1
|
Chen L, Li HL, Zhou HJ, Zhang GZ, Zhang Y, Wang YM, Wang MY, Yang H, Gao W. Feature-Based Molecular Network-Assisted Cannabinoid and Flavonoid Profiling of Cannabis sativa Leaves and Their Antioxidant Properties. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:749. [PMID: 38929189 PMCID: PMC11200612 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060749] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) leaves are rich in cannabinoids and flavonoids, which play important antioxidant roles. Since the environmental factors may influence the accumulation of antioxidants in herbal medicines, which affects their activity, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between the chemical composition of C. sativa leaves and their geographical origin and antioxidant activity. Firstly, a high-resolution mass spectrometry method assisted by semi-quantitative feature-based molecular networking (SQFBMN) was established for the characterization and quantitative analysis of C. sativa leaves from various regions. Subsequently, antioxidant activity analysis was conducted on 73 batches of C. sativa leaves, and a partial least squares regression (PLS) model was employed to assess the correlation between the content of cannabinoids and flavonoids in the leaves and their antioxidant activity. A total of 16 cannabinoids and 57 flavonoids were annotated from C. sativa, showing a significant regular geographical distribution. The content of flavonoid-C glycosides in Sichuan leaves is relatively high, and their antioxidant activity is also correspondingly high. However, the leaves in Shaanxi and Xinjiang were primarily composed of flavonoid-O glycosides, and exhibited slightly lower antioxidant activity. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) was found between the total flavonoids and cannabinoids and the antioxidant activity of the leaves, and two flavonoids and one cannabinoid were identified as significant contributors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (L.C.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-J.Z.); (G.-Z.Z.); (M.-Y.W.)
| | - Hong-Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (L.C.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-J.Z.); (G.-Z.Z.); (M.-Y.W.)
- China National Narcotics Control Commission—China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong-Juan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (L.C.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-J.Z.); (G.-Z.Z.); (M.-Y.W.)
- China National Narcotics Control Commission—China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guan-Zhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (L.C.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-J.Z.); (G.-Z.Z.); (M.-Y.W.)
- China National Narcotics Control Commission—China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100038, China;
| | - You-Mei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Meng-Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (L.C.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-J.Z.); (G.-Z.Z.); (M.-Y.W.)
| | - Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (L.C.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-J.Z.); (G.-Z.Z.); (M.-Y.W.)
- China National Narcotics Control Commission—China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (L.C.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-J.Z.); (G.-Z.Z.); (M.-Y.W.)
- China National Narcotics Control Commission—China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Di Nunzio M, Barrot-Feixat C, Gangitano D. Characterization and evaluation of nine Cannabis sativa chloroplast SNP markers for crop type determination and biogeographical origin on European samples. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 68:102971. [PMID: 39090851 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102971] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa can be classified in two main types, according to psychotropic cannabinoid ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) content: the drug-type and the fiber-type. According to the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction, most of the European Union countries consider the possession of cannabis, for personal use, a minor offense with possibility of incarceration. Despite of the model of legal supply (i.e., Spanish cannabis clubs, Netherlands coffee shops) or medical use (i.e., Italy), cannabis remains the most used and trafficked illicit plant in the European Union. Differentiating cannabis crops or tracing the biogeographical origin is crucial for law enforcement purposes. Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers may assist to determine biogeographic origin and to differentiate hemp from marijuana. This research aims: to identify and to evaluate nine C. sativa cpDNA polymorphic SNP sites to differentiate crop type and to provide information about its biogeographical origin. Five SNaPshot™ assays for nine chloroplast markers were developed and conducted in marijuana samples seized in Chile, the USA-Mexico border and Spain, and hemp samples grown in Spain and in Italy. The SNapShot™ assays were tested on 122 cannabis samples, which included 16 blind samples, and were able to differentiate marijuana crop type from hemp crop type in all samples. Using phylogenetic analysis, genetic differences were observed between marijuana and hemp samples. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) supported the relationship among hemp samples, as well as for USA-Mexico border, Spanish, and Chilean marijuana samples. Genetic differences between groups based on the biogeographical origin and their crop type were observed. Increasing the number of genetic markers, including the most recently studied ones, and expanding the sample database will provide more accurate information about crop differentiation and biogeographical origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Di Nunzio
- Forensic Genetics Laboratory - Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carme Barrot-Feixat
- Forensic Genetics Laboratory - Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Gangitano
- Forensic & Legal Medicine Area, Department of Sociosanitary Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yamamuro T, Saito Y, Okada Y, Segawa H, Kuwayama K, Tsujikawa K, Kanamori T, Iwata YT. Identifying a suspect powder as a cannabis concentrate through chemical analysis and DNA testing. Forensic Toxicol 2024; 42:102-109. [PMID: 37603166 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-023-00672-y] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cannabis is regulated in many countries, and cannabis products are diversifying, which can hinder identification. Here, we report the seizure of a powder sample with a cannabis-like odor in a spice bottle labeled "nutmeg" and identification of the sample by chemical testing and cannabis DNA testing. METHODS The sample was observed under a microscope, extracted with methanol, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The chemical profile of the seized powder was compared with that of nutmeg samples. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection was used to estimate the total Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) concentration in the sample. A commercially available cannabis DNA testing kit was used to confirm the presence of cannabis plant DNA in the seized sample. RESULTS The characteristics of cannabis in the seized powder were difficult to determine through microscopic observation alone. GC-MS analysis identified β-caryophyllene (an aromatic component of cannabis) and five cannabinoids unique to cannabis, including Δ9-THC. No common compounds were identified in the seized powder or nutmeg samples. The total Δ9-THC concentration in the sample was very high (approximately 47% by weight). Cannabis DNA testing confirmed that the seized powder contained cannabis. CONCLUSIONS The seized powder was found to be a processed product made from a finely pulverized resin-like cannabis concentrate. Our results indicate that combined chemical and DNA analysis should help identify cannabis-related samples in various forms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Yamamuro
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Saito
- Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Hokkaido Prefectural Police Headquarters, Kita 2-Jo Nishi 7-Chome, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8520, Japan
| | - Yuki Okada
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Hiroki Segawa
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Kenji Kuwayama
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsujikawa
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Tatsuyuki Kanamori
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| | - Yuko T Iwata
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma J, Zhang C, Liu F, Liu Y, Wang Y, Chen G. Easy detection of Prorocentrum donghaiense by polymerase chain reaction-nucleic acid chromatography strip. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:10346-10359. [PMID: 36076134 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22856-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, Prorocentrum donghaiense, as a dominant species, has ranked first in terms of cumulative number and area of algal blooms in the East China Sea. In this study, the D1-D2 region of the large ribosomal subunit of P. donghaiense was used as the target gene, and specific primers DH-FP/DH-RP were designed according to the species-specific region of the target gene. An easy, sensitive and visual detection method refered to as polymerase chain reaction-nucleic acid chromatography strip (PCR-NACS) was established for P. donghaiense. The optimized parameters of the PCR amplification system are as follows: primer concentration, 0.15 μM; annealing temperature, 62 °C; and Mg2+ concentration, 1.5 mM. The specificity test showed that PCR-NACS was exlusively specific for the detection of the target algae. The sensitivity test show that the lowest detection limit (LDL) of PCR-NACS was 2.7 × 10-2 ng·μL-1 for genomic DNA and 3.58 × 102 copies·μL-1 for plasmid DNA, respectively. The tests using both genomic DNA and plasmid DNA as templates showed that the sensitivity of PCR-NACS was 10 times higher than that of ordinary PCR. The stability test showed that the interfering algal species did not affect the detection of the target algae by PCR-NACS. In addition, the test with simulated natural samples containing target algae showed that the LDL of PCR-NACS could reach 1.27 × 101 cells·mL-1. In summary, the PCR-NACS established in this study may provide a new method for easy identification of P. donghaiense in natural water samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinju Ma
- College of Oceanology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Wenhua West Road, 2#, Weihai, 264209, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyun Zhang
- College of Oceanology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Wenhua West Road, 2#, Weihai, 264209, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuguo Liu
- College of Oceanology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Wenhua West Road, 2#, Weihai, 264209, People's Republic of China
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 264209, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Liu
- College of Oceanology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Wenhua West Road, 2#, Weihai, 264209, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- College of Oceanology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Wenhua West Road, 2#, Weihai, 264209, People's Republic of China
| | - Guofu Chen
- College of Oceanology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Wenhua West Road, 2#, Weihai, 264209, People's Republic of China.
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 264209, People's Republic of China.
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Wenhua West Road, 2#, Weihai, Shandong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thongkhao K, Tungphatthong C, Sukrong S. A PCR-lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (PCR-LFA) for detecting Aristolochia species, the plants responsible for aristolochic acid nephropathy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12188. [PMID: 35842504 PMCID: PMC9288547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16528-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs), which are strong carcinogens, have caused dietary supplements with Aristolochia plants to be discontinued worldwide. Therefore, the development of a method to identify these herbs is critical for customer safety. To support the regulation of Aristolochia-free products, a PCR coupled with lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (PCR-LFA) that is specific to the nucleotide signature in plastid rbcL gene region of Aristolochia species was developed to detect Aristolochia plants and related herbal products. Triplex primers (A397F, C357F and R502) were designed based on specific nucleotides observed exclusively in the rbcL sequences of Aristolochia. Positive results for Aristolochia occur when the three pink lines are clearly developed on the developed lateral flow strip and can be seen by the naked eye. In this study, the lateral flow strip has sensitivity for detecting amplicons amplified from genomic DNA at the concentrations as low as 0.01 ng. Various kinds of samples, including purchased crude drugs and polyherbal samples, have been investigated, and the results showed that Aristolochia crude drugs and Aristolochia-containing products are still present in dispensaries. In conclusion, with the goal of protecting consumers from the health risks associated with Aristolochia contamination, PCR-LFA was developed and demonstrated to be efficient for detecting plants belonging to Aristolochia in various kinds of samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kannika Thongkhao
- Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Chayapol Tungphatthong
- Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Suchada Sukrong
- Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. .,Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Modern on-site tool for monitoring contamination of halal meat with products from five non-halal animals using multiplex polymerase chain reaction coupled with DNA strip. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
7
|
PCR combined with lateral flow immunochromatographic assay to differentiate the narcotic Mitragyna speciosa from related species and detect it in forensic evidence. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 331:111149. [PMID: 34933184 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111149] [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: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Plants in the genus Mitragyna (Rubiaceae) are used in traditional medicine because of their broad therapeutic activity. Four Mitragyna species, M. speciosa (Roxb.) Korth. (MS), M. rotundifolia (Roxb.) Kuntze (MR), M. diversifolia (Wall. ex G. Don) Havil. (MD), and M. hirsuta Havil. (MH), occur in Thailand. M. speciosa, commonly known as 'Kratom' in Thai, is the only narcotic species for which buying, selling, importing or possessing has been prohibited by law in Thailand and some other countries. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the major psychoactive compounds, are important in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. However, this species is used in traditional medicine to relieve pain and inflammation. Consequently, a rapid and easy technique for differentiating M. speciosa from closely related species is needed for routine forensic analysis. In this study, polymerase chain reaction coupled with lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (PCR-LFA) based on matK was developed for the detection of M. speciosa in forensic specimens. Duplex primers (MS-F-FAM, Ctrl-F-DIG and Ctrl-R-Biotin) were designed based on species-specific nucleotide indels observed exclusively in the matK sequences of M. speciosa. Positive results for M. speciosa are indicated by the clear presence of three black lines on the lateral flow cassette. Forensic samples were investigated, and the three black test lines indicating M. speciosa were observed for seven of eight specimens. PCR-LFA has been proven to be fast, easy and efficient for detecting the narcotic M. speciosa and could be developed as a rapid forensic diagnostic technique for other plants.
Collapse
|
8
|
Jia X, Yang X, Luo G, Liang Q. Recent progress of microfluidic technology for pharmaceutical analysis. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 209:114534. [PMID: 34929566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the progress of microfluidic technology has provided new tools for pharmaceutical analysis and the proposal of pharm-lab-on-a-chip is appealing for its great potential to integrate pharmaceutical test and pharmacological test in a single chip system. Here, we summarize and highlight recent advances of chip-based principles, techniques and devices for pharmaceutical test and pharmacological/toxicological test focusing on the separation and analysis of drug molecules on a chip and the construction of pharmacological models on a chip as well as their demonstrative applications in quality control, drug screening and precision medicine. The trend and challenge of microfluidic technology for pharmaceutical analysis are also discussed and prospected. We hope this review would update the insight and development of pharm-lab-on-a-chip.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Jia
- Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Guoan Luo
- Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
| | - Qionglin Liang
- Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
A novel DNA chromatography method to discriminate Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies and macrolide susceptibility. EBioMedicine 2021; 64:103187. [PMID: 33446475 PMCID: PMC7910664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical impact of infection with Mycobacterium (M.) abscessus complex (MABC), a group of emerging non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM), is increasing. M. abscessus subsp. abscessus/bolletii frequently shows natural resistance to macrolide antibiotics, whereas M. abscessus subsp. massiliense is generally susceptible. Therefore, rapid and accurate discrimination of macrolide-susceptible MABC subgroups is required for effective clinical decisions about macrolide treatments for MABC infection. We aimed to develop a simple and rapid diagnostic that can identify MABC isolates showing macrolide susceptibility. Methods Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for 148 clinical or environmental MABC isolates from Japan to identify genetic markers that can discriminate three MABC subspecies and the macrolide-susceptible erm(41) T28C sequevar. Using the identified genetic markers, we established PCR based- or DNA chromatography-based assays. Validation testing was performed using MABC isolates from Taiwan. Finding We identified unique sequence regions that could be used to differentiate the three subspecies. Our WGS-based phylogenetic analysis indicated that M. abscessus carrying the macrolide-susceptible erm(41) T28C sequevar were tightly clustered, and identified 11 genes that were significantly associated with the lineage for use as genetic markers. To detect these genetic markers and the erm(41) locus, we developed a DNA chromatography method that identified three subspecies, the erm(41) T28C sequevar and intact erm(41) for MABC in a single assay within one hour. The agreement rate between the DNA chromatography-based and WGS-based identification was 99·7%. Interpretation We developed a novel, rapid and simple DNA chromatography method for identification of MABC macrolide susceptibility with high accuracy. Funding AMED, JSPS KAKENHI
Collapse
|
10
|
Yamamuro T, Segawa H, Kuwayama K, Tsujikawa K, Kanamori T, Iwata YT. Rapid identification of drug-type and fiber-type cannabis by allele specific duplex PCR. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 318:110634. [PMID: 33278699 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110634] [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: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is classified into two types: drug-type cannabis, which is abused worldwide, and fiber-type cannabis, which is used for industrial purposes. The two types are a result of differences in the sequences of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCAS) and cannabidiolic acid synthase (CBDAS) genes. In the present study, we aimed to establish a PCR-based method to distinguish between drug-type and fiber-type cannabis by detecting the differences in the sequences of THCAS and CBDAS. We constructed a single-plex PCR targeting active THCAS, and observed drug-type cannabis-specific amplification when using 10pg to 1ng of DNA; however, amplification was also observed in fiber-type cannabis when the DNA content reached 10ng. Similarly, single-plex PCR targeting active CBDAS showed fiber-type cannabis-specific amplification in 100pg of DNA, as well as in >1ng of drug-type cannabis DNA. Therefore, when an allele-specific duplex PCR system was constructed, in which both primer sets were mixed at an appropriate ratio, unintended nonspecific amplification was suppressed and amplicons of different sizes were observed between the drug-type and fiber-type cannabis, using DNA samples in the range of 1pg to 10ng. When the constructed duplex PCR was performed on DNA extracted from various cannabis seed samples, it was possible to distinguish between the drug-type and the fiber-type as well as detect a hybrid-type with both active THCAS and active CBDAS and a special type with neither. The identification method developed in the present study can quickly and accurately distinguish between drug-type and fiber-type cannabis, and is expected to be used for various purposes such as the detection of genetic contamination of industrial hemp as well as forensic examination of cannabis-related cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Yamamuro
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Segawa
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Kenji Kuwayama
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsujikawa
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Tatsuyuki Kanamori
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Yuko T Iwata
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
DNA testing of suspected cannabis samples with exceptional morphology using a simple detection kit. Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
12
|
Evaluation of Q Gene Mycobacteria: A novel and easy nucleic acid chromatography method for mycobacterial species identification. J Microbiol Methods 2019; 163:105657. [PMID: 31228476 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.105657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A simple, rapid, and new diagnostic test for mycobacteria, named Q Gene Mycobacteria, has been developed. It is based on multiplex PCR using primers harbouring DNA tags combined with a dipstick nucleic acid chromatography method, which does not require the denaturation of PCR products for hybridization and can identify five species of mycobacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium kansasii, and Mycobacterium gordonae. This study aimed to evaluate Q Gene Mycobacteria for the accurate identification of these five species. METHODS A total of 340 mycobacterial strains/isolates were tested, of which 159 were type strains (four MTC and 155 non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) including four subspecies) and 181 were clinical isolates (18 M. tuberculosis, two Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette et Guérin (BCG), and 161 NTM comprising 16 species) collected from eight laboratories and hospitals in Japan. Species identification of NTM isolates was performed using the DNA-DNA hybridization method and/or direct sequencing of 16S rRNA, hsp65, and rpoB genes. Q Gene Mycobacteria was compared with above conventional methods for identifying the five species. RESULTS Q Gene Mycobacteria showed excellent concordance for species identification, specifically 99.4% (158/159) for type strains and 99.4% (180/181) for clinical isolates. The two strains that were misidentified as M. gordonae were Mycobacterium paragordonae. As they are genetically close and there is few case reports of M. paragordonae, it might not be a serious critical issue to distinguish M. paragordonae from M. gordonae. CONCLUSIONS Q Gene Mycobacteria was able to identify frequently isolated mycobacterial species accurately and easily. Therefore, Q Gene Mycobacteria could be a useful tool for the identification of specific mycobacteria in clinical laboratories.
Collapse
|