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Bar N, Lopez-Alonso R, Merhav G, Naaman E, Leiderman M, Ilivitzki A, Lurie Y, Kurnik D, Abadi S. Radiological findings in poisoning by synthetic cannabinoids adulterated with brodifacoum. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:4540-4549. [PMID: 38127072 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Severe coagulopathy due to consumption of synthetic cannabinoids adulterated with brodifacoum, a long-acting anticoagulant, is an emerging worldwide hazard. Here, we review the spectrum of imaging findings in adulterated cannabinoid poisoning. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, we used the Israeli Poison Information Center database to identify patients with cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy who presented to the Rambam Health Care Campus, where most patients were treated during an outbreak in northern Israel between September 2021 and June 2022. All relevant imaging studies for these patients were reviewed. We estimated the sensitivity of findings for cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy. Associations between a continuous variable and a dichotomous outcome were assessed with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS We identified 48 patients (mean age 40 years ± 9 [SD], 43 males) with 54 hospitalizations due to cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy. Symptomatic hemorrhage was documented in 50 (93%) cases at presentation, most of whom (78%) had hemorrhage from multiple systems. The most common bleeding site was the genitourinary collecting system, with a characteristic sign of suburothelial bleeding in 16/18 of performed abdominal CTs (sensitivity 89% [CI 65-99%] for cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy). Intramural bowel hematomas were noted in 70% (7/10) of CTs of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Incidental bleeding sites were identified on imaging in 24% of patients. An increased number of bleeding sites was associated with need for vasopressors (difference in bleeding sites 3.00 [95% CI 0.99-4.00], p = 0.026). CONCLUSION CT plays a key role in the diagnosis and work-up of adulterated cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy. Characteristic signs include suburothelial hemorrhage and intramural bowel hematomas. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Recognition of radiological signs of adulterated synthetic cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy is critical for optimizing outbreak control on the public health level and ensuring timely treatment on the individual patient level. KEY POINTS • Severe coagulopathy due to consumption of synthetic cannabinoids adulterated with brodifacoum, a long-acting anticoagulant, is an emerging worldwide threat. • Characteristic imaging signs include suburothelial bleeding, intramural bowel hematomas, and rare incidental bleeding sites. • Imaging has a pivotal role in optimizing outbreak control and ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitai Bar
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
| | | | - Goni Merhav
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Efrat Naaman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Maxim Leiderman
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Anat Ilivitzki
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Lurie
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Israel Poison Information Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Daniel Kurnik
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sobhi Abadi
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Csaszar F, B Erdos M, Ellis R, Kelemen G, Javor R. Novel Psychoactive Substance Use and Psychological Trauma: A Multimethodological Analysis. Subst Use Misuse 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38907593 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2369181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Authors discuss the connections between novel psychoactive substance (NPS) use and psychological trauma. The transition from classical substances to NPS, a paradigm change, poses a challenge for the treatment systems. Objective: Research evidence suggests difficulties in emotion regulation and trauma-related NPS-use. Authors explore some demographic and psychopathological characteristics related to such findings and examine the connections between emotion regulation deficiency and the choice of substance. METHOD This study uses a methodological triangulation of a biologically identified sample to confirm NPS use, a survey method to describe users' socioeconomic characteristics, and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) subscales to study dysfunctions in emotion regulation. RESULTS Participants (77 patients) were mainly polydrug users. The transgenerational transfer of substance use was a salient feature, but material deprivation was not characteristic of the entire sample. NPS use was not connected to certain psychopathological characteristics the way classical substance use was. More than half of the respondents had elevated scores on MMPI-2 Demoralization (RCd) and Dysfunctional Negative Emotions (RC7) scales. Nearly half of them also scored high on Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality (NEGE). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that NPS use in the context of polydrug use is connected to psychological trauma and emotion regulation deficiency, but the MMPI-2 scales to assess emotional dysfunctions are not connected to a particular type of NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Csaszar
- Doctoral School of Clinical Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Pécs & Addiction Rehabilitation Department of Szigetvár Hospital, Szigetvár, Hungary
| | - Marta B Erdos
- Department of Community and Social Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Social Innovation Evaluation Research Centre (SIERC), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Roger Ellis
- Social and Health Evaluation Unit - Identity Exploration Ltd., United Kingdom & University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | | | - Rebeka Javor
- Social Innovation Evaluation Research Centre (SIERC), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Sharon N, Yarmolinsky L, Khalfin B, Fleisher-Berkovich S, Ben-Shabat S. Cannabinoids' Role in Modulating Central and Peripheral Immunity in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6402. [PMID: 38928109 PMCID: PMC11204381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126402] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids (the endocannabinoids, the synthetic cannabinoids, and the phytocannabinoids) are well known for their various pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory features, which are fundamentally important for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The aging of the global population is causing an increase in these diseases that require the development of effective drugs to be even more urgent. Taking into account the unavailability of effective drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, it seems appropriate to consider the role of cannabinoids in the treatment of these diseases. To our knowledge, few reviews are devoted to cannabinoids' impact on modulating central and peripheral immunity in neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this review is to provide the best possible information about the cannabinoid receptors and immuno-modulation features, peripheral immune modulation by cannabinoids, cannabinoid-based therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders, and the future development prospects of making cannabinoids versatile tools in the pursuit of effective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shimon Ben-Shabat
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (N.S.); (L.Y.); (B.K.); (S.F.-B.)
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4
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Sparkes E, Maloney CJ, Markham JW, Dane C, Boyd R, Gilchrist J, Moir M, Gordon R, Luo JL, Pike E, Walker KA, Kassiou M, McGregor IS, Kevin RC, Hibbs DE, Jorgensen WT, Banister SD, Cairns EA, Ametovski A. Structure-Activity Relationships, Deuteration, and Fluorination of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists Related to AKB48, 5F-AKB-48, and AFUBIATA. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2160-2181. [PMID: 38766866 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00850] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a growing class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) commonly derived from an N-alkylated indole, indazole, or 7-azaindole scaffold. Diversification of this core (at the 3-position) with amide-linked pendant amino acid groups and modular N-alkylation (of the indole/indazole/7-azaindole core) ensures that novel SCRAs continue to enter the illicit drug market rapidly. In response to the large number of SCRAs that have been detected, pharmacological evaluation of this NPS class has become increasingly common. Adamantane-derived SCRAs have consistently appeared throughout the market since 2011, and as such, a systematic set of these derivatives was synthesized and pharmacologically evaluated. Deuterated and fluorinated adamantane derivatives were prepared to evaluate typical hydrogen bioisosteres, as well as evaluation of the newly detected AFUBIATA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Sparkes
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Callan J Maloney
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jack W Markham
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Chianna Dane
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jayson Gilchrist
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael Moir
- National Deuteration Facility, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Rebecca Gordon
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jia Lin Luo
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Edward Pike
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K
| | - Katelyn A Walker
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richard C Kevin
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David E Hibbs
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - William T Jorgensen
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Adam Ametovski
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Patel M, Zheng X, Akinfiresoye LR, Prioleau C, Walker TD, Glass M, Marusich JA. Pharmacological evaluation of new generation OXIZID synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 971:176549. [PMID: 38561104 PMCID: PMC11132922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176549] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) remain one the largest classes of new psychoactive substances, and are increasingly associated with severe adverse effects and death compared to the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In the attempt to circumvent the rapid emergence of novel SCRAs, several nations have implemented 'generic' legislations, or 'class-wide' bans based on common structural scaffolds. However, this has only encouraged the incorporation of new chemical entities, including distinct core and linker structures, for which there is a dearth of pharmacological data. The current study evaluated five emergent OXIZID SCRAs for affinity and functional activity at the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1) in HEK 293 cells, as well as pharmacological equivalence with THC in drug discrimination in mice. All OXIZID compounds behaved as agonists in Gαi protein activation and β-arrestin 2 translocation assays, possessing low micromolar affinity at CB1. All ligands also substituted for THC in drug discrimination, where potencies broadly correlated with in vitro activity, with the methylcyclohexane analogue BZO-CHMOXIZID being the most potent. Notably, MDA-19 (BZO-HEXOXIZID) exhibited partial efficacy in vitro, generating an activity profile most similar to that of THC, and partial substitution in vivo. Overall, the examined OXIZIDs were comparatively less potent and efficacious than previous generations of SCRAs. Further toxicological data will elucidate whether the moderate cannabimimetic activity for this series of SCRAs will translate to severe adverse health effects as seen with previous generations of SCRAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Patel
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Xiaoxi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), New Zealand
| | - Luli R Akinfiresoye
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA, USA
| | - Cassandra Prioleau
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA, USA
| | - Teneille D Walker
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), New Zealand.
| | - Julie A Marusich
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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Lu Y, Cao Y, Tang X, Hu N, Wang Z, Xu P, Hua Z, Wang Y, Su Y, Guo Y. Deep learning-assisted mass spectrometry imaging for preliminary screening and pre-classification of psychoactive substances. Talanta 2024; 272:125757. [PMID: 38368831 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125757] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Currently, it is of great urgency to develop a rapid pre-classification and screening method for suspected drugs as the constantly springing up of new psychoactive substances. In most researches, psychoactive substances classification approaches depended on the similar chemical structures and pharmacological action with known drugs. Such approaches could not face the complicated circumstance of emerging new psychoactive substances. Herein, mass spectrometry imaging and convolutional neural networks (CNN) were used for preliminary screening and pre-classification of suspected psychoactive substances. Mass spectrometry imaging was performed simultaneously on two brain slices as one was from blank group and another one was from psychoactive substance-induced group. Then, fused neurotransmitter variation mass spectrometry images (Nv-MSIs) reflecting the difference of neurotransmitters between two slices were achieved through two homemade programs. A CNN model was developed to classify the Nv-MSIs. Compared with traditional classification methods, CNN achieved better estimation accuracy and required minimal data preprocessing. Also, the specific region on Nv-MSIs and weight of each neurotransmitter that affected the classification most could be unraveled by CNN. Finally, the method was successfully applied to assist the identification of a new psychoactive substance seized recently. This sample was identified as cannabinoids, which greatly promoted the screening process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Lu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yuqi Cao
- Technical Centre, Shanghai Tobacco (Group) Corp., Shanghai, 200082, China
| | - Xiaohang Tang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Na Hu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengyong Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Youmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Yue Su
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yinlong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry and National Center for Organic Mass Spectrometry in Shanghai, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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7
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Caprari C, Ferri E, Vandelli MA, Citti C, Cannazza G. An emerging trend in Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs): designer THC. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:21. [PMID: 38702834 PMCID: PMC11067227 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00226-y] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery as one of the main components of cannabis and its affinity towards the cannabinoid receptor CB1, serving as a means to exert its psychoactivity, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) has inspired medicinal chemists throughout history to create more potent derivatives. Initially, the goal was to synthesize chemical probes for investigating the molecular mechanisms behind the pharmacology of Δ9-THC and finding potential medical applications. The unintended consequence of this noble intent has been the proliferation of these compounds for recreational use. This review comprehensively covers the most exhaustive number of THC-like cannabinoids circulating on the recreational market. It provides information on the chemistry, synthesis, pharmacology, analytical assessment, and experiences related to the psychoactive effects reported by recreational users on online forums. Some of these compounds can be found in natural cannabis, albeit in trace amounts, while others are entirely artificial. Moreover, to circumvent legal issues, many manufacturers resort to semi-synthetic processes starting from legal products extracted from hemp, such as cannabidiol (CBD). Despite the aim to encompass all known THC-like molecules, new species emerge on the drug users' pipeline each month. Beyond posing a significantly high public health risk due to unpredictable and unknown side effects, scientific research consistently lags behind the rapidly evolving recreational market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Caprari
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Elena Ferri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena, 41125, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy.
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Abdelgadir EH, Alshehri SD, Kumar S. Determine the pharmacokinetics (half-life, volume of distribution and clearance) of AMB-FUBINACA in rats plasma using GC-MS / MS. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2024; 127:107513. [PMID: 38729531 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2024.107513] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several novel synthetic cannabinoids, including methyl 2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1Hindazole-3-carboxamido)-3-methylbutanoate (AMB-FUBINACA), have recently surfaced on the illicit drug market. To determine the pharmacokinetic properties (half-life, volume of distribution, and clearance) of AMB-FUBINACA in rats plasma, a straightforward, quick, and highly sensitive analytical approach was developed. METHODS Eighteen Wistar rats were divided into two groups: one control (saline vehicle) and one treatment group (AMB-FUBINACA at 50 mg/kg). Blood samples (400 μL) were withdrawn via catheters immediately before (t = 0) and at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 240 min following injection. Samples were collected into 1 mL tuberculin syringes, then transferred to 1.5 mL plastic tubes containing 5 μL of 1000 IU/mL K3-EDTA (Thomas Scientific). Place the EDTA tubes containing samples in a centrifuge and spin at 1000 g for 10 min at 4 °C. The top layer is the plasma fraction, which is decanted into cryovials and stored at -20 °C until analysis. The gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method was optimized and validated, combined with liquid-liquid extraction, to analyze AMB-FUBINACA in rat plasma. RESULTS The research method successfully met the validation requirements set by the FDA, demonstrating selectivity and linear calibration curves within a concentration range of 0.5-1000 ng/ml. The correlation coefficient (r2) was determined to be 0.99, indicating a strong linear relationship. The analyte's limit of quantitation (LOQ) was determined to be 1-5 ng/mL. Subsequently, the method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of AMB-FUBINACA in rats' blood samples. Following oral administration, AMB-FUBINACA was rapidly absorbed, with a plasma half-life (t1/2) of 5.91 h, a volume of distribution (Vd) of 203.13 l, and a plasma clearance of 23.81122 L/h. CONCLUSION These findings contribute to the understanding of AMB-FUBINACA's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elkhatim Hassan Abdelgadir
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sarah Dafer Alshehri
- Division of Toxicology, Department of Central Military Laboratory and Blood Bank, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sachil Kumar
- Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Kutzler J, Polettini AE, Bleicher S, Sauer C, Schultis W, Neukamm MA, Auwärter V. Synthetic cannabinoids in hair-Prevalence of use in abstinence control programs for driver's license regranting in Germany. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:518-531. [PMID: 37731292 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3578] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Although the use, structural variety, and prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have steadily increased on the drug market, they are rarely analyzed in abstinence control programs for driver's license regranting. The aim of this study was to determine the SC prevalence in these programs by analyzing hair samples collected between March 2020 and March 2021 from various regions in Germany, mainly Bavaria (40%). Specimens were analyzed quantitatively for drugs of abuse and qualitatively for 107 SCs. Hair samples were screened by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and to search for unknown SC analogs, positive samples were additionally screened by liquid chromatography-high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-qTOF/MS). The analysis of 5097 hair samples resulted in 181 SC detections (3.6%), showing a wide range of 44 SCs, with up to 13 different compounds found in a single sample. The most prevalent compounds were 5F-MDMB-PICA and MDMB-4en-PINACA; furthermore, 10 new substances not initially covered by LC-MS/MS analysis were detected by LC-qTOF/MS. The SC positivity rate was comparable to cocaine (5.4%) and amphetamine (2.6%). Only in 35 cases (0.7%), SC analysis was requested by the clients, highlighting the insufficient coverage of SC consumption in the studied collective. In summary, hair sample analysis proved to be a valuable tool to monitor the use of SCs. In order to keep pace with newly emerging SC analogs, an up-to-date analytical method is essential. Prospectively, SCs should be more routinely screened in hair analysis for abstinence control to avoid cannabis substitution by SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kutzler
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Postgraduate Course for Toxicology and Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Legal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aldo Eliano Polettini
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
- Department of Diagnostics & Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sergej Bleicher
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Christoph Sauer
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schultis
- Department of Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis, SYNLAB MVZ Weiden GmbH, Weiden, Germany
| | - Merja A Neukamm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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10
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Wang T, Tang W, Zhao Z, Zhao R, Lv Z, Guo X, Gu Q, Liu B, Lv H, Chen J, Zhang K, Li F, Wang J. Fenofibrate Recognition and G q Protein Coupling Mechanisms of the Human Cannabinoid Receptor CB1. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306311. [PMID: 38298116 PMCID: PMC11005724 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a promising therapeutic target for pain management, inflammation, obesity, and substance abuse disorders. The structures of CB1-Gi complexes in synthetic agonist-bound forms have been resolved to date. However, the commercial drug recognition and Gq coupling mechanisms of CB1 remain elusive. Herein, the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of CB1-Gq complex, in fenofibrate-bound form, at near-atomic resolution, is reported. The structure elucidates the delicate mechanisms of the precise fenofibrate recognition and Gq protein coupling by CB1 and will facilitate future drug discovery and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering BiologyInstitute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055China
- iHuman InstituteShanghaiTech University393 Middle Huaxia RoadPudongShanghai201210China
| | - Wenqin Tang
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences15 Datun RoadChaoyang DistrictBeijing100101China
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- Key Laboratory of BiomacromoleculesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Ziyi Zhao
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences15 Datun RoadChaoyang DistrictBeijing100101China
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- Key Laboratory of BiomacromoleculesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Ran Zhao
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences15 Datun RoadChaoyang DistrictBeijing100101China
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- Key Laboratory of BiomacromoleculesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Zhenyu Lv
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences15 Datun RoadChaoyang DistrictBeijing100101China
- Key Laboratory of BiomacromoleculesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Xuzhen Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering BiologyInstitute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055China
| | - Quanchang Gu
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences15 Datun RoadChaoyang DistrictBeijing100101China
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- Key Laboratory of BiomacromoleculesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Boxiang Liu
- iHuman InstituteShanghaiTech University393 Middle Huaxia RoadPudongShanghai201210China
| | - Haoyu Lv
- iHuman InstituteShanghaiTech University393 Middle Huaxia RoadPudongShanghai201210China
| | - Jiayan Chen
- iHuman InstituteShanghaiTech University393 Middle Huaxia RoadPudongShanghai201210China
| | - Kaiquan Zhang
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences15 Datun RoadChaoyang DistrictBeijing100101China
- Key Laboratory of BiomacromoleculesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Fahui Li
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences15 Datun RoadChaoyang DistrictBeijing100101China
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- Key Laboratory of BiomacromoleculesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Jiangyun Wang
- Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences15 Datun RoadChaoyang DistrictBeijing100101China
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- Key Laboratory of BiomacromoleculesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
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11
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Underner M, Perriot J, Peiffer G, Jaafari N, Urban T. [Synthetic cannabinoid overdose: Watch out for acute respiratory complications]. Rev Mal Respir 2024; 41:262-263. [PMID: 38461091 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- M Underner
- Consultation de tabacologie, unité de recherche clinique, université de Poitiers, centre hospitalier Henri-Laborit, 370, avenue Jacques-Cœur, CS 10587, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France.
| | - J Perriot
- Dispensaire Émile-Roux, centre d'addictologie, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - G Peiffer
- Service de pneumologie, CHR de Metz-Thionville, 57038 Metz, France
| | - N Jaafari
- Consultation de tabacologie, unité de recherche clinique, université de Poitiers, centre hospitalier Henri-Laborit, 370, avenue Jacques-Cœur, CS 10587, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France
| | - T Urban
- Service de pneumologie, CHU d'Angers, 49000 Angers, France
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12
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Sujak M, Neuhauser J, Matz K. [Sweet cannabis intoxication at the airport]. DER NERVENARZT 2024; 95:159-161. [PMID: 38172264 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-023-01591-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marian Sujak
- Landesklinikum Mödling, Schwester-Maria-Restitutagasse 12, 2340, Mödling, Österreich.
| | - Julia Neuhauser
- Landesklinikum Mödling, Schwester-Maria-Restitutagasse 12, 2340, Mödling, Österreich
| | - Karl Matz
- Landesklinikum Mödling, Schwester-Maria-Restitutagasse 12, 2340, Mödling, Österreich
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13
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Zhou F, Wang X, Tan S, Shi Y, Xie B, Xiang P, Cong B, Ma C, Wen D. Differential cannabinoid-like effects and pharmacokinetics of ADB-BICA, ADB-BINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA and MDMB-4en-PINACA in mice: A comparative study. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13372. [PMID: 38380735 PMCID: PMC10898835 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13372] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Despite synthetic cannabinoids' (SCs) prevalent use among humans, these substances often lack comprehensive pharmacological data, primarily due to their rapid emergence in the market. This study aimed to discern differences and causal factors among four SCs (ADB-BICA, ADB-BINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA and MDMB-4en-PINACA), with respect to locomotor activity, body temperature and nociception threshold. Adult male C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of varying doses (0.5, 0.1 and 0.02 mg/kg) of these compounds. Three substances (including ADB-BINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA and MDMB-4en-PINACA) demonstrated dose- and time-dependent hypolocomotive and hypothermic effects. Notably, 0.1 mg/kg MDMB-4en-PINACA exhibited analgesic properties. However, ADB-BICA did not cause any effects. MDMB-4en-PINACA manifested the most potent and sustained effects, followed by ADB-4en-PINACA, ADB-BINACA and ADB-BICA. Additionally, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) antagonist AM251 suppressed the effects induced by acute administration of the substances. Analysis of molecular binding configurations revealed that the four SCs adopted a congruent C-shaped geometry, with shared linker binding pockets conducive to robust steric interaction with CB1R. Essential residues PHE268 , PHE200 and SER173 within CB1R were identified as pivotal contributors to enhancing receptor-ligand associations. During LC-MS/MS analysis, 0.5 mg/kg MDMB-4en-PINACA exhibited the highest plasma concentration and most prolonged detection window post-administration. The study of SCs' pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles is crucial for better understanding the main mechanisms of cannabinoid-like effects induced by SCs, interpreting clinical findings related to SC uses and enhancing SCs risk awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Zhou
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and ToxicologyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and ToxicologyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
| | - Sujun Tan
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and ToxicologyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
| | - Yan Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Judicial Expertise, Department of Forensic ToxicologyAcademy of Forensic Science, Ministry of JusticeShanghaiChina
| | - Bing Xie
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and ToxicologyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
| | - Ping Xiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Judicial Expertise, Department of Forensic ToxicologyAcademy of Forensic Science, Ministry of JusticeShanghaiChina
| | - Bin Cong
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and ToxicologyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
| | - Chunling Ma
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and ToxicologyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular BiologyMinistry of EducationShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
| | - Di Wen
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and ToxicologyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular BiologyMinistry of EducationShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
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14
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Alzu'bi A, Almahasneh F, Khasawneh R, Abu-El-Rub E, Baker WB, Al-Zoubi RM. The synthetic cannabinoids menace: a review of health risks and toxicity. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:49. [PMID: 38216984 PMCID: PMC10785485 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01443-6] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are chemically classified as psychoactive substances that target the endocannabinoid system in many body organs. SCs can initiate pathophysiological changes in many tissues which can be severe enough to damage the normal functionality of our body systems. The majority of SCs-related side effects are mediated by activating Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1R) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2R). The activation of these receptors can enkindle many downstream signalling pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis that ultimately can produce deleterious changes in many organs. Besides activating the cannabinoid receptors, SCs can act on non-cannabinoid targets, such as the orphan G protein receptors GPR55 and GPR18, the Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptors (PPARs), and the Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which are broadly expressed in the brain and the heart and their activation mediates many pharmacological effects of SCs. In this review, we shed light on the multisystem complications found in SCs abusers, particularly discussing their neurologic, cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic effects, as well as highlighting the mechanisms that intermediate SCs-related pharmacological and toxicological consequences to provide comprehensive understanding of their short and long-term systemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Alzu'bi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan.
| | - Fatimah Almahasneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Ramada Khasawneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Ejlal Abu-El-Rub
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Worood Bani Baker
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan
| | - Raed M Al-Zoubi
- Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation & Men'S Health, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, QU-Health, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar.
- Department of Chemistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
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15
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Chaturvedi K, Anthony CS, Pandey P, Doerksen RJ, Godfrey M. Influence of structural characteristics on the binding of synthetic cannabinoids from the JWH family to the CB1 receptor: A computational study. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 126:108620. [PMID: 37722351 PMCID: PMC10841904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108620] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids, including some from the John W. Huffman (JWH) family, emerged on the drug scene around 2004 as "alternative marijuana," despite being considerably more potent than marijuana. Like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids have also been found to interact with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, found in the brain, immune system, and peripheral organs. The JWH compounds and other synthetic cannabinoids have become important subjects of research in the forensic science community due to their drug-abuse potential, undetectability under routine drug screening, and unpredictable toxicity. In this study, an active-state CB1 receptor model was used to assess the receptor-ligand interactions between the CB1 receptor and ligands from the JWH synthetic cannabinoid family, as well as some newly designed JWH-like virtual compounds, labeled as MGCS compounds, using docking, binding free-energy calculations (ΔG), and molecular dynamics simulations (MDs). The calculated ΔG revealed that the carbonyl group between the naphthalene and the indole, characteristic of the JWH family, and the length of the N-linked alkyl chain were two important structural characteristics that influenced the predicted CB1 binding affinity, especially as increasing the length of the alkyl chain led to better predicted binding affinity. MDs and per-residue-breakdown results showed that the designed MGCS compounds with a pentyl chain attached to the naphthalene moiety and selected JWH compounds formed stable and strong hydrophobic interactions with the key residues Phe170, Phe174, Phe177, Phe200, Phe268, and Trp279 of the CB1 receptor. Comprehension of these critical interactions can help forensic chemists predict the structure of undiscovered families of synthetic cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Chaturvedi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, 38677, United States
| | - Caroline S Anthony
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, 38677, United States
| | - Pankaj Pandey
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, 38677, United States; National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, MS 38677-1848, United States
| | - Robert J Doerksen
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, 38677, United States
| | - Murrell Godfrey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, 38677, United States.
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16
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Carmona Rendón Y, Garzón HS, Bueno-Silva B, Arce RM, Suárez LJ. Cannabinoids in Periodontology: Where Are We Now? Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1687. [PMID: 38136721 PMCID: PMC10740419 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121687] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabinoids are a well-documented treatment modality for various immune and inflammatory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Crohn's disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and a range of neurodegenerative conditions. However, limited information is available regarding the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in treating periodontal disease. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to analyze the current evidence on the antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects of cannabis and its role in the healing and regeneration processes within periodontal tissues. RESULTS This review discusses the potential role of cannabinoids in restoring periodontal tissue homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS The examination of the endocannabinoid system and the physiological effects of cannabinoids in the periodontium suggests that they possess immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties, which could potentially promote proper tissue healing and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yésica Carmona Rendón
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Medicina Oral, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
| | - Hernán Santiago Garzón
- Programa de Doctorado en Ingeniería, Facultad de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
| | - Bruno Bueno-Silva
- Departamento de Biociências, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba 13414-903, Brazil;
| | - Roger M. Arce
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Hygiene, University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Lina Janeth Suárez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Medicina Oral, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
- Centro de Investigaciones Odontológicas, Facultad de Odontología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
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17
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Gabarin A, Yarmolinsky L, Budovsky A, Khalfin B, Ben-Shabat S. Cannabis as a Source of Approved Drugs: A New Look at an Old Problem. Molecules 2023; 28:7686. [PMID: 38067416 PMCID: PMC10707504 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis plants have been used in medicine since ancient times. They are well known for their anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities. A growing body of evidence indicates that targeting the endocannabinoid system and various other receptors with cannabinoid compounds holds great promise for addressing multiple medical conditions. There are two distinct avenues in the development of cannabinoid-based drugs. The first involves creating treatments directly based on the components of the cannabis plant. The second involves a singular molecule strategy, in which specific phytocannabinoids or newly discovered cannabinoids with therapeutic promise are pinpointed and synthesized for future pharmaceutical development and validation. Although the therapeutic potential of cannabis is enormous, few cannabis-related approved drugs exist, and this avenue warrants further investigation. With this in mind, we review here the medicinal properties of cannabis, its phytochemicals, approved drugs of natural and synthetic origin, pitfalls on the way to the widespread clinical use of cannabis, and additional applications of cannabis-related products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Gabarin
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Ludmila Yarmolinsky
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Arie Budovsky
- Research and Development Authority, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel;
| | - Boris Khalfin
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Shimon Ben-Shabat
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
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18
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Yano H, Chitsazi R, Lucaj C, Tran P, Hoffman AF, Baumann MH, Lupica CR, Shi L. Subtle Structural Modification of a Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist Drastically Increases its Efficacy at the CB1 Receptor. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3928-3940. [PMID: 37847546 PMCID: PMC10623572 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00530] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) as illicit psychoactive substances has posed considerable public health risks, including fatalities. Many SCRAs exhibit much higher efficacy and potency compared with the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R), leading to dramatic differences in signaling levels that can be toxic. In this study, we investigated the structure-activity relationships of aminoalkylindole SCRAs at CB1Rs, focusing on 5F-pentylindoles containing an amide linker attached to different head moieties. Using in vitro bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays, we identified a few SCRAs exhibiting significantly higher efficacy in engaging the Gi protein and recruiting β-arrestin than the reference CB1R full agonist CP55940. Importantly, the extra methyl group on the head moiety of 5F-MDMB-PICA, as compared to that of 5F-MMB-PICA, led to a large increase in efficacy and potency at the CB1R. This pharmacological observation was supported by the functional effects of these SCRAs on glutamate field potentials recorded in hippocampal slices. Molecular modeling and simulations of the CB1R models bound with both of the SCRAs revealed critical structural determinants contributing to the higher efficacy of 5F-MDMB-PICA and how these subtle differences propagated to the receptor-G protein interface. Thus, we find that apparently minor structural changes in the head moiety of SCRAs can cause major changes in efficacy. Our results highlight the need for close monitoring of the structural modifications of newly emerging SCRAs and their potential for toxic drug responses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Yano
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug
Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Rezvan Chitsazi
- Computational
Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Christopher Lucaj
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug
Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Phuong Tran
- Computational
Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Alexander F. Hoffman
- Electrophysiology
Research Section, National Institutes of
Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer
Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute
on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Carl R. Lupica
- Electrophysiology
Research Section, National Institutes of
Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational
Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
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19
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Dou Q, Liu W, Xiang P, Zhao J. Quantitative Analysis of Three Synthetic Cannabinoids MDMB-4en-PINACA, ADB-BUTINACA, and ADB-4en-PINACA by Thermal-Assisted Carbon Fiber Ionization Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:2316-2322. [PMID: 37641897 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Recently, synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have emerged as new psychoactive substances (NPS) and have been frequently added to e-liquids, leading to their abuse. In order to detect SCs in e-liquids quickly and accurately, a thermal-assisted carbon fiber ionization mass spectrometry technique has been developed. The introduction of a heat source helps to reduce the matrix effects. The results indicate that the ratio of the slope of the matrix curve (e-liquids matrix) and the standard curve (methanol solution) for SCs analysis is close to 1, indicating a minimized matrix effect of this method. Furthermore, this method exhibits good quantitative ability when applied to real samples. It does not require sample pretreatment and is sensitive enough to directly quantify SCs in e-liquids. Our method is characterized by the ability to achieve rapid and direct quantitative analysis with minimized matrix effects. It provides a rapid and simple method for analyzing SCs in e-liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanlu Dou
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 200063, China
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Wanhui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Junbo Zhao
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 200063, China
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20
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AL-Eitan LN, Alahmad SZ, ElMotasem MFM, Alghamdi MA. The synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA enhances the metabolic activity and angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells by upregulation of VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:796-806. [PMID: 37915478 PMCID: PMC10615825 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad068] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing brain vasculature, has been previously associated with neural plasticity and addictive behaviors related to substances. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have become increasingly popular due to their ability to mimic the effects of cannabis, offering high potency and easy accessibility. In the current study, we reveal that the SC 5F-MDMB-PICA, the most common SC in the United States in 2019, increases cell metabolic activity and promotes angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). First, we performed an MTT assay to evaluate the effects of 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment at various concentrations (0.0001 μM, 0.001 μM, 0.01 μM, 0.1 μM, and 1 μM) on HBMECs metabolic activity. The results demonstrated higher concentrations of the SC improved cell metabolic activity. Furthermore, 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment enhanced tube formation and migration of HBMECs in a dosage-dependent manner. Additionally, the mRNA, secreted protein, and intracellular protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoietin-2, which are involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, as well as the protein levels of cannabinoid receptor type-1, were all increased following treatment with 5F-MDMB-PICA. Notably, the phosphorylation levels at Serine 9 residue of glycogen synthase kinase-3β were also increased in the 5F-MDMB-PICA treated HBMECs. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that 5F-MDMB-PICA can enhance angiogenesis in HBMECs, suggesting the significant role of angiogenesis in the response to SCs. Manipulating this interaction may pave the way for innovative treatments targeting SC addiction and angiogenesis-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith Naser AL-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Saif Zuhair Alahmad
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Mohd Fahmi Munib ElMotasem
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Mansour Abdullah Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Docampo-Palacios ML, Ramirez GA, Tesfatsion TT, Okhovat A, Pittiglio M, Ray KP, Cruces W. Saturated Cannabinoids: Update on Synthesis Strategies and Biological Studies of These Emerging Cannabinoid Analogs. Molecules 2023; 28:6434. [PMID: 37687263 PMCID: PMC10490552 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176434] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural and non-natural hexahydrocannabinols (HHC) were first described in 1940 by Adam and in late 2021 arose on the drug market in the United States and in some European countries. A background on the discovery, synthesis, and pharmacology studies of hydrogenated and saturated cannabinoids is described. This is harmonized with a summary and comparison of the cannabinoid receptor affinities of various classical, hybrid, and non-classical saturated cannabinoids. A discussion of structure-activity relationships with the four different pharmacophores found in the cannabinoid scaffold is added to this review. According to laboratory studies in vitro, and in several animal species in vivo, HHC is reported to have broadly similar effects to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, as demonstrated both in vitro and in several animal species in vivo. However, the effects of HHC treatment have not been studied in humans, and thus a biological profile has not been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite L. Docampo-Palacios
- Colorado Chromatography Labs, 10505 S. Progress Way, Unit 105, Parker, CO 80134, USA; (G.A.R.); (T.T.T.); (A.O.); (M.P.); (K.P.R.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Westley Cruces
- Colorado Chromatography Labs, 10505 S. Progress Way, Unit 105, Parker, CO 80134, USA; (G.A.R.); (T.T.T.); (A.O.); (M.P.); (K.P.R.)
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22
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Lindner T, Schmidl D, Peschorn L, Pai V, Popa-Cherecheanu A, Chua J, Schmetterer L, Garhöfer G. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Glaucoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1149. [PMID: 37631064 PMCID: PMC10460067 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. To date, intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor in glaucoma treatment, but even in treated patients, the disease can progress. Cannabinoids, which have been known to lower IOP since the 1970s, have been shown to have beneficial effects in glaucoma patients beyond their IOP-lowering properties. In addition to the classical cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, knowledge of non-classical cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system has increased in recent years. In particular, the CB2 receptor has been shown to mediate anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective properties, which may represent a promising therapeutic target for neuroprotection in glaucoma patients. Due to their vasodilatory effects, cannabinoids improve blood flow to the optic nerve head, which may suggest a vasoprotective potential and counteract the altered blood flow observed in glaucoma patients. The aim of this review was to assess the available evidence on the effects and therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in glaucoma patients. The pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of cannabinoids on IOP, neuroprotection, and ocular hemodynamics have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Lindner
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Doreen Schmidl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Laura Peschorn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Viktoria Pai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Alina Popa-Cherecheanu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania;
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Jacqueline Chua
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Leopold Schmetterer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Garhöfer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
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23
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Xu Q, Zhou L, Lv M, Chen Z, Hu C, Xiang P, Chen H. Nontargeted screening based on EI-MS spectra using statistical methods: An investigative study of synthetic indole/indazole cannabinoids. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023; 37:e9524. [PMID: 37062936 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Mass spectrometry has evolved into a highly powerful tool for qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses. However, the identification of trace amounts of previously unknown structures in complex chemical matrix environments remains challenging. The rapid emergence of new synthetic cannabinoid substances is a typical example of this. Existing laboratory techniques are mostly based on methods used for lists of known illegal compounds. This situation poses a challenge to traditional data analysis and the risk of missing the compounds. Therefore, we propose to develop and validate a statistical model to classify newly emerging synthetic cannabinoid substances into a structural class or subclass. METHODS We obtained 70 electrospray ionization spectra of indole/indazole synthetic cannabinoids from both the actual standard analysis and the SWGDRUG mass spectral library (version 3.10). Each sample consisted of 330 m/z variables and corresponding relative intensities. We first cleared the variables with a variance below 0.1. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the variance-filtered data, and the two principal components were retained to generate new data for hierarchical clustering. After hierarchical clustering, we used the receiver operating characteristic method in this cluster. RESULTS Seventy synthetic indole/indazole cannabinoids were classified into four clusters. The side chain of cluster 1 is mainly fluorobenzyl, cluster 2 is pentyl, cluster 3 includes compounds from several structures, and cluster 4 is mainly fluoropentyl. The most relevant characteristic ions are m/z 109, m/z 252, and m/z 253 for cluster 1; m/z 144 and m/z 214 for cluster 2; and m/z 232 and m/z 233 for cluster 4. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a more objective and less time-consuming solution for characterizing synthetic cannabinoids. And this work validates the ability of PCA to extract characteristic fragment ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xu
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liying Zhou
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Lv
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhuonan Chen
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chi Hu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai, China
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24
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Yano H, Chitsazi R, Lucaj C, Tran P, Hoffman AF, Baumann MH, Lupica CR, Shi L. A subtle structural modification of a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist drastically increases its efficacy at the CB1 receptor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.10.544442. [PMID: 37398099 PMCID: PMC10312643 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.10.544442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) as illicit psychoactive substances has posed considerable public health risks that include fatalities. Many SCRAs exhibit much higher efficacy and potency, compared with the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), at the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R), a G protein-coupled receptor involved in modulating neurotransmitter release. In this study, we investigated structure activity relationships (SAR) of aminoalkylindole SCRAs at CB1Rs, focusing on 5F-pentylindoles containing an amide linker attached to different head moieties. Using in vitro bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays, we identified a few of SCRAs exhibiting significantly higher efficacy in engaging the Gi protein and recruiting β-arrestin than the reference CB1R full agonist CP55940. Importantly, adding a methyl group at the head moiety of 5F-MMB-PICA yielded 5F-MDMB-PICA, an agonist exhibiting a large increase in efficacy and potency at the CB1R. This pharmacological observation was supported by a functional assay of the effects of these SCRAs on glutamate field potentials recorded in hippocampal slices. Molecular modeling and simulations of the CB1R bound with either of the SCRAs revealed critical structural determinants contributing to the higher efficacy of 5F-MDMB-PICA, and how these subtle differences propagated to the receptor-G protein interface. Thus, we find that apparently minor structural changes in the head moiety of SCRAs can cause major changes in efficacy. Our results highlight the need for close monitoring of structural modifications of newly emerging SCRAs and their potential for toxic drug responses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Yano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University
| | - Rezvan Chitsazi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Christopher Lucaj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University
| | - Phuong Tran
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Alexander F Hoffman
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Carl R Lupica
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
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25
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article informs and updates the practicing neurologist on the current landscape of known neurologic injuries linked to the use of illicit drugs, focusing on emerging agents. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and similar derivatives have exploded in prevalence, becoming the leading cause of overdose fatalities. The higher potency of synthetic opioids compared with semisynthetic and nonsynthetic opiates poses an increased risk for unintentional overdose when found as an adulterant in other illicit drug supplies such as heroin. Conversely, misinformation about the risk of symptomatic exposure to fentanyl through casual contact with the skin and ambient air has led to misdirected fear and stigma that threatens to impede valid harm-reduction measures for fentanyl users at risk of actual overdose. Finally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, overdose rates and deaths continued to climb, especially among those who use opioids and methamphetamine. ESSENTIAL POINTS A variety of potential neurologic effects and injuries can occur with illicit drug use owing to the diverse properties and mechanisms of action of the various classes. Many high-risk agents are not detected on standard drug screens, including so-called designer drugs, and the practicing neurologist is best served by recognizing the clinical features of the traditional toxidrome and other potential idiosyncratic effects of various illicit agents.
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26
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Johnson JK, Colby A. History of Cannabis Regulation and Medicinal Therapeutics: It's Complicated. Clin Ther 2023; 45:521-526. [PMID: 37414502 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The genus Cannabis has a complex history, with great variations in the genus itself, as well as in its current uses worldwide. Today, it is the most commonly used psychoactive substance, with 209 million users in 2020. The legalization of cannabis for medicinal or adult use is complex. From its origins as a therapeutic agent in 2800 bc China, to the current knowledge on cannabinoids and the cannabinoid system, to the complex status of cannabis regulation across continents-knowledge gained from the history of cannabis use can inform research on cannabis-based treatments for patients with medical conditions that remain challenging in 21st century medicine, warranting research and evidence-based policy options. Changes in cannabis-related policymaking, scientific advances, and perceptions may result in increasing patient inquiries about its medicinal usage, regardless of personal opinions, thus meriting education and training of clinicians. This commentary outlines the long history of cannabis use, its current therapeutic potential from a regulatory research perspective, and the continued challenges in research and regulation in the ever-changing era of modern cannabis use. It is crucial to understand the history and complexity of cannabis use as medicine to better understand its potential for clinical therapeutics and the effects of modern-day legalization on other health- and society-related issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K Johnson
- Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, Worcester, Massachusetts.
| | - Alexander Colby
- Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, Worcester, Massachusetts
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27
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Suriaga A, Tappen RM, Aston ER, Chiang-Hanisko L, Newman D. Cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids as a cause of death: Trends and their healthcare implications. J Nurs Scholarsh 2023; 55:623-636. [PMID: 36250599 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12817] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis remains one of the most widely used illicit substances globally, with 188 million users in 2017. In the United States, nearly 50 million people are reported to have used cannabis in 2020. More research is needed because of the dramatic increase in cannabis use and the perception that its use has minimal risk. DESIGN The researchers used a retrospective design for this study. METHODS We used the Florida Department of Law Enforcement data from 2014 to 2020 for this study. We used descriptive statistics to report the characteristics of decedents whose cause of death (COD) was associated with cannabinoid (CB) and synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use. We used a general linear model with repeated measures to examine CB and SC death rate trends. RESULTS A total of 386 decedents' COD in Florida was associated with CB and SC use. Nearly 28% of decedents were 45-54 years, male (87.8%), and non-Hispanic whites (65.3%). One hundred percent of CB-related decedents died in urban counties. In rural counties, SC decedents accounted for 28.3% of deaths. Of decedents in rural counties, 39.9% were African American. Most decedents (with CB and SC use) died from accidents (98.7%), with 12.6% of cases involving cardiovascular-related illnesses. CONCLUSION CBs and SCs as a COD pose a legitimate health problem to society. More people ages 45-54 died from CBs and SCs. Drug intoxications (from CBs and SCs) and motor vehicle collisions accounted for most of the accidents reported while under the influence of CBs and SCs. While most decedents from both CBs and SCs were non-Hispanic whites, a substantial proportion of African Americans died from SCs as a COD in rural counties. It is important that the public become aware of the risks for adverse effects of CB and SC. The public needs to be aware that CB and SC use can exacerbate cardiac-related conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study has clinical relevance to patient safety. CB and SC use contributes to motor vehicle accidents and can cause adverse effects including death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armiel Suriaga
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Ruth M Tappen
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Aston
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lenny Chiang-Hanisko
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - David Newman
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
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28
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Xiang J, Wen D, Zhao J, Xiang P, Shi Y, Ma C. Study of the Metabolic Profiles of "Indazole-3-Carboxamide" and "Isatin Acyl Hydrazone" (OXIZID) Synthetic Cannabinoids in a Human Liver Microsome Model Using UHPLC-QE Orbitrap MS. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040576. [PMID: 37110234 PMCID: PMC10141538 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040576] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Unregulated core structures, "isatin acyl hydrazones" (OXIZIDs), have quietly appeared on the market since China legislated to ban seven general core scaffolds of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). The fast evolution of SCs presents clinical and forensic toxicologists with challenges. Due to extensive metabolism, the parent compounds are barely detectable in urine. Therefore, studies on the metabolism of SCs are essential to facilitate their detection in biological matrices. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the metabolism of two cores, "indazole-3-carboxamide" (e.g., ADB-BUTINACA) and "isatin acyl hydrazone" (e.g., BZO-HEXOXIZID). The in vitro phase I and phase II metabolism of these six SCs was investigated by incubating 10 mg/mL pooled human liver microsomes with co-substrates for 3 h at 37 °C, and then analyzing the reaction mixture using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry. In total, 9 to 34 metabolites were detected for each SC, and the major biotransformations were hydroxylation, dihydrodiol formation (MDMB-4en-PINACA and BZO-4en-POXIZID), oxidative defluorination (5-fluoro BZO-POXIZID), hydrogenation, hydrolysis, dehydrogenation, oxidate transformation to ketone and carboxylate, N-dealkylation, and glucuronidation. Comparing our results with previous studies, the parent drugs and SC metabolites formed via hydrogenation, carboxylation, ketone formation, and oxidative defluorination were identified as suitable biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Xiang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Judicial Expertise, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Di Wen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Junbo Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Judicial Expertise, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Judicial Expertise, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Judicial Expertise, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Chunling Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
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29
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Corli G, Tirri M, Bilel S, Giorgetti A, Bernardi T, Boccuto F, Borsari M, Giorgetti R, Marti M. Ethanol enhances JWH-018-induced impairment of sensorimotor and memory functions in mice: From preclinical evidence to forensic implication in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 247:109888. [PMID: 37120918 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several new Synthetic Cannabinoids have appeared each year since their introduction into the illicit drug market as recreational drugs. Among these, naphtalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl) methanone (JWH-018) is one of the most detected compounds in biological samples from patients involved in intoxication or death cases. Furthermore, consumption of JWH-018 has been linked to several cases of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) suggesting that effects induced by this compound can affect individuals' ability to drive. METHODS Given the high spread of polydrug consumption and the wide number of alcohol-related traffic accidents, this study aims to investigate the acute effects induced by co-administration of JWH-018 with ethanol on sensorimotor and motor responses, grip strength and memory functions in CD-1 male mice. Acute impairments induced by JWH-018 and ethanol alone have also been investigated, in order to compare their effects with that induced by their concurrent administration. RESULTS In vivo behavioral experiments revealed a worsening of the cognitive and sensorimotor disruption after the co-administration of JWH-018 with ethanol compared to single compounds. CONCLUSIONS These animal-based findings suggest a potential increased impairment on psychomotor performances which could be related to driving abilities posed by poly-drug consumption involving SCs and ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Federica Boccuto
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Borsari
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy.
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30
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Bäckberg M, Vikingsson S, Strandberg J, Wall S, Åstrand A, Karlsson H, Persson M, Kronstrand R, Green H. Using in vitro receptor activity studies of synthetic cannabinoids to support the risk assessment of new psychoactive substances - A Swedish strategy to protect public health from harm. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 348:111691. [PMID: 37116244 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
In the past 15 years, close to 1000 of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been reported in Europe and globally. At the time of identification, data on safety, toxicity and carcinogenic potential of many NPS are not available or very limited. To work more efficiently, a strategy and collaboration between the Public Health Agency of Sweden (PHAS) and the National Board of Forensic Medicine was established involving in vitro receptor activity assays to demonstrate neurological activity of NPS. This report summarizes the first results on the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs), and subsequent actions taken by PHAS. A total of 18 potential SCRAs were selected by PHAS for in vitro pharmacological characterization. 17 compounds could be acquired and investigated for their activity on the human cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptors expressed together with the AequoScreen system in CHO-K1 cells. Dose-response curves were established using eight different concentrations in triplicates at three occasions with JWH-018 as reference. For the MDMB-4en-PINACA, MMB-022, ACHMINACA, ADB-BUTINACA, 5F-CUMYL-PeGACLONE, 5C-AKB48, NM-2201, 5F-CUMYL-PINACA, JWH-022, 5Cl-AB-PINACA, MPhP-2201, 5F-AKB57 the half maximal effective concentration values ranged from 2.2 nM (5F-CUMYL-PINACA) to 171 nM (MMB-022). EG-018 and 3,5-AB-CHMFUPPYCA were none-active. The results contributed to 14 of these compounds being scheduled as narcotics in Sweden. In conclusion, many of the emerging SCRAs are potent activators of the CB1 receptor in vitro, although some lack activity or are partial agonists. The new strategy proved useful when data on psychoactive effects of the SCRAs under investigation were not available or limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Bäckberg
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, SE-151 36 Södertälje, Sweden.
| | - Svante Vikingsson
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, SE-587 58 Linköping, Sweden; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, 3040 East Cornwallis Rd., NC 27709, USA
| | - Joakim Strandberg
- Department of Living Conditions and Lifestyles, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, SE-831 40 Östersund, Sweden
| | - Sara Wall
- Department of Living Conditions and Lifestyles, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, SE-831 40 Östersund, Sweden
| | - Anna Åstrand
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hanna Karlsson
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mattias Persson
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, SE-587 58 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Kronstrand
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, SE-587 58 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Henrik Green
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, SE-587 58 Linköping, Sweden
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Hasan M, Sarker SA. New Psychoactive Substances: A Potential Threat to Developing Countries. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2023; 15:136-143. [PMID: 37560390 PMCID: PMC10408757 DOI: 10.34172/ahj.2023.1411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New psychoactive substances (NPS) have become a global phenomenon, with over 134 countries and territories from all world regions reporting them. Since December 2021, governments, laboratories, and partner agencies have confirmed to the UNODC Early Warning Advisory (EWA) on NPS over 1124 substances. It is agreed that NPS control is one of the most challenging tasks for developing countries. Identifying the present and future threads of NPS is the most challenging task for law enforcement officials. The NPS research has a great impact on substance abuse policy-making and harm reduction strategies. METHODS The data in this study were collected from the official websites of online journals, Google Scholar, UNODC, International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC). FINDINGS Among the eleven groups of NPS, synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones are the most prevalent and alarming in developing countries. In Bangladesh, NPS abuse has been first identified in 2016. Almost 60 countries adopted legislative solutions to manage NPS by 2021, with many using or amending existing legislation and others employing novel legal mechanisms. It is widely agreed by researchers that reducing the menace of NPS requires increased awareness among all stakeholders. CONCLUSION In the fight against the spread of NPS and its severe effects, law enforcement authorities and healthcare professional training must be seen as crucial aspects as well. Financing is also crucial for international organizations dealing with the NPS impact to continue fighting this war. The only way for policymakers to reduce NPS spread globally is through national and international cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan
- Deputy Director, Department of Narcotics Control, Security Services Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh
| | - Shahjahan Ali Sarker
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
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Wang Z, Leow EYQ, Moy HY, Chan ECY. Advances in urinary biomarker research of synthetic cannabinoids. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 115:1-32. [PMID: 37673518 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2023.03.004] [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] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are chemical compounds designed to mimic the action of existing illicit recreational drugs. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a subclass of NPS which bind to the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, and mimic the action of cannabis. SCs have dominated recent NPS seizure reports worldwide. While urine is the most common matrix for drug-of-abuse testing, SCs undergo extensive Phase I and Phase II metabolism, resulting in almost undetectable parent compounds in urine samples. Therefore, the major urinary metabolites of SCs are usually investigated as surrogate biomarkers to identify their consumption. Since seized urine samples after consuming novel SCs may be unavailable in a timely manner, human hepatocytes, human liver microsomes and human transporter overexpressed cell lines are physiologically-relevant in vitro systems for performing metabolite identification, metabolic stability, reaction phenotyping and transporter experiments to establish the disposition of SC and its metabolites. Coupling these in vitro experiments with in vivo verification using limited authentic urine samples, such a two-pronged approach has proven to be effective in establishing urinary metabolites as biomarkers for rapidly emerging SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziteng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric Yu Quan Leow
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hooi Yan Moy
- Analytical Toxicology Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric Chun Yong Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Rapid Simultaneous Determination of 11 Synthetic Cannabinoids in Urine by Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry. SEPARATIONS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/separations10030203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids are a series of synthetic substances that mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids and produce a much stronger toxicity than natural cannabinoids, and they have become the most abused family of new psychoactive substances. A solid-phase extraction–liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometry method has been developed to determine 11 synthetic cannabinoids in rat urine. Oasis HLB cartridge was selected to simultaneously extract synthetic cannabinoids for pretreatment. The effects of the loading solution and elution reagent volume on the recovery were investigated. The optimized acetonitrile proportion and elution reagent volume were determined by both high recovery and low solvent consumption. The results showed that the linear coefficients of determination of 11 types of synthetic cannabinoids ranged from 0.993 to 0.999, the limit of quantitation ranged from 0.01 to 0.1 ng/mL, and the spiked recoveries ranged from 69.90% to 118.39%. The research presented here provides a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to accurately identify and quantitate synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in urine samples.
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Banerjee A, Hayward JJ, Trant JF. "Breaking bud": the effect of direct chemical modifications of phytocannabinoids on their bioavailability, physiological effects, and therapeutic potential. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:3715-3732. [PMID: 36825573 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob00068k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two "major cannabinoids". However, their incorporation into clinical and nutraceutical preparations is challenging, owing to their limited bioavailability, low water solubility, and variable pharmacokinetic profiles. Understanding the organic chemistry of the major cannabinoids provides us with potential avenues to overcome these issues through derivatization. The resulting labile pro-drugs offer ready cannabinoid release in vivo, have augmented bioavailability, or demonstrate interesting pharmacological properties in their own right. This review identifies and discusses a subset of these advanced derivatization strategies for the major cannabinoids, where the starting material is the pure phytocannabinoid itself, and the final product either a cannabinoid pro-drug, or a novel pharmacoactive material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinandan Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.
| | - John J Hayward
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.
| | - John F Trant
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada.
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Sánchez-Sánchez L, García J, Fernández R, Noskova E, Egiguren-Ortiz J, Gulak M, Ochoa E, Laso A, Oiarbide M, Santos JI, Fe Andrés M, González-Coloma A, Adell A, Astigarraga E, Barreda-Gómez G. Characterization of the Antitumor Potential of Extracts of Cannabis sativa Strains with High CBD Content in Human Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043837. [PMID: 36835247 PMCID: PMC9964014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been used for decades as a palliative therapy in the treatment of cancer. This is because of its beneficial effects on the pain and nausea that patients can experience as a result of chemo/radiotherapy. Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the main compounds present in Cannabis sativa, and both exert their actions through a receptor-mediated mechanism and through a non-receptor-mediated mechanism, which modulates the formation of reactive oxygen species. These oxidative stress conditions might trigger lipidic changes, which would compromise cell membrane stability and viability. In this sense, numerous pieces of evidence describe a potential antitumor effect of cannabinoid compounds in different types of cancer, although controversial results limit their implementation. In order to further investigate the possible mechanism involved in the antitumoral effects of cannabinoids, three extracts isolated from Cannabis sativa strains with high cannabidiol content were analyzed. Cell mortality, cytochrome c oxidase activity and the lipid composition of SH-SY5Y cells were determined in the absence and presence of specific cannabinoid ligands, with and without antioxidant pre-treatment. The cell mortality induced by the extracts in this study appeared to be related to the inhibition of the cytochrome c oxidase activity and to the THC concentration. This effect on cell viability was similar to that observed with the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2. The effect was partially blocked by the selective CB1 antagonist AM281, and the antioxidant α-tocopherol. Moreover, certain membrane lipids were affected by the extracts, which demonstrated the importance of oxidative stress in the potential antitumoral effects of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sánchez-Sánchez
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Unidad de Excelencia, Universidad de Valladolid-CSIC, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Javier García
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences (ICA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Fernández
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Ekaterina Noskova
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - June Egiguren-Ortiz
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Eneko Ochoa
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Research and Development Division, AleoVitro, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Antonio Laso
- Research and Development Division, AleoVitro, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Mikel Oiarbide
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Santos
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - María Fe Andrés
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences (ICA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Azucena González-Coloma
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences (ICA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Albert Adell
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Egoitz Astigarraga
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Gabriel Barreda-Gómez
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48160 Derio, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-94-4316-577; Fax: +34-94-6013-455
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Abdelmoneim WM, Bakr MH, Ghandour NM, Mohammed MK, Fawzy M, Ramadan AG, Abdellah NZ. Cytotoxicity associated with acute and chronic administration of synthetic cannabinoids “Strox” in the brain, liver, heart, and testes of male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-023-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances that invaded Egypt’s drug abuse market over the past few years.
Aim
Randomized controlled trial study to demonstrate the effects of acute and chronic toxicity by synthetic cannabinoid (Strox) on the brain, liver, heart, and testes in adult male albino rats through histopathological examination by light microscope and immunohistochemistry.
Methods
Total number of fifty male albino rats were divided into five different groups, two control and three treated groups. Negative and positive control groups received distilled water and dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, acute group received LD50 (lethal dose 50) once and observed for 14 days, chronic group received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months, and finally chronic withdrawal groups received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months and then left 2 weeks without the substance to observe the withdrawal manifestations.
Results
The current study revealed various histopathological changes in all organs with increased expression of cannabinoid receptor 1. The most important findings observed by light microscope examination were shrinkage and degenerative changes in Purkinje cells in brain sections, abnormalities in blood sinusoids and architecture in liver section, disruption in cardiac muscle fiber in heart sections, and finally testes showed irregularities in seminiferous tubules and germinal cells. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 in the brain, liver, and heart showed weak-positive reaction in acute group and a strong reaction with chronic groups. Additionally, increase in collagen fiber was observed in sections of the liver and heart of chronic group.
Conclusions
Synthetic cannabinoid sample (Strox) toxicity caused adverse effects on the brain, liver, heart, and testes as shown by increasing cannabinoid receptor 1 and caspase-3 expression.
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Characterization of URB Series Synthetic Cannabinoids by HRMS and UHPLC–MS/MS. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ph16020201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of synthetic cannabinoids are included in new psychoactive substances (NPS) and constitute an open research area in analytical pharmaceutical and toxicology when methods are needed to unambiguously identify these substances and their metabolites in biological fluids. A full molecular characterization of five synthetic molecules of the URB series that is able to interact with the endocannabinoid system was achieved with a high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in positive ion electrospray ionization and collisional experiments on the protonated parent ions, obtaining characteristic fragmentation patterns. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole (UHPLC-MS/MS) has also been used, which can help develop methods for screening and confirming synthetic cannabinoids in biological fluids.
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Roque-Bravo R, Silva RS, Malheiro RF, Carmo H, Carvalho F, da Silva DD, Silva JP. Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Pharmacological and Toxicological Overview. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:187-209. [PMID: 35914767 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-031122-113758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a chemically diverse group of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) that target the endocannabinoid system, triggering a plethora of actions (e.g., elevated mood sensation, relaxation, appetite stimulation) that resemble, but are more intense than, those induced by cannabis. Although some of these effects have been explored for therapeutic applications, anticipated stronger psychoactive effects than cannabis and reduced risk perception have increased the recreational use of SCs, which have dominated the NPS market in the United States and Europe over the past decade. However, rising SC-related intoxications and deaths represent a major public health concern and embody a major challenge for policy makers. Here, we review the pharmacology and toxicology of SCs. A thorough characterization of SCs' pharmacodynamics and toxicodynamics is important to better understand the main mechanisms underlying acute and chronic effects of SCs, interpret the clinical/pathological findings related to SC use, and improve SC risk awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Roque-Bravo
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Rafaela Sofia Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Rui F Malheiro
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Helena Carmo
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Félix Carvalho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Diana Dias da Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; , .,Toxicology Research Unit (TOXRUN), University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
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The Old and the New: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Alterations Induced by Acute JWH-018 Administration Compared to Δ 9-THC-A Preclinical Study in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021631. [PMID: 36675144 PMCID: PMC9865969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Several new psychoactive substances (NPS) are responsible for intoxication involving the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Among NPS, synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) provoked side effects in humans characterized by tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, breathing difficulty, apnoea, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest. Therefore, the present study investigated the cardio-respiratory (MouseOx Plus; EMKA electrocardiogram (ECG) and plethysmography TUNNEL systems) and vascular (BP-2000 systems) effects induced by 1-naphthalenyl (1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-methanone (JWH-018; 0.3-3-6 mg/kg) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC; 0.3-3-6 mg/kg), administered in awake CD-1 male mice. The results showed that higher doses of JWH-018 (3-6 mg/kg) induced deep and long-lasting bradycardia, alternated with bradyarrhythmia, spaced out by sudden episodes of tachyarrhythmias (6 mg/kg), and characterized by ECG electrical parameters changes, sustained bradypnea, and systolic and transient diastolic hypertension. Otherwise, Δ9-THC provoked delayed bradycardia (minor intensity tachyarrhythmias episodes) and bradypnea, also causing a transient and mild hypertensive effect at the tested dose range. These effects were prevented by both treatment with selective CB1 (AM 251, 6 mg/kg) and CB2 (AM 630, 6 mg/kg) receptor antagonists and with the mixture of the antagonists AM 251 and AM 630, even if in a different manner. Cardio-respiratory and vascular symptoms could be induced by peripheral and central CB1 and CB2 receptors stimulation, which could lead to both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems activation. These findings may represent a starting point for necessary future studies aimed at exploring the proper antidotal therapy to be used in SCs-intoxicated patient management.
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García-Atienza P, Martínez-Pérez-Cejuela H, Simó-Alfonso E, Herrero-Martínez J, Armenta S. Determination of synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluids by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after solid-phase extraction. MethodsX 2023; 10:102173. [PMID: 37122371 PMCID: PMC10133741 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the most consumed new psychoactive substances, being absolutely necessary the development of analytical methodologies for the determination of these substances in biological fluids. In this study, a liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FD) method has been developed for the analysis of 8 synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluids. The method has been validated in terms of linearity, precision and extraction recoveries, giving limits of detection as low as 0.7 µg L-1, and limits of quantification of 2.6 µg L-1. Different silica and polymeric commercial solid sorbents such as C18, Supel-Select HLB, EB2 ExtrabondⓇ and SampliQ-OPT were tested, concluding that Supel-Select HLB provided quantitative recoveries for the extraction of synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluids.•Analysis of synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluids.•Analytical procedure based on liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.•Sample treatment based on solid phase extraction with HLB cartridges.
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de Araujo KRG, Fabris AL, Neves Júnior LF, de Carvalho Ponce J, Soares AL, Costa JL, Yonamine M. The mystery behind the apprehensions of the selective cannabinoid receptor type-2 agonist BZO-HEXOXIZID (MDA-19) as a drug of abuse. Forensic Toxicol 2023; 41:142-150. [PMID: 36652069 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-022-00646-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE MDA-19 or BZO-HEXOXIZID (N'-[(3Z)-1-(1-hexyl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3H-indol-3-ylidene]-benzohydrazide), in a more recent nomenclature, was first synthesized in 2008 as a selective type-2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) agonist due to its potential to treat neuropathic pain. In Brazil, this substance was identified in a series of 53 apprehensions between September 2021 and February 2022. Nevertheless, what intrigues toxicologists is that BZO-HEXOXIZID does not exert significant type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) agonism-which is responsible for the well-known psychoactivity of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Thus, the objective of this work is to report the first apprehension and identification of BZO-HEXOXIZID in Brazil and to discuss pharmacologically the possible reasons why a CB2 agonist has been incorporated to the illicit market. METHODS Suspected seized samples were sent to the Laboratory of the Scientific Police of the State of Sao Paulo. After the screening, samples were confirmed for the presence of BZO-HEXOXIZID using chromatography gas-mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. RESULTS Of the 53 samples analyzed, 25 contained only BZO-HEXOXIZID and 28 with mixtures, of which 11 with the CB1 agonist ADB-BUTINACA. Other substances were found in association such as cocaine and caffeine. CONCLUSIONS BZO-HEXOXIZID was detected in a series of seized materials for the first time in Brazil. Nevertheless, there are still unanswered questions regarding the use of this selective CB2 agonist as a drug of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - André Luis Fabris
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz F Neves Júnior
- Superintendence of the Technical-Scientific Police, Institute of Criminalistics, São Paulo, SP, 05507-060, Brazil
| | - Júlio de Carvalho Ponce
- Superintendence of the Technical-Scientific Police, Institute of Criminalistics, São Paulo, SP, 05507-060, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Learth Soares
- Instrumental Analysis Laboratory of the Technical-Scientific Police, Institute of Criminalistics, São Paulo, SP, 05507-060, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Costa
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Yonamine
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
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Duranti A, Beldarrain G, Álvarez A, Sbriscia M, Carloni S, Balduini W, Alonso-Alconada D. The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for Neuroprotection/Neuroregeneration in Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010028. [PMID: 36672536 PMCID: PMC9855621 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (EC) system is a complex cell-signaling system that participates in a vast number of biological processes since the prenatal period, including the development of the nervous system, brain plasticity, and circuit repair. This neuromodulatory system is also involved in the response to endogenous and environmental insults, being of special relevance in the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders, such as stroke and neuroprotection after neonatal brain injury. Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia leading to neonatal encephalopathy is a devastating condition with no therapeutic approach apart from moderate hypothermia, which is effective only in some cases. This overview, therefore, gives a current description of the main components of the EC system (including cannabinoid receptors, ligands, and related enzymes), to later analyze the EC system as a target for neonatal neuroprotection with a special focus on its neurogenic potential after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
| | - Gorane Beldarrain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Antonia Álvarez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Matilde Sbriscia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Silvia Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Walter Balduini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (D.A.-A.); Tel.: +39-0722-303501 (A.D.); +34-946-013294 (D.A.-A.)
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Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cannabis: How the Patterns of Use Differ: Results from the European Web Survey on Drugs. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00919-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2022] Open
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Marusich JA, Gamage TF, Zhang Y, Akinfiresoye LR, Wiley JL. In vitro and in vivo pharmacology of nine novel synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 220:173467. [PMID: 36154844 PMCID: PMC9837865 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are novel psychoactive substances that bind to and activate CB1 receptors in the brain. The structural manipulations observed in newer SCRAs suggest that manufacturers have incorporated modern drug development techniques into their repertoire, often producing higher CB1 receptor affinity than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). This study examined nine SCRAs recently detected by forensic surveillance, some of which caused fatalities: 5F-MDMB-PICA, FUB-144, 5F-MMB-PICA, MMB-4en-PICA, MMB-FUBICA, 5F-EDMB-PINACA, APP-BINACA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, and FUB-AKB48. Compounds were evaluated for CB1 and CB2 receptor binding affinity and functional activation and for their effects on body temperature, time course, and pharmacological equivalence with Δ9-THC in Δ9-THC drug discrimination in mice. All SCRAs bound to and activated CB1 and CB2 receptors with high affinity, with similar or greater affinity for CB2 than CB1 receptors and stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in CB1 and CB2 expressing cell membranes. All compounds produced hypothermia, with shorter latency to peak effects for SCRAs than Δ9-THC. All SCRAs fully substituted for Δ9-THC in drug discrimination at one or more doses. Rank order potency in producing in vivo effects mostly aligned with rank order CB1 receptor affinities. Potencies for Δ9-THC-like discriminative stimulus effects were similar across sex except Δ9-THC was more potent in females and 5F-MMB-PICA was more potent in males. In summary, 5F-EMDB-PINACA, 5F-MDMB-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, FUB-144, FUB-AKB48, 5F-MMB-PICA, MMB-4en-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA are potent and efficacious SCRAs with pharmacology like that of past SCRAs that have been abused in humans. In contrast, APP-BINACA was efficacious, but had lower potency than most past SCRAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Luli R Akinfiresoye
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA 22152, USA
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Przybycień P, Gąsior-Perczak D, Placha W. Cannabinoids and PPAR Ligands: The Future in Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women with Obesity and Reduced Fertility. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162569. [PMID: 36010645 PMCID: PMC9406585 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids (CBs) are used to treat chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis spasticity. Recently, the medicinal use of CBs has attracted increasing interest as a new therapeutic in many diseases. Data indicate a correlation between CBs and PPARs via diverse mechanisms. Both the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) may play a significant role in PCOS and PCOS related disorders, especially in disturbances of glucose-lipid metabolism as well as in obesity and fertility. Taking into consideration the ubiquity of PCOS in the human population, it seems indispensable to search for new potential therapeutic targets for this condition. The aim of this review is to examine the relationship between metabolic disturbances and obesity in PCOS pathology. We discuss current and future therapeutic interventions for PCOS and related disorders, with emphasis on the metabolic pathways related to PCOS pathophysiology. The link between the ECS and PPARs is a promising new target for PCOS, and we examine this relationship in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Przybycień
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
- Endocrinology Clinic, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
| | - Danuta Gąsior-Perczak
- Endocrinology Clinic, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Wojciech Placha
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-422-74-00
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Carfora A, Petrella R, Ambrosio G, Fracassi I, Festinese S, Feola A, Campobasso CP. Toxicological Analysis of Illicit Drugs Seized in Naples (Italy) and First Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids during COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081488. [PMID: 36011145 PMCID: PMC9408475 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has consistently raised the number of drug seizures, in United States as in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the typology of seizures from “more traditional” drugs to New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs), depending on geographical area. In Europe, the most frequent NPSs are synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) and cathinones, nonetheless synthetic opioids and phenethylamines are widely used. The aim of the study is the detection of NPS and other substances of abuse available in the black market, by quali/quantitative methods in LC-MS/MS and GC-MS. From 2018 to 2021, 268 seizures occurred in total and were analyzed by the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory (FTL) of Naples (Italy). The distribution of analyzed seizures over the years is the following: 53 in 2018, 61 in 2019, 89 in 2020 and 65 during the first semester of 2021. Cannabis was the most detected drug both in hashish and marijuana seizures, followed by cocaine > heroine > prescribed drugs > ketamine−amphetamine MDMA. No NPSs were seized until June 2021, when NPSs were found in two different seizures: Case #1 showed a bar of Cannabis resin containing a low level of Δ9THC = 0.57% associated to SC AB-FUBINACA in 4.5%; Case #2 showed a vegetal resinous substance (Δ9THC = 0.27%) with SC 5F-APINACA (4.1%) associated with methadone (1.0%). The detection of NPSs is alarming evidence that can lead to an increase in the risk of overdose or other negative and unpredictable consequences, such as violent or self-harming behavior in unaware users of cannabis derivatives considered of “natural” origin.
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Farinha-Ferreira M, Rei N, Fonseca-Gomes J, Miranda-Lourenço C, Serrão P, Vaz SH, Gomes JI, Martins V, de Alves Pereira B, Sebastião AM. Unexpected short- and long-term effects of chronic adolescent HU-210 exposure on emotional behavior. Neuropharmacology 2022; 214:109155. [PMID: 35660545 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic adolescent cannabinoid receptor agonist exposure has been shown to lead to persistent increases in depressive-like behaviors. This has been a key obstacle to the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics. However, most of the published work has been performed with only three compounds, namely Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CP55,940 and WIN55,212-2. Hypothesizing that different compounds may lead to distinct outcomes, we herein used the highly potent CB1R/CB2R full agonist HU-210, and first aimed at replicating cannabinoid-induced long-lasting effects, by exposing adolescent female Sprague-Dawley rats to increasing doses of HU-210, for 11 days and testing them at adulthood, after a 30-day drug washout. Surprisingly, HU-210 did not significantly impact adult anxious- or depressive-like behaviors. We then tested whether chronic adolescent HU-210 treatment resulted in short-term (24h) alterations in depressive-like behavior. Remarkably, HU-210 treatment simultaneously induced marked antidepressant- and prodepressant-like responses, in the modified forced swim (mFST) and sucrose preference tests (SPT), respectively. Hypothesizing that mFST results were a misleading artifact of HU-210-induced behavioral hyperreactivity to stress, we assessed plasmatic noradrenaline and corticosterone levels, under basal conditions and following an acute swim-stress episode. Notably, we found that while HU-210 did not alter basal noradrenaline or corticosterone levels, it greatly augmented the stress-induced increase in both. Our results show that, contrary to previously studied cannabinoid receptor agonists, HU-210 does not induce persisting depressive-like alterations, despite inducing marked short-term increases in stress-induced reactivity. By showing that not all cannabinoid receptor agonists may induce long-term negative effects, these results hold significant relevance for the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Farinha-Ferreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nádia Rei
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Fonseca-Gomes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Miranda-Lourenço
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paula Serrão
- Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto. Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal; MedInUP - Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto. Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana I Gomes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Valéria Martins
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Beatriz de Alves Pereira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Augustin SM, Lovinger DM. Synaptic changes induced by cannabinoid drugs and cannabis use disorder. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 167:105670. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Detection of the Synthetic Cannabinoids AB-CHMINACA, ADB-CHMINACA, MDMB-CHMICA, and 5F-MDMB-PINACA in Biological Matrices: A Systematic Review. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050796. [PMID: 35625524 PMCID: PMC9139075 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Synthetic cannabinoids were originally developed for scientific research and potential therapeutic agents. However, clandestine laboratories synthesize them and circumvent legal barriers by falsely marketing them as incense or herbal products. They have serious adverse effects, and new derivatives are continuously found in the market, making their detection difficult due to the lack of comparative standards. Human matrices are used to identify the type of synthetic cannabinoid and the time of its consumption. This review discusses the use of hair, oral fluid, blood, and urine in the detection and quantification of some of the major synthetic cannabinoids. Based on the results, some recommendations can be followed, for example, the use of hair to detect chronic and retrospective consumption (although sensitive to external contamination) and oral fluid or blood for the simultaneous detection of the parent compounds and their metabolites. If longer detection times than blood or oral fluid are needed, urine is the matrix of choice, although its pH may intervene in the analysis. This work highlights the use of new techniques, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, to avoid the use of previous standards and to monitor new trends in the drug market. Abstract New synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are emerging rapidly and continuously. Biological matrices are key for their precise detection to link toxicity and symptoms to each compound and concentration and ascertain consumption trends. The objective of this study was to determine the best human biological matrices to detect the risk-assessed compounds provided by The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction: AB-CHMINACA, ADB-CHMNACA, MDMB-CHMICA, and 5F-MDMB-PINACA. We carried out a systematic review covering 2015 up to the present date, including original articles assessing detection in antemortem human biological matrices with detailed validation information of the technique. In oral fluid and blood, SC parent compounds were found in oral fluid and blood at low concentrations and usually with other substances; thus, the correlation between SCs concentrations and severity of symptoms could rarely be established. When hair is used as the biological matrix, there are difficulties in excluding passive contamination when evaluating chronic consumption. Detection of metabolites in urine is complex because it requires prior identification studies. LC-MS/MS assays were the most widely used approaches for the selective identification of SCs, although the lack of standard references and the need for revalidation with the continuous emergence of new SCs are limiting factors of this technique. A potential solution is high-resolution mass spectrometry screening, which allows for non-targeted detection and retrospective data interrogation.
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Abstract
The study aims to analyze the degree of similarity of some molecules belonging to two subgroups of Aminoalkylindoles. After extracting the molecules’ characteristics using Cheminformatics methods, and the computation of the Tanimoto coefficients, dendrograms and heatmaps were built to reveal the degree of similarity of the analyzed drugs. Some atom-pair similarities between the molecules in the same group were detected. The clusters determined by the k-means method divided the Benzoylindoles into two subgroups but kept all the Phenylacetylindoles together in the same set. The activity spectrum of the elements in each group was also analyzed, and similarities have been emphasized. The clustering has been validated using the Kruskal–Wallis test on the series of computed probabilities of the main effects.
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