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Di Trana A, Sprega G, Kobidze G, Taoussi O, Lo Faro AF, Bambagiotti G, Montanari E, Fede MS, Carlier J, Tini A, Busardò FP, Di Giorgi A, Pichini S. QuEChERS Extraction and Simultaneous Quantification in GC-MS/MS of Hexahydrocannabinol Epimers and Their Metabolites in Whole Blood, Urine, and Oral Fluid. Molecules 2024; 29:3440. [PMID: 39065018 PMCID: PMC11279433 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29143440] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) was posed under strict control in Europe due to the increasing HHC-containing material seizures. The lack of analytical methods in clinical laboratories to detect HHC and its metabolites in biological matrices may result in related intoxication underreporting. We developed and validated a comprehensive GC-MS/MS method to quantify 9(R)-HHC, 9(S)-HHC, 9αOH-HHC, 9βOH-HHC, 8(R)OH-9(R)-HHC, 8(S)OH-9(S)HHC, 11OH-9(R)HHC, 11OH-9(S)HHC, 11nor-carboxy-9(R)-HHC, and 11nor-carboxy-9(S)-HHC in whole blood, urine, and oral fluid. A novel QuEChERS extraction protocol was optimized selecting the best extraction conditions suitable for all the three matrices. Urine and blood were incubated with β-glucuronidase at 60 °C for 2 h. QuEChERS extraction was developed assessing different ratios of Na2SO4:NaCl (4:1, 2:1, 1:1, w/w) to be added to 200 µL of any matrix added with acetonitrile. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a 7890B GC with an HP-5ms column, (30 m, 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm) in 12.50 min. The analytes were detected with a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer in the MRM mode. The method was fully validated following OSAC guidelines. The method showed good validation parameters in all the matrices. The method was applied to ten real samples of whole blood (n = 4), urine (n = 3), and oral fluid (n = 3). 9(R)-HHC was the prevalent epimer in all the samples (9(R)/9(S) = 2.26). As reported, hydroxylated metabolites are proposed as urinary biomarkers, while carboxylated metabolites are hematic biomarkers. Furthermore, 8(R)OH-9(R)HHC was confirmed as the most abundant metabolite in all urine samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annagiulia Di Trana
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.D.T.); (S.P.)
| | - Giorgia Sprega
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Giorgi Kobidze
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Omayema Taoussi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Giulia Bambagiotti
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Eva Montanari
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Maria Sofia Fede
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Jeremy Carlier
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Anastasio Tini
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Alessandro Di Giorgi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Surgery of Medicine, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.S.); (G.K.); (O.T.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (M.S.F.); (J.C.); (A.T.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.D.T.); (S.P.)
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Patton AL, Pacheco IC, Seither JZ, Brown JT, Walterscheid JP, Karschner EL. Cross-reactivity of 24 cannabinoids and metabolites in blood using the Immunalysis Cannabinoids Direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. J Anal Toxicol 2024; 48:439-446. [PMID: 38648393 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkae036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
With wider availability of synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids in the consumer space, there is a growing impact on public health and safety. Forensic toxicology laboratories should keep these compounds in mind as they attempt to remain effective in screening for potential sources of human performance impairment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a commonly utilized tool in forensic toxicology, as its efficiency and sensitivity make it useful for rapid and easy screening for a large number of drugs. This screening technique has lower specificity, which allows for broad cross-reactivity among structurally similar compounds. In this study, the Cannabinoids Direct ELISA kit from Immunalysis was utilized to assess the cross-reactivities of 24 cannabinoids and metabolites in whole blood. The assay was calibrated with 5 ng/mL of 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and the analytes of interest were evaluated at concentrations ranging from 5 to 500 ng/mL. Most parent compounds demonstrated cross-reactivity ≥20 ng/mL, with increasing alkyl side-chain length relative to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol resulting in decreased cross-reactivity. Of the 24 analytes, only the carboxylic acid metabolites, 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-9(R)-carboxy-hexahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-9(S)-carboxy-hexahydrocannabinol, were cross-reactive at levels ≤10 ng/mL. Interestingly, 11-nor-9(R)-carboxy-hexahydrocannabinol demonstrated cross-reactivity at 5 ng/mL, where its stereoisomer 11-nor-9(S)-carboxy-hexahydrocannabinol, did not. As more information emerges about the prevalence of these analytes in blood specimens, it is important to understand and characterize their impact on current testing paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Patton
- Division of Forensic Toxicology, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE 19902, USA
- SNA International, contractor supporting the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Igor C Pacheco
- Division of Forensic Toxicology, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE 19902, USA
| | - Joshua Z Seither
- Division of Forensic Toxicology, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE 19902, USA
| | - Jordan T Brown
- Division of Forensic Toxicology, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE 19902, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Walterscheid
- Division of Forensic Toxicology, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE 19902, USA
| | - Erin L Karschner
- Division of Forensic Toxicology, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, 115 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE 19902, USA
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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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Bottinelli C, Baradian P, Poly A, Hoizey G, Chatenay C. Identification and quantification of both isomers of hexahydrocannabinol, (9R)-hexahydrocannabinol and (9S)-hexahydrocannabinol, in three different matrices by mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2024; 38:e9711. [PMID: 38342829 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a compound derived from synthetic production using cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC), has gained recent attention due to its presence in seized materials across Europe. Sold legally in various forms, HHC poses potential health risks, particularly as a legal alternative to THC in some countries. Despite its historical description in the 1940s, limited toxicology data, pharmacological understanding, and analytical methods for HHC exist. METHOD This study proposes analytical techniques using mass spectrometry to detect, identify, and quantify (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC, concurrently with THC and CBD in various matrices, including oral fluid, whole blood, and seized material. Three distinct methods were employed for different matrices: GC/MS for seized material, GC/MS/MS for whole blood, and UHPLC/MS/MS for oral fluid. Methods were validated qualitatively for oral fluid with a FLOQSwab® device and quantitatively in whole blood and seized material according to Peters et al's recommendations and ICH guidelines. RESULTS Validated methods were considered reliable in detecting and quantifying HHC isomers in terms of repeatability, reproducibility, and linearity with r2 systematically >0.992. These methods were applied to authentic cases, including seized materials and biological samples from traffic control (whole blood and oral fluid). In seized materials, (9R)-HHC levels ranged from 2.09% to 8.85% and (9R)-HHC/(9S)-HHC ratios varied from 1.36 to 2.68. In whole blood sample, (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC concentrations were, respectively, 2.38 and 1.39 ng/mL. For all analyzed samples, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD were also detected. CONCLUSION This research contributes analytical insights into differentiating and simultaneously analyzing (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC, using widely applicable mass spectrometric methods. The study emphasizes the need for vigilance among toxicologists, as new semisynthetic cannabinoids continue to emerge in Europe, with potential health implications. The findings underscore the importance of reliable analytical methods for monitoring these compounds in forensic and clinical settings.
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Helander A, Johansson M, Villén T, Andersson A. Appearance of hexahydrocannabinols as recreational drugs and implications for cannabis drug testing - focus on HHC, HHC-P, HHC-O and HHC-H. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 2024; 84:125-132. [PMID: 38619215 DOI: 10.1080/00365513.2024.2340039] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and other unclassified cannabinoids, which were recently introduced to the recreational drug market, on cannabis drug testing in urine and oral fluid samples. After the appearance of HHC in Sweden in 2022, the number of posts about HHC on an online drug discussion forum increased significantly in the spring of 2023, indicating increased interest and use. In parallel, the frequency of false positive screening tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in oral fluid, and for its carboxy metabolite (THC-COOH) in urine, rose from <2% to >10%. This suggested that HHC cross-reacted with the antibodies in the immunoassay screening, which was confirmed in spiking experiments with HHC, HHC-COOH, HHC acetate (HHC-O), hexahydrocannabihexol (HHC-H), hexahydrocannabiphorol (HHC-P), and THC-P. When HHC and HHC-P were classified as narcotics in Sweden on 11 July 2023, they disappeared from the online and street shops market and were replaced by other unregulated variants (e.g. HHC-O and THC-P). In urine samples submitted for routine cannabis drug testing, HHC-COOH concentrations up to 205 (mean 60, median 27) µg/L were observed. To conclude, cannabis drug testing cannot rely on results from immunoassay screening, as it cannot distinguish between different tetra- and hexahydrocannabinols, some being classified but others unregulated. The current trend for increased use of unregulated cannabinols will likely increase the proportion of positive cannabis screening results that need to be confirmed with mass spectrometric methods. However, the observed cross-reactivity also means a way to pick up use of new cannabinoids that otherwise risk going undetected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Helander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Johansson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Villén
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annika Andersson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kobidze G, Sprega G, Montanari E, Taoussi O, Bambagiotti G, Fede MS, Di Trana A, Pichini S, Busardò FP, Tini A, Chankvetadze B, Faro AFL. The first LC-MS/MS stereoselective bioanalytical methods to quantitatively detect 9R- and 9S-hexahydrocannabinols and their metabolites in human blood, oral fluid and urine. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 240:115918. [PMID: 38181553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115918] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
A sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of the (9 R)- and (9 S)- hexahydrocannabinols (HHCs), and their metabolites, in human urine, oral fluid (OF) and blood samples were developed, validated and used to the biological samples of volunteers. The analytes were extracted from 100 μL human samples. An isocratic elution mode with methanol was used for chromatographic separation of (9 R)- and (9 S)-HHC on an immobilized amylose tris(3-chloro-5-methylphenylcarbamate)-based chiral column Lux i-Amylose-3. The flow-rate of the mobile phase was 0.5 mL/min. An isocratic elution mode of methanol and water (80/20, v/v) was used for chromatographic separation of metabolites of (9 R)- and (9 S)-HHC on a Lux AMP chiral column (with a proprietary chiral selector) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. MS/MS analysis was performed in positive ionization mode for HHC epimers, while in negative ionization mode was used for metabolites of HHCs. The calibration curves for HHCs and their metabolites in human samples ranged from 0.25- 240 ng mL-1 and 1 - 100 ng mL-1, respectively, with determination coefficients (r2) of ≥ 0.99. All analytes were stable at room temperature, 4 °C, in the autosampler (+10 °C) and -20 °C for 24 h, after three freeze/thaw cycles, and when stored at -20 °C up to one week after quality control (QC) sample preparation (concentration differences less than 20% with respect to time zero response), in blood, urine and OF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgi Kobidze
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgia Sprega
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Eva Montanari
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Omayema Taoussi
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Bambagiotti
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Sofia Fede
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Annagiulia Di Trana
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Anastasio Tini
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Bezhan Chankvetadze
- Tbilisi State University, Institute of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, School of Exact and Natural Sciences, 0179 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
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Di Trana A, Di Giorgi A, Sprega G, Carlier J, Kobidze G, Montanari E, Taoussi O, Bambagiotti G, Fede MS, Lo Faro AF, Tini A, Busardò FP, Pichini S. Disposition of Hexahydrocannabinol Epimers and Their Metabolites in Biological Matrices following a Single Administration of Smoked Hexahydrocannabinol: A Preliminary Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:249. [PMID: 38399464 PMCID: PMC10892555 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020249] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2023, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) attracted the attention of international agencies due to its rapid spread in the illegal market. Although it was discovered in 1940, less is known about the pharmacology of its two naturally occurring epimers, 9(R)-HHC and 9(S)-HHC. Thus, we aimed to investigate the disposition of hexahydrocannabinol epimers and their metabolites in whole blood, urine and oral fluid following a single controlled administration of a 50:50 mixture of 9(R)-HHC and 9(S)-HHC smoked with tobacco. To this end, six non-user volunteers smoked 25 mg of the HHC mixture in 500 mg of tobacco. Blood and oral fluid were sampled at different time points up to 3 h after the intake, while urine was collected between 0 and 2 h and between 2 and 6 h. The samples were analyzed with a validated HPLC-MS/MS method to quantify 9(R)-HHC, 9(S)-HHC and eight metabolites. 9(R)-HHC showed the highest Cmax and AUC0-3h in all the investigated matrices, with an average concentration 3-fold higher than that of 9(S)-HHC. In oral fluid, no metabolites were detected, while they were observed as glucuronides in urine and blood, but with different profiles. Indeed, 11nor-9(R)-HHC was the most abundant metabolite in blood, while 8(R)OH-9(R) HHC was the most prevalent in urine. Interestingly, 11nor 9(S) COOH HHC was detected only in blood, whereas 8(S)OH-9(S) HHC was detected only in urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annagiulia Di Trana
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Di Giorgi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Giorgia Sprega
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Jeremy Carlier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Giorgi Kobidze
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Eva Montanari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Omayema Taoussi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Giulia Bambagiotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Maria Sofia Fede
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Anastasio Tini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (A.D.G.); (G.S.); (J.C.); (G.K.); (E.M.); (O.T.); (G.B.); (M.S.F.); (A.F.L.F.); (A.T.); (F.P.B.)
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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8
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Di Trana A, Montana A, Lo Faro AF, Busardò FP, Pichini S. Molecular Insights of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) 2.0. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17492. [PMID: 38139320 PMCID: PMC10743891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) phenomenon represents an ever-changing global issue, with a number of new molecules entering the illicit market every year in response to international banning laws [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Annagiulia Di Trana
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Angelo Montana
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (A.M.); (A.F.L.F.)
| | - Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (A.M.); (A.F.L.F.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (A.M.); (A.F.L.F.)
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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9
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Nasrallah D, Garg NK. Studies Pertaining to the Emerging Cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:2023-2029. [PMID: 37578929 PMCID: PMC10510108 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
We report studies pertaining to two isomeric hexahydrocannabinols (HHCs), (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC, which are derivatives of the psychoactive cannabinoids Δ9- and Δ8-THC. HHCs have been known since the 1940s, but have become increasingly available to the public in the United States and are typically sold as a mixture of isomers. We show that (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC can be prepared using hydrogen-atom transfer reduction, with (9R)-HHC being accessed as the major diastereomer. In addition, we report the results of cannabinoid receptor studies for (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC. The binding affinity and activity of isomer (9R)-HHC are similar to that of Δ9-THC, whereas (9S)-HHC binds strongly in cannabinoid receptor studies but displays diminished activity in functional assays. This is notable, as our examination of the certificates of analysis for >60 commercially available HHC products show wide variability in HHC isomer ratios (from 0.2:1 to 2.4:1 of (9R)-HHC to (9S)-HHC). These studies suggest the need for greater research and systematic testing of new cannabinoids. Such efforts would help inform cannabis-based policies, ensure the safety of cannabinoids, and potentially lead to the discovery of new medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel
J. Nasrallah
- Department of Chemistry Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Neil K. Garg
- Department of Chemistry Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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10
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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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