Development of an ELISA for detection of mitragynine and its metabolites in human urine

Development of Methyl Ester Antibody-Based Competitive Indirect ELISA for Quantitative Detection of Mitragynine in Human Urine

Mitragynine is the main psychoactive compound of Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (kratom). This alkaloid could render psychotropic effects and is often misused as a substitute for commercial drugs. Nowadays, the increasing popularity of kratom has led to the development of a rapid and effective detection method. The detection of mitragynine in a biological sample such as urine requires a highly sensitive and specific method due to the complex nature of mitragynine in urine. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is well known as a rapid screening method for biological samples. In this study, a competitive indirect ELISA was successfully developed using MG-22-OCH3 IgG as a detection antibody for mitragynine in human urine. The mitragynine immunoassay showed a limit of detection and a limit of quantification of 0.412 and 1.25 μg/mL, respectively. The measurement range was between 0.01 and 100.0 μg/mL, with a minimal inhibition (IC50) value of 0.152 μg/mL. The developed ELISA was validated using a gold method such as high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The percentage of recovery and the coefficient of variation (CV) for the ELISA and LCMS/MS analyses were 84.0-95.70%, 99.20-112.0%, 7.69-9.78%, and 2.86-6.62%, respectively. This indicates that the developed ELISA is a reliable method that can be used as a rapid approach for quantifying mitragynine content in biological samples.

Development of a Highly Sensitive and Specific Monoclonal Antibody Based on Indirect Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Determination of Zearalenone in Food and Feed Samples

Zearalenone (ZEN) contamination in food and feed is prevalent and has severe effects on humans and animals post-consumption. Therefore, a sensitive, specific, rapid, and reliable method for detecting a single residue of ZEN is necessary. This study aimed to establish a highly sensitive and specific ZEN monoclonal antibody (mAb) and an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) for the detection of ZEN residues in food and feed. The immunogen ZEN-BSA was synthesized via the amino glutaraldehyde (AGA) and amino diazotization (AD) methods and identified using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), a high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS), and an ultraviolet spectrometer (UV). The coating antigens ZEN-OVA were synthesized via the oxime active ester (OAE), formaldehyde (FA), 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDE), AGA, and AD methods. These methods were used to screen the best antibody/antigen combination of a heterologous icELISA. Balb/c mice were immunized with a low ZEN-BSA dose at long intervals and multiple sites. Suitable cell fusion mice and positive hybridoma cell lines were screened using a homologous indirect non-competitive ELISA (inELISA) and an icELISA. The ZEN mAbs were prepared by inducing ascites in vivo. The immunological characteristics of ZEN mAbs were then assessed. The standard curves of the icELISA for ZEN were constructed under optimal experimental conditions, and the performance of the icELISA was validated. The two ZEN-BSA immunogens (conjugation ratios, 11.6:1 (AGA) and 9.2:1 (AD)) were successfully synthesized. Four hybridoma cell lines (2B6, 4D9, 1A10, and 4G8) were filtered, of which 2B6 had the best sensitivity and specificity. The mAb 2B6-based icELISA was then developed. The limit of detection (LOD), the 50% inhibitive concentration (IC50), and the linear working range (IC20 to IC80) values of the icELISA were 0.76 μg/L, 8.69 μg/L, and 0.92–82.24 μg/L, respectively. The cross-reactivity (CR) of the icELISA with the other five analogs of ZEN was below 5%. Three samples were spiked with different concentrations of ZEN and detected using the icELISA. The average intra-assay recoveries, inter-assay recoveries, intra-assay coefficients of variations (CVs), and inter-assay CVs were 93.48–99.48%, 94.18–96.13%, 12.55–12.98%, and 12.53–13.58%, respectively. The icELISA was used to detect ZEN in various samples. The results were confirmed using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) (correlation coefficient, 0.984). The proposed icELISA was highly sensitive, specific, rapid, and reliable for the detection of ZEN in food and feed samples.

Clinical Pharmacology of the Dietary Supplement, Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) consists of over 40 alkaloids with two of them, mitragynine (MG) and 7-OH-mitragynine (7-OH-MG) being the main psychoactive compounds. MG and 7-OH-MG each target opioid receptors and have been referred to as atypical opioids. They exert their pharmacologic effects on the μ, δ, and κ opioid receptors. In addition, they affect adrenergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic pathways. Kratom has been touted as an inexpensive, legal alternative to standard opioid replacement therapy such as methadone and buprenorphine. Other uses for kratom include chronic pain, attaining a "legal high," and numerous CNS disorders including anxiety depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kratom induces analgesia and mild euphoria with a lower risk of respiratory depression or adverse central nervous system effects compared to traditional opioid medications. Nonetheless, kratom has been associated with both physical and psychological dependence with some individuals experiencing classic opioid withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation. Kratom use has been linked to serious adverse effects including liver toxicity, seizures, and death. These risks are often compounded by poly-substance abuse. Further, kratom may potentiate the toxicity of coadministered medications through modulation of cytochrome P450, P-glycoprotein, and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase enzymes (UGDT). In 2016 the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) took steps to classify kratom as a federal schedule 1 medication; however, due to public resistance, this plan was set aside. Until studies are conducted that define kratom's role in treating opioid withdrawal and/or other CNS conditions, kratom will likely remain available as a dietary supplement for the foreseeable future. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.