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Epain M, Cartiser N, Bevalot F, Bottinelli C, Chatenay C, Fanton L. Alpha-methyltryptamine and 5-(2-methylaminopropyl)-benzofuran (5-MAPB) fatal co-intoxication: case report and review of literature. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1813-1820. [PMID: 38649548 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03236-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The scientific literature contains little reliable data regarding new psychoactive substances and designer drugs, making it difficult to assess toxic blood levels and potentially lethal threshold. Here, we report a fatal co-intoxication involving two uncommon drugs ‒ alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT) and 5-(2-methylaminopropyl)-benzofuran (5-MAPB) ‒ combined with exposure to benzodiazepines, ephedrine, and norephedrine. AMT and 5-MAPB were quantified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS-MS), revealing concentrations of AMT 4690 ng/mL and 5-MAPB 101 ng/mL in postmortem peripheral blood. We additionally reviewed the literature to help interpret the likely roles of these molecules in the occurrence of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Epain
- Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, University of Lyon, UCBL1, Lyon, France.
- Service of Forensic Medicine, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, 5 Place d'Arsonval, Lyon Cedex 03, 69437, France.
| | - Nathalie Cartiser
- Service of Forensic Medicine, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, 5 Place d'Arsonval, Lyon Cedex 03, 69437, France
| | | | | | | | - Laurent Fanton
- Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, University of Lyon, UCBL1, Lyon, France
- Service of Forensic Medicine, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, 5 Place d'Arsonval, Lyon Cedex 03, 69437, France
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2
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Rojek S, Maciów-Głąb M, Romańczuk A, Kula K, Synowiec K, Kłys M. New psychoactive substances - 96 cases of deaths related to their use based on the material originating from forensic toxicological practice. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 364:112204. [PMID: 39236446 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112204] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Among the emerging investigative fields, forensic medicine and toxicology lead to analyzing fatalities in medico-legal expert opinion formulating. While discussing the problem, the authors have selected 96 fatal cases from their expert practice including the period from 2010 to 2023, in which deaths were connected with taking new psychoactive substances (NPS's) belonging to various chemical categories, mainly synthetic cathinones (SC), synthetic cannabinoids (SCan) and non-medical synthetic opioids (NSO). In the investigated cases, toxicological analysis revealed 37 NPS's and their 9 metabolites. The cases involved the use of SC's (64 cases - 67 %), Scan's, including their metabolites (10 cases - 10 %) and NSO's, including their metabolites (6 cases - 6 %). The remaining cases involved the simultaneous use of NSO with SC and/or SCan, including their metabolites (8 cases - 8 %), or SC with SCan (5 cases - 5 %). In three cases (3 %), compounds belonging to other groups were taken. In twenty-five cases, more than one NPS was found. Moreover, in twenty-seven cases, ethyl alcohol was also detected at the concentration range of 0.6-3.6 ‰. The concentration of xenobiotics determined in blood represented extensive ranges of concentration. The victims were at the age of 16-58 years of life. The group included eleven women (11 %). Generally, the deaths related to NPS's were predominantly of an accidental character (81 %), while the manner of death in sixteen cases (17 %) was suicide, including hanging (5 cases), jumping from a great height (3 cases), self-injury and exsanguination (1 case), as well as acute drug intoxication (6 cases) and intoxication with central nervous system hypoxia after an hanging (1 case). Among the analyzed cases there were two victims of homicide (2 %), in one of which the perpetrator being under the influence of the mixture of the synthetic opioid U-47700 and synthetic cannabinoid AB-FUBINACA. In twenty-eight cases, medications used in psychiatry were found, which suggested that the victims were struggling with mental problems before death. As it was implied by the available information, more than 36 % of the victims had mental problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Rojek
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka 16 St., Kraków 31-531, Poland.
| | - Martyna Maciów-Głąb
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka 16 St., Kraków 31-531, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Romańczuk
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka 16 St., Kraków 31-531, Poland
| | - Karol Kula
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka 16 St., Kraków 31-531, Poland
| | - Kamil Synowiec
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka 16 St., Kraków 31-531, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kłys
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka 16 St., Kraków 31-531, Poland
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Chen YK, Shih CP, Wang CH, Lin CC. Mephedrone concentrations in clinical intoxications and fatal cases: a systematic review. Forensic Toxicol 2024:10.1007/s11419-024-00693-1. [PMID: 39031238 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-024-00693-1] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Mephedrone, a ring-substituted synthetic cathinone derivative, gained popularity as a recreational drug in the late 2000s. Reports of fatalities related to mephedrone use have emerged with varying concentrations of blood mephedrone upon forensic investigations. This study aims to evaluate the existing literature on mephedrone concentrations in instances of clinical intoxication and fatal cases. METHODS We comprehensively searched electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, from inception to July 26, 2023. We selected case reports or case series of mephedrone intoxication presented with individual blood mephedrone concentration. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, blood mephedrone concentrations, and outcomes were extracted for analysis. RESULTS 77 cases from 14 case reports and 6 case series were identified for review. There were 34 deaths and 43 non-fatal intoxication cases. The median patient's age was 24 years (IQR: 10), and 91.4% were male. Forty-five of the 63 cases (71.4%) were reported with alcohol or other illicit drugs detected. The median blood mephedrone concentration was 0.37 mg/L (IQR: 1.09 mg/L). Death cases were older than non-fatal cases (median = 30 vs. 22 years, p = 0.029). The median blood mephedrone concentration was higher in death cases (1.30 mg/L vs. 0.12 mg/L, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Blood mephedrone concentration in dead patients is approximately 11 times higher than in non-fatal cases. This finding could serve as a stepping stone to the diagnosis of concentrations in clinical poisoning cases and deaths, especially in the treatment of poisoning patients. In more extensive prospective studies, further research is necessary to establish a standardized, real-time available methodology and validate the predictive value of mephedrone concentrations in the prognostic value of mephedrone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New Taipei Municipal Tucheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Pang Shih
- Department of Healthcare Management, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ho Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jen-Ai Hospital, Dali Branch, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Bunaim MK, Damanhuri HA, Yow HY, Yaakob NS, Makmor-Bakry M, Azmi N. Understanding methiopropamine, a new psychoactive substance: an in-depth review on its chemistry, pharmacology and implications to human health. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1295-1306. [PMID: 38424369 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03201-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Methiopropamine or 1-(thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylaminopropane (MPA) is a thiophene ring-based structural analogue of methamphetamine, first synthesized in 1942 but become popular when it started to be available for purchase on websites selling 'legal highs' since 2010. While it is legally controlled in many countries, it remains readily accessible and frequently encountered in recreational settings. The growing prevalence of MPA use results in new therapeutic challenges. Relatively few studies have focused on its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, making it important to better understand its potential risks and harmful effects in humans in terms of its toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive profiling of MPA toxicological properties, including its chemical properties, analytical methods, prevalence, patterns of use, and legal status. Additionally, it discusses the drug's effects on the central nervous system, its potential for addiction, and its adverse physical and mental health effects. Improving the understanding of safety aspects of MPA and how it imposes health threats for public health will guide the development of therapeutic approach of its intoxication and guide the authorities in deciding its legal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Khairulanwar Bunaim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hui-Yin Yow
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Syafinaz Yaakob
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Makmor-Bakry
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norazrina Azmi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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5
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Aldubayyan AA, Castrignanò E, Elliott S, Abbate V. Short- and long-term stability of synthetic cathinones and dihydro-metabolites in human urine samples. Forensic Toxicol 2024; 42:172-180. [PMID: 38554217 PMCID: PMC11269387 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-024-00684-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Synthetic cathinones constitute the second largest group of new psychoactive substances, which are often used for recreational purposes and reported in toxicological analysis. Various factors may influence the stability of synthetic cathinones between sampling and analysis, and therefore, stability studies are required to determine the best storage conditions as well as extend the period of detection. METHODS This study involved sixteen synthetic cathinones and ten dihydro-metabolites spiked in human urine to evaluate the stability under common storage conditions to imitate real forensic toxicology samples. The samples were stored at either room temperature (22-23 °C) for up to 3 days, refrigerated (4 °C) for up to 14 days or frozen (-40 °C) for up to 12 months, and analyzed in triplicate using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. RESULTS Analytes' concentrations decreased over time, although slower when stored frozen. All analytes remained stable (> 80%) for 1 month when stored frozen before losses in content were more apparent for some compounds, depending on their chemical structure. Under all storage conditions, the highest instability was observed for analytes containing halogens (i.e., chlorine or fluorine). Thus, halogenated analytes were further investigated by using liquid chromatography coupled to quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry to attempt identifying degradation products. CONCLUSIONS Irrespective of parent analytes, dihydro-metabolites had improved stability at each tested temperature, which highlights their importance as appropriate urine biomarkers when retesting is required after a long period of storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz A Aldubayyan
- Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Toxicology, Central Military Laboratory and Blood Bank, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Erika Castrignanò
- Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Elliott
- Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Elliott Forensic Consulting, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vincenzo Abbate
- Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
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6
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Zhang W, Cao F, Li M, Xu Z, Sun J, Huang Z, Shi P. The involvement of calcium in the toxic effect of 4-methylethcathinone on SH-SY5Y cells. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:553-563. [PMID: 37950502 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity induced by psychoactive substances is often accompanied by an imbalance of intracellular calcium ions. It is unclear whether calcium ions play a role in the toxicity induced by psychoactive substances. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the occurrence of calcium dysregulation and its contribution to cytotoxicity in human neurotypic SH-SY5Y cells challenged with a recently developed psychoactive substance 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC). An increase in the intracellular calcium was detected by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and Fluo-3 AM dye in SH-SY5Y cells after being treated with 4-MEC. The increase of intracellular Ca2+ level mediated G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and ROS/endoplasmic reticulum stress-autophagy signaling pathways to achieve the toxicity of 4-MEC. In particular, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a classical antioxidant, was found to be a potential treatment for 4-MEC-induced toxicity. Taken together, our results demonstrate that an increase in intracellular calcium content is one of the mechanisms of 4-MEC-induced toxicity. This study provides a molecular basis for the toxicity mechanism and therapeutic intervention of psychoactive substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangqi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, China
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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7
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Shukla S, Khanna S, Gani Mir TU, Dalal J, Sankhyan D, Khanna K. Emerging global trends and development in forensic toxicology: A review. J Forensic Leg Med 2024; 103:102675. [PMID: 38522117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of forensic toxicology research trends, publication patterns, author's contributions, and collaboration. Utilizing the Scopus database, we scrutinized 3259 articles across 348 journals spanning from 1975 to 2023. Analysis employed diverse software tools such as VOSviewer, RStudio, MS Excel, and MS Access to dissect various publication aspects. We observed a notable surge in publications post-2007, indicating heightened research interest. Leading contributors included the United States, Germany, and Italy, with Logan B.K. emerging as the most prolific author. Forensic Science International stood out as the primary journal, publishing 888 articles and accruing significant citations. Keyword co-occurrences such as "forensic toxicology," "forensic science," and "toxicology" underscored core thematic areas in the field. Moreover, extensive research collaboration, especially among Western nations in Europe, was evident. This study underscores the imperative for enhanced collaboration between developing and developed nations to foster further advancements in forensic science. Strengthened partnerships can catalyze innovation, facilitate knowledge dissemination, and address emerging challenges, thereby propelling the field of forensic toxicology toward new frontiers of discovery and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Shukla
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India.
| | | | - Tahir Ul Gani Mir
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Jyoti Dalal
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Deeksha Sankhyan
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Kushagra Khanna
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
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8
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Chen S, Zhou W, Lai M. Synthetic Cathinones: Epidemiology, Toxicity, Potential for Abuse, and Current Public Health Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:334. [PMID: 38671986 PMCID: PMC11048581 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040334] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, derived from cathinone found in the plant Catha edulis, represent the second largest and most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are considered as β-keto analogs of amphetamine, sharing pharmacological effects with amphetamine and cocaine. This review describes the neurotoxic properties of synthetic cathinones, encompassing their capacity to induce neuroinflammation, dysregulate neurotransmitter systems, and alter monoamine transporters and receptors. Additionally, it discusses the rewarding and abuse potential of synthetic cathinones drawing from findings obtained through various preclinical animal models, contextualized with other classical psychostimulants. The review also offers an overview of current abuse trends of synthetic cathinones on the illicit drug market, specifying the aspects covered, and underscores the risks they pose to public health. Finally, the review discusses public health initiatives and efforts to reduce the hazards of synthetic cathinones, including harm reduction methods, education, and current clinical management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
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9
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Angerer V, Schmid Y, Franz F, Gnann H, Speer JM, Gnann A, Helmecke S, Buchwald A, Brandt SD, Passie T, Liechti ME, Auwärter V. Acute psychotropic, autonomic, and endocrine effects of 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI) compared with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in human volunteers: A self-administration study. Drug Test Anal 2023. [PMID: 38056906 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3622] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The acute psychoactive, autonomic, and endocrine effects of the new psychoactive substance (NPS) 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI; 3.0 mg/kg, range 180-228 mg) were investigated in six healthy volunteers (four males, two females) in a non-blinded fashion without placebo. Subjective, cardiovascular, and endocrine responses were compared with two different doses of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (75 mg and 125 mg) described in previously published placebo-controlled studies, which used identical outcome measures including Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), the Adjective Mood Rating Scale (AMRS), and the 5 Dimensions of Altered States of Consciousness (5D-ASC) scale. MDAI was well tolerated and produced subjective effects comparable with those of 125 mg MDMA. MDAI increased blood pressure similar to 125 mg MDMA but did not increase heart rate or body temperature. MDAI increased cortisol and prolactin levels and could be detected in serum about 20 min post ingestion and remained detectable at least for 4 days. In urine, MDAI was detectable over a period of at least 6 days. Further clinical investigations are warranted to assess whether MDAI could serve as drug with medicinal properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Angerer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yasmin Schmid
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Franz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Armin Buchwald
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Torsten Passie
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute for History and Ethics in Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Psychopharmacology Research, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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10
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Matey JM, Zapata F, Menéndez-Quintanal LM, Montalvo G, García-Ruiz C. Identification of new psychoactive substances and their metabolites using non-targeted detection with high-resolution mass spectrometry through diagnosing fragment ions/neutral loss analysis. Talanta 2023; 265:124816. [PMID: 37423179 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Matey
- Department of Chemistry and Drugs, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, C/ José Echegaray Nº4, 28232, Las Rozas de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), calle Libreros 27, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España(1); Chemical and Forensic Sciences (CINQUIFOR) Research Group, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.600, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain(2).
| | - Félix Zapata
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Luis Manuel Menéndez-Quintanal
- Department of Chemistry and Drugs, National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, La Cuesta, 38320, La Laguna (Sta. Cruz de Tenerife), Spain.
| | - Gemma Montalvo
- Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), calle Libreros 27, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España(1); Chemical and Forensic Sciences (CINQUIFOR) Research Group, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.600, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain(2); Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Analítica, Quimica Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33,6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.
| | - Carmen García-Ruiz
- Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), calle Libreros 27, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España(1); Chemical and Forensic Sciences (CINQUIFOR) Research Group, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.600, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain(2); Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Analítica, Quimica Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33,6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.
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11
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Devin J, Lyons S, Murphy L, O’Sullivan M, Lynn E. Factors associated with suicide in people who use drugs: a scoping review. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:655. [PMID: 37670233 PMCID: PMC10478413 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05131-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a significant contributor to global mortality. People who use drugs (PWUD) are at increased risk of death by suicide relative to the general population, but there is a lack of information on associated candidate factors for suicide in this group. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of existing evidence on potential factors for death by suicide in PWUD. METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Articles were identified using Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SOCIndex, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Campbell Collaboration Database of Systematic Reviews; supplemented by grey literature, technical reports, and consultation with experts. No limitations were placed on study design. Publications in English from January 2000 to December 2021 were included. Two reviewers independently screened full-text publications for inclusion. Extracted data were collated using tables and accompanying narrative descriptive summaries. The review was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. RESULTS The initial search identified 12,389 individual publications, of which 53 met the inclusion criteria. The majority (87%) of included publications were primary research, with an uncontrolled, retrospective study design. The most common data sources were drug treatment databases or national death indexes. Eleven potential factors associated with death by suicide among PWUD were identified: sex; mental health conditions; periods of heightened vulnerability; age profile; use of stimulants, cannabis, or new psychoactive substances; specific medical conditions; lack of dual diagnosis service provision; homelessness; incarceration; intravenous drug use; and race or ethnicity. Opioids, followed by cannabis and stimulant drugs were the most prevalent drugs of use in PWUD who died by suicide. A large proportion of evidence was related to opioid use; therefore, more primary research on suicide and explicit risk factors is required. CONCLUSIONS The majority of studies exploring factors associated with death by suicide among PWUD involved descriptive epidemiological data, with limited in-depth analyses of explicit risk factors. To prevent suicide in PWUD, it is important to consider potential risk factors and type of drug use, and to tailor policies and practices accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Devin
- Health Research Board, Grattan House, 67–72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 1st Floor Ardilaun House Block B, 111 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Suzi Lyons
- Health Research Board, Grattan House, 67–72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Lisa Murphy
- Health Research Board, Grattan House, 67–72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Michael O’Sullivan
- Health Research Board, Grattan House, 67–72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ena Lynn
- Health Research Board, Grattan House, 67–72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Tomašević N, Vujović M, Kostić E, Ragavendran V, Arsić B, Matić SL, Božović M, Fioravanti R, Proia E, Ragno R, Mladenović M. Molecular Docking Assessment of Cathinones as 5-HT 2AR Ligands: Developing of Predictive Structure-Based Bioactive Conformations and Three-Dimensional Structure-Activity Relationships Models for Future Recognition of Abuse Drugs. Molecules 2023; 28:6236. [PMID: 37687065 PMCID: PMC10488745 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Commercially available cathinones are drugs of long-term abuse drugs whose pharmacology is fairly well understood. While their psychedelic effects are associated with 5-HT2AR, the enclosed study summarizes efforts to shed light on the pharmacodynamic profiles, not yet known at the receptor level, using molecular docking and three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3-D QSAR) studies. The bioactive conformations of cathinones were modeled by AutoDock Vina and were used to build structure-based (SB) 3-D QSAR models using the Open3DQSAR engine. Graphical inspection of the results led to the depiction of a 3-D structure analysis-activity relationship (SAR) scheme that could be used as a guideline for molecular determinants by which any untested cathinone molecule can be predicted as a potential 5-HT2AR binder prior to experimental evaluation. The obtained models, which showed a good agreement with the chemical properties of co-crystallized 5-HT2AR ligands, proved to be valuable for future virtual screening campaigns to recognize unused cathinones and similar compounds, such as 5-HT2AR ligands, minimizing both time and financial resources for the characterization of their psychedelic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Tomašević
- Kragujevac Center for Computational Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, P.O. Box 60, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Maja Vujović
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Bulevar Dr. Zorana Đinđića 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.V.); (E.K.)
| | - Emilija Kostić
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Bulevar Dr. Zorana Đinđića 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.V.); (E.K.)
| | - Venkatesan Ragavendran
- Department of Physics, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya, Kanchipuram 631561, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Biljana Arsić
- Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš, Serbia;
| | - Sanja Lj. Matić
- Department of Science, Institute for Informational Technologies, University of Kragujevac, Jovana Cvijića bb, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Mijat Božović
- Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Montenegro, Džordža Vašingtona bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Rome Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Proia
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Rome Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (R.R.)
| | - Rino Ragno
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Rome Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (R.R.)
| | - Milan Mladenović
- Kragujevac Center for Computational Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, P.O. Box 60, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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Grapp M, Kaufmann C, Schwelm HM, Neukamm MA. Toxicological Investigation of a Case Series Involving the Synthetic Cathinone α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) and Identification of Phase I and II Metabolites in Human Urine. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:162-174. [PMID: 35921233 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) is a derivative of the class of α-pyrrolidinophenones, a subgroup of synthetic cathinones. These substances are the second most abused drugs of new psychoactive substances. Here, we report the toxicological investigation of a series of 29 authentic forensic and clinical cases with analytically confirmed intake of α-PHP including two cases of drug testing in newborns using meconium. The age range of subjects where serum samples were available was 23-51 years (median 39.5), and 90% were male. Serum α-PHP concentrations, determined by a validated LC-MS-MS method, showed a high variability ranging from 1 to 83 ng/mL (mean, 40 ng/mL; median, 36 ng/mL). Comprehensive toxicological analysis revealed co-consumption of other psychotropic drugs in almost all cases with frequent occurrence of opiates (60%), benzodiazepines (35%), cannabinoids (30%), and cocaine (20%). Hence, forensic and clinical symptoms like aggressive behavior, sweating, delayed physical response, and impaired balance could not be explained by the abuse of α-PHP alone but rather by poly-intoxications. Liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to investigate the metabolism of α-PHP in vivo using authentic human urine samples. Altogether, 11 phase I metabolites and 5 phase II glucuronides could be identified by this approach. Apart from the parent drug, most abundant findings in urine were the metabolites dihydroxy-pyrrolidinyl-α-PHP and dihydro-α-PHP and, to a lesser extent, 2'-oxo-dihydro-α-PHP and 2'-oxo-α-PHP. Monitoring of these metabolites along with the parent drug in forensic and clinical toxicology could unambiguously prove the abuse of the novel designer drug α-PHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Grapp
- Forensic Toxicological Laboratory, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Christoph Kaufmann
- Forensic Toxicological Laboratory, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Hannes M Schwelm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Herrmann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Merja A Neukamm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
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Behavioral and Pharmacokinetics Studies of N-Methyl-2-Aminoindane (NM2AI) in Mice: An Aminoindane Briefly Used in the Illicit Drug Market. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031882. [PMID: 36768197 PMCID: PMC9916073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug forums are considered as the main platform sources that have contributed to the increase in NPS popularity, especially for those not yet known to law enforcement and therefore not yet illegal. An example is the new synthetic stimulant NM2AI, which has a very short history of human use and abuse. Little is known regarding this compound, but some information from internet forums and the scientific literature indicates NM2AI as a structural derivate of MDAI, which is known for its entactogenic activity. Indeed, the purpose of this study is to evaluate, for the first time, the in vivo acute effect induced by the intraperitoneal injection of NM2AI (1-10-30-100 mg/kg) in mice. We demonstrate the sensory (by visual placing and object tests) and physiological (core temperature measurement) function variations, nociceptor (by tail pinch test) and strength (grip test) alterations, and sensorimotor (time on rod and mobility) decrease. Moreover, we verify the mild hallucinogenic effect of NM2AI (by startle/prepulse inhibition test). Lastly, we perform a pharmacokinetic study on mice blood samples, highlighting that the main active metabolite of NM2AI is 2-aminoindane (2AI). Taken together, our data confirm the suspected entactogenic activity of NM2AI; however, these in vivo effects appear atypical and less intense with respect to those induced by the classic stimulants, in surprising analogy with what is reported by networked users.
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15
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Onaolapo OJ, Olofinnade AT, Ojo FO, Adeleye O, Falade J, Onaolapo AY. Substance use and substance use disorders in Africa: An epidemiological approach to the review of existing literature. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1268-1286. [PMID: 36389088 PMCID: PMC9641378 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i10.1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between man and substances that have abuse potentials, and whose use has been associated with the development or progression of substance use disorders has continued to evolve in terms of geography, economic implications, and time. History shows that local plants with psychoactive constituents can get exported worldwide through global travel, commerce, or even conquest. Time and globalization also change people’s relationship with substances of abuse; hence, an area that was initially alien to certain substances might evolve to becoming a trafficking hub, and then a destination. A case in point is Africa where a rapidly increasing prevalence of substance use/abuse and substance use disorder among adolescents and young adults is putting enormous strain on the economy, healthcare system, and society at large. However, there appears to be a paucity of scientific literature and data on the epidemiology, risk assessment, and contributing factors to substance use and the development of substance use disorders across Africa. In this narrative review, we examine extant literature (PubMed, Google scholar, Medline) for information on the prevalence, trends, and influencers of substance use and the development of substance use disorders. This is with a view of understanding the determinants of substance use and factors that influence the development of substance use disorders in the region, and how this information can be channeled towards developing a comprehensive intervention and treatment program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olakunle James Onaolapo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Unit, Neuropharmacology Subdivision, Department of Pharmacology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214 Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Tope Olofinnade
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University, Ikeja 100001, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Foluso Olamide Ojo
- Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Olufunto Adeleye
- Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Joshua Falade
- Department of Mental Health, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti 360282, Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Adejoke Yetunde Onaolapo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Subdivision, Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo, Nigeria
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New Psychoactive Substances Consumption in Opioid-Use Disorder Patients. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050645. [PMID: 35625373 PMCID: PMC9138226 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary We applied a toxicological screening on 187 urine samples collected from patients with opioid-use disorder treated with opioid agonists in Barcelona and Badalona addiction care services, Spain. We found that 27.3% of urine samples were positive for any type of new psychoactive substance and 8.6% of samples were positive for a new synthetic opioid (NSO). These results show a new trend of consumption in patients with opioid-use disorder that requires social and political actions to stem associated health threats. Abstract (1) Background: Since the beginning of the 21st century, the large number and wide chemical variety of new psychoactive substances (NPS) that enter the market every year has become a public health problem. Given the rapidity with which the drug market is changing, many NPS are not clinically investigated and their effects and health risks are unknown. Drug testing is a very useful tool for this purpose, but, unfortunately, it is not very widespread in individuals with opioid-use disorder under detoxification treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of illicit drugs and NPS in opioid-use disorder (OUD) patients on opioid agonist treatment. (2) Methods: A multicenter, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at two addiction care services in Barcelona and Badalona, Spain. Urine samples were collected from OUD individuals attending these two centers, who anonymously donated a urine sample at the time of a periodical visit. Samples were analyzed by high-sensitivity gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high –resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). (3) Results: Out of the 187 collected and analyzed urine samples, 27.3% were positive for any type of NPS and 8.6% were positive for new synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and its derivatives (NSO). Other frequently detected substances were benzodiazepines in 46.0% of samples, antipsychotics in 27.8% of samples, or cocaine and cannabis in 23.5% of samples. (4) Conclusion: A wide number of NPS, including NSO, have been detected in urine samples from an OUD population. A lack of NPS detection in standard drug screening among drug users can hide the identification of a potential public health problem.
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Simão AY, Antunes M, Cabral E, Oliveira P, Rosendo LM, Brinca AT, Alves E, Marques H, Rosado T, Passarinha LA, Andraus M, Barroso M, Gallardo E. An Update on the Implications of New Psychoactive Substances in Public Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4869. [PMID: 35457736 PMCID: PMC9028227 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of new psychoactive substances has earned a great deal of attention, and several reports of acute poisoning and deaths have been issued involving, for instance, synthetic opiates. In recent years, there have been profound alterations in the legislation concerning consumption, marketing, and synthesis of these compounds; rapid alert systems have also been subject to changes, and new substances and new markets, mainly through the internet, have appeared. Their effects and how they originate in consumers are still mostly unknown, primarily in what concerns chronic toxicity. This review intends to provide a detailed description of these substances from the point of view of consumption, toxicokinetics, and health consequences, including case reports on intoxications in order to help researchers and public health agents working daily in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Y. Simão
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilha, Portugal
| | - Mónica Antunes
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Delegação do Sul, 1150-219 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Emanuel Cabral
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Patrik Oliveira
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Luana M. Rosendo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Ana Teresa Brinca
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Estefânia Alves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Hernâni Marques
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilha, Portugal
| | - Tiago Rosado
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilha, Portugal
| | - Luís A. Passarinha
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Departamento de Química, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | | | - Mário Barroso
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Delegação do Sul, 1150-219 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal; (A.Y.S.); (M.A.); (E.C.); (P.O.); (L.M.R.); (A.T.B.); (E.A.); (H.M.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilha, Portugal
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Alteration of Ethanol Reward by Prior Mephedrone Exposure: The Role of Age and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042122. [PMID: 35216236 PMCID: PMC8877998 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone, a synthetic cathinone, is widely abused by adolescents and young adults. The aim of this study was to determine: (i) whether prior mephedrone exposure would alter ethanol reward and (ii) whether age and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are important in this regard. In our research, male Wistar rats at postnatal day 30 (PND30) received mephedrone at the dose of 10 mg/kg, i.p., 3 times a day for 7 days. To clarify the role of MMP-9 in the mephedrone effects, one mephedrone-treated group received minocycline, as an MMP-9 antagonist. Animals were then assigned to conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure at PND38 (adolescent) or at PND69 (adult). After the CPP test (PND48/79), expression of dopamine D1 receptors (D1R), Cav1.2 (a subtype of L-type calcium channels), and MMP-9 was quantified in the rat ventral striatum (vSTR). The influence of mephedrone administration on the N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDAR) subunits (GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B) was then assessed in the vSTR of adult rats (only). These results indicate that, in contrast with adolescent rats, adult rats with prior mephedrone administration appear to be more sensitive to the ethanol effect in the CPP test under the drug-free state. The mephedrone effect in adult rats was associated with upregulation of D1R, NMDAR/GluN2B, MMP-9, and Cav1.2 signaling. MMP-9 appears to contribute to these changes in proteins expression because minocycline pretreatment blocked mephedrone-evoked sensitivity to ethanol reward. Thus, our results suggest that prior mephedrone exposure differentially alters ethanol reward in adolescent and adult rats.
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West H, Fitzgerald J, Hopkins K, Li E, Clark N, Tzanetis S, Greene SL, Reid GE. Early Warning System for Illicit Drug Use at Large Public Events: Trace Residue Analysis of Discarded Drug Packaging Samples. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:2604-2614. [PMID: 34460248 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.1c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by Locard's exchange principle, which states "every contact leaves a trace", a trace residue sampling strategy has been developed for the analysis of discarded drug packaging samples (DPS), as part of an early warning system for illicit drug use at large public events including music/dance festivals. Using direct analysis in real time/mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry, rapid and high-throughput identification and characterization of a wide range of illicit drugs and adulterant substances was achieved, including in complex polydrug mixtures and at low relative ion abundances. A total of 1362 DPS were analyzed either off-site using laboratory-based instrumentation or on-site and in close to real time using a transportable mass spectrometer housed within a mobile analytical laboratory, with each analysis requiring less than 1 min per sample. Of the DPS analyzed, 92.2% yielded positive results for at least one of 15 different drugs and/or adulterants, including cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine, as well as numerous novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Also, 52.6% of positive DPS were found to contain polydrug mixtures, and a total of 42 different drug and polydrug combinations were observed throughout the study. For analyses performed on-site, reports to key stakeholders including event organizers, first aid and medical personnel, and peer-based harm reduction workers could be provided in as little as 5 min after sample collection. Following risk assessment of the potential harms associated with their use, drug advisories or alerts were then disseminated to event staff and patrons and subsequently to the general public when substances with particularly toxic properties were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry West
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - John Fitzgerald
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Katherine Hopkins
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Eric Li
- Agilent Technologies Australia, Mulgrave, Victoria 3170, Australia
| | - Nicolas Clark
- North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria 3121, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Stephanie Tzanetis
- Harm Reduction Victoria, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051, Australia
- Harm Reduction Australia, Leura, New South Wales 2780, Australia
| | - Shaun L Greene
- Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Gavin E Reid
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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20
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Niebel A, Westendorf L, Krumbiegel F, Hartwig S, Parr MK, Tsokos M. Prevalence and concentrations of new designer stimulants, synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and hallucinogens in postmortem hair samples: A 13-year retrospective study. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:110-121. [PMID: 34435749 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hair samples are frequently analyzed in order to characterize consumption patterns of drugs. However, the interpretation of new psychoactive substance (NPS) findings in hair remains difficult because of lacking data for comparison. In this study, selected postmortem hair samples (n = 1203) from 2008 to 2020 were reanalyzed for synthetic cathinones, piperazines, phenethylamines, hallucinogens, benzodiazepines and opioids to evaluate prevalence data and concentration ranges. Hair samples were extracted using a two-step extraction procedure and analyzed using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Overall NPSs were detected in 381 cases (31.6%). Many cases were tested positive for more than one NPS in the same time span. A variety of NPS with a large range of concentrations was observed. For better comparability and interpretation of positive cases in routine work, quantitation data for 13 NPS were calculated as percentiles. The most frequently detected NPS in this study were N-ethylamphetamine, α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, mephedrone, benzedrone, metamfepramone, and 4-fluoroamphetamine. In conclusion, a high prevalence of these drugs was observed from postmortem hair samples. The results show a growing use of many different NPSs by mainly young drug-using adults. Consequently, NPS screening procedures should be included in forensic toxicology. Our quantitative data may support other toxicologists in their assessment of NPS hair concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Niebel
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Westendorf
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Krumbiegel
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Hartwig
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Kristina Parr
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Tsokos
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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21
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Kolaczynska KE, Thomann J, Hoener MC, Liechti ME. The Pharmacological Profile of Second Generation Pyrovalerone Cathinones and Related Cathinone Derivative. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158277. [PMID: 34361040 PMCID: PMC8348686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyrovalerone cathinones are potent psychoactive substances that possess a pyrrolidine moiety. Pyrovalerone-type novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are continuously detected but their pharmacology and toxicology are largely unknown. We assessed several pyrovalerone and related cathinone derivatives at the human norepinephrine (NET), dopamine (DAT), and serotonin (SERT) uptake transporters using HEK293 cells overexpressing each respective transporter. We examined the transporter-mediated monoamine efflux in preloaded cells. The receptor binding and activation potency was also assessed at the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors. All pyrovalerone cathinones were potent DAT (IC50 = 0.02-8.7 μM) and NET inhibitors (IC50 = 0.03-4.6 μM), and exhibited no SERT activity at concentrations < 10 μM. None of the compounds induced monoamine efflux. NEH was a potent DAT/NET inhibitor (IC50 = 0.17-0.18 μM). 4F-PBP and NEH exhibited a high selectivity for the DAT (DAT/SERT ratio = 264-356). Extension of the alkyl chain enhanced NET and DAT inhibition potency, while presence of a 3,4-methylenedioxy moiety increased SERT inhibition potency. Most compounds did not exhibit any relevant activity at other monoamine receptors. In conclusion, 4F-PBP and NEH were selective DAT/NET inhibitors indicating that these substances likely produce strong psychostimulant effects and have a high abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina E. Kolaczynska
- Division of Psychopharmacology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (K.E.K.); (J.T.)
| | - Jan Thomann
- Division of Psychopharmacology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (K.E.K.); (J.T.)
| | - Marius C. Hoener
- Neuroscience Research, pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Matthias E. Liechti
- Division of Psychopharmacology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (K.E.K.); (J.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: + 41-61-328-68-68
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22
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Soares J, Costa VM, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. An updated review on synthetic cathinones. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2895-2940. [PMID: 34100120 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cathinone, the main psychoactive compound found in the plant Catha edulis Forsk. (khat), is a β-keto analogue of amphetamine, sharing not only the phenethylamine structure, but also the amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring cathinone that largely entered the recreational drug market at the end of 2000s. The former "legal status", impressive marketing strategies and their commercial availability, either in the so-called "smartshops" or via the Internet, prompted their large spread, contributing to their increasing popularity in the following years. As their popularity increased, the risks posed for public health became clear, with several reports of intoxications and deaths involving these substances appearing both in the social media and scientific literature. The regulatory measures introduced thereafter to halt these trending drugs of abuse have proved to be of low impact, as a continuous emergence of new non-controlled derivatives keep appearing to replace those prohibited. Users resort to synthetic cathinones due to their psychostimulant properties but are often unaware of the dangers they may incur when using these substances. Therefore, studies aimed at unveiling the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these substances are imperative, as they will provide increased expertise to the clinicians that face this problem on a daily basis. The present work provides a comprehensive review on history and legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects and lethality in humans, as well as on the current knowledge of the neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Soares
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-ENAS (Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit), CEBIMED (Biomedical Research Centre), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
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23
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New Psychoactive Substances and Suicidality: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57060580. [PMID: 34204131 PMCID: PMC8226910 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Over the past twenty years a large number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have entered and modified the recreational drug scene. Their intake has been associated with health-related risks, especially so for vulnerable populations such as people with severe mental illness, who might be at higher risk of suicidality or self-injurious behavior. This paper aims at providing an overview of NPS abuse and the effects on mental health and suicidality issues, by performing a literature review of the current related knowledge, thereby identifying those substances that, more than others, are linked to suicidal behaviors. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive and updated overview of the literature regarding suicidality and NPS categories has been undertaken. An electronic search was performed, including all papers published up to March 2021, using the following keywords “NPS” OR “new psychoactive substances” OR “novel psychoactive substances” OR “synthetic cannabinoids” OR “phenethylamines” OR “synthetic cathinones” OR “tryptamines” OR “piperazines” OR “new synthetic opioids” OR “designer benzodiazepines” AND (“suicide” OR “suicidality”) NOT review NOT animal on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science online databases. Results: Suicidality and self-injurious behavior appear to be frequently associated with some NPS such as cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, and new synthetic opioids. The results are organized according to the substances recorded. Conclusion: The growing use of NPS has become a significant clinical issue, causing increasing concern and challenges for clinicians working in both mental health and emergency departments. Thus, considering the associations between NPS and suicidality or self-injurious behaviors, areas where suicide-prevention efforts and strategies might be focused are the early detection, monitoring, and restriction of NPS.
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24
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Rudin D, Liechti ME, Luethi D. Molecular and clinical aspects of potential neurotoxicity induced by new psychoactive stimulants and psychedelics. Exp Neurol 2021; 343:113778. [PMID: 34090893 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive stimulants and psychedelics continue to play an important role on the illicit new psychoactive substance (NPS) market. Designer stimulants and psychedelics both affect monoaminergic systems, although by different mechanisms. Stimulant NPS primarily interact with monoamine transporters, either as inhibitors or as substrates. Psychedelic NPS most potently interact with serotonergic receptors and mediate their mind-altering effects mainly through agonism at serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A) receptors. Rarely, designer stimulants and psychedelics are associated with potentially severe adverse effects. However, due to the high number of emerging NPS, it is not possible to investigate the toxicity of each individual substance in detail. The brain is an organ particularly sensitive to substance-induced toxicity due to its high metabolic activity. In fact, stimulant and psychedelic NPS have been linked to neurological and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, studies using in vitro cell models or rodents indicate a variety of mechanisms that could potentially lead to neurotoxic damage in NPS users. Cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress may potentially contribute to neurotoxicity of stimulant NPS in addition to altered neurochemistry. Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor-mediated toxicity, oxidative stress, and activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathways could contribute to neurotoxicity of some psychedelic NPS. However, it remains unclear how well the current preclinical data of NPS-induced neurotoxicity translate to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Rudin
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dino Luethi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.
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25
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Mestria S, Odoardi S, Federici S, Bilel S, Tirri M, Marti M, Strano Rossi S. Metabolism Study of N-Methyl 2-Aminoindane (NM2AI) and Determination of Metabolites in Biological Samples by LC-HRMS. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:475-483. [PMID: 32860694 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the widespread diffusion of new psychoactive substances, forensic laboratories are often required to identify new drugs and their metabolites for which information or reference standards are lacking. We performed a study on N-methyl-2-aminoindane (NM2AI) metabolism in silico and in vivo, in order to identify the main metabolites to be screened in the different biological samples. We performed the in silico metabolism prediction of NM2AI using MetaSiteTM software and subsequently verified the presence of metabolites in the blood, urine and hair of mice after NM2AI administration. The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) with a benchtop Orbitrap Exactive mass detector. This allowed the evaluation of the agreement between software prediction and experimental results in biological samples. LC-HRMS analysis identified seven main metabolites in the urine. They were identified, by their accurate masses and fragmentation patterns, as 2-aminoindane (2AI), two hydroxy-2AI and four hydroxy-NM2AI; one of the hydroxy-NM2AI and one of the hydroxy-2AI underwent also to conjugation. NM2AI and 2AI were also detected by LC-HRMS in the hair and blood. Based on these findings, we developed an LC-HRMS method for the screening of NM2AI and metabolites in urine, blood and hair samples. This can be of primary effectiveness to uncover the abuse of NM2AI and related possible intoxications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Mestria
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Odoardi
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sofia Federici
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
| | - Sabina Strano Rossi
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore F. Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
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26
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Theofel N, Budach D, Vejmelka E, Scholtis S, Tsokos M. Toxicological investigations in a death involving 2-MAPB. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:317-321. [PMID: 33877515 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances are becoming increasingly popular. However, there is a lack of mass spectral information on parent substances and their corresponding metabolites as well as fatal concentrations in body liquids and tissues. Only very few clinical reports and user reports exist. This is also the case for methylaminopropylbenzofuran (MAPB) isomers. Urine from a decedent was screened using different immuno assays, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS). Additionally, respective targets were quantitated in all analyzed specimens by LC-MS/MS. Gas chromatography-infrared spectroscopy (GC-IR) was applied to confirm the identity of the intoxication. GC-MS and the amphetamine immuno assay were useful to track the putative intoxication. However, the chemical structure of 2-MAPB was only elucidated by means of LC-HRMS/MS and GC-IR. 2-MAPB was highest in urine (167 µg/mL), followed by gastric content (98.9 µg/mL), bile fluid (30.8 µg/mL), liver (22.2 µg/g), heart blood (16.7 µg/mL), and lowest in femoral blood (7.3 µg/mL). Besides the parent substance, we detected N-demethyl-2-MAPB and hydroxy-2-MAPB in the urine sample. This case report presents an intoxication caused by 2-MAPB. The 2-MAPB concentration found in femoral blood exceeded those reviewed for 5/6-MAPB. The concentrations of the other specimens cannot be evaluated because there exist no comparative data. The values presented can be applied to assess 2-MAPB intoxications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Theofel
- Governmental Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Turmstraße 21, 10559, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Dennis Budach
- Criminal Investigation Division, Tempelhofer Damm 12, 12101, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elke Vejmelka
- Governmental Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Turmstraße 21, 10559, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Scholtis
- Governmental Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Turmstraße 21, 10559, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Tsokos
- Governmental Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Turmstraße 21, 10559, Berlin, Germany
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27
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Zapata F, Matey JM, Montalvo G, García-Ruiz C. Chemical classification of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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28
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Bade R, White JM, Chen J, Baz-Lomba JA, Been F, Bijlsma L, Burgard DA, Castiglioni S, Salgueiro-Gonzalez N, Celma A, Chappell A, Emke E, Steenbeek R, Wang D, Zuccato E, Gerber C. International snapshot of new psychoactive substance use: Case study of eight countries over the 2019/2020 new year period. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 193:116891. [PMID: 33582495 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable concern around the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS), but still little is known about how much they are really consumed. Analysis by forensics laboratories of seized drugs and post-mortem samples as well as hospital emergency rooms are the first line of identifying both 'new' NPS and those that are most dangerous to the community. However, NPS are not necessarily all seized by law enforcement agencies and only substances that contribute to fatalities or serious afflictions are recorded in post-mortem and emergency room samples. To gain a better insight into which NPS are most prevalent within a community, complementary data sources are required. In this work, influent wastewater was analysed from 14 sites in eight countries for a variety of NPS. All samples were collected over the 2019/2020 New Year period, a time which is characterized by celebrations and parties and therefore a time when more NPS may be consumed. Samples were extracted in the country of origin following a validated protocol and shipped to Australia for final analysis using two different mass spectrometric strategies. In total, more than 200 were monitored of which 16 substances were found, with geographical differences seen. This case study is the most comprehensive wastewater analysis study ever carried out for the identification of NPS and provides a starting point for future, ongoing monitoring of these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bade
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jason M White
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Frederic Been
- KWR Water Research Institute, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Lubertus Bijlsma
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda, Sos Baynat s/n, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Daniel A Burgard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA 98416, United States
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan Italy
| | - Noelia Salgueiro-Gonzalez
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan Italy
| | - Alberto Celma
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda, Sos Baynat s/n, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Andrew Chappell
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Christchurch Science Centre: 27 Creyke Road, Ilam, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Erik Emke
- KWR Water Research Institute, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud Steenbeek
- KWR Water Research Institute, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Degao Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, No. 1 Linghai Road, Dalian, P. R. China, 116026
| | - Ettore Zuccato
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan Italy
| | - Cobus Gerber
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
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29
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Krotulski AJ, Papsun DM, Chronister CW, Homan J, Crosby MM, Hoyer J, Goldberger BA, Logan BK. Eutylone Intoxications-An Emerging Synthetic Stimulant in Forensic Investigations. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:8-20. [PMID: 33325503 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic stimulants are the largest class of novel psychoactive substances identified each year by forensic laboratories internationally. While hundreds of these drugs appear in drug powders, only a few proliferate in use among forensically relevant populations and eventually emerge in postmortem and clinical investigations. Beta-keto-methylenedioxyamphetamines (i.e., novel psychoactive substances with names ending in "ylone") are currently the most popular subclass of synthetic stimulants. Leading up to its federal scheduling in 2018, N-ethyl pentylone was the most encountered synthetic stimulant. The popularity of N-ethyl pentylone declined once it was scheduled, but it was quickly replaced by eutylone (bk-EBDB), a structurally related analog from the same family. In cases encountered between January 2019 and April 2020, eutylone was quantitatively confirmed in 83 forensic investigations, including postmortem cases and driving under the influence of drugs cases. Matrix types included blood, urine and tissue. Eutylone was identified in cases submitted from 13 states, demonstrating proliferation around the United States; Florida accounted for 60% of the positive cases. The mean concentration of eutylone in postmortem blood was 1,020 ng/mL (standard deviation = ±2,242 ng/mL; median = 110 ng/mL, range = 1.2-11,000 ng/mL, n = 67). The mean concentration of eutylone in blood from driving under the influence of drugs cases was 942 ng/mL (standard deviation = ±1,407 ng/mL; median = 140 ng/mL, range = 17-3,600 ng/mL, n = 7). This report includes cause and manner of death data for 22 postmortem cases. Further analysis of authentic human specimens revealed the presence of three eutylone metabolites, including one unique biomarker and one metabolite in common with butylone. Laboratories should be aware that eutylone may be present in cases of suspected Ecstasy, "Molly" and/or methylenedioxymethamphetamine use, causing or contributing to impairment or death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | | | - Chris W Chronister
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Joseph Homan
- NMS Labs, Toxicology Department, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
| | - Michele M Crosby
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
| | - Jennifer Hoyer
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Bruce A Goldberger
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- NMS Labs, Toxicology Department, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
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30
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Overview of the major classes of new psychoactive substances, psychoactive effects, analytical determination and conformational analysis of selected illegal drugs. OPEN CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/chem-2021-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The misuse of psychoactive substances is attracting a great deal of attention from the general public. An increase use of psychoactive substances is observed among young people who do not have enough awareness of the harmful effects of these substances. Easy access to illicit drugs at low cost and lack of effective means of routine screening for new psychoactive substances (NPS) have contributed to the rapid increase in their use. New research and evidence suggest that drug use can cause a variety of adverse psychological and physiological effects on human health (anxiety, panic, paranoia, psychosis, and seizures). We describe different classes of these NPS drugs with emphasis on the methods used to identify them and the identification of their metabolites in biological specimens. This is the first review that thoroughly gives the literature on both natural and synthetic illegal drugs with old known data and very hot new topics and investigations, which enables the researcher to use it as a starting point in the literature exploration and planning of the own research. For the first time, the conformational analysis was done for selected illegal drugs, giving rise to the search of the biologically active conformations both theoretically and using lab experiments.
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31
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Radaelli D, Manfredi A, Zanon M, Fattorini P, Scopetti M, Neri M, Frisoni P, D’Errico S. Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones Cardiotoxicity: Facts and Perspectives. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:2038-2048. [PMID: 33845747 PMCID: PMC9185792 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210412101929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) constitute a group of psychotropic substances, designed to mimic the effects of traditional substances like cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, khat, which was not regulated by the 1961 United Nations Convention on Narcotics or the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Illegal laboratories responsible for their production regularly developed new substances and placed them on the market to replace the ones that have been banned; for this reason, during the last decade this class of substances has represented a great challenge for the public health and forensic toxicologists. The spectrum of side effects caused by the intake of these drugs of abuse is very wide since they act on different systems with various mechanisms of action. To date most studies have focused on the neurotoxic effects, very few works focus on cardiotoxicity. Specifically, both synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones appear to be involved in different cardiac events, including myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death due to fatal arrhythmias. Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones cardiotoxicity are mainly mediated through activation of the CB1 receptor present on cardiomyocyte and involved with reactive oxygen species production, ATP depletion and cell death. Concerns with the adrenergic over-stimulation induced by this class of substances and increasing oxidative stress are mainly reported. In this systematic review we aim to summarize the data from all the works analyzing the possible mechanisms through which synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones damage the myocardial tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefano D’Errico
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, Italy; E-mail:
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Adamowicz
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland
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Brandt SD, Walters HM, Partilla JS, Blough BE, Kavanagh PV, Baumann MH. The psychoactive aminoalkylbenzofuran derivatives, 5-APB and 6-APB, mimic the effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) on monoamine transmission in male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3703-3714. [PMID: 32875347 PMCID: PMC7686291 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05648-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The nonmedical use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is a worldwide public health concern. The so-called "benzofury" compounds, 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB) and 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB), are NPS with stimulant-like properties in human users. These substances are known to interact with monoamine transporters and 5-HT receptors in transfected cells, but less is known about their effects in animal models. METHODS Here, we used in vitro monoamine transporter assays in rat brain synaptosomes to characterize the effects of 5-APB and 6-APB, together with their N-methyl derivatives 5-MAPB and 6-MAPB, in comparison with 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In vivo neurochemical and behavioral effects of 5-APB (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) and 6-APB (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) were assessed in comparison with MDA (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg, i.v.) using microdialysis sampling in the nucleus accumbens of conscious male rats. RESULTS All four benzofuran derivatives were substrate-type releasers at dopamine transporters (DAT), norepinephrine transporters (NET), and serotonin transporters (SERT) with nanomolar potencies, similar to the profile of effects produced by MDA and MDMA. However, the benzofurans were at least threefold more potent than MDA and MDMA at evoking transporter-mediated release. Like MDA, both benzofurans induced dose-related elevations in extracellular dopamine and serotonin in the brain, but benzofurans were more potent than MDA. The benzofuran derivatives also induced profound behavioral activation characterized by forward locomotion which lasted for at least 2 h post-injection. CONCLUSIONS Overall, benzofurans are more potent than MDA in vitro and in vivo, producing sustained stimulant-like effects in rats. These data suggest that benzofuran-type compounds may have abuse liability and could pose risks for adverse effects, especially if used in conjunction with abused drugs or medications which enhance monoamine transmission in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D. Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, L3 3AF, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hailey M. Walters
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, MD 21224, USA
| | - John S. Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, MD 21224, USA
| | - Bruce E. Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Pierce V. Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, MD 21224, USA,Correspondence: Michael H. Baumann, Ph.D., Chief, Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 333 Cassell Drive, Suite 4400, Baltimore, MD 21224,
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Deville M, Dubois N, Charlier C. Potential 2-Aminoindane Fatality Invalidated By Careful Mass Spectrometric Analysis. J Anal Toxicol 2020; 46:e11-e15. [PMID: 33150940 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe herewith the case of a patient presenting to the emergency department for worsening ear-nose-throat symptoms. As chemsex was evocated by the family, patient's serum was submitted to a new psychoactive substances screening. After a simple liquid liquid extraction, serum was injected on a high-resolution mass spectrometer using quite usual conditions (C18 column, gradient mode with acidic buffer, methanol and acetonitrile). An almost perfect match with 2-aminoindane (2-AI) was observed considering that the precursor ion was present in the sample but absent in the commercial library. Literature concerning 2-AI is sparse, and further investigations were undertaken. After injection of the reference standard, a small retention time shift has been observed (0.3 min) between the standard and the sample. The case was only closed while spiking the sample with the standard, giving rise to two distinct peaks. As a result, 2-AI was then considered as absent from the sample and death was attributed only to infection. Moreover, a rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method dedicated to 2-AI was developed. It generated the same false positive result highlighted by significant differences observed in ion ratios (2.37 for the sample versus 6.62 for the neat standard).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Deville
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), Central University Hospital of Liege, 1, Avenue de l'Hopital, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Dubois
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), Central University Hospital of Liege, 1, Avenue de l'Hopital, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Corinne Charlier
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), Central University Hospital of Liege, 1, Avenue de l'Hopital, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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Dos Santos NA, Macrino CJ, Allochio Filho JF, Gonçalves FF, Almeida CM, Agostini F, Guizolfi T, Moura S, Lacerda V, Filgueiras PR, Ortiz RS, Romão W. Exploring the chemical profile of designer drugs by ESI(+) and PSI(+) mass spectrometry-An approach on the fragmentation mechanisms and chemometric analysis. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2020; 55:e4596. [PMID: 32729201 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of design drugs, frequently known as new psychoactive substances (NPS), has increased considerably worldwide, becoming a severe issue for the responsible governmental agencies. These illicit substances can be defined as synthetic compounds produced in clandestine laboratories in order to act as analogs of schedule drugs mimetizing its chemical structure and improving its pharmacological effects while hampering the control and making regulation more complicated. In this way, the development of new methodologies for chemical analysis of NPS drugs is indispensable to determine a novel class of drugs arising from the underground market. Therefore, this work shows the use of high-resolution mass spectrometry Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) applying different ionization sources such as paper spray ionization (PSI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) in the evaluation of miscellaneous of seized drugs samples as blotter paper (n = 79) and tablet (n = 100). Also, an elucidative analysis was performed by ESI(+)MS/MS experiments, and fragmentation mechanisms were proposed to confirm the chemical structure of compounds identified. Besides, the results of ESI(+) and PSI(+)-FT-ICR MS were compared with those of GC-MS, revealing that ESI(+)MS showed greater detection efficiency among the methodologies employed in this study. Moreover, this study stands out as a guide for the chemical analysis of NPS drugs, highlighting the differences between the techniques of ESI(+)-FT-ICR MS, PSI(+)-FT-ICR MS, and GC-MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara A Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, CEP: 29075-910, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Clebson J Macrino
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, CEP: 29075-910, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Vitoria, Brazil
| | - João Francisco Allochio Filho
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, CEP: 29075-910, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Vitoria, Brazil
- Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo (IFES), Rodovia BR-101 Norte, Km 58, Litorâneo, São Mateus, Espírito Santo, 29932-540, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, CEP: 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Camila M Almeida
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, CEP: 29075-910, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Agostini
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Vitoria, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, 95020260, Brazil
| | - Tainara Guizolfi
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Vitoria, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, 95020260, Brazil
| | - Sidnei Moura
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Vitoria, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, 95020260, Brazil
| | - Valdemar Lacerda
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, CEP: 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Paulo R Filgueiras
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, CEP: 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Rafael S Ortiz
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Vitoria, Brazil
- Superintendência da Polícia Federal no Rio Grande Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Wanderson Romão
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Avenida Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, CEP: 29075-910, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense), Vitoria, Brazil
- Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo (IFES), Av. Ministro Salgado Filho, Soteco, Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, 29106-010, Brazil
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Descente fatale après consommation de 3-méthylmethcathinone (3-MMC) : à propos d’un cas. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Qin N, Shen M, Xiang P, Wen D, Shen B, Deng H, Qiang H, Song F, Shi Y. Determination of 37 fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids in hair by UHPLC-MS/MS and its application to authentic cases. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11569. [PMID: 32665579 PMCID: PMC7360565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68348-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of new fentanyl analogues and synthetic opioids on the drug market poses a global public health threat. However, these compounds cannot typically be identified using existing analytical methods. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a rapid and sensitive method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of 37 fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids in hair samples. Hair samples (20 mg) were extracted by cryogenic grinding in an extraction medium of methanol, acetonitrile, and 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate (pH 5.3). Following centrifugation of the samples, the analytes were separated using a WATERS Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 pg/mg and from 2 to 5 pg/mg, respectively. The intraday and interday precisions were within 13.32% at LOQ, low, medium, and high levels. The accuracies were within the range of 85.63-116.1%. The extraction recoveries were in the range of 89.42-119.68%, and the matrix effects were within the range of 44.81-119.77%. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to the detection and quantification of fentanyl and sufentanil in hair samples from two authentic cases. Thus, this method has great potential for detecting fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids in forensic work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Qin
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Min Shen
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Di Wen
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Baohua Shen
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Hongxiao Deng
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Huosheng Qiang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Fenyun Song
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China.
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Grapp M, Kaufmann C, Schwelm HM, Neukamm MA, Blaschke S, Eidizadeh A. Intoxication cases associated with the novel designer drug 3',4'-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone and studies on its human metabolism using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1320-1335. [PMID: 32476242 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Among the increasing number of new psychoactive substances, 3',4'-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (MDPHP) belongs to the group of synthetic cathinones, which are the derivatives of the naturally occurring compound cathinone, the main psychoactive ingredient in the khat plant. Currently, only limited data are available for MDPHP, and no information is available on its human metabolism. We describe the toxicological investigation of nine cases associated with the use of MDPHP during the period February-June 2019. Serum MDPHP concentrations showed a high variability ranging from 3.3 to 140 ng/mL (mean 30.3 ng/mL and median 16 ng/mL). Intoxication symptoms of the described cases could not be explained by the abuse of MDPHP alone because in all cases the co-consumption of other psychotropic drugs with frequent occurrence of opiates and benzodiazepines could be verified. Therefore, the patients showed different clinical symptoms, including aggressive behaviour, delayed physical response, loss of consciousness and coma. Liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry was successfully used to investigate the human in vivo metabolism of MDPHP using authentic human urine samples. The metabolism data for MDPHP were further substantiated by the analysis of human urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS, a widely used systematic toxicological analysis method appropriate for the toxicological detection of MDPHP intake), which revealed the presence of seven phase I metabolites and three phase II metabolites as glucuronides. GC-MS spectral data for MDPHP and metabolites are provided. The identified metabolite pattern corroborates the principal metabolic pathways of α-pyrrolidinophenones in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Grapp
- Forensic Toxicological Laboratory, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kaufmann
- Forensic Toxicological Laboratory, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hannes M Schwelm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Merja A Neukamm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Blaschke
- Interdisciplinary Emergency Care Department, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Abass Eidizadeh
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry/UMG-Laboratories, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
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Mégarbane B, Gamblin C, Roussel O, Bouaziz-Amar E, Chevillard L, Callebert J, Chen H, Morineau G, Laplanche JL, Etheve-Quelquejeu M, Liechti ME, Benturquia N. The neurobehavioral effects of the designer drug naphyrone - an experimental investigation with pharmacokinetics and concentration/effect relationship in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1943-1957. [PMID: 32399634 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The recreational use of naphyrone, a potent synthetic cathinone with a pyrovalerone structure, has raised questions about possible deleterious neurobehavioral consequences. OBJECTIVE To investigate naphyrone-induced neurobehavioral effects and alterations in brain monoamines using two patterns of abuse, i.e., single and repeated (binge) use. METHODS We studied naphyrone dose/induced locomotor activity relationship at 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg in mice. We investigated the effects of single (30 mg/kg; acute injection) versus repeated (30 mg/kg ×3/day for 3 days; binge injection) intraperitoneal naphyrone administration on locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, spatial recognition memory, anhedonia, behavioral despair, and social interaction. We measured post-mortem prefrontal cortex levels of monoamines and modeled naphyrone pharmacokinetics and concentration/locomotor effect relationship. RESULTS Both naphyrone administration patterns induced time-dependent increases in locomotor activity (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and social interaction (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) but did not alter spatial recognition memory or anhedonia. Acute naphyrone injection induced anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.01) and reduced resignation (p < 0.01) whereas binge administration induced non-anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.05) and did not alter behavioral despair. Both patterns increased the prefrontal cortex dopamine (p < 0.0001) and norepinephrine (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) but not serotonin content. Naphyrone pharmacokinetics followed a two-compartment model with an overall elimination half-life of 0.3 h. The naphyrone concentration/locomotor effect relationship was described by an additive Emax model with an EC50 of 672 μg/L. CONCLUSIONS Single naphyrone administration increases locomotor activity according to a direct concentration/effect relationship. The neurobehavioral effects after binge differs from those after single administration and are not explained by drug accumulation given the relatively fast elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mégarbane
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France.,Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Olivier Roussel
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France.,Toxicology Department, Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale, Rosny sous-Bois, France
| | | | | | | | - Huixiong Chen
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Mélanie Etheve-Quelquejeu
- CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Benturquia
- Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris University, Paris, France. .,Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris University, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006, Paris, France.
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Lee JH, Park OR, Mandava S, Kim J, Koo J, Lee J, Kang H. Identification of a new M-ALPHA analog and MDMA in an illegal health product. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110332. [PMID: 32540761 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110332] [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: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The widespread abuse of illicit psychoactive substances is one of the most serious public health and social problems. A suspicious airmail package was seized by Korean customs, and two psychoactive substances in the grayish-green pills in the package were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the two substances were elucidated by a combination of liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and comparison with reported or newly generated spectral data of the suggested structures. One of the psychoactive substances proved to be MDMA (commonly known as "Ecstasy"), and the other compound was an M-ALPHA analog bearing a hydroxyl group and an N-methylcarboxamide group. The new M-ALPHA analog was determined as 3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-hydroxy-N,2-dimethyl-3-(methylamino)propanamide and named as M-ALPHA-HMCA, wherein HMCA denotes hydroxymethylcarboxamide. Although psychoactivity of this compound has not been assessed, M-ALPHA-HMCA should be considered a potential new psychoactive substance and/or a by-product of MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Lee
- Division of Advanced Analysis, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Rim Park
- Division of Advanced Analysis, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Suresh Mandava
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jemin Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaun Koo
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongkook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hoil Kang
- Division of Advanced Analysis, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 28159, Republic of Korea.
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Brandt SD, Carlino L, Kavanagh PV, Westphal F, Dreiseitel W, Dowling G, Baumann MH, Sitte HH, Halberstadt AL. Syntheses and analytical characterizations of novel (2-aminopropyl)benzo[b]thiophene (APBT) based stimulants. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1109-1125. [PMID: 32372465 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Two groups of amphetamine-like drugs with psychostimulant properties that were first developed during the course of scientific studies and later emerged as new psychoactive substances (NPS) are based on the (2-aminopropyl)indole (API) and (2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (APB) structural scaffolds. However, sulfur-based analogs with a benzo[b]thiophene structure (resulting in (2-aminopropyl)benzo[b]thiophene (APBT) derivatives) have received little attention. In the present investigation, all six racemic APBT positional isomers were synthesized in an effort to understand their structure-activity relationships relative to API- and APB-based drugs. One lesson learned from the NPS phenomenon is that one cannot exclude the appearance of such substances on the market. Therefore, an in-depth analytical characterization was performed, including various single- and tandem mass spectrometry (MS) and ionization platforms coupled to gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and solid phase and GC condensed phase infrared spectroscopy (GC-sIR). Various derivatizations have also been explored; it was found that all six APBT isomers could be differentiated during GC analysis after derivatization with heptafluorobutyric anhydride and ethyl chloroformate (or heptafluorobutyric anhydride and acetic anhydride) under non-routine conditions. Discriminating analytical features can also be derived from NMR, GC-EI/CI- single- and tandem mass spectrometry, LC (pentafluorophenyl stationary phase), and various infrared spectroscopy approaches (including GC-sIR). Availability of detailed analytical data obtained from these novel APBT-type stimulants may be useful to researchers and scientists in cases where forensic and clinical investigations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura Carlino
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,School of Chemical Engineers, University of Upper Alsace, Mulhouse, France
| | - Pierce V Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Folker Westphal
- Section Narcotics/Toxicology, State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Geraldine Dowling
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, Sligo Institute of Technology, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
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42
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Determination of citalopram in fish brain tissue: benefits of coupling laser diode thermal desorption with low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:4353-4361. [PMID: 32372276 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Recent state-of-the-art methods developed for the analysis of polar xenobiotics from different types of biological matrices usually employ liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. However, there are limitations when a small amount of sample mass is available. For example, individual benthic invertebrates or fish tissue samples often weigh less than 100 mg (e.g., brain, liver) but are necessary to understand environmental fate and bioaccumulation dynamics. We developed ultra-fast methods based on a direct sample introduction technique. This included coupling laser diode thermal desorption with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (LDTD-APCI-MS). We then quantitated a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (citalopram) in brain tissues of individual juvenile fish after in vivo exposure to environmentally relevant concentration. Two mass spectrometric methods based on low (LDTD-APCI-triple quadrupole (QqQ)-MS/MS) and high (LDTD-APCI-high-resolution product scan (HRPS)) resolutions were developed and evaluated. Individual instrument conditions were optimized to achieve an accurate and robust analytical method with minimum sample preparation requirements. We achieved very good recovery (97-108%) across the range of 1-100 ng g-1 for LDTD-APCI-HRPS. LDTD-APCI-QqQ-MS/MS showed poorer performance due to interferences from the matrix at the lowest concentration level. LDTD-APCI ionization was successfully validated for analysis of non-filtered sample extracts. Evaluation of final methods was performed for a set of real fish brain samples, including comparison of LDTD-APCI-HRPS with a previously validated LC-heated electrospray ionization-HRPS method. This new LDTD-APCI-HRPS method avoids the chromatographic step and provides important benefits such as analysis of limited sample masses, lower total sample volume (typically μL), and reduction in analysis time per sample run to a few seconds. Graphical abstract.
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43
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Shapira B, Berkovitz R, Rosca P, Neumark Y. Recent Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids, Synthetic Opioids, and Other Psychoactive Drug Groups among High-risk Drug Users. J Psychoactive Drugs 2020; 52:334-343. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1754534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barak Shapira
- Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronny Berkovitz
- Division of Enforcement and Inspection, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paola Rosca
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yehuda Neumark
- Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
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44
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Luethi D, Liechti ME. Designer drugs: mechanism of action and adverse effects. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1085-1133. [PMID: 32249347 PMCID: PMC7225206 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02693-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychoactive substances with chemical structures or pharmacological profiles that are similar to traditional drugs of abuse continue to emerge on the recreational drug market. Internet vendors may at least temporarily sell these so-called designer drugs without adhering to legal statutes or facing legal consequences. Overall, the mechanism of action and adverse effects of designer drugs are similar to traditional drugs of abuse. Stimulants, such as amphetamines and cathinones, primarily interact with monoamine transporters and mostly induce sympathomimetic adverse effects. Agonism at μ-opioid receptors and γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) or GABAB receptors mediates the pharmacological effects of sedatives, which may induce cardiorespiratory depression. Dissociative designer drugs primarily act as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists and pose similar health risks as the medically approved dissociative anesthetic ketamine. The cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor is thought to drive the psychoactive effects of synthetic cannabinoids, which are associated with a less desirable effect profile and more severe adverse effects compared with cannabis. Serotonergic 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A) receptors mediate alterations of perception and cognition that are induced by serotonergic psychedelics. Because of their novelty, designer drugs may remain undetected by routine drug screening, thus hampering evaluations of adverse effects. Intoxication reports suggest that several designer drugs are used concurrently, posing a high risk for severe adverse effects and even death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Luethi
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria.
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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45
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Leong HS, Philp M, Simone M, Witting PK, Fu S. Synthetic Cathinones Induce Cell Death in Dopaminergic SH-SY5Y Cells via Stimulating Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041370. [PMID: 32085614 PMCID: PMC7073199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing reports of neurological and psychiatric complications due to psychostimulant synthetic cathinones (SCs) have recently raised public concern. However, the precise mechanism of SC toxicity is unclear. This paucity of understanding highlights the need to investigate the in-vitro toxicity and mechanistic pathways of three SCs: butylone, pentylone, and 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Human neuronal cells of SH-SY5Y were cultured in supplemented DMEM/F12 media and differentiated to a neuronal phenotype using retinoic acid (10 μM) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (81 nM). Trypan blue and lactate dehydrogenase assays were utilized to assess the neurotoxicity potential and potency of these three SCs. To investigate the underlying neurotoxicity mechanisms, measurements included markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and intracellular calcium (Ca2+), and cell death pathways were evaluated at two doses (EC15 and EC40), for each drug tested. Following 24 h of treatment, all three SCs exhibited a dose-dependent neurotoxicity, characterized by a significant (p < 0.0001 vs. control) production of reactive oxygen species, decreased mitochondrial bioenergetics, and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. The activation of caspases 3 and 7 implicated the orchestration of mitochondrial-mediated neurotoxicity mechanisms for these SCs. Identifying novel therapeutic agents to enhance an altered mitochondrial function may help in the treatment of acute-neurological complications arising from the illicit use of these SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey Sze Leong
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (H.S.L.); (M.P.)
- Discipline of Pathology, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Morgan Philp
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (H.S.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Martin Simone
- Discipline of Pathology, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Paul Kenneth Witting
- Discipline of Pathology, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Correspondence: (P.K.W.); (S.F.); Tel.: +61-2-9114-0524 (P.K.W.); +61-2-9514-8207 (S.F.)
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (H.S.L.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (P.K.W.); (S.F.); Tel.: +61-2-9114-0524 (P.K.W.); +61-2-9514-8207 (S.F.)
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46
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Nan Q, Hejian W, Ping X, Baohua S, Junbo Z, Hongxiao D, Huosheng Q, Fenyun S, Yan S. Investigation of Fragmentation Pathways of Fentanyl Analogues and Novel Synthetic Opioids by Electron Ionization High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Electrospray Ionization High-Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2020; 31:277-291. [PMID: 31939667 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.9b00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The global drug market is characterized by the fast development of new psychoactive substances such as fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids, the detection of which is complicated by the lack of appropriate quality control procedures and references. Herein, we analyze the fragmentation pathways and characteristic ions of 25 novel fentanyl analogues and 5 novel synthetic opioids by electron ionization (EI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) high-resolution mass spectrometry to provide a reference for the identification of these species. In the ESI mode, fentanyl analogues mainly undergo piperidine ring degradation, phenethyl and piperidine ring dissociation, and piperidine ring and amide moiety cleavage, while piperidine ring degradation and phenethyl and piperidine ring dissociation are the major pathways in the EI mode. The five novel synthetic opioids largely undergo amide group dissociation and N-cyclohexyl bond cleavage in the ESI mode. Thus, this work facilitates the detection and quantitation of fentanyl analogues and novel synthetic opioids or other substances with similar structures in forensic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Nan
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
- School of Pharmacy , Guangdong Pharmaceutical University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Wu Hejian
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Xiang Ping
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Shen Baohua
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Zhao Junbo
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Deng Hongxiao
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Qiang Huosheng
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
| | - Song Fenyun
- School of Pharmacy , Guangdong Pharmaceutical University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Shi Yan
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine , Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science , Shanghai 200063 , China
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47
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Zwartsen A, Olijhoek ME, Westerink RHS, Hondebrink L. Hazard Characterization of Synthetic Cathinones Using Viability, Monoamine Reuptake, and Neuronal Activity Assays. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:9. [PMID: 32063828 PMCID: PMC7000521 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are the second largest class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the drug market. Despite the large number of different cathinones and their abundant use, hazard characterization is mainly limited to their potential to inhibit monoamine transporters. To expand the current hazard characterization, we first investigated the acute effects of several synthetic cathinones [4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), 4-MMC, methylone, pentedrone, α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)] on human dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin reuptake transporters (hDAT, hNET, and hSERT), which were stably transfected in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Next, we examined effects on spontaneous neuronal activity in rat primary cortical cultures grown on microelectrode arrays (MEAs) as an integrated endpoint for neurotoxicity. Changes in neuronal activity were assessed after acute (30 min) and prolonged (4.5 h) exposure. Moreover, we investigated whether neuronal activity recovered after washout of the exposure (24 h after the start of the 5 h exposure). Low micromolar concentrations of synthetic cathinones inhibited monoamine uptake via hDAT and hNET, while higher cathinone concentrations were needed to inhibit uptake via hSERT. Comparable high concentrations were needed to inhibit spontaneous neuronal activity during acute (30 min) and prolonged (4.5 h) exposure. Notably, while the inhibition of neuronal activity was reversible at low concentrations, only partial recovery was seen following high, but non-cytotoxic, concentrations of synthetic cathinones. Synthetic cathinones with either a pyrrolidine moiety or long alkyl-tail carbon chain more potently inhibit monoamine uptake via hDAT and neuronal activity. Monoamine uptake via hNET was most potently inhibited by synthetic cathinones with a pyrrolidine moiety. The combination of integrated measurements (MEA recordings of neuronal activity) with single target assays (monoamine reuptake transporter inhibition) indicates inhibition of hDAT and hNET as the primary mode of action of these synthetic cathinones. Changes in neuronal activity, indicative for additional mechanisms, were observed at higher concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Zwartsen
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Michiel E Olijhoek
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Remco H S Westerink
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Laura Hondebrink
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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48
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Papaseit E, Pérez-Mañá C, de Sousa Fernandes Perna EB, Olesti E, Mateus J, Kuypers KP, Theunissen EL, Fonseca F, Torrens M, Ramaekers JG, de la Torre R, Farré M. Mephedrone and Alcohol Interactions in Humans. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1588. [PMID: 32063845 PMCID: PMC6999687 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-MMC, mephedrone) is a synthetic cathinone derivative included in the class of new psychoactive substances. It is commonly used simultaneously with alcohol (ethanol). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interactions on subjective, cardiovascular and hormone effects and pharmacokinetics between mephedrone and alcohol in humans. Eleven male volunteers participated as outpatients in four experimental sessions in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants received a single oral dose of 200 mg of mephedrone plus 0.8 g/kg of alcohol (combination condition); 200 mg of mephedrone plus placebo alcohol (mephedrone condition); placebo mephedrone plus 0.8 g/kg of ethanol (alcohol condition); and placebo mephedrone plus placebo alcohol (placebo condition). Outcome variables included physiological (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and pupil diameter), psychomotor (Maddox wing), subjective (visual analogue scales, Addiction Research Center Inventory 49 item short form, and Valoración de los Efectos Subjetivos de Sustancias con Potencial de Abuso questionnaire), and pharmacokinetic parameters (mephedrone and ethanol concentrations). The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02294266. The mephedrone and alcohol combination produced an increase in the cardiovascular effects of mephedrone and induced a more intense feeling of euphoria and well-being in comparison to the two drugs alone. Mephedrone reduced the sedative effects produced by alcohol. These results are similar to those obtained when other psychostimulants such as amphetamines and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are combined simultaneously with alcohol. The abuse liability of mephedrone combined with alcohol is greater than that induced by mephedrone alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Papaseit
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Mañá
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | - Eulalia Olesti
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julian Mateus
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kim Pc Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Eef L Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Francina Fonseca
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions, Addiction Unit and IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions, Addiction Unit and IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jan G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), CIBEROBN, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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49
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Lehmann S, Kieliba T, Thevis M, Rothschild MA, Mercer-Chalmers-Bender K. Fatalities associated with NPS stimulants in the Greater Cologne area. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:229-241. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02193-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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50
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Structure elucidation of a novel analogue of pesticide from express post parcel by HRMS. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-019-1645-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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