, the GloSensor protein was transiently expressed to quantify changes in cAMP levels. We measured Ca2+ to investigate whether MT-45 and its metabolites have effects on GluN1/N2A NMDA receptors stably expressed in Ltk- cells. KEY RESULTS The fluorinated MT-45 derivatives have higher apparent potencies (2F-MT-45: 42 nM) than MT-45 (1.3 μM) for inhibition of cAMP accumulation and β-arrestin2 recruitment (2F-MT-45: 196 nM; MT-45: 23.1 μM). While MT-45 and 2F-MT-45 are poor recruiters of β-arrestin2, they have similar efficacies for reducing cAMP levels as DAMGO. Two MT-45 metabolites displayed negligible potencies as μ receptor agonists, but one, 1,2-diphenylethylpiperazine, inhibited the NMDA receptor with an IC50 of 29 μM. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Fluorinated derivatives of MT-45 are potent μ receptor agonists and this may pose a danger to illicit opioid users. Inhibition of NMDA receptors by a metabolite of MT-45 may contribute to the reported dissociative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Baptista-Hon
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Mark Smith
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Samuel Singleton
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Lysbeth H Antonides
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Niamh Nic Daeid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Tim G Hales
- Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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11
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Wallach J, Colestock T, Agramunt J, Claydon MDB, Dybek M, Filemban N, Chatha M, Halberstadt AL, Brandt SD, Lodge D, Bortolotto ZA, Adejare A. Pharmacological characterizations of the 'legal high' fluorolintane and isomers. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 857:172427. [PMID: 31152702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
1,2-Diarylethylamines represent a class of molecules that have shown potential in the treatment of pain, epilepsy, neurodegenerative disease and depression. Examples include lefetamine, remacemide, and lanicemine. Recently, several 1,2-diarylethylamines including the dissociatives diphenidine, methoxphenidine and ephenidine as well as the opioid MT-45, have appeared as 'research chemicals' or 'legal highs'. Due to their recent emergence little is known about their pharmacology. One of these, 1-[1-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-phenylethyl]pyrrolidine (fluorolintane, 2-F-DPPy), is available for purchase with purported dissociative effects intended to resemble phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine. To better understand this emerging class, pharmacological investigations were undertaken for the first time on fluorolintane and its five aryl-fluorine-substituted isomers. In vitro binding studies revealed high affinity for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors with fluorolintane (Ki = 87.92 nM) with lesser affinities for related compounds. Additional affinities were seen for all compounds at several sites including norepinephrine (NET), serotonin (SERT) and dopamine (DAT) transporters, and sigma receptors. Notably high affinities at DAT were observed, which were in most cases greater than NMDA receptor affinities. Additional functional and behavioral experiments show fluorolintane inhibited NMDA receptor-induced field excitatory postsynaptic potentials in rat hippocampal slices and inhibited long-term potentiation induced by theta-burst stimulation in rat hippocampal slices with potencies consistent with its NMDA receptor antagonism. Finally fluorolintane inhibited prepulse inhibition in rats, a measure of sensorimotor gating, with a median effective dose (ED50) of 13.3 mg/kg. These findings are consistent with anecdotal reports of dissociative effects of fluorolintane in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Wallach
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Substance Use Disorders Institute, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Tristan Colestock
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julià Agramunt
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Matt D B Claydon
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Dybek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nadine Filemban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Muhammad Chatha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, United Kingdom
| | - David Lodge
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Zuner A Bortolotto
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Adeboye Adejare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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12
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Dybek M, Wallach J, Kavanagh PV, Colestock T, Filemban N, Dowling G, Westphal F, Elliott SP, Adejare A, Brandt SD. Syntheses and analytical characterizations of the research chemical 1-[1-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-phenylethyl]pyrrolidine (fluorolintane) and five of its isomers. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1144-1161. [PMID: 31033229 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A number of substances based on the 1,2-diarylethylamine template have been investigated for various potential clinical applications whereas others have been encountered as research chemicals sold for non-medical use. Some of these substances have transpired to function as NMDA receptor antagonists that elicit dissociative effects in people who use these substances recreationally. 1-[1-(2-Fluorophenyl)-2-phenylethyl]pyrrolidine (fluorolintane, 2-F-DPPy) has recently appeared as a research chemical, which users report has dissociative effects. One common difficulty encountered by stakeholders confronting the appearance of new psychoactive substances is the presence of positional isomers. In the case of fluorolintane, the presence of the fluorine substituent on either the phenyl and benzyl moieties of the 1,2-diarylethylamine structure results in a total number of six possible racemic isomers, namely 2-F-, 3-F-, and 4-F-DPPy (phenyl ring substituents) and 2"-F-, 3"-F-, and 4"-F-DPPy (benzyl ring substituents). The present study reports the chemical syntheses and comprehensive analytical characterizations of the two sets of three positional isomers. These studies included various low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms, gas- and liquid chromatography (GC and LC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and GC-condensed phase and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy analyses. The differentiation between each set of three isomers was possible under a variety of experimental conditions including GC chemical ionization triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometric analysis of the [M + H - HF]+ species. The latter MS method was particularly helpful as it revealed distinct formations of product ions for each of the six investigated substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dybek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, 600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jason Wallach
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Pierce V Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin, 8 D08W9RT, Ireland
| | - Tristan Colestock
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nadine Filemban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Geraldine Dowling
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin, 8 D08W9RT, Ireland.,Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, Sligo Institute of Technology, Ash Lane, Sligo, F91YW50, Ireland
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Section Narcotics/Toxicology, Mühlenweg 166, D-24116, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Adeboye Adejare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
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13
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Antonides LH, Brignall RM, Costello A, Ellison J, Firth SE, Gilbert N, Groom BJ, Hudson SJ, Hulme MC, Marron J, Pullen ZA, Robertson TBR, Schofield CJ, Williamson DC, Kemsley EK, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Rapid Identification of Novel Psychoactive and Other Controlled Substances Using Low-Field 1H NMR Spectroscopy. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:7103-7112. [PMID: 31179411 PMCID: PMC6547625 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
An automated approach to the collection of 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectra using a benchtop NMR spectrometer and the subsequent analysis, processing, and elucidation of components present in seized drug samples are reported. An algorithm is developed to compare spectral data to a reference library of over 300 1H NMR spectra, ranking matches by a correlation-based score. A threshold for identification was set at 0.838, below which identification of the component present was deemed unreliable. Using this system, 432 samples were surveyed and validated against contemporaneously acquired GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) data. Following removal of samples which possessed no peaks in the GC-MS trace or in both the 1H NMR spectrum and GC-MS trace, the remaining 416 samples matched in 93% of cases. Thirteen of these samples were binary mixtures. A partial match (one component not identified) was obtained for 6% of samples surveyed whilst only 1% of samples did not match at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lysbeth H Antonides
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Rachel M Brignall
- Oxford Instruments, Tubney Woods, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5QX, U.K
| | - Andrew Costello
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Jamie Ellison
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Samuel E Firth
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Nicolas Gilbert
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Bethany J Groom
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Samuel J Hudson
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Matthew C Hulme
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Jack Marron
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Zoe A Pullen
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Thomas B R Robertson
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | | | - E Kate Kemsley
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UA, U.K
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Ryan E Mewis
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
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14
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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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15
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Lowdon JW, Alkirkit SMO, Mewis RE, Fulton D, Banks CE, Sutcliffe OB, Peeters M. Engineering molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the selective extraction and quantification of the novel psychoactive substance (NPS) methoxphenidine and its regioisomers. Analyst 2018; 143:2002-2007. [PMID: 29671423 DOI: 10.1039/c8an00131f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this communication, we present the first developed Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for the specific detection of a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS); namely, methoxphenidine (MXP) and its regioisomers. Selectivity of the MIP towards MXP is studied by analysing mixtures and an acquired street sample with High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to UV detection. The study demonstrates that the engineered polymers selectively extract MXP from heterogeneous samples, which makes for a very powerful diagnostic tool that can detect traces of MXP in complicated NPS samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Lowdon
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
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16
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Katselou M, Papoutsis I, Nikolaou P, Misailidi N, Spiliopoulou C, Athanaselis S. Diphenidine: a dissociative NPS makes an entrance on the drug scene. Forensic Toxicol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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17
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McKenzie C, Sutcliffe OB, Read KD, Scullion P, Epemolu O, Fletcher D, Helander A, Beck O, Rylski A, Antonides LH, Riley J, Smith SA, Nic Daeid N. Chemical synthesis, characterisation and in vitro and in vivo metabolism of the synthetic opioid MT-45 and its newly identified fluorinated analogue 2F-MT-45 with metabolite confirmation in urine samples from known drug users. Forensic Toxicol 2018; 36:359-374. [PMID: 29963206 PMCID: PMC6002428 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0413-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The detection of a novel psychoactive substance, 2F-MT-45, a fluorinated analogue of the synthetic opioid MT-45, was reported in a single seized tablet. MT-45, 2F-, 3F- and 4F-MT-45 were synthesised and reference analytical data were reported. The in vitro and in vivo metabolisms of MT-45 and 2F-MT-45 were investigated. Method The reference standards and seized sample were characterised using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Presumptive tests were performed and physicochemical properties of the compounds determined. Metabolite identification studies using human liver microsomes, human hepatocytes, mouse hepatocytes and in vivo testing using mice were performed and identified MT-45 metabolites were confirmed in authentic human urine samples. Results Metabolic pathways identified for MT-45 and 2F-MT-45 were N-dealkylation, hydroxylation and subsequent glucuronidation. The major MT-45 metabolites identified in human in vitro studies and in authenticated human urine were phase I metabolites and should be incorporated as analytical targets to existing toxicological screening methods. Phase II glucuronidated metabolites were present in much lower proportions. Conclusions 2F-MT-45 has been detected in a seized tablet for the first time. The metabolite identification data provide useful urinary metabolite targets for forensic and clinical testing for MT-45 and allows screening of urine for 2F-MT-45 and its major metabolites to determine its prevalence in case work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig McKenzie
- Forensic Drug Research Centre, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Paul Scullion
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ola Epemolu
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Daniel Fletcher
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Anders Helander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olof Beck
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexia Rylski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lysbeth H. Antonides
- Forensic Drug Research Centre, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jennifer Riley
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Shannah A. Smith
- Forensic Drug Research Centre, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Niamh Nic Daeid
- Forensic Drug Research Centre, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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18
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Couto RAS, Gonçalves LM, Carvalho F, Rodrigues JA, Rodrigues CMP, Quinaz MB. The Analytical Challenge in the Determination of Cathinones, Key-Players in the Worldwide Phenomenon of Novel Psychoactive Substances. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2018; 48:372-390. [DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2018.1439724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A. S. Couto
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Moreira Gonçalves
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José A. Rodrigues
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cecília M. P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M. Beatriz Quinaz
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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19
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Boateng BO, Fever M, Edwards D, Petersson P, Euerby MR, Sutcliffe OB. Chromatographic retention behaviour, modelling and optimization of a UHPLC-UV separation of the regioisomers of the Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) methoxphenidine (MXP). J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018. [PMID: 29514124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A detailed investigation into the chromatographic retention behaviour and separation of the three regioisomers of the Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) methoxphenidine (i.e. 2-, 3- and 4-MXP isomers) has revealed the ionization state of the analyte and stationary phase, to be the controlling factor in dictating which retention mechanism is in operation. At low pH, poor separation and retention was observed. In contrast, at intermediate pH, enhanced retention and separation of the three MXP isomers was obtained; it appeared that there was a synergistic effect between the electrostatic and hydrophobic mechanisms. At high pH, the MXP isomers were retained by hydrophobic retention. Accurate retention time predictions (<0.5%) were achievable using non-linear retention models (3 × 3). This allowed the optimization of the gradient separation of the MXP isomers using a two-dimensional gradient and temperature design space. Prediction errors for peak width and resolution were, in most cases, lower than 5%. The use of linear models (2 × 2) still afforded retention time and resolution accuracies of <2.3 and 11% respectively. A rapid and highly sensitive LC-MS friendly method (i.e. Rsmin > 5 within 4 min) was predicted and verified. The developed methodology should be highly suitable for the rapid, specific and sensitive detection and control of MXP regioisomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard O Boateng
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde,161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Mark Fever
- Hichrom Ltd, 1 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading Berkshire, RG7 4PE, UK
| | - Darren Edwards
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde,161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | | | - Melvin R Euerby
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde,161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK; Hichrom Ltd, 1 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading Berkshire, RG7 4PE, UK.
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), School of Science and the Environment, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
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20
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Wallach J, Brandt SD. 1,2-Diarylethylamine- and Ketamine-Based New Psychoactive Substances. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2018; 252:305-352. [PMID: 30196446 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
While phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine remain the most well-studied and widely known dissociative drugs, a number of other agents have appeared since the late 1950s and early 1960s, when the pharmacological potential of this class was first realized. For example, hundreds of compounds have been pursued as part of legitimate research efforts to explore these agents. Some of these found their way out of the research labs and onto illicit markets of the 1960s and following decades as PCP analogs. Other "illicit analogs" apparently never appeared in the scientific literature prior to their existence on clandestine markets, thus originating as novel innovations in the minds of clandestine chemists and their colleagues. Like so much else in this world, new technologies changed this dynamic. In the 1990s individuals separated by vast geographical distances could now communicate nearly instantaneously with ease through the Internet. Some individuals used this newly found opportunity to discuss the chemistry and psychoactive effects of dissociative drugs as well as to collaborate on the design and development of novel dissociative compounds. Similar to modern pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers, these seekers tinkered with the structure of their leads pursuing goals such as improved duration of action, analgesic effects, and reduced toxicity. Whether all these goals were achieved for any individual compound remains to be seen, but their creations have been let out of the bag and are now materialized as defined compositions of matter. Moreover, these creations now exist not only in and of themselves but live on further as permutations into various novel analogs and derivatives. In some cases these compounds have made their way to academic labs where potential clinical applications have been identified. These compounds reached wider distribution when other individuals picked up on these discussions and began to market them as "research chemicals" or "legal highs". The result is a continuously evolving game that is being played between legislatures, law enforcement, and research chemical market players. Two structurally distinct classes that have appeared as dissociative-based new psychoactive substances (NPS) are the 1,2-diarylethylamines and β-keto-arylcyclohexylamines. Examples of the former include diphenidine and various analogs such as fluorolintane and N-ethyl-lanicemine, and examples of the latter are analogs of ketamine such as methoxetamine, deschloroketamine, and 2-fluoro-2-deschloroketamine. The subject of this chapter is the introduction to some of the dissociative NPS from these classes and their known pharmacology that have emerged on the market in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Wallach
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
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21
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Calvo-Castro J, Guirguis A, Samaras EG, Zloh M, Kirton SB, Stair J. Detection of newly emerging psychoactive substances using Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics. RSC Adv 2018; 8:31924-31933. [PMID: 35547469 PMCID: PMC9085863 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra05847d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel approach for the identification of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) by means of Raman spectroscopy coupled with Principal Components Analysis (PCA) employing the largest dataset of NPS reference materials to date is reported here. Fifty three NPS were selected as a structurally diverse subset from an original dataset of 478 NPS compounds. The Raman spectral profiles were experimentally acquired for all 53 substances, evaluated using a number of pre-processing techniques, and used to generate a PCA model. The optimum model system used a relatively narrow spectral range (1300–1750 cm−1) and accounted for 37% of the variance in the dataset using the first three principal components, despite the large structural diversity inherent in the NPS subset. Nonetheless, structurally similar NPS (i.e., the synthetic cannabinoids FDU-PB-22 & NM-2201) grouped together in the PCA model based on their Raman spectral profiles, while NPS with different chemical scaffolds (i.e., the benzodiazepine flubromazolam and the cathinone α-PBT) were well delineated, occupying markedly different areas of the three-dimensional scores plot. Classification of NPS based on their Raman spectra (i.e., chemical scaffolds) using the PCA model was further investigated. NPS that were present in the initial dataset of 478 NPS but were not part of the selected 53 training set (validation set) were observed to be closely aligned to structurally similar NPS within the generated model system in all cases. Furthermore, NPS that were not present in the original dataset of 478 NPS (test set) were also shown to group as expected in the model (i.e., methamphetamine and N-ethylamphetamine). This indicates that, for the first time, a model system can be applied to potential ‘unknown’ psychoactive substances, which are new to the market and absent from existing chemical libraries, to identify key structural features to make a preliminary classification. Consequently, it is anticipated that this study will be of interest to the broad scientific audience working with large structurally diverse chemical datasets and particularly to law enforcement agencies and associated scientific analytical bodies worldwide investigating the development of novel identification methodologies for psychoactive substances. A novel approach for the identification of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) by means of Raman spectroscopy coupled with Principal Components Analysis (PCA) employing the largest dataset of NPS reference materials to date is reported here.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Calvo-Castro
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Eleftherios G. Samaras
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Mire Zloh
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Stewart B. Kirton
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Jacqueline L. Stair
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
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