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Norman C, Deventer MH, Dremann O, Reid R, Van Uytfanghe K, Guillou C, Vinckier IMJ, Nic Daéid N, Krotulski A, Stove CP. In vitro cannabinoid receptor activity, metabolism, and detection in seized samples of CH-PIATA, a new indole-3-acetamide synthetic cannabinoid. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:380-391. [PMID: 37491777 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3555] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly evolving synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) market poses significant challenges for forensic scientists. Since the enactment of a generic ban in China, a variety of new compounds have emerged capable of evading the legislation by carrying new structural features. One recent example of a SCRA with new linker and head moieties is CH-PIATA (CH-PIACA, CHX-PIATA, CHX-PIACA). CH-PIATA bears an additional methylene spacer in the linker moiety between the indole core and the traditional carbonyl component of the linker. This study describes detections in 2022 of this new SCRA in the United States, Belgium, and Scottish prisons. CH-PIATA was detected once in a seized powder by Belgian customs and 12 times in Scottish prisons in infused papers or resin. The metabolites of CH-PIATA were investigated via in vitro human liver microsome (HLM) incubations and eight metabolites were identified, dominated by oxidative biotransformations. A blood sample from the United States was confirmed to contain a mixture of SCRAs including CH-PIATA via presence of the parent and at least five of the metabolites identified from HLM incubations. Furthermore, this paper evaluates the intrinsic in vitro cannabinoid 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) receptor activation potential of CH-PIATA reference material and the powder seized by Belgian customs by means of β-arrestin 2 recruitment assays. Both the reference and the seized powder showed a weak activity at both CB receptors with signs of antagonism found. Based on these results, the expected harm potential of this newly emerging substance remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Norman
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivia Dremann
- College of Arts and Sciences, Arcadia University, Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Reid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Niamh Nic Daéid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Alex Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Frederic Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Norman C, Webling K, Kyslychenko O, Reid R, Krotulski AJ, Farrell R, Deventer MH, Liu H, Connolly MJ, Guillou C, Vinckier IMJ, Logan BK, NicDaéid N, McKenzie C, Stove CP, Gréen H. Detection in seized samples, analytical characterization, and in vitro metabolism of the newly emerged 5-bromo-indazole-3-carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Drug Test Anal 2023. [PMID: 38037247 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3609] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a diverse class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and new structural scaffolds have emerged on the recreational drug market since the enactment of Chinese SCRA analog controls in 2021. This study reports the first SCRAs to be detected with a bromide at the 5 position (5'Br) on the phenyl ring of the indazole core and without a tail moiety. ADB-5'Br-INACA (ADMB-5'Br-INACA) and MDMB-5'Br-INACA were detected in seized samples from Scottish prisons, Belgian customs, and US forensic casework. The brominated analog with a tail moiety, ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA (ADMB-5'Br-BUTINACA), was also detected in Scottish prisons and US forensic casework. The metabolites of these compounds and the predicted compound MDMB-5'Br-BUTINACA were identified through incubation with primary human hepatocytes to aid in their toxicological identification. The bromide on the indazole remains intact on metabolites, allowing these compounds to be easily distinguished in toxicological samples from their non-brominated analogs. Glucuronidation was more common for tail-less analogs than their butyl tail-containing counterparts. Forensic toxicologists are advised to update their analytical methods with the characteristic ions for these compounds, as well as their anticipated urinary markers: amide hydrolysis and monoOH at tert-butyl metabolites (after β-glucuronidase treatment) for ADB-5'Br-INACA; monoOH at tert-butyl and amide hydrolysis metabolites for ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA; and ester hydrolysis metabolites with additional metabolites for MDMB-5'Br-INACA and MDMB-5'Br-BUTINACA. Toxicologists should remain vigilant to the emergence of new SCRAs with halogenation of the indazole core and tail-less analogs, which have already started to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Norman
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kristin Webling
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Oleksandra Kyslychenko
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Reid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan Farrell
- Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Claude Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
- Toxicology Department, NMS Labs, Horsham, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Niamh NicDaéid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Chiron AS, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Henrik Gréen
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
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3
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Balcaen M, Ventura M, Gil C, Luf A, Martins D, Cunha M, Tögel-Lins K, Wolf D, Blanckaert P, Deconinck E. Challenges in Drug Surveillance: Strengthening the Analysis of New Psychoactive Substances by Harmonizing Drug Checking Services in Proficiency Testing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4628. [PMID: 36901637 PMCID: PMC10002093 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug checking is a proven harm reduction strategy and provides real-time information on the market of new psychoactive substances (NPS). It combines chemical analysis of samples with direct engagement with people who use drugs (PWUD), giving the ability to increase preparedness and responsiveness towards NPS. Next to that, it supports rapid identification of potential unwitting consumption. However, NPS cause a toxicological battle for the researchers, as factors such as the unpredictability and quick shift of the market complicate the detection. METHODS To evaluate challenges posed towards drug checking services, proficiency testing was set up to evaluate existing analytical techniques and investigate the capability to correctly identify circulating NPS. Twenty blind substances, covering the most common categories of substances, were analyzed according to the existing protocols of the existing drug checking services, including several analytical methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with diode array detector (LC-DAD). RESULTS The proficiency test scores range from 80 to 97.5% accuracy. The most common issues and errors are mainly unidentified compounds, presumably due to no up-to-date libraries, and/ or confusion between structural isomers, such as 3- and 4-chloroethcathinone, or structural analogs, such as MIPLA (N-methyl-N-isopropyl lysergamide) and LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide). CONCLUSIONS The participating drug checking services have access to adequate analytical tools to provide feedback to drug users and provide up-to-date information on NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Balcaen
- Unit Illicit Drugs, Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases, Scientific Direction Epidemiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mireia Ventura
- Energy Control, Associació Benestar i Desenvolupament, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Gil
- Energy Control, Associació Benestar i Desenvolupament, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anton Luf
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mar Cunha
- Kosmicare, 1170-283 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Danny Wolf
- Legal-high-Inhaltsstoffe, 60439 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Blanckaert
- Unit Illicit Drugs, Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases, Scientific Direction Epidemiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eric Deconinck
- Service Medicines and Health Products, Scientific Direction Physical and Chemical Health Risks, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Cunha RL, Oliveira CDSL, de Oliveira AL, Maldaner AO, do Desterro Cunha S, Pereira PAP. An overview of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in northeast Brazil: NMR-based identification and analysis of ecstasy tablets by GC-MS. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 344:111597. [PMID: 36801502 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The actual illicit market for synthetic drugs is characterized by a wide variety of psychoactive substances of different chemical and pharmacological classes, such as amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances. The knowledge about its chemical composition, as well as the nature and quantity of the active substances present, is important for emergency care in intoxication cases by these substances and to establish adequate chemical and toxicological analysis procedures in forensic laboratories. The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances in the states of Bahia and Sergipe, in the northeast region of Brazil, involving samples of drugs seized by the local police forces from 2014 to 2019. In a total of 121 seized and analyzed samples, in which ecstasy tablets predominated (n = 101), nineteen substances were identified using GC-MS and 1D NMR techniques, comprising classical synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS). In order to determine the composition of ecstasy tablets, an analytical method based on GC-MS was applied after validation. Analyzes of 101 ecstasy tablets showed that MDMA was the main substance, being found in 57% of the samples, in amounts between 27.3 and 187.1 mg per tablet. In addition, mixtures of MDMA, MDA, synthetic cathinones and caffeine were observed in 34 samples. These results demonstrate that the variety of substances found and the composition of seized materials in northeast Brazil is similar to other studies carried out previously in other Brazilian regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Leal Cunha
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia - UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Instituto de Análises e Pesquisas Forenses, Polícia Científica, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adriano Otávio Maldaner
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília - UnB, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Criminalística, Polícia Federal - INC/PF, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Silvio do Desterro Cunha
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia - UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT de Energia e Ambiente, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Pedro Afonso P Pereira
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia - UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente (CIEnAm), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil; INCT de Energia e Ambiente, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Universitário SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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5
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Metabolic profiling of clonazolam in human liver microsomes and zebrafish models using liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1216:123583. [PMID: 36621072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123583] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Clonazolam is a designer benzodiazepine with strong sedative and amnesic effects. As we all know, the detection of metabolites is the key to confirming the use of substances in the field of forensic toxicology. In order to better describe clonazolam metabolism completely, we performed the two different experiments exploiting the unique characteristics of the models used. In this study, in vivo and in vitro samples were analyzed with liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry. The results showed that seven Phase I metabolites and one Phase II metabolite were detected in zebrafish model. The remaining Phase I and II metabolites were also found in the incubation solution of pooled human liver microsomes. The main types of metabolic reactions of clonazolam included hydroxylation, dealkylation, nitroreduction, dechlorination, N-Acetylation, and O-glucuronidation. In this paper, the main metabolites and metabolic pathways of clonazolam are clarified in detail in order to further improve the metabolic rule of clonazolam. Based on these results, to better detect and judge the abuse of clonazolam, we suggest that M1, its nitro reduction product, is used as its biomarker. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the pharmacokinetics and forensic medicine of clonazolam.
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6
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Contribution of Illicit Drug Use to Pharmaceutical Load in the Environment: A Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:9056476. [PMID: 35719855 PMCID: PMC9200571 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9056476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Illicit drug abuse and addiction are universal issues requiring international cooperation and interdisciplinary and multisectoral solutions. These addictive substances are utilized for recreational purposes worldwide, including in sub-Saharan Africa. On the other hand, conventional wastewater treatment facilities such as waste stabilization ponds lack the design to remove the most recent classes of pollutants such as illicit drug abuse. As a result, effluents from these treatment schemes contaminate the entire ecosystem. Public health officials are concerned about detecting these pollutants at alarming levels in some countries, with potential undesirable effects on aquatic species and increased health hazards through exposure to contaminated waters or recycling treated or untreated effluents in agriculture. Contaminants including illicit substances enter the environment by human excreta following illegal intake, spills, or through direct dumping, such as from clandestine laboratories, when their manufacturer does not follow accepted production processes. These substances, like other pharmaceuticals, have biological activity and range from pseudopersistent to highly persistent compounds; hence, they persist in the environment while causing harm to the ecosystem. The presence of powerful pharmacological agents such as cocaine, morphine, and amphetamine in water as complex combinations can impair aquatic organisms and human health. These compounds can harm human beings and ecosystem health apart from their low environmental levels. Therefore, this article examines the presence and levels of illicit substances in ecological compartments such as wastewater, surface and ground waters in sub-Saharan Africa, and their latent impact on the ecosystem. The information on the occurrences of illicit drugs and their metabolic products in the sub-Saharan Africa environment and their contribution to pharmaceutical load is missing. In this case, it is important to research further the presence, levels, distribution, and environmental risks of exposure to human beings and the entire ecosystem.
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Deventer MH, Van Uytfanghe K, Vinckier IMJ, Reniero F, Guillou C, Stove CP. Cannabinoid receptor activation potential of the next generation, generic ban evading OXIZID synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1565-1575. [PMID: 35560866 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, several nations have implemented various measures to control the surge of new synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) entering the recreational drug market. In July 2021, China put into effect a new generic legislation, banning SCRAs containing one of 7 general core scaffolds. However, this has driven manufacturers towards the synthesis of SCRAs with alternative core structures, exemplified by the recent emergence of "OXIZID SCRAs". Here, using in vitro β-arrestin2 recruitment assays, we report on the CB1 and CB2 potency and efficacy of five members of this new class of SCRAs: BZO-HEXOXIZID, BZO-POXIZID, 5-fluoro BZO-POXIZID, BZO-4en-POXIZID and BZO-CHMOXIZID. All compounds behaved as full agonists at CB1 and partial agonists at CB2 . Potencies ranged from 84.6 - 721 nM at CB1 and 2.21 - 25.9 nM at CB2 . Shortening the n-hexyl tail to a pentyl tail enhanced activity at both receptors. Fluorination of this pentyl analog did not yield a higher receptor activation potential, whereas an unsaturated tail resulted in decreased potency and efficacy at CB1 . The cyclohexyl methyl analog BZO-CHMOXIZID was the most potent compound at both receptors, with EC50 values of 84.6 and 2.21 nM at CB1 and CB2 , respectively. Evaluation of the activity of a seized powder containing BZO-4en-POXIZID suggested a high purity, in line with HPLC-DAD, GC-MS, LC-QTOF-MS and FTIR and NMR analysis. Furthermore, all tested compounds showed a preference for CB2 , except for BZO-POXIZID. Overall, these findings inform public health officials, law enforcement agencies and clinicians on these newly emerging SCRAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - F Reniero
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - C Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - C P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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8
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Santos LP, Nascimento MHC, Barros IHAS, Santos NA, Lacerda V, Filgueiras PR, Romão W. Portable Raman spectroscopy applied to the study of drugs of abuse. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1399-1416. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Layla P. Santos
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Vitória Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense) Vila Velha Brazil
| | - Marcia H. C. Nascimento
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Vitória Brazil
| | - Iago H. A. S. Barros
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Vitória Brazil
| | - Nayara A. Santos
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Vitória Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense) Vila Velha Brazil
| | - Valdemar Lacerda
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Vitória Brazil
| | - Paulo R. Filgueiras
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Vitória Brazil
| | - Wanderson Romão
- Laboratório de Petroleômica e Forense Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Vitória Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Forense (INCT Forense) Vila Velha Brazil
- Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo (IFES) Vila Velha Brazil
- Academia Brasileira de Ciências (ABC) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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9
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Sparkes E, Cairns EA, Kevin RC, Lai F, Grafinger KE, Chen S, Deventer MH, Ellison R, Boyd R, Martin LJ, McGregor IS, Gerona RR, Hibbs DE, Auwärter V, Glass M, Stove C, Banister SD. Structure-activity relationships of valine, tert-leucine, and phenylalanine amino acid-derived synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists related to ADB-BUTINACA, APP-BUTINACA, and ADB-P7AICA. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:156-174. [PMID: 35308023 PMCID: PMC8864554 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00242b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) remain one the most prevalent classes of new psychoactive substances (NPS) worldwide, and examples are generally poorly characterised at the time of first detection. We have synthesised a systematic library of amino acid-derived indole-, indazole-, and 7-azaindole-3-carboxamides related to recently detected drugs ADB-BUTINACA, APP-BUTINACA and ADB-P7AICA, and characterised these ligands for in vitro binding and agonist activity at cannabinoid receptor subtypes 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), and in vivo cannabimimetic activity. All compounds showed high affinity for CB1 (K i 0.299-538 nM) and most at CB2 (K i = 0.912-2190 nM), and most functioned as high efficacy agonists of CB1 and CB2 in a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay and a βarr2 recruitment assay (NanoBiT®), with some compounds being partial agonists in the NanoBiT® assay. Key structure-activity relationships (SARs) were identified for CB1/CB2 binding and CB1/CB2 functional activities; (1) for a given core, affinities and potencies for tert-leucinamides (ADB-) > valinamides (AB-) ≫ phenylalaninamides (APP-); (2) for a given amino acid side-chain, affinities and potencies for indazoles > indoles ≫ 7-azaindoles. Radiobiotelemetric evaluation of ADB-BUTINACA, APP-BUTINACA and ADB-P7AICA in mice demonstrated that ADB-BUTINACA and ADB-P7AICA were cannabimimetic at 0.1 mg kg-1 and 10 mg kg-1 doses, respectively, as measured by pronounced decreases in core body temperature. APP-BUTINACA failed to elicit any hypothermic response up to the maximally tested 10 mg kg-1 dose, yielding an in vivo potency ranking of ADB-BUTINACA > ADB-P7AICA > APP-BUTINACA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Sparkes
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Richard C Kevin
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Felcia Lai
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Katharina Elisabeth Grafinger
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Shuli Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Ross Ellison
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California San Francisco CA 94143 USA
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Lewis J Martin
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Roy R Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California San Francisco CA 94143 USA
| | - David E Hibbs
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Samuel D Banister
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
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Castaing-Cordier T, Ladroue V, Besacier F, Bulete A, Jacquemin D, Giraudeau P, Farjon J. High-field and benchtop NMR spectroscopy for the characterization of new psychoactive substances. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 321:110718. [PMID: 33601154 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) have become a serious threat to public health in Europe due to their ability to be sold in the street or on the darknet. Regulating NPS is an urgent priority but comes with a number of analytical challenges since they are structurally similar to legal products. A number of analytical techniques can be used for identifying NPS, among which NMR spectroscopy is a gold standard. High field NMR is typically used for structural elucidation in combination with others techniques like GC-MS, Infrared spectroscopy, together with databases. In addition to their strong ability to elucidate molecular structures, high field NMR techniques are the gold standard for quantification without any physical isolation procedure and with a single internal standard. However, high field NMR remains expensive and emerging "benchtop" NMR apparatus which are cheaper and transportable can be considered as valuable alternatives to high field NMR. Indeed, benchtop NMR, which emerged about ten years ago, makes it possible to carry out structural elucidation and quantification of NPS despite the gap in resolution and sensitivity as compared to high field NMR. This review describes recent advances in the field of NMR applied to the characterization of NPS. High-field NMR methods are first described in view of their complementarity with other analytical methods, focusing on both structural and quantitative aspects. The second part of the review highlights how emerging benchtop NMR approaches could act as a game changer in the field of forensics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Virginie Ladroue
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS), Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69), Ecully 69134, France
| | - Fabrice Besacier
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS), Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69), Ecully 69134, France
| | - Audrey Bulete
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS), Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69), Ecully 69134, France
| | - Denis Jacquemin
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, CEISAM UMR 6230, Nantes F-44000, France
| | | | - Jonathan Farjon
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, CEISAM UMR 6230, Nantes F-44000, France.
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11
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von Cüpper M, Dalsgaard PW, Linnet K. Identification of New Psychoactive Substances in Seized material Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS and An Online Mass Spectral Database. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 44:1047-1051. [PMID: 32232329 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unpredictable pharmacological and toxicological effects associated with the recreational use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a threat to the public health. Analysts are constantly facing a challenge to identify these designer drugs. In this article, five seized samples were submitted for analysis using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). To tentatively identify the NPS in the samples, the potential usage of an online mass spectral database (HighResNPS.com) was explored by searching the exact mass of the precursor ion and evaluating the fragmentation profile. This approach successfully identified a suspected candidate compound present in three of the five samples. However, conclusive identification of the remaining two was not possible, due to indistinguishable fragmentation profiles of positional isomers. Therefore, complementary analytical methodologies are of paramount importance. In light of the above, HighResNPS.com is a useful tool in presumptively identifying an NPS without a reference standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria von Cüpper
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Petur Weihe Dalsgaard
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Linnet
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Identification and Analytical Characterization of a Novel Synthetic Cannabinoid-Type Substance in Herbal Material in Europe. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26040793. [PMID: 33546439 PMCID: PMC7913736 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid diffusion of new psychoactive substances (NPS) presents unprecedented challenges to both customs authorities and analytical laboratories involved in their detection and characterization. In this study an analytical approach to the identification and structural elucidation of a novel synthetic cannabimimetic, quinolin-8-yl-3-[(4,4-difluoropiperidin-1-yl) sulfonyl]-4-methylbenzoate (2F-QMPSB), detected in seized herbal material, is detailed. An acid precursor 4-methyl-3-(4,4-difluoro-1-piperidinylsulfonyl) benzoic acid (2F-MPSBA), has also been identified in the same seized material. After extraction from the herbal material the synthetic cannabimimetic, also referred to as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists or “synthetic cannabinoids”, was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 1H, 13C, 19F and 15N nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-MS/MS) combined with chromatographic separation. A cheminformatics platform was used to manage and interpret the analytical data from these techniques.
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13
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Metternich S, Fischmann S, Münster-Müller S, Pütz M, Westphal F, Schönberger T, Lyczkowski M, Zörntlein S, Huhn C. Discrimination of synthetic cannabinoids in herbal matrices and of cathinone derivatives by portable and laboratory-based Raman spectroscopy. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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14
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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15
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Presley BC, Logan BK, Jansen-Varnum SA. In Vitro Metabolic Profile Elucidation of Synthetic Cannabinoid APP-CHMINACA (PX-3). J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:226-236. [PMID: 31665324 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids remain the most prevalent subclass of new psychoactive substances (NPS) reported internationally. However, the metabolic and pharmacological properties of many of these compounds remain unknown. Elucidating these characteristics allows members of the clinical and forensic communities to identify causative agents in patient samples, as well as render conclusions regarding their toxic effects. This work presents a detailed report on the in vitro phase I metabolism of indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid APP-CHMINACA (PX-3). Incubation of APP-CHMINACA with human liver microsomes, followed by analysis of extracts via high-resolution mass spectrometry, yielded 12 metabolites, encompassing 7 different metabolite classes. Characterization of the metabolites was achieved by evaluating the product ion spectra, accurate mass and chemical formula generated for each metabolite. The predominant biotransformations observed were hydrolysis of the distal amide group and hydroxylation of the cyclohexylmethyl (CHM) substituent. Nine metabolites were amide hydrolysis products, of which five were monohydroxylated, one dihydroxylated and two were ketone products. The metabolites in greatest abundance in the study were products of amide hydrolysis with no further biotransformation (M1), followed by amide hydrolysis with monohydroxylation (M2.1). Three APP-CHMINACA-specific metabolites were generated, all of which were hydroxylated on the CHM group; one mono-, di- and tri-hydroxylated metabolite each was produced, with dihydroxylation (M6) present in the greatest abundance. The authors propose that metabolites M1, M2.1 and M6 are the most appropriate markers to determine consumption of APP-CHMINACA. The methods used in the current study have broad applicability and have been used to determine the in vitro metabolic profiles of multiple synthetic cannabinoids and other classes of NPS. This research can be used to guide analytical scientists in method development, synthesis of reference material, pharmacological testing of proposed metabolites and prediction of metabolic processes of compounds yet to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Presley
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, 1901 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave., Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Susan A Jansen-Varnum
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, 1901 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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16
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Triple quadrupole–mass spectrometry protocols for the analysis of NBOMes and NBOHs in blotter papers. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 309:110184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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17
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Tsochatzis E, Lopes JA, Reniero F, Holland M, Åberg J, Guillou C. Identification of 1-Butyl-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (1B-LSD) in Seized Blotter Paper Using an Integrated Workflow of Analytical Techniques and Chemo-Informatics. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030712. [PMID: 32045999 PMCID: PMC7037844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid dispersion of new psychoactive substances (NPS) presents challenges to customs services and analytical laboratories, which are involved in their detection and characterization. When the seized material is limited in quantity or of a complex nature, or when the target substance is present in very small amounts, the need to use advanced analytical techniques, efficient workflows and chemo-informatics tools is essential for the complete identification and elucidation of these substances. The current work describes the application of such a workflow in the analysis of a single blotter paper, seized by Swedish customs, that led to the identification of a lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) derivative, 1-butyl-lysergic acid diethylamide (1B-LSD). Such blotter paper generally contains an amount in the range of 30–100 ug. This substance, which is closely related to 1-propionyl-lysergic acid diethylamide (1P-LSD), seems to have only recently reached the drug street market. Its identification was made possible by comprehensively combining gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC–MS), liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem MS (LC–HR-MS/MS), Orbitrap-MS and both 1D and 2D nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. All the obtained data have been managed, assessed, processed and evaluated using a chemo-informatics platform to produce the effective chemical and structural identification of 1B-LSD in the seized material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Tsochatzis
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), I-20127 Ispra, Italy; (E.T.); (F.R.); (M.H.)
| | - Joao Alberto Lopes
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), I-20127 Ispra, Italy; (E.T.); (F.R.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: (J.A.L.); (C.G.); Tel.: +32-1457-3032 (J.A.L.); +39-0332785678 (C.G.)
| | - Fabiano Reniero
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), I-20127 Ispra, Italy; (E.T.); (F.R.); (M.H.)
| | - Margaret Holland
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), I-20127 Ispra, Italy; (E.T.); (F.R.); (M.H.)
| | - Jenny Åberg
- Swedish Customs Laboratory, Box 6055, SE-171 06 Solna, Sweden;
| | - Claude Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), I-20127 Ispra, Italy; (E.T.); (F.R.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: (J.A.L.); (C.G.); Tel.: +32-1457-3032 (J.A.L.); +39-0332785678 (C.G.)
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18
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Fabregat-Safont D, Mardal M, Noble C, Cannaert A, Stove CP, Sancho JV, Linnet K, Hernández F, Ibáñez M. Comprehensive investigation on synthetic cannabinoids: Metabolic behavior and potency testing, using 5F-APP-PICA and AMB-FUBINACA as model compounds. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1358-1368. [PMID: 31192526 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) represented 45% of new psychoactive substances seizures in Europe (data from 2016). The consumption of SCs is an issue of concern due to their still unknown toxicity and effects on human health, the great variety of compounds synthetized, and the continuous modifications being made to their chemical structure to avoid regulatory issues. These compounds are extensively metabolized in the organism and often cannot be detected as the intact molecule in human urine. The monitoring of SCs in forensic samples must be performed by the analysis of their metabolites. In this work, a workflow for the comprehensive study of SC consumption is proposed and applied to 5F-APP-PICA (also known as PX 1 or SRF-30) and AMB-FUBINACA (also known as FUB-AMB or MMB-FUBINACA), based not only on the elucidation of their metabolites but also including functional data using the NanoLuc approach, previously published. Both cannabinoids were completely metabolized by human hepatocytes (12 and 8 metabolites were elucidated by high resolution mass spectrometry for 5F-APP-PICA and AMB-FUBINACA, respectively) and therefore suitable consumption markers are proposed. The bioassays revealed that 5F-APP-PICA presented lower activity than AMB-FUBINACA at CB1 and CB2 receptors, based on the half maximal effective concentration (EC50 ) and the maximum response (Emax ). These results are in agreement with the different intoxication cases found in the literature for AMB-FUBINACA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Mardal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carolina Noble
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan V Sancho
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Kristian Linnet
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Félix Hernández
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - María Ibáñez
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
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19
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Duffy J, Urbas A, Niemitz M, Lippa K, Marginean I. Differentiation of fentanyl analogues by low-field NMR spectroscopy. Anal Chim Acta 2018; 1049:161-169. [PMID: 30612647 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Forensic laboratories commonly receive new psychoactive substances such as fentanyl analogues and other synthetic opioids that are difficult to identify. Slight changes to chemical structures, e.g. shifting the position of functional groups such as methyl groups or halogens on the aromatic ring, may not be distinguished using traditional methods. NMR is a powerful tool used to elucidate distinctive structural information needed to differentiate regioisomers. However, the cost, size, and cryogen maintenance of superconducting NMR spectrometers can be impractical for some forensic laboratories. Recent studies have shown potential applications of low-field NMR as an alternative in forensic drug analysis. These benchtop, semi-portable instruments are less costly, have a smaller footprint, do not use cryogens, and require little maintenance. In this study, we show that 65 fentanyl and related substances, including various types of positional isomers, were readily differentiated using low-field (62 MHz) 1H NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the use of quantum mechanical spin system analysis was investigated for the purposes of translating experimentally observed high-field 1H spectra to lower field strengths. Spin system analysis of 600 MHz NMR spectra was conducted on a subset (15) of the reference materials analyzed. The results were used to calculate 62 MHz spectra for comparison purposes with the experimental spectra. This was successfully demonstrated, showing that field-strength independent 1H NMR spectral libraries are feasible and can facilitate reference material data dissemination across forensic drug laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Duffy
- Department of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Aaron Urbas
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | | | - Katrice Lippa
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Ioan Marginean
- Department of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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20
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The ongoing challenge of novel psychoactive drugs of abuse. Part I. Synthetic cannabinoids (IUPAC Technical Report). PURE APPL CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2017-0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In the past decade, the world has experienced a large increase in the number of novel compounds appearing on the illicit drug market for recreational purposes. Such substances are designed to circumvent governmental regulations; the illegal drug manufacturers take a known psychoactive compound reported in the scientific literature and slightly modify its chemical structure in order to produce analogues that will mimic the pharmacological activity of the original substance. Many of these novel substances are sold via the Internet. Among the various chemical classes, synthetic cannabinoid receptor modulators, commonly referred to as “synthetic cannabinoids” have been at the forefront, as demonstrated by the frequency of drug seizures, numerous severe toxic effects, and fatalities associated with some of these substances. This review presents the chemical structures of relevant synthetic cannabinoids and describes their mechanism of action, pharmacological features, metabolic pathways, and structure-activity relationships. It illustrates the approaches used in forensic testing, both for bulk analysis (drug seizures) and for analytical toxicology (biological matrices) and discusses aspects of regulation surrounding this drug class. This report is intended to provide pertinent information for the purposes of informing scientific, medical, social, and governmental bodies about this ever-evolving recreational drug class and the challenges it poses worldwide.
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21
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Rapid tentative identification of synthetic cathinones in seized products taking advantage of the full capabilities of triple quadrupole analyzer. Forensic Toxicol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0432-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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22
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Gatch MB, Forster MJ. Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-like discriminative stimulus effects of five novel synthetic cannabinoids in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:673-680. [PMID: 29138877 PMCID: PMC5823726 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4783-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Novel synthetic cannabinoid compounds continue to appear in the market advertised as legal alternatives to marijuana and the older synthetic cannabinoid compounds which are now controlled substances. Most of these newer compounds have been found to act at CB1 receptors, so the purpose of this study was to study the abuse liability of these compounds. METHODS Five of these compounds (BB-22, FUB-PB-22, 5F-AMB, NM2201, and MAB-CHMINACA) were tested for their ability to produce discriminative stimulus effects similar to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in rats. The ability of the CB1 receptor inverse agonist rimonabant to antagonize the discriminative stimulus effects of the five test compounds was also tested. RESULTS All five of the test compounds fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of Δ9-THC at some dose, although MAB-CHMINACA produced an inverted U-shaped dose effect. Rimonabant fully antagonized the Δ9-THC-like discriminative stimulus effects of BB-22, 5F-AMB, NM2201, and MAB-CHMINACA but only reduced the effects of FUB-PB-22 to 40-50 % of Δ9-THC-appropriate responding. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that all five of the test compounds produced Δ9-THC-like effects and will likely have abuse liability similar to that of the controlled cannabinoid compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Gatch
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107-2699, USA.
| | - Michael J Forster
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107-2699, USA
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23
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Guillou C, Reniero F, Vicente JL, Holland M, Kolar K, Chassaigne H, Tirendi S, Schepers H. Collaboration of the Joint Research Centre and European Customs Laboratories for the Identification of New Psychoactive Substances. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2018; 19:91-98. [PMID: 29792142 PMCID: PMC6110040 DOI: 10.2174/1389201019666180523122717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of psychoactive designer drugs has significantly increased over the last few years. Customs officials are responsible for the control of products entering the European Union (EU) market. This control applies to chemicals in general, pharmaceutical products and medicines. Numerous products imported from non-EU countries, often declared as 'bath salts' or 'fertilizers', contain new psychoactive substance (NPS). REVIEW These are not necessarily controlled under international law, but may be subject to monitoring in agreement with EU legislation. This situation imposes substantial challenges, for example, for the maintenance of spectral libraries used for their detection by designated laboratories. The chemical identification of new substances, with the use of powerful instrumentation, and the time needed for detailed analysis and interpretation of the results, demands considerable commitment. The EU Joint Research Centre endeavors to provide scientific support to EU Customs laboratories to facilitate rapid identification and characterisation of seized samples. In addition to analysing known NPS, several new chemical entities have also been identified. Frequently, these belong to NPS classes already notified to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) by the European Early- Warning System (EWS). CONCLUSION The aim of this paper is to discuss the implementation of workflow mechanisms that are in place in order to facilitate the monitoring, communication and management of analytical data. The rapid dissemination of this information between control authorities strives to help protect EU citizens against the health risks posed by harmful substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Guillou
- Address correspondence to this author at the European Commission, Directorate General Joint Research Centre, Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials via E. Fermi, 2749, I-21020 Ispra (VA) - Italy; Tel: +39 0332 785678; E-mail:
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Calvo-Castro J, Guirguis A, Samaras EG, Zloh M, Kirton SB, Stair J. Detection of newly emerging psychoactive substances using Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics. RSC Adv 2018; 8:31924-31933. [PMID: 35547469 PMCID: PMC9085863 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra05847d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel approach for the identification of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) by means of Raman spectroscopy coupled with Principal Components Analysis (PCA) employing the largest dataset of NPS reference materials to date is reported here. Fifty three NPS were selected as a structurally diverse subset from an original dataset of 478 NPS compounds. The Raman spectral profiles were experimentally acquired for all 53 substances, evaluated using a number of pre-processing techniques, and used to generate a PCA model. The optimum model system used a relatively narrow spectral range (1300–1750 cm−1) and accounted for 37% of the variance in the dataset using the first three principal components, despite the large structural diversity inherent in the NPS subset. Nonetheless, structurally similar NPS (i.e., the synthetic cannabinoids FDU-PB-22 & NM-2201) grouped together in the PCA model based on their Raman spectral profiles, while NPS with different chemical scaffolds (i.e., the benzodiazepine flubromazolam and the cathinone α-PBT) were well delineated, occupying markedly different areas of the three-dimensional scores plot. Classification of NPS based on their Raman spectra (i.e., chemical scaffolds) using the PCA model was further investigated. NPS that were present in the initial dataset of 478 NPS but were not part of the selected 53 training set (validation set) were observed to be closely aligned to structurally similar NPS within the generated model system in all cases. Furthermore, NPS that were not present in the original dataset of 478 NPS (test set) were also shown to group as expected in the model (i.e., methamphetamine and N-ethylamphetamine). This indicates that, for the first time, a model system can be applied to potential ‘unknown’ psychoactive substances, which are new to the market and absent from existing chemical libraries, to identify key structural features to make a preliminary classification. Consequently, it is anticipated that this study will be of interest to the broad scientific audience working with large structurally diverse chemical datasets and particularly to law enforcement agencies and associated scientific analytical bodies worldwide investigating the development of novel identification methodologies for psychoactive substances. A novel approach for the identification of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) by means of Raman spectroscopy coupled with Principal Components Analysis (PCA) employing the largest dataset of NPS reference materials to date is reported here.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Calvo-Castro
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Eleftherios G. Samaras
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Mire Zloh
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Stewart B. Kirton
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Jacqueline L. Stair
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
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de Morais DR, Barbosa IL, Cunha KF, Tripodi GL, Angolini CFF, Franco MF, de Aquino EM, Eberlin MN, Costa JL. EASI-IMS an expedite and secure technique to screen for 25I-NBOH in blotter papers. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2017; 52:701-706. [PMID: 28746793 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The increasing number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their quick worldwide spreading, often only slightly modified in the form of new derivatives and analogues, have brought the need for fast, wide-ranging, and unequivocal identification methods in clinical and forensic investigations. Because it usually provides secure results, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been routinely employed as the standard technique for the detection of NPS in blotter papers. For 25I-NBOH (N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethan-1-aminium), however, GC-MS analysis of an blotter paper extract leads to incorrect results. In this work, we investigated whether easy ambient sonic-spray mass spectrometry imaging (EASI-IMS), and ambient ionization MS method can be applied directly to the surface of the sample requiring therefore no extraction or sample preparations, would serve as an efficient, sensitive, and secure alternative for 25I-NBOH screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damila Rodrigues de Morais
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Campinas, Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Lopes Barbosa
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Campinas, Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Kelly Francisco Cunha
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-859, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Lucas Tripodi
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Campinas, Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-970, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Fernando Franco
- Technical-Scientific Police Superintendency, SPTC, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05507-060, Brazil
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13084-971, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Nogueira Eberlin
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Campinas, Institute of Chemistry, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-859, Brazil
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26
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Assemat G, Dubocq F, Balayssac S, Lamoureux C, Malet-Martino M, Gilard V. Screening of "spice" herbal mixtures: From high-field to low-field proton NMR. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 279:88-95. [PMID: 28854352 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Forty one samples of herbal spices intended to be introduced into the European market and seized by the French customs were analysed with high-field 1H NMR. Nine synthetic cannabinoids (MAM-2201, JWH-073, JWH-210, JWH-122, JWH-081, JWH-250, UR-144, XLR-11 and AKB-48-5F) were detected and quantified. The ability of a compact benchtop low-field NMR spectrometer for a rapid screening of the content of herbal blends was then successfully explored for the first time. Even if low-field 1H NMR spectra are much less resolved than high-field spectra, we demonstrate that they provide valuable clues on the chemical structures of synthetic cannabinoids with the detection of some typical signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Assemat
- Groupe de RMN Biomédicale, Laboratoire SPCMIB (UMR CNRS 5068), Université Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - Florian Dubocq
- Groupe de RMN Biomédicale, Laboratoire SPCMIB (UMR CNRS 5068), Université Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - Stéphane Balayssac
- Groupe de RMN Biomédicale, Laboratoire SPCMIB (UMR CNRS 5068), Université Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - Catherine Lamoureux
- SCL-Laboratoire d'Île-de-France, 1 rue Gabriel Vicaire, 75141 Paris Cedex 03, France
| | - Myriam Malet-Martino
- Groupe de RMN Biomédicale, Laboratoire SPCMIB (UMR CNRS 5068), Université Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - Véronique Gilard
- Groupe de RMN Biomédicale, Laboratoire SPCMIB (UMR CNRS 5068), Université Paul Sabatier, Université de Toulouse, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France.
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27
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Current applications of high-resolution mass spectrometry for the analysis of new psychoactive substances: a critical review. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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28
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Fabregat-Safont D, Fornís I, Ventura M, Gil C, Calzada N, Sancho J, Hernández F, Ibáñez M. Identification and characterization of a putative new psychoactive substance, 2-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)acetamido)-3-methylbutanamide, in Spain. Drug Test Anal 2017; 9:1073-1080. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Fabregat-Safont
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water; University Jaume I; Avda Sos Baynat s/n 12071 Castellón Spain
| | - I. Fornís
- Energy Control (Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo); c/ Independencia 384 08041 Barcelona Spain
| | - M. Ventura
- Energy Control (Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo); c/ Independencia 384 08041 Barcelona Spain
| | - C. Gil
- Energy Control (Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo); c/ Independencia 384 08041 Barcelona Spain
| | - N. Calzada
- Energy Control (Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo); c/ Independencia 384 08041 Barcelona Spain
| | - J.V. Sancho
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water; University Jaume I; Avda Sos Baynat s/n 12071 Castellón Spain
| | - F. Hernández
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water; University Jaume I; Avda Sos Baynat s/n 12071 Castellón Spain
| | - M. Ibáñez
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water; University Jaume I; Avda Sos Baynat s/n 12071 Castellón Spain
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29
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Davidson C, Opacka-Juffry J, Arevalo-Martin A, Garcia-Ovejero D, Molina-Holgado E, Molina-Holgado F. Spicing Up Pharmacology: A Review of Synthetic Cannabinoids From Structure to Adverse Events. CANNABINOID PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 80:135-168. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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30
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Banister SD, Longworth M, Kevin R, Sachdev S, Santiago M, Stuart J, Mack JBC, Glass M, McGregor IS, Connor M, Kassiou M. Pharmacology of Valinate and tert-Leucinate Synthetic Cannabinoids 5F-AMBICA, 5F-AMB, 5F-ADB, AMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA, and Their Analogues. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:1241-54. [PMID: 27421060 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Indole and indazole synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) featuring l-valinate or l-tert-leucinate pendant group have recently emerged as prevalent recreational drugs, and their use has been associated with serious adverse health effects. Due to the limited pharmacological data available for these compounds, 5F-AMBICA, 5F-AMB, 5F-ADB, AMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA, and their analogues were synthesized and assessed for cannabimimetic activity in vitro and in vivo. All SCs acted as potent, highly efficacious agonists at CB1 (EC50 = 0.45-36 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 4.6-128 nM) receptors in a fluorometric assay of membrane potential, with a general preference for CB1 activation. The cannabimimetic properties of two prevalent compounds with confirmed toxicity in humans, 5F-AMB and MDMB-FUBINACA, were demonstrated in vivo using biotelemetry in rats. Bradycardia and hypothermia were induced by 5F-AMB and MDMB-FUBINACA doses of 0.1-1 mg/kg (and 3 mg/kg for 5F-AMB), with MDMB-FUBINACA showing the most dramatic hypothermic response recorded in our laboratory for any SC (>3 °C at 0.3 mg/kg). Reversal of hypothermia by pretreatment with a CB1, but not CB2, antagonist was demonstrated for 5F-AMB and MDMB-FUBINACA, consistent with CB1-mediated effects in vivo. The in vitro and in vivo data indicate that these SCs act as highly efficacious CB receptor agonists with greater potency than Δ(9)-THC and earlier generations of SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Banister
- Department
of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | | | | | - Shivani Sachdev
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Marina Santiago
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Jordyn Stuart
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - James B. C. Mack
- Department
of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, United States
| | - Michelle Glass
- School
of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | | | - Mark Connor
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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31
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Longworth M, Banister SD, Mack JBC, Glass M, Connor M, Kassiou M. The 2-alkyl-2 H-indazole regioisomers of synthetic cannabinoids AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA are possible manufacturing impurities with cannabimimetic activities. Forensic Toxicol 2016; 34:286-303. [PMID: 27547266 PMCID: PMC4971050 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Indazole-derived synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) featuring an alkyl substituent at the 1-position and l-valinamide at the 3-carboxamide position (e.g., AB-CHMINACA) have been identified by forensic chemists around the world, and are associated with serious adverse health effects. Regioisomerism is possible for indazole SCs, with the 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomer of AB-CHMINACA recently identified in SC products in Japan. It is unknown whether this regiosiomer represents a manufacturing impurity arising as a synthetic byproduct, or was intentionally synthesized as a cannabimimetic agent. This study reports the synthesis, analytical characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of commonly encountered indazole SCs AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, 5F-AB-PINACA and their corresponding 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers. Both regioisomers of each SC were prepared from a common precursor, and the physical properties, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy of all SC compounds are described. Additionally, AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA were found to act as high potency agonists at CB1 (EC50 = 2.1-11.6 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 5.6-21.1 nM) receptors in fluorometric assays, while the corresponding 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers demonstrated low potency (micromolar) agonist activities at both receptors. Taken together, these data suggest that 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers of AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA are likely to be encountered by forensic chemists and toxicologists as the result of improper purification during the clandestine synthesis of 1-alkyl-1H-indazole regioisomers, and can be distinguished by differences in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry fragmentation pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Longworth
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - James B C Mack
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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