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Brueckner I, Welter-Luedeke J, Zangl A, Graw M, Paul LD. α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) vs. α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP): A toxicological investigation about plasma concentrations and behavior in forensic routine cases. J Anal Toxicol 2024; 48:299-313. [PMID: 38491987 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS), like pyrrolidinophenones, are still very present on the illegal drug market. The presented study reports on two members of this substance group, α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP), which occurred in forensic routine cases in the last 6 years. α-PHP could be detected predominantly by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method in 33 authentic human plasma samples and α-PiHP in 8. α-PHP concentrations ranged from ca. 0.75 to 128 µg/L (mean: 23.2, median: 16.3) and α-PiHP concentrations from 7.33 to 118 µg/L (mean: 44.7, median: 33.7, quantified via α-PHP). Individuals were predominantly male and middle aged. As different studies have shown, some pyrrolidinophenones are able to cause aggressive behavior. Therefore, we set out to investigate the relation of α-PHP and α-PiHP plasma concentrations and the behavior of the consumers, reported by police and medical experts. Part of the subjects showed aggressive behavior, including agitation and restlessness. Lethargic and unremarkable behavior might be explained by co-consumption of other drugs, such as opiates/opioids, benzodiazepines, pregabalin or alcohol as well as by drug tolerance and subacute effects of stimulants. Multi-drug use could be detected in all cases; also stimulating substances and multiple different pyrrolidinophenones were determined. Nevertheless, users of α-PHP and α-PiHP showed a tendency to act aggressively, possibly triggered by a high selectivity for dopamine transporter inhibition. In accordance, committed offenses were often violent crimes. This might be considered in terms of toxicological assessment of criminal responsibility and driving ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Brueckner
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Jessica Welter-Luedeke
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Anna Zangl
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Matthias Graw
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Liane D Paul
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Nussbaumstraße 26, Munich 80336, Germany
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Dinis P, Franco J, Margalho C. α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP): A Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:429. [PMID: 38672701 PMCID: PMC11051472 DOI: 10.3390/life14040429] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
New Psychoactive Substances are currently a serious and growing problem affecting public health worldwide. By 2022, 1184 of these substances had been identified over a period of 16 years. Within these, α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP) have emerged, two synthetic cathinones from the pyrovalerone derivates subgroup that are positional isomers of each other. Alpha-PHP appeared on the Japanese illicit drug market in 2014 and, two years later, α-PiHP was identified for the first time in China. They were placed in schedule II on the list of Psychotropic Substances under International Control in 2020 and in March 2023, respectively. Both cathinones have no therapeutic potential for medical use and therefore are abused for recreational habits, which can lead to fatalities. The most frequent adverse effects reported are cardiac, psychiatric, and neurologic, and fatal intoxications have already been described. In Portugal, their consumption and consequent seizures are more prevalent on the archipelagos, which has been aggravating the health situation. In conclusion, these types of substances are a challenge for forensic toxicology since they are easily synthesized, modified, and placed on the market. Therefore, more studies to develop analytical methods to detect them and more comprehensive legislation should be applied. Thus, this review aimed to address the legislative, physicochemical, toxicological, and analytical aspects of both substances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cláudia Margalho
- Laboratory of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, I.P.—Centre Branch, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde (Pólo III)—Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (P.D.); (J.F.)
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Godoi AB, Antunes NDJ, Cunha KF, Martins AF, Huestis MA, Costa JL. Metabolic Stability and Metabolite Identification of N-Ethyl Pentedrone Using Rat, Mouse and Human Liver Microsomes. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:257. [PMID: 38399311 PMCID: PMC10893277 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020257] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) are defined as a group of substances produced from molecular modifications of traditional drugs. These molecules represent a public health problem since information about their metabolites and toxicity is poorly understood. N-ethyl pentedrone (NEP) is an NPS that was identified in the illicit market for the first time in the mid-2010s, with four intoxication cases later described in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the metabolic stability of NEP as well as to identify its metabolites using three liver microsomes models. To investigate metabolic stability, NEP was incubated with rat (RLM), mouse (MLM) and human (HLM) liver microsomes and its concentration over time evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. For metabolite identification, the same procedure was employed, but the samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Different metabolism profiles were observed depending on the model employed and kinetic parameters were determined. The in vitro NEP elimination half-lives (t1/2) were 12.1, 187 and 770 min for the rat, mouse and human models, respectively. Additionally, in vitro intrinsic clearances (Cl int, in vitro) were 229 for rat, 14.8 for mouse, and 3.6 μL/min/mg in the human model, and in vivo intrinsic clearances (Cl int, in vivo) 128, 58.3, and 3.7 mL/min/kg, respectively. The HLM model had the lowest rate of metabolism when compared to RLM and MLM. Also, twelve NEP metabolites were identified from all models, but at different rates of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Barcia Godoi
- Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica (CIATox) de Campinas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil; (A.B.G.); (K.F.C.); (A.F.M.); (J.L.C.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil
| | - Natalícia de Jesus Antunes
- Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica (CIATox) de Campinas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil; (A.B.G.); (K.F.C.); (A.F.M.); (J.L.C.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil
| | - Kelly Francisco Cunha
- Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica (CIATox) de Campinas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil; (A.B.G.); (K.F.C.); (A.F.M.); (J.L.C.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline Franco Martins
- Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica (CIATox) de Campinas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil; (A.B.G.); (K.F.C.); (A.F.M.); (J.L.C.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica (CIATox) de Campinas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil; (A.B.G.); (K.F.C.); (A.F.M.); (J.L.C.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, Brazil
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Machado F, Franco J, Vieira DN, Margalho C. Development and Validation of a GC-MS-EI Method to Determine α-PHP in Blood: Application to Samples Collected during Medico-Legal Autopsies. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:271-279. [PMID: 36516237 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPSs) still represent an issue of great concern worldwide despite efforts made by national and international control systems to limit the spread of these substances. Alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) is a fairly recent synthetic cathinone (the second largest group of monitored substances in Europe) with only a few published studies on the substance. Though there is a low incidence of NPS consumption in Portugal, a recent increase in apprehensions and detections in biological matrices of the substance was verified. An analytical methodology was developed and validated for determining and quantitating α-PHP in blood. Solid-phase extraction was employed for sample preparation (500 μL), which was further analyzed by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry-electron ionization in single-ion monitoring mode with cocaine-d3 as the internal standard. Method validation followed the guidelines of the American National Standards Institute/AAFS Standards Board (ANSI/ASB Standard 036). The procedure was linear between 10 and 1,000 ng/mL, with determination coefficients (r2) higher than 0.999. Carryover was not observed. A limit of detection of 5 ng/mL and a limit of quantitation of 10 ng/mL were achieved. Intraday and intermediate precision and bias assessment showed satisfactory results (coefficient of variation <17.7%; bias <11.6%), and extraction efficiency ranged from 98.5% to 103.3%. The stability of the substance was considered acceptable for at least 6 h at room temperature, 48 h in the autosampler and 21 days after five freeze/thaw cycles. The developed methodology was applied to 15 real samples from the Laboratory of Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology, Centre Branch of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Portugal, with drug concentrations ranging from 15 to 227 ng/mL. Available information for each case is also detailed in the present article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Machado
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses-Delegação do Centro, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde (Pólo III), Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde (Pólo III), Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal
| | - João Franco
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses-Delegação do Sul, Rua Manuel Bento de Sousa, 3, Lisboa 1169-201, Portugal
| | - Duarte Nuno Vieira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde (Pólo III), Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Margalho
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses-Delegação do Centro, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde (Pólo III), Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra 3000-548, Portugal
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Grapp M, Kaufmann C, Schwelm HM, Neukamm MA. Toxicological Investigation of a Case Series Involving the Synthetic Cathinone α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) and Identification of Phase I and II Metabolites in Human Urine. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:162-174. [PMID: 35921233 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) is a derivative of the class of α-pyrrolidinophenones, a subgroup of synthetic cathinones. These substances are the second most abused drugs of new psychoactive substances. Here, we report the toxicological investigation of a series of 29 authentic forensic and clinical cases with analytically confirmed intake of α-PHP including two cases of drug testing in newborns using meconium. The age range of subjects where serum samples were available was 23-51 years (median 39.5), and 90% were male. Serum α-PHP concentrations, determined by a validated LC-MS-MS method, showed a high variability ranging from 1 to 83 ng/mL (mean, 40 ng/mL; median, 36 ng/mL). Comprehensive toxicological analysis revealed co-consumption of other psychotropic drugs in almost all cases with frequent occurrence of opiates (60%), benzodiazepines (35%), cannabinoids (30%), and cocaine (20%). Hence, forensic and clinical symptoms like aggressive behavior, sweating, delayed physical response, and impaired balance could not be explained by the abuse of α-PHP alone but rather by poly-intoxications. Liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to investigate the metabolism of α-PHP in vivo using authentic human urine samples. Altogether, 11 phase I metabolites and 5 phase II glucuronides could be identified by this approach. Apart from the parent drug, most abundant findings in urine were the metabolites dihydroxy-pyrrolidinyl-α-PHP and dihydro-α-PHP and, to a lesser extent, 2'-oxo-dihydro-α-PHP and 2'-oxo-α-PHP. Monitoring of these metabolites along with the parent drug in forensic and clinical toxicology could unambiguously prove the abuse of the novel designer drug α-PHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Grapp
- Forensic Toxicological Laboratory, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Christoph Kaufmann
- Forensic Toxicological Laboratory, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Hannes M Schwelm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Herrmann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Merja A Neukamm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, Freiburg 79104, Germany
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Oh HA, Yoo JH, Kim YJ, Han KS, Woo DH. 4-EA-NBOMe, an amphetamine derivative, alters glutamatergic synaptic transmission through 5-HT 1A receptors on cortical neurons from SpragueDawley rat and pyramidal neurons from C57BL/6 mouse. Neurotoxicology 2023; 95:144-154. [PMID: 36738894 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.02.001] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are compounds designed to mimic illegal recreational drugs. In particular, there are difficulties in legal restrictions because there is no fast NPS detection method to suppress the initial spread of NPS with criminal records; thus, they expose the public to serious health threats, including toxicity and dependence. However, the effects of NPSs on the brain and the related cellular mechanisms are well unknown. One of the recently emerging drugs is 4-ethylamphetamine-NBOMe (4-EA-NBOMe), a member of the 2 C phenylalanine family with a similar structure to methamphetamine (methA). In this study, we tested the effect of methA analogs on the glutamatergic synaptic transmission on primary cultured cortical neurons of SpragueDawley (SD) rats and C57BL/6 mice, and also layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of C57BL/6 mice. We found that acute treatment with 4-EA-NBOMe inhibits spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and that withdrawal after chronic inhibition by 4-EA-NBOMe augments glutamatergic synaptic transmission. These modifications of synaptic responses are mediated by 5-HT1A receptors. These findings suggest that 4-EA-NBOMe directly affects the central nervous system by changing the efficacy of glutamatergic synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-A Oh
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Daejeon 34114, South Korea
| | - Jae Hong Yoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134 South Korea
| | - Ye-Ji Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Daejeon 34114, South Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Seok Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134 South Korea.
| | - Dong Ho Woo
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Daejeon 34114, South Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, South Korea.
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Deville M, Fedorowicz R, Grandjean F, Simon M, Charlier C. Synthetic Cathinones in Belgium: Two Case Reports with Different Outcomes Observed in the Emergency Room. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 46:e291-e295. [PMID: 36453752 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein report two cases of cathinone intoxication. The first case is about a drug addict who was admitted to the emergency room after the injection of an unknown compound. He presented with tachycardia, palpitations, mydriasis, dyspnea, dizziness, headache and nausea. After leaving the hospital against medical advice, he returned the next day with police escort, presenting aggressiveness and agitation signs. One month later, he returned one more time for sleeping disorders, hallucinations and anxiety. He was finally transferred for his 21st detoxification treatment. The second case concerns a man who was wandering the streets and tried to escape when police officers called him. He confessed to snorting of N-ethylpentedrone and was admitted with severe agitation including delusion of persecution, tachycardia, mydriasis and fever. Because of renal failure, rhabdomyolysis and metabolic acidosis, he was transferred to the intensive care unit where he manifested worsening of the symptoms, turning into coma. He was intubated for 3 days before a complete resolution of the symptoms. A screening was performed by high-resolution mass spectrometry followed by quantifications made by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector. In the first case, alpha-pyrrolidinohexiophenone was identified only during the first two admissions. However, as plenty of other psychotropic substances were also found, the cathinone alone could not be held directly responsible for the symptoms. In the second case, more than 2,000 ng/mL of N-ethylpentedrone was found without any decrease in the next 17 h, underlining the long half-life of this compound. Unlike the first case, symptoms could be clearly attributed to the cathinone. In conclusion, cathinones can be found on the Belgian illicit drug market, with various routes of administration and clinical consequences. In these two case reports, some common points were observed initially. However, one patient was finally able to leave the hospital without any treatment, whereas the other would most likely have died without intensive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Deville
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, CHU Liege, Avenue de l'Hôpital,1, Liege B-4000, Belgium
| | - R Fedorowicz
- Intensive Care Unit, Vivalia, South Luxembourg Clinic, Rue des Déportés 137, Arlon B-6700, Belgium
| | - F Grandjean
- Laboratory of Clinical Biology, South Luxembourg Clinic, Rue des Déportés 137, Arlon B-6700, Belgium
| | - M Simon
- Intensive Care Unit, Vivalia, South Luxembourg Clinic, Rue des Déportés 137, Arlon B-6700, Belgium
| | - C Charlier
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, CHU Liege, Avenue de l'Hôpital,1, Liege B-4000, Belgium
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Epigenetic Studies for Evaluation of NPS Toxicity: Focus on Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061398. [PMID: 35740419 PMCID: PMC9219842 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent decade, numerous new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have been added to the illicit drug market. These are synthetized to mimic the effects of classic drugs of abuse (i.e., cannabis, cocaine, etc.), with the purpose of bypassing substance legislations and increasing the pharmacotoxicological effects. To date, research into the acute pharmacological effects of new NPSs is ongoing and necessary in order to provide an appropriate contribution to public health. In fact, multiple examples of NPS-related acute intoxication and mortality have been recorded in the literature. Accordingly, several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the pharmacotoxicological profiles of these compounds, revealing that they can cause adverse effects involving various organ systems (i.e., cardiovascular, respiratory effects) and highlighting their potential increased consumption risks. In this sense, NPSs should be regarded as a complex issue that requires continuous monitoring. Moreover, knowledge of long-term NPS effects is lacking. Because genetic and environmental variables may impact NPS responses, epigenetics may aid in understanding the processes behind the harmful events induced by long-term NPS usage. Taken together, “pharmacoepigenomics” may provide a new field of combined study on genetic differences and epigenetic changes in drug reactions that might be predictive in forensic implications.
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Mohr ALA, Logan BK, Fogarty MF, Krotulski AJ, Papsun DM, Kacinko SL, Huestis MA, Ropero-Miller JD. Reports of Adverse Events Associated with Use of Novel Psychoactive Substances, 2017-2020: A Review. J Anal Toxicol 2022; 46:e116-e185. [PMID: 35445267 PMCID: PMC9282356 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An important role of modern forensic and clinical toxicologists is to monitor the adverse events of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Following a prior review from 2013 to 2016, this critical literature review analyzes and evaluates published case reports for NPS from January 2017 through December 2020. The primary objective of this study is to assist in the assessment and interpretation of these cases as well as provide references for confirmation methods. Chemistry, pharmacology, adverse events and user profiles (e.g., polypharmacy) for NPS are provided including case history, clinical symptoms, autopsy findings and analytical results. Literature reviews were performed in PubMed and Google Scholar for publications using search terms such as NPS specific names, general terms (e.g., ‘designer drugs’ and ‘novel psychoactive substances’), drug classes (e.g., ‘designer stimulants’) and outcome-based terms (e.g., ‘overdose’ and ‘death’). Government and website drug surveillance databases and abstracts published by professional forensic science organizations were also searched. Toxicological data and detailed case information were extracted, tabulated, analyzed and organized by drug category. Case reports included overdose fatalities (378 cases), clinical treatment and hospitalization (771 cases) and driving under the influence of drugs (170 cases) for a total of 1,319 cases providing details of adverse events associated with NPS. Confirmed adverse events with associated toxidromes of more than 60 NPS were reported including synthetic cannabinoid, NPS stimulant, NPS hallucinogen, NPS benzodiazepine and NPS opioid cases. Fifty of these NPS were reported for the first time in January 2017 through December 2020 as compared to the previous 4 years surveyed. This study provides insight and context of case findings described in the literature and in digital government surveillance databases and websites during a recent 4-year period. This review will increase the awareness of adverse events associated with NPS use to better characterize international emerging drug threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L A Mohr
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA, 19090, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA, 19090, USA.,NMS Labs, 200 Welsh Rd, Horsham, PA, 19044, USA
| | - Melissa F Fogarty
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA, 19090, USA
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA, 19090, USA
| | | | | | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA, 19090, USA.,Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Jeri D Ropero-Miller
- RTI International, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 East Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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Simultaneous Determination of 16 Kinds of Synthetic Cathinones in Human Urine Using a Magnetic Nanoparticle Solid-Phase Extraction Combined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. SEPARATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A specific and sensitive approach using magnetic nanoparticle solid-phase extraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was carried out and applied in the simultaneous determination of 16 kinds of synthetic cathinones in human urine. The functionalized extraction material (Fe3O4/NH2-MWCNTs) was synthesized and factors affecting the extraction efficiency were all tested. Under the optimized conditions of magnetic nanoparticle solid-phase extraction, the determination of synthetic cathinones in human urine was carried out with GC-MS. Good linear relationships of 16 kinds of synthetic cathinones were obtained in the range of 0.005–5.00 μg/mL with the correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.9901 to 0.9979, the limits of detection were in the range between 0.005 and 0.01 μg/mL, and the limits of quantitation were between 0.01 and 0.02 μg/mL. Furthermore, the average intra-day precisions were below 8.90%, the average inter-day precisions were less than 9.52%, and the average recoveries were between 87.03% and 99.13%, respectively. The results show the advantages of the approach in the determination of trace synthetic cathinones in complex matrixes, such as environmentally friendly, fast detection, high efficiency and sensitivity. The practical application indicated that this method could provide scientific basis for the determination of drugs of abuse in forensic laboratories.
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Lenzi M, Cocchi V, Gasperini S, Arfè R, Marti M, Hrelia P. Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Mutagenic Effects of the Synthetic Cathinones Mexedrone, α-PVP and α-PHP. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126320. [PMID: 34204826 PMCID: PMC8231654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mexedrone, α-PVP and α-PHP are synthetic cathinones. They can be considered amphetamine-like substances with a stimulating effect. Actually, studies showing their impact on DNA are totally absent. Therefore, in order to fill this gap, aim of the present work was to evaluate their mutagenicity on TK6 cells. On the basis of cytotoxicity and cytostasis results, we selected the concentrations (35–100 µM) to be used in the further analysis. We used the micronucleus (MN) as indicator of genetic damage and analyzed the MNi frequency fold increase by flow cytometry. Mexedrone demonstrated its mutagenic potential contrary to the other two compounds; we then proceeded by repeating the analyzes in the presence of extrinsic metabolic activation in order to check if it was possible to totally exclude the mutagenic capacity for α-PVP and α-PHP. The results demonstrated instead the mutagenicity of their metabolites. We then evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction as a possible mechanism at the basis of the highlighted effects but the results did not show a statistically significant increase in ROS levels for any of the tested substances. Anyway, our outcomes emphasize the importance of mutagenicity evaluation for a complete assessment of the risk associated with synthetic cathinones exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monia Lenzi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.); (V.C.); (S.G.); (P.H.)
| | - Veronica Cocchi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.); (V.C.); (S.G.); (P.H.)
| | - Sofia Gasperini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.); (V.C.); (S.G.); (P.H.)
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Matteo Marti
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.); (V.C.); (S.G.); (P.H.)
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12
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Soares J, Costa VM, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. An updated review on synthetic cathinones. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2895-2940. [PMID: 34100120 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cathinone, the main psychoactive compound found in the plant Catha edulis Forsk. (khat), is a β-keto analogue of amphetamine, sharing not only the phenethylamine structure, but also the amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring cathinone that largely entered the recreational drug market at the end of 2000s. The former "legal status", impressive marketing strategies and their commercial availability, either in the so-called "smartshops" or via the Internet, prompted their large spread, contributing to their increasing popularity in the following years. As their popularity increased, the risks posed for public health became clear, with several reports of intoxications and deaths involving these substances appearing both in the social media and scientific literature. The regulatory measures introduced thereafter to halt these trending drugs of abuse have proved to be of low impact, as a continuous emergence of new non-controlled derivatives keep appearing to replace those prohibited. Users resort to synthetic cathinones due to their psychostimulant properties but are often unaware of the dangers they may incur when using these substances. Therefore, studies aimed at unveiling the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these substances are imperative, as they will provide increased expertise to the clinicians that face this problem on a daily basis. The present work provides a comprehensive review on history and legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects and lethality in humans, as well as on the current knowledge of the neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Soares
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-ENAS (Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit), CEBIMED (Biomedical Research Centre), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Adamowicz
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland
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14
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Fan SY, Zang CZ, Shih PH, Ko YC, Hsu YH, Lin MC, Tseng SH, Wang DY. A LC-MS/MS method for determination of 73 synthetic cathinones and related metabolites in urine. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 315:110429. [PMID: 32784041 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, which are a group of β-keto analogs of phenethylamine, have been reported as the most emerging new psychoactive substances in the past decade. The quantity and variety of synthetic cathinones have continued to increase, which poses considerable risks to public health and social security. In this study, an analytical method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) was established for the simultaneous determination of 73 synthetic cathinones and related metabolites in urine. The chromatographic analysis was performed using a Kinetex® Biphenyl column (10 cm ×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm), applying a gradient mobile phase, comprising 0.1 % formic acid aqueous solution with 5 mM ammonium acetate and 0.1 % formic acid methanolic solution; the entire run time of the analysis was within 8 min. The multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was employed to collect the monitoring and quantitative ion pairs. Intra-day/inter-day precision and accuracy were less than 10 % for all the studied analytes. The limits of detection and quantification for all the analytes were 0.1-0.5 ng/mL and 0.5-1.0 ng/mL, respectively. The matrix effect was satisfactory for all the analytes, with a deviation lower than 20 %. The present method was further applied to 67 authentic urine samples in which 13 different synthetic cathinones were detected from 32 positive samples. The abuse of poly-synthetic cathinones was examined that up to seven items was detected in one case from authentic samples in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yu Fan
- Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, 161-2 Kunyang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei City, 11561, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Zong Zang
- Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, 161-2 Kunyang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei City, 11561, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Han Shih
- Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, 161-2 Kunyang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei City, 11561, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chun Ko
- Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, 161-2 Kunyang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei City, 11561, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Hsu
- Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, 161-2 Kunyang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei City, 11561, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chih Lin
- Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, 161-2 Kunyang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei City, 11561, Taiwan
| | - Su-Hsiang Tseng
- Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, 161-2 Kunyang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei City, 11561, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yuan Wang
- Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, 161-2 Kunyang St., Nangang Dist., Taipei City, 11561, Taiwan
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15
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Chan WS, Wong GF, Hung CW, Wong YN, Fung KM, Lee WK, Dao KL, Leung CW, Lo KM, Lee WM, Cheung BKK. Interpol review of toxicology 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:563-607. [PMID: 33385147 PMCID: PMC7770452 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in toxicology from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20.Papers%202019.pdf.
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16
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Chen Y, Canal CE. Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Psychostimulant Synthetic Cathinones Reveals Nanomolar Antagonist Potency of α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone at Human Muscarinic M 2 Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:960-968. [PMID: 32073252 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are designer, psychostimulant drugs of abuse that primarily act on monoamine transporters; little is known about their off-target liability. Abuse of pyrrolidine-containing SCs, such as α-PHP, has been linked to clinical features, including tachycardia and hypertension, and psychiatric events, including delusions and memory impairments-effects mimicking deliriant hallucinogens that are acetylcholine muscarinic receptor (MR) antagonists. α-PHP and nine analogs with modifications in the α-carbon side chain length and/or containing a methylenedioxy moiety were screened for activity at each of the five human MRs. Increasing the length of the α-carbon side chain of 1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethan-1-one analogs from a methyl (α-PPP) to a propyl (α-PVP) group caused a steep increase in affinity at all MR subtypes, and one extra carbon (α-PHP) further enhanced MR affinity; the presence of a methylenedioxy moiety generally hindered this effect. Highest MR affinity was observed with α-PHP at M2Rs-its M2R affinity (Ki = 251 nM) was 302-fold higher than α-PPP's. M2R-cAMP inhibition and β-arrestin recruitment assays showed that α-PHP is an M2R antagonist (Kb = 120 and 502 nM, respectively). Additional experiments showed α-PHP is also an antagonist of M1R-inositol phosphate production (Kb = 1.4 μM). Human toxicology studies report blood concentrations of pyrrolidine-containing SCs, including α-PHP, that reach micromolar levels during intoxication, indicating α-PHP's MR activity might have physiological relevance. As M2Rs and M1Rs are widely expressed in the autonomic and central nervous systems, α-PHP's anticholinergic activity might be relevant to adverse events associated with α-PHP intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Clinton E. Canal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
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Lehmann S, Sczyslo A, Froch-Cortis J, Rothschild MA, Thevis M, Andresen-Streichert H, Mercer-Chalmers-Bender K. Organ distribution of diclazepam, pyrazolam and 3-fluorophenmetrazine. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 303:109959. [PMID: 31546164 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The organ distribution of 3-fluorophenmetrazine (3-FPM), pyrazolam, diclazepam as well as its main metabolites delorazepam, lormetazepam and lorazepam, was investigated. A solid phase extraction (SPE) and a QuEChERS (acronym for quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) - approach were used for the extraction of the analytes from human tissues, body fluids and stomach contents. The detection was performed on a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system (LCMS/MS). The analytes of interest were detected in all body fluids and tissues. Results showed femoral blood concentrations of 10 μg/L for 3-FPM, 28 μg/L for pyrazolam, 1 μg/L for diclazepam, 100 μg/L for delorazepam, 6 μg/L for lormetazepam, and 22 μg/L for lorazepam. Tissues (muscle, kidney and liver) and bile exhibited higher concentrations of the mentioned analytes than in blood. Additional positive findings in femoral blood were for 2-fluoroamphetamine (2-FA, approx. 89 μg/L), 2-flourometamphetamine (2-FMA, hint), methiopropamine (approx. 2.2 μg/L), amphetamine (approx. 21 μg/L) and caffeine (positive). Delorazepam showed the highest ratio of heart (C) and femoral blood (P) concentration (C/P ratio = 2.5), supported by the concentrations detected in psoas muscle (430 μg/kg) and stomach content (approx. 210 μg/L, absolute 84 μg). The C/P ratio indicates that delorazepam displays susceptibility for post-mortem redistribution (PMR), supported by the findings in muscle tissue. 3-FPM, pyrazolam, diclazepam, lorazepam and lormetazepam did apparently not exhibit any PMR. The cause of death, in conjunction with autopsy findings was concluded as a positional asphyxia promoted by poly-drug intoxication by arising from designer benzodiazepines and the presence of synthetic stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Lehmann
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alissa Sczyslo
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Judith Froch-Cortis
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Mario Thevis
- Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Katja Mercer-Chalmers-Bender
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Basel - Health Department Basel, Switzerland.
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18
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Chen Y, Blough BE, Murnane KS, Canal CE. The synthetic cathinone psychostimulant α-PPP antagonizes serotonin 5-HT 2A receptors: In vitro and in vivo evidence. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:990-998. [PMID: 30845376 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are β-keto analogs of amphetamines. Like amphetamines, SCs target monoamine transporters; however, unusual neuropsychiatric symptoms have been associated with abuse of some SCs, suggesting SCs might possess additional pharmacological properties. We performed radioligand competition binding assays to assess the affinities of nine SCs at human 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2A R) and muscarinic M1 receptors (M1 R) transiently expressed in HEK293 cells. None of the SCs exhibited affinity at M1 R (minimal displacement of [~Kd ] [3 H]scopolamine up to 10 μM). However, two SCs, α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP) and 4-methyl-α-PPP, had low μM Ki values at 5-HT2A R. In 5-HT2A R-phosphoinositide hydrolysis assays, α-PPP and 4-methyl-α-PPP displayed inverse agonist activity. We further assessed the 5-HT2A R functional activity of α-PPP, and observed it competitively antagonized 5-HT2A R signaling stimulated by the 5-HT2 R agonist (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI; Kb = 851 nM). To assess in vivo 5-HT2A R activity, we examined the effects of α-PPP on the DOI-elicited head-twitch response (HTR) in mice. α-PPP dose-dependently blocked the HTR with maximal suppression at 10 mg/kg (P < 0.0001), which is a moderate dose used in studies investigating psychostimulant properties of α-PPP. To corroborate a 5-HT2A R mechanism, we also tested 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-PPP (MDPPP) and 3-bromomethcathinone (3-BMC), SCs that we observed had 5-HT2A R Ki s > 10 μM. Neither MDPPP nor 3-BMC, at 10 mg/kg doses, attenuated the DOI HTR. Our results suggest α-PPP has antagonist interactions at 5-HT2A R in vitro that may translate at physiologically-relevant doses in vivo. Considering 5-HT2A R antagonism has been shown to mitigate effects of psychostimulants, this property may contribute to α-PPPs unpopularity compared to other monoamine transporter inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kevin S Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Clinton E Canal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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19
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Richeval C, Gaulier JM, Romeuf L, Allorge D, Gaillard Y. Case report: relevance of metabolite identification to detect new synthetic opioid intoxications illustrated by U-47700. Int J Legal Med 2018; 133:133-142. [PMID: 30443678 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-018-1969-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Today, new psychoactive substances (NPS) producers increasingly appear to be targeting new synthetic opioids (NSOs), and the recent emergence of NSOs is causing considerable concern in North America and in Europe. For toxicologists, NSO detection in a forensic context presents three additional difficulties to the general NPS analytical detection challenge: (i) high frequency of new products, (ii) low concentrations (in μg/L range and under) in biological samples related to their high opioid potency, and (iii) extensive metabolism. In this context, the present work aims to highlight the relevance of NSO metabolite detection in potential intoxication cases. Illustration is given with U-47700, an emerging NSO, (i) that was identified in a powder recently collected in France and in a fatality case, (ii) whose metabolites were in vitro produced using human liver microsomes and their mass spectra (MS) added in our MS/MS and HRMS libraries, and (iii) for which metabolism data were compared to those of the literature: U-47700 was identified in the powder and at 3040 μg/L in peripheral blood in the fatality case. In addition, high amounts of several U-47700 metabolites, especially N-desmethyl-U-47700, were observed in urine. Even if metabolite formation may largely depend on the enzymatic activity as well as on the length of the survival time, confrontation of these results to data found in the literature strongly suggests that this metabolite is regularly a better blood and (mainly) urine biomarker of U-47700 intake than U-47700 itself. Indeed, in this fatality and in other previous reports, N-desmethyl-U-47700 produced the main observed chromatographic signal (i) systematically in vitro and (ii) commonly in vivo, especially in urines. N,N-Didesmethyl-U-47700 is also sometimes a better biomarker of U-47700 intake than U-47700 itself. Accordingly, we suggest adding N-desmethyl-U-47700 (and N,N-didesmethyl-U-47700) in mass spectrum databases used for toxicological screening in order to reduce the risk of false-negative results in intoxication cases involving U-47700.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Richeval
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Toxicologie, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France.,EA 4483 - IMPECS - IMPact de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé humaine, University of Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Michel Gaulier
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Toxicologie, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France. .,EA 4483 - IMPECS - IMPact de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé humaine, University of Lille, 59000, Lille, France.
| | | | - Delphine Allorge
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Toxicologie, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France.,EA 4483 - IMPECS - IMPact de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé humaine, University of Lille, 59000, Lille, France
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20
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Vignali C, Moretti M, Groppi A, Osculati AMM, Tajana L, Morini L. Distribution of the Synthetic Cathinone α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone in Biological Specimens. J Anal Toxicol 2018; 43:e1-e6. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Vignali
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelo Groppi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Luca Tajana
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Morini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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21
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Abstract
This summarizing and descriptive review article is an update on previously published reviews. It covers English-written and PubMed-listed review articles and original studies published between May 2016 and November 2017 on the toxicokinetics of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Compounds covered include stimulants and entactogens, synthetic cannabinoids, tryptamines, phenethylamine and phencyclidine-like drugs, benzodiazepines, and opioids. First, an overview and discussion is provided on selected review articles followed by an overview and discussion on selected original studies. Both sections are then concluded by an opinion on these latest developments. The present review shows that the NPS market is still highly dynamic and that studies regarding their toxicokinetics are necessary to understand risks associated with their consumption. Data collection and studies are encouraged to allow for detection of NPS in biological matrices in cases of acute intoxications or chronic consumption. Although some data are available, scientific papers dealing with the mechanistic reasons behind acute and chronic toxicity are still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
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