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Banaszkiewicz L, Woźniak MK, Kata M, Domagalska E, Wiergowski M, Szpiech B, Kot-Wasik A. Rapid and simple multi-analyte LC-MS/MS method for the determination of benzodiazepines and Z-hypnotic drugs in blood samples: Development, validation and application based on three years of toxicological analyses. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 191:113569. [PMID: 32871413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z-drugs have been particularly important treatments for sleeping and anxiety disorders for many years. However, recently, a number of new benzodiazepines (named designer benzodiazepines, DBZDs) were synthesised, but some of them have never been used in the clinic; they reached the black drug market as new psychoactive substances and are used for recreational purposes. The abuse of these substances has led to many crimes and even deaths. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new methods for their quantification for forensic and clinical toxicology. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 20 classical BZDS, 4 DBZDs and 3 Z-hypnotic drugs in human whole blood. As a sample preparation step, liquid-liquid extraction requiring the use of only 0.5 mL of blood sample and 1 mL of extraction solvent was applied. The selectivity, linearity, carry-over effects, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy (both intra- and inter-day assays) and recovery were evaluated for validation. Calibration curves were linear with r values > 0.98. The LODs ranged from 0.01 to 0.33, and the LOQs were assumed to be 1 ng/mL. Inter-day precisions and accuracies were in the ranges of 87.8% - 108.5% and 1.8% - 11.2%, respectively. The recovery values ranged from 81.0% to 106.7%. The developed method proved to be sensitive, specific, simple, and fast and can be quickly modified and expanded for new compounds by the optimization of MRM. The method was applied for analysis of blood samples in 145 toxicological cases over a three-year study (2017 - 2019), which allowed us to obtain information on the prevalence of the use of these substances. The most frequently determined compounds were nordazepam (87 cases; 60%), diazepam (81 cases; 55.9%), temazepam (72 cases; 49.7%), oxazepam (56 cases; 38.7%), and midazolam (36 cases; 24.8%). The ranges of concentrations were wide and are presented as box plots. The results were used for the preparation of medico-legal opinions, which proved the utility of the method for routine toxicology analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Banaszkiewicz
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kacper Woźniak
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland.
| | - Marzena Kata
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 3A Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie Str., Gdańsk 80-210, Poland
| | - Ewa Domagalska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 3A Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie Str., Gdańsk 80-210, Poland
| | - Marek Wiergowski
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 3A Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie Str., Gdańsk 80-210, Poland
| | - Beata Szpiech
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 3A Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie Str., Gdańsk 80-210, Poland
| | - Agata Kot-Wasik
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
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An atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of benzodiazepines in urine. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2017; 1064:22-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2017.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Moein MM, El Beqqali A, Abdel-Rehim M. Bioanalytical method development and validation: Critical concepts and strategies. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2017; 1043:3-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2016.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Mazzarino M, Cesarei L, de la Torre X, Fiacco I, Robach P, Botrè F. A multi-targeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry screening procedure for the detection in human urine of drugs non-prohibited in sport commonly used by the athletes. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2016; 117:47-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Treu A, Rittner M, Kemken D, Schiebel HM, Spiteller P, Dülcks T. Loss of atomic nitrogen from even-electron ions? A study on benzodiazepines. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2015; 50:978-986. [PMID: 28338276 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The fragment spectra of protonated nitro-substituted benzodiazepines show an unusual fragment [M + H - 14]+ , which is shown by accurate mass measurement to be due to the loss of a nitrogen atom. Our investigations show that this apparent loss of atomic nitrogen is rather an attachment of molecular oxygen to the [M + H - NO2 ]+• ion, which is the main fragment ion in these spectra. The oxygen attachment is exothermic, and rate constants have been derived. MSn spectra show that it is not easily reversible upon fragmentation of the adduct ion and that it is also observed with some secondary and tertiary fragments, which allows to limit the attachment site to the aromatic ring annulated to the diazepine moiety. Fragments of the oxygen adduct ion indicate that the O2 molecule dissociates in the adduct formation process, and the two oxygen atoms are bound to different sites of the ion. Comparison with radical cations generated by fragmentation of non-nitro-substituted benzodiazepines, none of which showed an oxygen attachment, and the fragmentation mechanisms involved in their formation indicates that the [M + H - NO2 ]+• ion is a distonic ion with the charge and radical site neighbored on the aromatic ring. From these results, we derive a proposal for the formation and structure of the [M + H - NO2 + O2 ]+• ion, which explains the experimental observations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Treu
- Universität Bremen, Fachbereich 2, Leobener Str. NW2A, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Miriam Rittner
- SiChem GmbH, Fahrenheitstr. 1 (BITZ), Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Dorit Kemken
- Universität Bremen, Fachbereich 2, Leobener Str. NW2A, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Schiebel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Organische Chemie, Hagenring 30, Braunschweig, D-38106, Germany
| | - Peter Spiteller
- Universität Bremen, Fachbereich 2, Leobener Str. NW2A, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Thomas Dülcks
- Universität Bremen, Fachbereich 2, Leobener Str. NW2A, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
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Marin SJ, Roberts M, Wood M, McMillin GA. Sensitive UPLC-MS-MS assay for 21 benzodiazepine drugs and metabolites, zolpidem and zopiclone in serum or plasma. J Anal Toxicol 2012; 36:472-6. [PMID: 22833647 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bks059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reports an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS) method to quantitate 21 benzodiazepines, zolpidem and zopiclone in serum and plasma. After liquid-liquid extraction, an Acquity UPLC with a TQ Detector and BEH C18 column was used (Waters, Milford, MA). The injection-to-injection run time was 7.5 min. Forty-eight authentic serum and plasma patient specimens were analyzed and results compared to those obtained using a previously published method. Average r(2) values for linearity (1 to 1,000 ng/mL over five days) were all above 0.995, except α-hydroxytriazolam (0.993). Intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviation values were within ± 15% and the percent deviation from the expected concentrations were within ± 11%. Recovery ranged from 62 to 89%. Matrix effects ranged from -28% to +6%. The limits of detection were 1 ng/mL, except for lorazepam, nordiazepam, oxazepam and temazepam (5 ng/mL). Ion ratios were ± 15% for all analytes. For authentic patient specimens (n = 48, 76 positive results), there was excellent correlation between the UPLC-MS-MS results and the previous method. The best least-squares fit had an equation of y = 1.0708x + 1.6521, r(2) = 0.9822. This UPLC-MS-MS method is suitable for the quantification of benzodiazepines and hypnotics in serum and plasma, and offers fast, reliable and sensitive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Marin
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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Abstract
The importance of sample preparation methods as the first stage in bioanalysis is described. In this article, the sample preparation concept and strategies will be discussed, along with the requirements for good sample preparation. The most widely used sample preparation methods in the pharmaceutical industry are presented; for example, the need for same-day rotation of results from large numbers of biological samples in pharmaceutical industry makes high throughput bioanalysis more essential. In this article, high-throughput sample preparation techniques are presented; examples are given of the extraction and concentration of analytes from biological matrices, including protein precipitation, solid-phase extraction, liquid–liquid extraction and microextraction-related techniques. Finally, the potential role of selective extraction methods, including molecular imprinted phases, is considered.
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Benzodiazepines: sample preparation and HPLC methods for their determination in biological samples. Bioanalysis 2011; 1:755-84. [PMID: 21083137 DOI: 10.4155/bio.09.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines (BDZs) belong to a group of substances known for their sedative, antidepressive, muscle relaxant, tranquilizer, hypnotic and anticonvulsant properties. Their determination in biological fluids is essential in clinical assays as well as in forensics and toxicological studies. Researchers focus on the development of rapid, accurate, precise and sensitive methods for the determination of BDZs and their metabolites. A large number of analytical methods using different techniques have been reported, but none can be considered as the method of choice. BDZs are usually present at trace levels (microgram or nanogram per milliliter) in a complex biological matrix and the potentially interfering compounds must be isolated by various extraction techniques before analysis. An extended and comprehensive review is presented herein, focusing on sample preparation (pretreatment and extraction) and HPLC conditions applied by different authors. These methods enable bioanalysts to achieve detection limits down to 1-2 ng/ml using UV/diode array detection, readily available in most laboratories, and better than 1 ng/ml using electron capture detection, which is lower than that obtained using a nitrogen phosphorus detector. MS interfaced with electrospray ionization offered a similar sensitivity, while negative chemical ionization MS or sonic spray ionization MS provided sensitivity down to 0.1 ng/ml.
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Brown SD, Melton TC. Trends in bioanalytical methods for the determination and quantification of club drugs: 2000-2010. Biomed Chromatogr 2010; 25:300-21. [DOI: 10.1002/bmc.1549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Revised: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Marin SJ, McMillin GA. LC-MS/MS analysis of 13 benzodiazepines and metabolites in urine, serum, plasma, and meconium. Methods Mol Biol 2010; 603:89-105. [PMID: 20077062 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-459-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We describe a single method for the detection and quantitation of 13 commonly prescribed benzodiazepines and metabolites: alpha-hydroxyalprazolam, alpha-hydroxyethylflurazepam, alpha-hydroxytriazolam, alprazolam, desalkylflurazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, nordiazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, clonazepam and 7-aminoclonazepam in urine, serum, plasma, and meconium. The urine and meconium specimens undergo enzyme hydrolysis to convert the compounds of interest to their free form. All specimens are prepared for analysis using solid-phase extraction (SPE), analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and quantified using a three-point calibration curve. Deuterated analogs of all 13 analytes are included as internal standards. The instrument is operated in multiple reaction-monitoring (MRM) mode with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in positive ionization mode. Urine and meconium specimens have matrix-matched calibrators and controls. The serum and plasma specimens are quantified using the urine calibrators but employing plasma-based controls. Oxazepam glucuronide is used as a hydrolysis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Marin
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Wille SMR, Lambert WEE. Recent developments in extraction procedures relevant to analytical toxicology. Anal Bioanal Chem 2007; 388:1381-91. [PMID: 17468854 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-007-1294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2007] [Revised: 04/03/2007] [Accepted: 04/04/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sample preparation is an important step in the development of an analytical method but is often regarded as time-consuming, laborious work. Optimum sample preparation leads to enhanced selectivity and sensitivity, however, and reduces amounts of interfering matrix compounds, resulting in less signal suppression or enhancement. Recent developments in extraction techniques that could be of interest in clinical and forensic toxicology, for example liquid-liquid, solid-phase, and headspace extraction, are summarized in this review. The advantages and disadvantages of several extraction techniques are discussed, to enable the reader to choose an appropriate method of extraction for his or her application. Attention is paid to current trends in analytical toxicology, for example miniaturization, high throughput, and automation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M R Wille
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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Berzas Nevado JJ, Rodríguez Flores J, Castañeda Peñalvo G, Rodríguez Dorado RM. Determination of ibuprofen and tetrazepam in human urine by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. Anal Bioanal Chem 2005; 384:208-14. [PMID: 16328252 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-005-0128-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2005] [Revised: 09/12/2005] [Accepted: 09/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A new micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography method (MEKC) is proposed for the determination of ibuprofen and tetrazepam in human urine samples over a concentration range of therapeutic interest. A fused silica capillary (60 cm x 75 microm) is used. Ibuprofen and tetrazepam are detected via UV detection at 220 and 228 nm, respectively. Separation is performed at 25 degrees C and at a separation voltage of 30 kV, with 15 mM borate buffer (pH 10.2) containing 40 mM sodium dodecylsulfate as the electrolyte solution. Under these conditions the analytes were separated in <11 min. Sulfamethazine is used as an internal standard. Prior to determination, the samples are purified and enriched by means of an extraction-preconcentration step with a preconditioned C18 cartridge and by eluting the compounds with methanol. Good linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness and solution stability were achieved for the technique. Detection limits of 200 microg L(-1) for ibuprofen and 300 microg L(-1) for tetrazepam were obtained. These analytes were then determined in real urine using the technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Berzas Nevado
- Departamento de Química Analítica y Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Brettell
- Office of Forensic Sciences, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Forensic Science and Technology Complex, 1200 Negron Road, Horizon Center, Hamilton, New Jersey 08691, USA
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