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Deventer MH, Persson M, Norman C, Liu H, Connolly MJ, Daéid NN, McKenzie C, Gréen H, Stove CP. In vitro cannabinoid activity profiling of generic ban-evading brominated synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists and their analogs. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:616-628. [PMID: 37903509 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Following the enactment of a generic ban in China in 2021, the synthetic cannabinoid market has been evolving, now encompassing even wider structural diversity. Compounds carrying a brominated core such as ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA (ADMB-B-5Br-INACA) and tail-less analogs, such as ADB-5'Br-INACA (ADMB-5Br-INACA), MDMB-5'Br-INACA, and ADB-INACA (ADMB-INACA), have been detected since late 2021. This study investigated the cannabinoid receptor (CB) activation potential of synthesized (S)-enantiomers of these substances, as well as of two predicted analogs MDMB-5'Br-BUTINACA (MDMB-B-5Br-INACA) and ADB-5'F-BUTINACA (ADMB-B-5F-INACA), using CB1 and CB2 β-arrestin 2 recruitment assays and a CB1 intracellular calcium release assay. Surprisingly, the tail-less (S)-ADB-5'Br-INACA and (S)-MDMB-5'Br-INACA retained CB activity, albeit with a decreased potency compared to their tailed counterparts (S)-ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA and (S)-MDMB-5'Br-BUTINACA, respectively, which were potent and efficacious CB1 agonists. Also, at CB2, tail-less analogs showed a lower potency but increased efficacy. Removing the bromine substitution ((S)-ADB-INACA) resulted in a reduced activity at CB1; however, this effect was less prominent at CB2. Looking at tailed analogs, replacing the bromine with a fluorine substitution ((S)-ADB-5'F-BUTINACA) resulted in an increased potency and efficacy at both receptors. Furthermore, as ADB-5'Br-INACA and MDMB-5'Br-INACA have been frequently detected together in Scottish prisons, this study also evaluated the CB1 receptor activation potential of different mixtures of their respective reference standards, showing no unexpected cannabimimetic effect of combining both substances. Lastly, two powders seized by Belgian Customs and confirmed to contain ADB-5'Br-INACA and MDMB-5'Br-INACA, respectively, were assessed for CB activity. Based on the comparison with their reference standards, varying degrees of purity were suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mattias Persson
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Caitlyn Norman
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | - Niamh Nic Daéid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Chiron AS, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Henrik Gréen
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Norman C, Deventer MH, Dremann O, Reid R, Van Uytfanghe K, Guillou C, Vinckier IMJ, Nic Daéid N, Krotulski A, Stove CP. In vitro cannabinoid receptor activity, metabolism, and detection in seized samples of CH-PIATA, a new indole-3-acetamide synthetic cannabinoid. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:380-391. [PMID: 37491777 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly evolving synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) market poses significant challenges for forensic scientists. Since the enactment of a generic ban in China, a variety of new compounds have emerged capable of evading the legislation by carrying new structural features. One recent example of a SCRA with new linker and head moieties is CH-PIATA (CH-PIACA, CHX-PIATA, CHX-PIACA). CH-PIATA bears an additional methylene spacer in the linker moiety between the indole core and the traditional carbonyl component of the linker. This study describes detections in 2022 of this new SCRA in the United States, Belgium, and Scottish prisons. CH-PIATA was detected once in a seized powder by Belgian customs and 12 times in Scottish prisons in infused papers or resin. The metabolites of CH-PIATA were investigated via in vitro human liver microsome (HLM) incubations and eight metabolites were identified, dominated by oxidative biotransformations. A blood sample from the United States was confirmed to contain a mixture of SCRAs including CH-PIATA via presence of the parent and at least five of the metabolites identified from HLM incubations. Furthermore, this paper evaluates the intrinsic in vitro cannabinoid 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) receptor activation potential of CH-PIATA reference material and the powder seized by Belgian customs by means of β-arrestin 2 recruitment assays. Both the reference and the seized powder showed a weak activity at both CB receptors with signs of antagonism found. Based on these results, the expected harm potential of this newly emerging substance remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Norman
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivia Dremann
- College of Arts and Sciences, Arcadia University, Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Reid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Niamh Nic Daéid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Alex Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Frederic Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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3
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Vandeputte MM, Stove CP. In vitro μ-opioid receptor activation potential of U10 and β-U10, positional isomers of the synthetic opioid naphthyl U-47700. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:323-326. [PMID: 37482925 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
New synthetic opioids (NSOs) with diverse chemical structures continue to appear on recreational drug markets worldwide. U-type opioids have become one of the largest groups of non-fentanyl-related NSOs. Starting in 2020, a previously unreported U-compound coined "β-U10" (2-naphthyl U-47700; N-[2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylnaphthalene-2-carboxamide) was identified in Australia and the United States. β-U10 is a positional isomer of α-U10 (1-naphthyl U-47700), more commonly known as "U10." Here, the first comparative in vitro pharmacological characterization of naphthyl U-47700 (U10 and β-U10), together with the structural analogue U-47700 and fentanyl, is reported. Application of a cell-based μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activation (β-arrestin 2 recruitment) assay demonstrated β-U10 (EC50 = 348 nM; Emax = 150% vs. hydromorphone) to be less potent than U-47700 (EC50 = 116 nM; Emax = 154%) and fentanyl (EC50 = 9.35 nM; Emax = 146%) but considerably more active than the α-isomer (EC50 value in the μM range). For the latter, maximum receptor activation could not be reached at 100 μM. The difference in MOR activation potential for U10 and β-U10 stresses the importance of (analytical) differentiation between closely related analytes. The emergence of β-U10 on the recreational drug market is an example of the continuing emergence of non-fentanyl-related NSOs and further emphasizes the need to closely monitor fluctuations in the drug supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe M Vandeputte
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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4
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Verougstraete N, Stove V, Stove CP. Remote HbA 1c testing via microsampling: fit for purpose? Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:3-17. [PMID: 37419657 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The collection of capillary blood microsamples via finger-prick has several advantages over traditional blood collection. It is considered convenient and more patient-centric, enabling collection of the sample by the patient at her/his home with subsequent analysis in the lab following postal shipment. Determination of the diabetes biomarker HbA1c in self-collected microsamples to remotely monitor diabetes patients seems to be a very promising option which could eventually lead to better treatment adaptations and disease control. This is especially convenient/relevant for patients living in areas where venipuncture is impractical, or to support virtual consultations using telemedicine. Over the years, a substantial numbers of reports on HbA1c and microsampling have been published. However, the heterogeneity of the applied study designs and data evaluation is remarkable. This review provides a general and critical overview of these papers, along with specific points of attention that should be dealt with when aiming at implementing microsampling for reliable HbA1c determination. We focus on the used (dried) blood microsampling techniques, collection conditions, stability of the microsamples, sample extraction, analytical methods, method validation, correlation studies with conventional venous blood samples and patient satisfaction. Lastly, the possibility of using liquid instead of dried blood microsamples is discussed. Liquid blood microsampling is expected to have similar advantages as dried blood microsampling and several studies suggest it to be a suitable approach to collect samples remotely for subsequent HbA1c analysis in the lab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Verougstraete
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veronique Stove
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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5
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Janssens LK, De Wilde L, Van Eenoo P, Stove CP. Untargeted Detection of HIF Stabilizers in Doping Samples: Activity-Based Screening with a Stable In Vitro Bioassay. Anal Chem 2024; 96:238-247. [PMID: 38117670 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) stabilizers are listed in the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list as they can increase aerobic exercise capacity. The rapid pace of emergence of highly structurally diverse HIF stabilizers could pose a risk to conventional structure-based methods in doping control to detect new investigational drugs. Therefore, we developed a strategy that is capable of detecting the presence of any HIF stabilizer, irrespective of its structure, by detecting biological activity. Previously developed cell-based HIF1/2 assays were optimized to a stable format and evaluated for their screening potential toward HIF stabilizers. Improved pharmacological characterization was established by the stable cell-based formats, and broad specificity was demonstrated by pharmacologically characterizing a diverse set of HIF stabilizers (including enarodustat, IOX2, IOX4, MK-8617, JNJ-42041935). The methodological (in solvent) limit of detection of the optimal HIF1 stable bioassay toward detecting the reference compound roxadustat was 100 nM, increasing to 50-100 ng/mL (corresponding to 617-1233 nM in-well) in matching urine samples, owing to strong matrix effects. In a practical context, a urinary limit of detection of 1.15 μg/mL (95% detection rate) was determined, confirming the matrix-dependent detectability of roxadustat in urine. Pending optimization of a universal sample preparation strategy and/or a methodology to correct for the matrix effects, this untargeted approach may serve as a complementing method in antidoping control, as theoretically, it would be capable of detecting any unknown substance with HIF stabilizing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl K Janssens
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurie De Wilde
- Doping Control Laboratory, Department Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Van Eenoo
- Doping Control Laboratory, Department Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Steinmüller SAM, Fender J, Deventer MH, Tutov A, Lorenz K, Stove CP, Hislop JN, Decker M. Visible-Light Photoswitchable Benzimidazole Azo-Arenes as β-Arrestin2-Biased Selective Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Agonists. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202306176. [PMID: 37269130 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202306176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2 R) has high therapeutic potential for multiple pathogenic processes, such as neuroinflammation. Pathway-selective ligands are needed to overcome the lack of clinical success and to elucidate correlations between pathways and their respective therapeutic effects. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a photoswitchable scaffold based on the privileged structure of benzimidazole and its application as a functionally selective CB2 R "efficacy-switch". Benzimidazole azo-arenes offer huge potential for the broad extension of photopharmacology to a wide range of optically addressable biological targets. We used this scaffold to develop compound 10 d, a "trans-on" agonist, which serves as a molecular probe to study the β-arrestin2 (βarr2) pathway at CB2 R. βΑrr2 bias was observed in CB2 R internalization and βarr2 recruitment, while no activation occurred when looking at Gα16 or mini-Gαi . Overall, compound 10 d is the first light-dependent functionally selective agonist to investigate the complex mechanisms of CB2 R-βarr2 dependent endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Straße 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - James N Hislop
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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7
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Glatfelter GC, Vandeputte MM, Chen L, Walther D, Tsai MHM, Shi L, Stove CP, Baumann MH. Alkoxy chain length governs the potency of 2-benzylbenzimidazole 'nitazene' opioids associated with human overdose. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2573-2584. [PMID: 37658878 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) are emerging in recreational drug markets worldwide. In particular, 2-benzylbenzimidazole 'nitazene' compounds are problematic NSOs associated with serious clinical consequences, including fatal respiratory depression. Evidence from in vitro studies shows that alkoxy chain length can influence the potency of nitazenes at the mu-opioid receptor (MOR). However, structure-activity relationships (SARs) of nitazenes for inducing opioid-like effects in animal models are not well understood compared to relevant opioids contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis (e.g., fentanyl). OBJECTIVES Here, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of nitazene analogues with varying alkoxy chain lengths (i.e., metonitazene, etonitazene, isotonitazene, protonitazene, and butonitazene) as compared to reference opioids (i.e., morphine and fentanyl). METHODS AND RESULTS Nitazene analogues displayed nanomolar affinities for MOR in rat brain membranes and picomolar potencies to activate MOR in transfected cells. All compounds induced opioid-like effects on locomotor activity, hot plate latency, and body temperature in male mice, and alkoxy chain length markedly influenced potency. Etonitazene, with an ethoxy chain, was the most potent analogue in MOR functional assays (EC50 = 30 pM, Emax = 103%) and across all in vivo endpoints (ED50 = 3-12 μg/kg). In vivo SARs revealed that ethoxy, isopropoxy, and propoxy chains engendered higher potencies than fentanyl, whereas methoxy and butoxy analogues were less potent. MOR functional potencies, but not MOR affinities, were positively correlated with in vivo potencies to induce opioid effects. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our data show that certain nitazene NSOs are more potent than fentanyl as MOR agonists in mice, highlighting concerns regarding the high potential for overdose in humans who are exposed to these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant C Glatfelter
- Designer Drug Research Unit, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Marthe M Vandeputte
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Li Chen
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meng-Hua M Tsai
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
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8
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Norman C, Webling K, Kyslychenko O, Reid R, Krotulski AJ, Farrell R, Deventer MH, Liu H, Connolly MJ, Guillou C, Vinckier IMJ, Logan BK, NicDaéid N, McKenzie C, Stove CP, Gréen H. Detection in seized samples, analytical characterization, and in vitro metabolism of the newly emerged 5-bromo-indazole-3-carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Drug Test Anal 2023. [PMID: 38037247 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a diverse class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and new structural scaffolds have emerged on the recreational drug market since the enactment of Chinese SCRA analog controls in 2021. This study reports the first SCRAs to be detected with a bromide at the 5 position (5'Br) on the phenyl ring of the indazole core and without a tail moiety. ADB-5'Br-INACA (ADMB-5'Br-INACA) and MDMB-5'Br-INACA were detected in seized samples from Scottish prisons, Belgian customs, and US forensic casework. The brominated analog with a tail moiety, ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA (ADMB-5'Br-BUTINACA), was also detected in Scottish prisons and US forensic casework. The metabolites of these compounds and the predicted compound MDMB-5'Br-BUTINACA were identified through incubation with primary human hepatocytes to aid in their toxicological identification. The bromide on the indazole remains intact on metabolites, allowing these compounds to be easily distinguished in toxicological samples from their non-brominated analogs. Glucuronidation was more common for tail-less analogs than their butyl tail-containing counterparts. Forensic toxicologists are advised to update their analytical methods with the characteristic ions for these compounds, as well as their anticipated urinary markers: amide hydrolysis and monoOH at tert-butyl metabolites (after β-glucuronidase treatment) for ADB-5'Br-INACA; monoOH at tert-butyl and amide hydrolysis metabolites for ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA; and ester hydrolysis metabolites with additional metabolites for MDMB-5'Br-INACA and MDMB-5'Br-BUTINACA. Toxicologists should remain vigilant to the emergence of new SCRAs with halogenation of the indazole core and tail-less analogs, which have already started to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Norman
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kristin Webling
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Oleksandra Kyslychenko
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Reid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan Farrell
- Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Claude Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
- Toxicology Department, NMS Labs, Horsham, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Niamh NicDaéid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Chiron AS, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Henrik Gréen
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
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9
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Poulie CM, Chan CB, Parka A, Lettorp M, Vos J, Raaschou A, Pottie E, Bundgaard MS, Sørensen LME, Cecchi CR, Märcher-Rørsted E, Bach A, Herth MM, Decker A, Jensen AA, Elfving B, Kretschmann AC, Stove CP, Kohlmeier KA, Cornett C, Janfelt C, Kornum BR, Kristensen JL. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Pellotine: A Hypnotic Lophophora Alkaloid. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1492-1507. [PMID: 37854625 PMCID: PMC10580395 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Quality of life is often reduced in patients with sleep-wake disorders. Insomnia is commonly treated with benzodiazepines, despite their well-known side effects. Pellotine (1), a Lophophora alkaloid, has been reported to have short-acting sleep-inducing properties in humans. In this study, we set out to evaluate various in vitro and in vivo properties of 1. We demonstrate that 1 undergoes slow metabolism; e.g. in mouse liver microsomes 65% remained, and in human liver microsomes virtually no metabolism was observed after 4 h. In mouse liver microsomes, two phase I metabolites were identified: 7-desmethylpellotine and pellotine-N-oxide. In mice, the two diastereomers of pellotine-O-glucuronide were additionally identified as phase II metabolites. Furthermore, we demonstrated by DESI-MSI that 1 readily enters the central nervous system of rodents. Furthermore, radioligand-displacement assays showed that 1 is selective for the serotonergic system and in particular the serotonin (5-HT)1D, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptors, where it binds with affinities in the nanomolar range (117, 170, and 394 nM, respectively). Additionally, 1 was functionally characterized at 5-HT6 and 5-HT7, where it was found to be an agonist at the former (EC50 = 94 nM, Emax = 32%) and an inverse agonist at the latter (EC50 = 291 nM, Emax = -98.6). Finally, we demonstrated that 1 dose-dependently decreases locomotion in mice, inhibits REM sleep, and promotes sleep fragmentation. Thus, we suggest that pellotine itself, and not an active metabolite, is responsible for the hypnotic effects and that these effects are possibly mediated through modulation of serotonergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian
B. M. Poulie
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla B. Chan
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aleksandra Parka
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, C Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Magnus Lettorp
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, C Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Josephine Vos
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, C Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amanda Raaschou
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, C Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eline Pottie
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mikkel S. Bundgaard
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louis M. E. Sørensen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claudia R. Cecchi
- Translational
Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 11, 8200 Aarhus N Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Emil Märcher-Rørsted
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthias M. Herth
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department
of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine
& PET, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Decker
- Center for
Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Anders A. Jensen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Betina Elfving
- Translational
Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 11, 8200 Aarhus N Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas C. Kretschmann
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, C Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristi A. Kohlmeier
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Cornett
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, C Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Janfelt
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, C Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte R. Kornum
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, C Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper L. Kristensen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Pottie E, Suresh RR, Jacobson KA, Stove CP. Assay-Dependent Inverse Agonism at the A 3 Adenosine Receptor: When Neutral Is Not Neutral. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1266-1274. [PMID: 37705594 PMCID: PMC10496142 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is implicated in a variety of (patho)physiological conditions. While most research has focused on agonists and antagonists, inverse agonism at A3AR has been scarcely studied. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring inverse agonism, using two previously engineered cell lines (hA3ARLgBiT-SmBiTβarr2 and hA3ARLgBiT-SmBiTminiGαi), both employing the NanoBiT technology. The previously established inverse agonist PSB-10 showed a decrease in basal signal in the β-arrestin 2 (βarr2) but not the miniGαi recruitment assay, indicative of inverse agonism in the former assay. Control experiments confirmed the specificity and reversibility of this observation. Evaluation of a set of presumed neutral antagonists (MRS7907, MRS7799, XAC, and MRS1220) revealed that all displayed concentration-dependent signal decreases when tested in the A3AR-βarr2 recruitment assay, yielding EC50 and Emax values for inverse agonism. Conversely, in the miniGαi recruitment assay, no signal decreases were observed. To assess whether this observation was caused by the inability of the ligands to induce inverse agonism in the G protein pathway, or rather by a limitation inherent to the employed A3AR-miniGαi recruitment assay, a GloSensor cAMP assay was performed. The outcome of the latter also suggests inverse agonism by the presumed neutral antagonists in this latter assay. These findings emphasize the importance of prior characterization of ligands in the relevant test system. Moreover, it showed the suitability of the NanoBiT βarr2 recruitment and the GloSensor cAMP assays to capture inverse agonism at the A3AR, as opposed to the NanoBiT miniGαi recruitment assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Pottie
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - R. Rama Suresh
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20802, United States
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20802, United States
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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11
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Van Uytfanghe K, Stove CP. Increasing Confidence in a Phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 Cutoff at 20 ng/mL to Support Abstinence or Minor Intake of Alcohol. Clin Chem 2023; 69:1087-1088. [PMID: 37428836 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Pottie E, Poulie CBM, Simon IA, Harpsøe K, D’Andrea L, Komarov IV, Gloriam DE, Jensen AA, Kristensen JL, Stove CP. Structure-Activity Assessment and In-Depth Analysis of Biased Agonism in a Set of Phenylalkylamine 5-HT 2A Receptor Agonists. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2727-2742. [PMID: 37474114 PMCID: PMC10401645 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are described to have activation of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) as their main pharmacological action. Despite their relevance, the molecular mechanisms underlying the psychedelic effects induced by certain 5-HT2A agonists remain elusive. One of the proposed hypotheses is the occurrence of biased agonism, defined as the preferential activation of certain signaling pathways over others. This study comparatively monitored the efficiency of a diverse panel of 4-position-substituted (and N-benzyl-derived) phenylalkylamines to induce recruitment of β-arrestin2 (βarr2) or miniGαq to the 5-HT2A, allowing us to assess structure-activity relationships and biased agonism. All test compounds exhibited agonist properties with a relatively large range of both EC50 and Emax values. Interestingly, the lipophilicity of the 2C-X phenethylamines was correlated with their efficacy in both assays but yielded a stronger correlation in the miniGαq- than in the βarr2-assay. Molecular docking suggested that accommodation of the 4-substituent of the 2C-X analogues in a hydrophobic pocket between transmembrane helices 4 and 5 of 5-HT2A may contribute to this differential effect. Aside from previously used standard conditions (lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as a reference agonist and a 2 h activation profile to assess a compound's activity), serotonin was included as a second reference agonist, and the compounds' activities were also assessed using the first 30 min of the activation profile. Under all assessed circumstances, the qualitative structure-activity relationships remained unchanged. Furthermore, the use of two reference agonists allowed for the estimation of both "benchmark bias" (relative to LSD) and "physiology bias" (relative to serotonin).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Pottie
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian B. M. Poulie
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Icaro A. Simon
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Harpsøe
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura D’Andrea
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - David E. Gloriam
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders A. Jensen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper L. Kristensen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Vandeputte MM, Tsai MHM, Chen L, Glatfelter GC, Walther D, Stove CP, Shi L, Baumann MH. Comparative neuropharmacology of structurally distinct non-fentanyl opioids that are appearing on recreational drug markets worldwide. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 249:109939. [PMID: 37276825 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) is contributing to the opioid overdose crisis. While fentanyl analogs have historically dominated the NSO market, a shift towards non-fentanyl compounds is now occurring. METHODS Here, we examined the neuropharmacology of structurally distinct non-fentanyl NSOs, including U-47700, isotonitazene, brorphine, and N-desethyl isotonitazene, as compared to morphine and fentanyl. Compounds were tested in vitro using opioid receptor binding assays in rat brain tissue and by monitoring forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in cells expressing the human mu-opioid receptor (MOR). Compounds were administered subcutaneously to male Sprague-Dawley rats, and hot plate antinociception, catalepsy score, and body temperature changes were measured. RESULTS Receptor binding results revealed high MOR selectivity for all compounds, with MOR affinities comparable to those of morphine and fentanyl (i.e., nM). All drugs acted as full-efficacy MOR agonists in the cyclic AMP assay, but nitazene analogs had greater functional potencies (i.e., pM) compared to the other drugs (i.e., nM). When administered to rats, all compounds induced opioid-like antinociception, catalepsy, and body temperature changes, but nitazenes were the most potent. Similar to fentanyl, the nitazenes had faster onset and decline of in vivo effects when compared to morphine. In vivo potencies to induce antinociception and catalepsy (i.e., ED50s) correlated with in vitro functional potencies (i.e., EC50s) but not binding affinities (i.e., Kis) at MOR. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings indicate that non-fentanyl NSOs pose grave danger to those individuals who use opioids. Continued vigilance is needed to identify and characterize synthetic opioids as they emerge in clandestine drug markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe M Vandeputte
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Meng-Hua M Tsai
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Li Chen
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Grant C Glatfelter
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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14
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Vandeputte MM, Walton SE, Shuda SA, Papsun DM, Krotulski AJ, Stove CP. Detection, chemical analysis, and pharmacological characterization of dipyanone and other new synthetic opioids related to prescription drugs. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04722-7. [PMID: 37173408 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04722-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of structurally diverse new synthetic opioids (NSOs) has caused the opioid crisis to spiral to new depths. Little information is available about the pharmacology of most novel opioids when they first emerge. Here, using a β-arrestin 2 recruitment assay, we investigated the in vitro μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activation potential of dipyanone, desmethylmoramide, and acetoxymethylketobemidone (O-AMKD) - recent NSOs that are structurally related to the prescription opioids methadone and ketobemidone. Our findings indicate that dipyanone (EC50=39.9 nM; Emax=155% vs. hydromorphone) is about equally active as methadone (EC50=50.3 nM; Emax=152%), whereas desmethylmoramide (EC50=1335 nM; Emax=126%) is considerably less active. A close structural analogue of ketobemidone (EC50=134 nM; Emax=156%) and methylketobemidone (EC50=335 nM; Emax=117%), O-AMKD showed a lower potency (EC50=1262 nM) and efficacy (Emax=109%). Evaluation of the opioid substitution product buprenorphine and its metabolite norbuprenorphine confirmed the increased in vitro efficacy of the latter. In addition to in vitro characterization, this report details the first identification and full chemical analysis of dipyanone in a seized powder, as well as a postmortem toxicology case from the USA involving the drug. Dipyanone was quantified in blood (370 ng/mL), in which it was detected alongside other NSOs (e.g., 2-methyl AP-237) and novel benzodiazepines (e.g., flualprazolam). While dipyanone is currently not commonly encountered in forensic samples worldwide, its emergence is worrisome and representative of the dynamic NSO market. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe M Vandeputte
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara E Walton
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Avenue, Willow Grove, PA, USA
| | - Sarah A Shuda
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Avenue, Willow Grove, PA, USA
| | | | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Avenue, Willow Grove, PA, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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15
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Spatz P, Steinmüller SAM, Tutov A, Poeta E, Morilleau A, Carles A, Deventer MH, Hofmann J, Stove CP, Monti B, Maurice T, Decker M. Dual-Acting Small Molecules: Subtype-Selective Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonist/Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitor Hybrids Show Neuroprotection in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6414-6435. [PMID: 37127287 PMCID: PMC10184129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We present the synthesis and characterization of merged human butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE) inhibitor/cannabinoid receptor 2 (hCB2R) ligands for the treatment of neurodegeneration. In total, 15 benzimidazole carbamates were synthesized and tested for their inhibition of human cholinesterases, also with regard to their pseudoirreversible binding mode and affinity toward both cannabinoid receptors in radioligand binding studies. After evaluation in a calcium mobilization assay as well as a β-arrestin 2 (βarr2) recruitment assay, two compounds with balanced activities on both targets were tested for their immunomodulatory effect on microglia activation and regarding their pharmacokinetic properties and blood-brain barrier penetration. Compound 15d, containing a dimethyl carbamate motif, was further evaluated in vivo, showing prevention of Aβ25-35-induced learning impairments in a pharmacological mouse model of Alzheimer's disease for both short- and long-term memory responses. Additional combination studies proved a synergic effect of BChE inhibition and CB2R activation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Spatz
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Axelle Morilleau
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Allison Carles
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julian Hofmann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
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16
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Deprez S, Heughebaert L, Boffel L, Stove CP. Application of non-contact hematocrit prediction technologies to overcome hematocrit effects on immunosuppressant quantification from dried blood spots. Talanta 2023; 254:124111. [PMID: 36462285 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fully automated dried blood spot (DBS) analysis for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus and cyclosporin A suffers from a so-called hematocrit (hct) effect. This effect is related to the analysis of a partial DBS punch and extractability differences imposed by blood with different hcts. As this is intrinsic to automated DBS analysis, this poses a serious drawback for accurate immunosuppressant quantification. Knowledge of a sample's hct allows to correct the derived immunosuppressant concentrations for this effect. Unfortunately, when using the DBS approach for sampling at patients' homes, this hct will typically not be available. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of a correction algorithm during fully automated DBS analysis of immunosuppressants, based on knowledge of the DBS' hct, obtained via two distinct non-contact hematocrit prediction strategies, using either near-infrared (NIR) or ultra-violet/visible (UV/VIS) spectroscopy. For tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus, and cyclosporin A, 48, 47, 58 and 48 paired venous whole blood and venous DBS patient samples were collected, respectively, and analyzed using an automated DBS-MS 500 HCT extraction unit coupled to a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry system. Additionally, for all 201 samples the hct of the DBS was predicted based on NIR and UV/VIS spectroscopy. For tacrolimus and cyclosporin A, both hct prediction strategies allowed for adequate correction of the hct effect. Also for sirolimus and everolimus the results greatly improved after hct correction, although a hct bias remained for sirolimus and for everolimus a slightly significant hct effect was observed after NIR- and UV/VIS-based correction. Application of both hct prediction strategies ensured that clinical acceptance limits (i.e. ≥ 80% of the samples within 20% difference compared to whole blood) were met for all analytes. In conclusion, we demonstrated that non-contact hct prediction strategies, applied in tandem with fully automated DBS analysis, can be used to adequately correct immunosuppressant concentrations, yielding a good agreement with whole blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Deprez
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesl Heughebaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Boffel
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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17
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Deventer MH, Persson M, Laus A, Pottie E, Cannaert A, Tocco G, Gréen H, Stove CP. Off-target activity of NBOMes and NBOMe analogs at the µ opioid receptor. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:1367-1384. [PMID: 36853332 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03465-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are introduced on the illicit drug market at a rapid pace. Their molecular targets are often inadequately elucidated, which contributes to the delayed characterization of their pharmacological effects. Inspired by earlier findings, this study set out to investigate the µ opioid receptor (MOR) activation potential of a large set of psychedelics, substances which typically activate the serotonin (5-HT2A) receptor as their target receptor. We observed that some substances carrying the N-benzyl phenethylamine (NBOMe) structure activated MOR, as confirmed by both the NanoBiT® βarr2 recruitment assay and the G protein-based AequoScreen® Ca2+ release assay. The use of two orthogonal systems proved beneficial as some aspecific, receptor independent effects were found for various analogs when using the Ca2+ release assay. The specific 'off-target' effects at MOR could be blocked by the opioid antagonist naloxone, suggesting that these NBOMes occupy the same common opioid binding pocket as conventional opioids. This was corroborated by molecular docking, which revealed the plausibility of multiple interactions of 25I-NBOMe with MOR, similar to those observed for opioids. Additionally, structure-activity relationship findings seen in vitro were rationalized in silico for two 25I-NBOMe isomers. Overall, as MOR activity of these psychedelics was only noticed at high concentrations, we consider it unlikely that for the tested compounds there will be a relevant opioid toxicity in vivo at physiologically relevant concentrations. However, small modifications to the original NBOMe structure may result in a panel of more efficacious and potent MOR agonists, potentially exhibiting a dual MOR/5-HT2A activation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mattias Persson
- Department of Forensic Genetic and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Antonio Laus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eline Pottie
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Graziella Tocco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Henrik Gréen
- Department of Forensic Genetic and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden.,Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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18
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Deprez S, Van Uytfanghe K, Stove CP. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressants and creatinine from a single dried blood spot using the Capitainer® qDBS device. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1242:340797. [PMID: 36657891 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.340797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a lot of attention has been given to a more patient-centric therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of immunosuppressant drugs (tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus and cyclosporin A) by the use of microsampling techniques. By adopting Dried Blood Spots (DBS) after a finger prick, instead of conventional venous blood draws, follow-up can (partially) be established from patients' homes. Despite the many advantages of DBS, one of the major disadvantages associated with this technique is the well described hematocrit (hct) effect. In order to overcome the hct area bias, different strategies have been proposed, amongst which the use of dried blood sampling techniques based on the volumetric collection of blood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the Capitainer® qDBS (quantitative Dried Blood Spot) device for the combined TDM of four immunosuppressants and creatinine from a single qDBS. The set-up of an adequate sample preparation allowing both immunosuppressants and creatinine quantification was one of the key challenges in the method development due to device-specific interferences. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry methods for the quantification of tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus, cyclosporin A and creatinine from qDBS (10 μL) were developed and validated based on international guidelines, also taking into account DBS-specific parameters. The methods proved to be accurate and reproducible, with absolute biases below 10% and within-run CVs (%) below 8% over a calibration range from 1 to 50 ng/mL for tacrolimus, sirolimus and everolimus, 20-1500 ng/mL for cyclosporin A, and 15-700 μmol/L for creatinine. Reproducible (CV < 15%) IS-compensated relative recovery values were obtained, showing no hematocrit-dependence (compared to a hct of 0.37), except for cyclosporin A at higher hct values. Application on venous blood left-over patient samples showed good agreement between the results of Capitainer® qDBS and whole blood with 98% (47/48), 93% (41/44), 89% (41/46), 88% (38/43) and 89% (116/131) of the samples lying within 20% of the whole blood result for tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus, cyclosporin A and plasma/serum for creatinine, respectively. For creatinine a blood/plasma ratio of 0.85 was found and used to convert qDBS results to plasma/serum results. As a next step, capillary finger prick samples will need to demonstrate the clinical applicability of the method in a real life setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Deprez
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium; Ref4U - Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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19
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Deventer MH, Norman C, Reid R, McKenzie C, Nic Daéid N, Stove CP. In vitro characterization of the pyrazole-carrying synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist 5F-3,5-AB-PFUPPYCA and its structural analogs. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 343:111565. [PMID: 36640535 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) market is undergoing important changes since the enactment of the 2021 class-wide generic SCRA ban in China, one of the most important source countries for new psychoactive substances (NPS). Recently, various compounds with new structural features, synthesized to bypass this legislation, have entered the recreational drug market. Certain monocyclic pyrazole-carrying "FUPPYCA" SCRAs have been sporadically detected since 2015 without gaining further popularity. However, as evidenced by their recent detection in Scottish prisons, 5F-3,5-AB-PFUPPYCA and 3,5-ADB-4en-PFUPPYCA have re-emerged, potentially triggered by the new legislative ban. The aim of this study was to characterize the in vitro intrinsic CB1 and CB2 receptor activation potential of 5F-3,5-AB-PFUPPYCA and 3,5-ADB-4en-PFUPPYCA, as well as 4 analogs (5F-3,5-ADB-PFUPPYCA, 3,5-AB-CHMFUPPYCA, 5,3-AB-CHMFUPPYCA and 5,3-ADB-4en-PFUPPYCA) using live cell β-arrestin 2 recruitment assays. Most analogs were essentially inactive at either CB1 or CB2, with only 3,5-AB-CHMFUPPYCA, 5,3-AB-CHMFUPPYCA and 5,3-ADB-4en-PFUPPYCA showing a limited activation potential at CB1. Furthermore, the importance of the position of the tail structure was demonstrated, with 5,3 regioisomers being more active than their 3,5 analogs. Moreover, all compounds exhibited antagonistic behavior at both receptors, which may be associated with their structural resemblance to cannabinoid antagonists and inverse agonists. Although the 3,5 regioisomers of these "FUPPYCA" SCRAs circumvent the Chinese ban, it is unlikely that these SCRAs will pose a major threat to public health, given the lack of pronounced CB receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caitlyn Norman
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Robert Reid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK; Chiron AS, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Niamh Nic Daéid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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20
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Deprez S, Stove CP. Dried blood microsampling-assisted therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressants: An overview. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1689:463724. [PMID: 36592482 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In the field of solid organ transplantation, chemotherapy and autoimmune disorders, treatment with immunosuppressant drugs requires intensive follow-up of the blood concentrations via therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) because of their narrow therapeutic window and high intra- and inter-subject variability. This requires frequent hospital visits and venepunctures to allow the determination of these analytes, putting a high burden on the patients. In the context of patient-centric thinking, it is becoming increasingly established that at least part of these conventional blood draws could be replaced by microsampling, allowing home-sampling and increasing the quality of life for these patients. In this review we discuss the published methods - mostly using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry - that have utilized (volumetric) dried blood samples as an alternative for conventional liquid whole blood for the TDM of immunosuppressant drugs. Furthermore, some pre-analytical considerations using DBS or volumetric alternatives are considered, as well as the applicability on clinical samples. The implementation status in clinical practice is also discussed, including (1) the cost-effectiveness of this approach compared to venepuncture, (2) the availability of multiplexed methods, (3) the status of harmonization and (4) patient perception. A brief perspective on potential future developments for the dried blood-based TDM of immunosuppressant drugs is provided, by considering how obstacles for the implementation of these strategies into clinical practice might be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Deprez
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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21
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Janssens LK, Ametovski A, Sparkes E, Boyd R, Lai F, Maloney CJ, Rhook D, Gerona RR, Connolly M, Liu H, Hibbs DE, Cairns EA, Banister SD, Stove CP. Comprehensive Characterization of a Systematic Library of Alkyl and Alicyclic Synthetic Cannabinoids Related to CUMYL-PICA, CUMYL-BUTICA, CUMYL-CBMICA, and CUMYL-PINACA. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:35-52. [PMID: 36530139 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 200 synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) have been identified as new psychoactive substances. Effective monitoring and characterization of SCRAs are hindered by the rapid pace of structural evolution. Ahead of possible appearance on the illicit drug market, new SCRAs were synthesized to complete a systematic library of cumyl-indole- (e.g., CUMYL-CPrMICA, CUMYL-CPMICA) and cumyl-indazole-carboxamides (e.g., CUMYL-CPrMINACA, CUMYL-CPMINACA), encompassing butyl, pentyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, and cyclohexylmethyl tails. Comprehensive pharmacological characterization was performed with three assay formats, monitoring the recruitment of either wild-type or C-terminally truncated (βarr2d366) β-arrestin2 to the activated cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1) or monitoring Gβγ-mediated membrane hyperpolarization. Altered compound characterization was observed when comparing derived potency (EC50) and efficacy (Emax) values from both assays monitoring the same or a different signaling event, whereas ranges and ranking orders were similar. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) were assessed in threefold, resulting in the identification of the pendant tail as a critical pharmacophore, with the optimal chain length for CB1 activation approximating an n-pentyl (e.g., cyclopentylmethyl or cyclohexylmethyl tail). The activity of the SCRAs encompassing cyclic tails decreased with decreasing number of carbons forming the cyclic moiety, with CUMYL-CPrMICA showing the least CB1 activity in all assay formats. The SARs were rationalized via molecular docking, demonstrating the importance of the optimal steric contribution of the hydrophobic tail. While SAR conclusions remained largely unchanged, the differential compound characterization by both similar and different assay designs emphasizes the importance of detailing specific assay characteristics to allow adequate interpretation of potencies and efficacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl K Janssens
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adam Ametovski
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Eric Sparkes
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Felcia Lai
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Callan J Maloney
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Dane Rhook
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Roy R Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | | | | | - David E Hibbs
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Van Puyvelde B, Van Uytfanghe K, Van Oudenhove L, Gabriels R, Van Royen T, Matthys A, Razavi M, Yip R, Pearson T, Drouin N, Claereboudt J, Foley D, Wardle R, Wyndham K, Hankemeier T, Jones D, Saelens X, Martens G, Stove CP, Deforce D, Martens L, Vissers JPC, Anderson NL, Dhaenens M. Cov 2MS: An Automated and Quantitative Matrix-Independent Assay for Mass Spectrometric Measurement of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein. Anal Chem 2022; 94:17379-17387. [PMID: 36490367 PMCID: PMC9773173 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic readiness toolbox needs to be extended, targeting different biomolecules, using orthogonal experimental set-ups. Here, we build on our Cov-MS effort using LC-MS, adding SISCAPA technology to enrich proteotypic peptides of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein from trypsin-digested patient samples. The Cov2MS assay is compatible with most matrices including nasopharyngeal swabs, saliva, and plasma and has increased sensitivity into the attomole range, a 1000-fold improvement compared to direct detection in a matrix. A strong positive correlation was observed with qPCR detection beyond a quantification cycle of 30-31, the level where no live virus can be cultured. The automatable sample preparation and reduced LC dependency allow analysis of up to 500 samples per day per instrument. Importantly, peptide enrichment allows detection of the N protein in pooled samples without sensitivity loss. Easily multiplexed, we detect variants and propose targets for Influenza A and B detection. Thus, the Cov2MS assay can be adapted to test for many different pathogens in pooled samples, providing longitudinal epidemiological monitoring of large numbers of pathogens within a population as an early warning system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Van Puyvelde
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Ralf Gabriels
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tessa Van Royen
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9000 Belgium
| | - Arne Matthys
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9000 Belgium
| | - Morteza Razavi
- SISCAPA Assay Technologies, Inc., Box 53309, Washington, DC 20009, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Richard Yip
- SISCAPA Assay Technologies, Inc., Box 53309, Washington, DC 20009, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Terry Pearson
- SISCAPA Assay Technologies, Inc., Box 53309, Washington, DC 20009, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicolas Drouin
- Division of Systems Biomedicine and Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dominic Foley
- Waters Corporation, Wilmslow SK9 4AX, United Kingdom.,Waters Corporation, Milford, Massachusetts 01757, United States
| | - Robert Wardle
- Waters Corporation, Wilmslow SK9 4AX, United Kingdom.,Waters Corporation, Milford, Massachusetts 01757, United States
| | - Kevin Wyndham
- Waters Corporation, Wilmslow SK9 4AX, United Kingdom.,Waters Corporation, Milford, Massachusetts 01757, United States
| | - Thomas Hankemeier
- Division of Systems Biomedicine and Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Donald Jones
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, RKCSB, Cardiovascular Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom.,John and Lucille van Geest Biomarker Facility, Leicester LE3 9QP, United Kingdom.,The Department of Chemical Pathology and Metabolic Diseases, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Level 4, Sandringham Building, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Xavier Saelens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9000 Belgium
| | - Geert Martens
- AZ Delta Medical Laboratories, AZ Delta General Hospital, 8800 Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lennart Martens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johannes P C Vissers
- Waters Corporation, Wilmslow SK9 4AX, United Kingdom.,Waters Corporation, Milford, Massachusetts 01757, United States
| | - N Leigh Anderson
- SISCAPA Assay Technologies, Inc., Box 53309, Washington, DC 20009, United States
| | - Maarten Dhaenens
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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23
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Deprez S, Heughebaert L, Boffel L, Stove CP. Comparison of near-infrared and UV–vis-based non-contact hematocrit prediction of dried blood spots from patients on immunosuppressants. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 61:e87-e90. [PMID: 36517416 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Deprez
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis , Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Liesl Heughebaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis , Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Laura Boffel
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis , Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis , Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
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24
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Boffel L, Delahaye L, De Baerdemaeker L, Stove CP. Application of a Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS)-Based Method for the Determination of Paracetamol and Four of its Metabolites as a Tool for Pharmacokinetic Studies in Obese and Non-Obese Patients. Clin Pharmacokinet 2022; 61:1719-1733. [PMID: 36451028 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-022-01187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of a drug is influenced by several factors, which can lead to a suboptimal dosing regimen in specific patient populations. As obesity becomes increasingly prevalent, it is important that optimized dosing schemes are available for these patients. To set up such dosing schemes, PK studies should be performed in this population. Regarding paracetamol (acetaminophen [APAP]), obese patients would benefit from a tailored dosing scheme, as both the volume of distribution and metabolism are increased compared with non-obese patients. This includes metabolism by cytochrome P450 2E1, which is involved in APAP-associated hepatotoxicity. To decrease the burden for patients in these PK studies, finger-prick sampling could be used. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the quantitative determination of APAP and four metabolites in different blood-based matrices and to determine if capillary dried blood samples, collected directly following finger-prick, could serve as a tool to investigate APAP PK in obese and non-obese patients. METHODS In this study, we performed a clinical validation of methods for the determination of APAP and four of its metabolites (APAP-glucuronide, APAP-sulfate, APAP-mercapturate, and APAP-cysteine) in blood, plasma, and dried blood. The latter was obtained by volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), either starting from the venous blood or collected directly following a finger-prick. Results were compared between the different matrices and, in addition, blood:plasma (B:P) ratios were determined for the different analytes. RESULTS Liquid and dried venous blood results were in good agreement. Furthermore, differences between capillary (finger-prick) and venous VAMS blood samples remained limited for most analytes. However, for APAP-cysteine, caution should be paid to the interpretation of concentrations in (dried) blood. With the exception of APAP, concentrations were higher in plasma compared with blood, with B:P ratios ranging between 0.52 and 0.65. A time-dependent change in median B:P ratio was observed for APAP and APAP-cysteine. Additionally, a time-dependent trend was seen for APAP, as well as for APAP-glucuronide and APAP-mercapturate, for the distribution between capillary and venous blood. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that finger-prick sampling is a viable alternative to conventional venous blood sampling to investigate the PK of APAP and its metabolites in obese and non-obese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Boffel
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lisa Delahaye
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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25
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Crans RAJ, Wouters E, Valle-León M, Taura J, Massari CM, Fernández-Dueñas V, Stove CP, Ciruela F. Corrigendum: Striatal dopamine D2-muscarinic acetylcholine M1 receptor-receptor interaction in a model of movement disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1075433. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1075433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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26
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Glatfelter GC, Pottie E, Partilla JS, Sherwood AM, Kaylo K, Pham DNK, Naeem M, Sammeta VR, DeBoer S, Golen JA, Hulley EB, Stove CP, Chadeayne AR, Manke DR, Baumann MH. Structure-Activity Relationships for Psilocybin, Baeocystin, Aeruginascin, and Related Analogues to Produce Pharmacological Effects in Mice. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:1181-1196. [PMID: 36407948 PMCID: PMC9667540 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
4-Phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (psilocybin) is a naturally occurring tertiary amine found in many mushroom species. Psilocybin is a prodrug for 4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (psilocin), which induces psychedelic effects via agonist activity at the serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor (5-HT2A). Several other 4-position ring-substituted tryptamines are present in psilocybin-containing mushrooms, including the secondary amine 4-phosphoryloxy-N-methyltryptamine (baeocystin) and the quaternary ammonium 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine (aeruginascin), but these compounds are not well studied. Here, we investigated the structure-activity relationships for psilocybin, baeocystin, and aeruginascin, as compared to their 4-acetoxy and 4-hydroxy analogues, using in vitro and in vivo methods. Broad receptor screening using radioligand binding assays in transfected cells revealed that secondary and tertiary tryptamines with either 4-acetoxy or 4-hydroxy substitutions display nanomolar affinity for most human 5-HT receptor subtypes tested, including the 5-HT2A and the serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT1A). The same compounds displayed affinity for 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A in mouse brain tissue in vitro and exhibited agonist efficacy in assays examining 5-HT2A-mediated calcium mobilization and β-arrestin 2 recruitment. In mouse experiments, only the tertiary amines psilocin, psilocybin, and 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (psilacetin) induced head twitch responses (ED50 0.11-0.29 mg/kg) indicative of psychedelic-like activity. Head twitches were blocked by 5-HT2A antagonist pretreatment, supporting 5-HT2A involvement. Both secondary and tertiary amines decreased body temperature and locomotor activity at higher doses, the effects of which were blocked by 5-HT1A antagonist pretreatment. Across all assays, the pharmacological effects of 4-acetoxy and 4-hydroxy compounds were similar, and these compounds were more potent than their 4-phosphoryloxy counterparts. Importantly, psilacetin appears to be a prodrug for psilocin that displays substantial serotonin receptor activities of its own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant C. Glatfelter
- Designer
Drug Research Unit, National Institute on
Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Eline Pottie
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - John S. Partilla
- Designer
Drug Research Unit, National Institute on
Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | | | - Kristi Kaylo
- Usona
Institute, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Duyen N. K. Pham
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Marilyn Naeem
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Vamshikrishna Reddy Sammeta
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Stacie DeBoer
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - James A. Golen
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Elliott B. Hulley
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - David R. Manke
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747, United States
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer
Drug Research Unit, National Institute on
Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
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Luginbühl M, Wurst FM, Stöth F, Weinmann W, Stove CP, Van Uytfanghe K. Consensus for the use of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) for the assessment of abstinence and alcohol consumption in clinical and forensic practice (2022 Consensus of Basel). Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1800-1802. [PMID: 35851997 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Friedrich M Wurst
- Psychiatric University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederike Stöth
- Institute of Forensic Medicine Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Weinmann
- Institute of Forensic Medicine Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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28
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Poulie CBM, Pottie E, Simon IA, Harpsøe K, D'Andrea L, Komarov IV, Gloriam DE, Jensen AA, Stove CP, Kristensen JL. Discovery of β-Arrestin-Biased 25CN-NBOH-Derived 5-HT 2A Receptor Agonists. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12031-12043. [PMID: 36099411 PMCID: PMC9511481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is the mediator of the psychedelic effects of serotonergic psychedelics, which have shown promising results in clinical studies for several neuropsychiatric indications. The 5-HT2AR is able to signal through the Gαq and β-arrestin effector proteins, but it is currently not known how the different signaling pathways contribute to the therapeutic effects mediated by serotonergic psychedelics. In the present work, we have evaluated the subtype-selective 5-HT2AR agonist 25CN-NBOH and a series of close analogues for biased signaling at this receptor. These ligands were designed to evaluate the role of interactions with Ser1593×36. The lack of interaction between this hydroxyl moiety and Ser1593×36 resulted in detrimental effects on potency and efficacy in both βarr2 and miniGαq recruitment assays. Remarkably, Gαq-mediated signaling was considerably more affected. This led to the development of the first efficacious βarr2-biased 5-HT2AR agonists 4a-b and 6e-f, βarr2 preferring, relative to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian B M Poulie
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK─2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eline Pottie
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Icaro A Simon
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK─2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Harpsøe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK─2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura D'Andrea
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK─2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - David E Gloriam
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK─2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK─2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jesper L Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK─2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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29
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Deventer MH, Van Uytfanghe K, Vinckier IMJ, Reniero F, Guillou C, Stove CP. A new cannabinoid receptor 1 selective agonist evading the 2021 "China ban": ADB-FUBIATA. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1639-1644. [PMID: 35570246 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Following the class-wide ban of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in China, SCRAs carrying new core and linker structures, aimed at circumventing the recent Chinese generic legislation, have appeared on the recreational drug market. A very recent example is (S)-2-(2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)acetamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide (ADB-FUBIATA), which is structurally closely related to the potent SCRA ADB-FUBICA, but carries an additional methylene in the linker region of the molecule. ADB-FUBIATA has recently been identified in seized materials in China, Russia, the United States, and also Belgium; however, its pharmacological characteristics were unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intrinsic cannabinoid receptor (hCB1 and hCB2 ) activation potential of this previously unknown substance via two distinct yet similar in vitro β-arrestin2 recruitment assays, based on the NanoLuc Binary Technology®. At CB1 , a potency of 635 nM (EC50 ) was found, with an efficacy (Emax ) of 141% relative to the reference compound CP55,940. On the other hand, ADB-FUBIATA had almost no activity at CB2 , indicative of a clear CB1 selectivity. Interestingly, this activation pattern differs markedly from that observed for ADB-FUBICA, which was previously found to be potent and efficacious at both cannabinoid receptors. Additionally, the bioassays were applied to a seized powder containing ADB-FUBIATA, as analytically confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode-array detection (HLPC-DAD), gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography couple to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The EC50 and Emax values obtained for this powder were very similar to those of the ADB-FUBIATA analytical standard, suggesting a high purity of the powder, although analytical techniques did reveal that the sample was not entirely pure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Fabiano Reniero
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Ispra, Italy
| | - Claude Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Ispra, Italy
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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30
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Deventer MH, Van Uytfanghe K, Vinckier IM, Reniero F, Guillou C, Stove CP. New generic ban evading synthetic cannabinoids shaking up the market? Toxicologie Analytique et Clinique 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2022.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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31
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Janssens LK, Hudson S, Wood DM, Wolfe C, Dargan PI, Stove CP. Towards better understanding SCRAs and metabolites in recreational drug intoxications associated with 5F-MDMB-PICA use. Toxicologie Analytique et Clinique 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2022.06.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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32
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Janssens LK, Boeckaerts D, Hudson S, Morozova D, Cannaert A, Wood DM, Wolfe C, De Baets B, Stock M, Dargan PI, Stove CP. Large-scale activity-based SCRA screening on patient serum samples: CB1 bioassay supported by machine learning. Toxicologie Analytique et Clinique 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2022.06.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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33
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Rodríguez-Soacha DA, Steinmüller SAM, Işbilir A, Fender J, Deventer MH, Ramírez YA, Tutov A, Sotriffer C, Stove CP, Lorenz K, Lohse MJ, Hislop JN, Decker M. Development of an Indole-Amide-Based Photoswitchable Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 1 (CB 1R) "Cis-On" Agonist. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2410-2435. [PMID: 35881914 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the human cannabinoid receptor type 1 (hCB1R) with high spatiotemporal control is useful to study processes involved in different pathologies related to nociception, metabolic alterations, and neurological disorders. To synthesize new agonist ligands for hCB1R, we have designed different classes of photoswitchable molecules based on an indole core. The modifications made to the central core have allowed us to understand the molecular characteristics necessary to design an agonist with optimal pharmacological properties. Compound 27a shows high affinity for CB1R (Ki (cis-form) = 0.18 μM), with a marked difference in affinity with respect to its inactive "trans-off" form (CB1R Ki trans/cis ratio = 5.4). The novel compounds were evaluated by radioligand binding studies, receptor internalization, sensor receptor activation (GRABeCB2.0), Western blots for analysis of ERK1/2 activation, NanoBiT βarr2 recruitment, and calcium mobilization assays, respectively. The data show that the novel agonist 27a is a candidate for studying the optical modulation of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), serving as a new molecular tool for investigating the involvement of hCB1R in disorders associated with the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Rodríguez-Soacha
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ali Işbilir
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany.,Receptor Signaling Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yesid A Ramírez
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.,Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Icesi, Valle del Cauca, 760031 Cali, Colombia
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Sotriffer
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany.,Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften─ISAS e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Martin J Lohse
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany.,Receptor Signaling Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,ISAR Bioscience Institut, 82152 Planegg/Munich, Germany
| | - James N Hislop
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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34
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Janssens LK, Hudson S, Wood DM, Wolfe C, Dargan PI, Stove CP. Linking in vitro and ex vivo CB 1 activity with serum concentrations and clinical features in 5F-MDMB-PICA users to better understand SCRAs and their metabolites. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2935-2945. [PMID: 35962200 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03355-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) pose a danger to public health. This study focused on individuals experiencing recreational drug toxicity who had used 5F-MDMB-PICA.Patient records were evaluated regarding vital signs, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and clinical features. Liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) confirmed and quantified the presence of 5F-MDMB-PICA (and/or metabolites) as the only SCRA present in the serum of 71 patients. Cannabinoid activity was evaluated by a cannabinoid receptor (CB1) bioassay, to assess the relationship between serum concentrations and ex vivo human CB1 activation potential. Furthermore, a link with the clinical presentation was appraised.5F-MDMB-PICA and five metabolites were pharmacologically profiled in vitro, revealing theoretically possible contributions of two active in vivo metabolites to overall cannabinoid activity. Serum concentrations of 5F-MDMB-PICA were correlated to the ex vivo cannabinoid activity, revealing a sigmoidal relationship. The latter could also be predicted based on pharmacological characterization of 5F-MDMB-PICA and its metabolites and an in-depth investigation of the bioassay outcome. Clinically, the GCS showed a significant trend (decrease) with increasing ex vivo cannabinoid activity.This is the first study to evaluate possible toxic effects of 5F-MDMB-PICA in a unique large patient cohort. It allows a better understanding of 5F-MDMB-PICA and metabolites in humans, suggesting a negligible contribution by 5F-MDMB-PICA metabolites to the overall cannabinoid activity in serum. Additionally, this work shows that in vitro pharmacological characterization allows close prediction of an individual's ex vivo CB1 activity, the latter showing a relationship with the level of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl K Janssens
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simon Hudson
- LGC Ltd- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, Cambridge, UK
| | - David M Wood
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caitlin Wolfe
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Paul I Dargan
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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35
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Van Uytfanghe K, Heughebaert L, Abatih E, Stove CP. Set-up of a population-based model to verify alcohol abstinence via monitoring of the direct alcohol marker phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1. Addiction 2022; 117:2108-2118. [PMID: 35072319 DOI: 10.1111/add.15811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 (PEth) is a biomarker for alcohol intake. It has a half-life of 7.9 days. Chronic alcohol consumption causes high PEth values. It can take weeks before PEth values fall below the decision limit for 'alcohol abstinence'. Our aim was to validate whether alcohol abstinence can be determined based on two consecutive PEth results above the decision limit. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Belgium, February 2019. The study was linked to a social initiative in Belgium, 'Tournée Minérale'. PARTICIPANTS Adults (aged > 18 years, n = 796) with varying drinking habits who self-reportedly refrained from alcohol consumption during the study. MEASUREMENTS A validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was used to quantify PEth in participants' dried blood samples, collected at three time-points via remote fingerprick-based self-sampling. FINDINGS A population-based algorithm to evaluate abstinence based on 95% prediction limits was developed by fitting a linear mixed-effect model to discern patterns in PEth elimination over time. It took intra- and inter-individual variability into consideration. The algorithm was included in a two-step decision tree, assessing whether (i) PEth values fell within the prediction interval and (ii) the slope between two PEth values was consistent with no alcohol consumption. Data for 74 participants reporting no alcohol intake during the study were used for validation. With a detection limit of 'four units spread over 14 days', the sensitivity and specificity of the decision tree was 89%. CONCLUSIONS Claims of alcohol abstinence can be verified using a two-step decision tree for phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 values, even when those values are above the limit for 'alcohol abstinence'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesl Heughebaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Abatih
- Fostering Innovative Research Based on Evidence (FIRE), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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36
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Vandeputte MM, Vasudevan L, Stove CP. In vitro functional assays as a tool to study new synthetic opioids at the μ-opioid receptor: Potential, pitfalls and progress. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 235:108161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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37
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Deventer MH, Van Uytfanghe K, Vinckier IMJ, Reniero F, Guillou C, Stove CP. Cannabinoid receptor activation potential of the next generation, generic ban evading OXIZID synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1565-1575. [PMID: 35560866 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, several nations have implemented various measures to control the surge of new synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) entering the recreational drug market. In July 2021, China put into effect a new generic legislation, banning SCRAs containing one of 7 general core scaffolds. However, this has driven manufacturers towards the synthesis of SCRAs with alternative core structures, exemplified by the recent emergence of "OXIZID SCRAs". Here, using in vitro β-arrestin2 recruitment assays, we report on the CB1 and CB2 potency and efficacy of five members of this new class of SCRAs: BZO-HEXOXIZID, BZO-POXIZID, 5-fluoro BZO-POXIZID, BZO-4en-POXIZID and BZO-CHMOXIZID. All compounds behaved as full agonists at CB1 and partial agonists at CB2 . Potencies ranged from 84.6 - 721 nM at CB1 and 2.21 - 25.9 nM at CB2 . Shortening the n-hexyl tail to a pentyl tail enhanced activity at both receptors. Fluorination of this pentyl analog did not yield a higher receptor activation potential, whereas an unsaturated tail resulted in decreased potency and efficacy at CB1 . The cyclohexyl methyl analog BZO-CHMOXIZID was the most potent compound at both receptors, with EC50 values of 84.6 and 2.21 nM at CB1 and CB2 , respectively. Evaluation of the activity of a seized powder containing BZO-4en-POXIZID suggested a high purity, in line with HPLC-DAD, GC-MS, LC-QTOF-MS and FTIR and NMR analysis. Furthermore, all tested compounds showed a preference for CB2 , except for BZO-POXIZID. Overall, these findings inform public health officials, law enforcement agencies and clinicians on these newly emerging SCRAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - F Reniero
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - C Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - C P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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38
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Vandeputte MM, Krotulski AJ, Walther D, Glatfelter GC, Papsun D, Walton SE, Logan BK, Baumann MH, Stove CP. Pharmacological evaluation and forensic case series of N-pyrrolidino etonitazene (etonitazepyne), a newly emerging 2-benzylbenzimidazole 'nitazene' synthetic opioid. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:1845-1863. [PMID: 35477798 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03276-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Novel synthetic opioids continue to emerge on recreational drug markets worldwide. In response to legislative bans on fentanyl analogues, non-fentanyl structural templates, such as 2-benzylbenzimidazoles ('nitazenes'), are being exploited to create new μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists. Here, we pharmacologically characterize an emerging cyclic analogue of etonitazene, called N-pyrrolidino etonitazene (etonitazepyne), using in vitro and in vivo methods. A series of analytically confirmed fatalities is described to complement preclinical findings. Radioligand binding assays in rat brain tissue revealed that N-pyrrolidino etonitazene has high affinity for MOR (Ki = 4.09 nM) over δ-opioid (Ki = 959 nM) and κ-opioid (Ki = 980 nM) receptors. In a MOR-β-arrestin2 activation assay, N-pyrrolidino etonitazene displayed high potency (EC50 = 0.348 nM), similar to etonitazene (EC50 = 0.360 nM), and largely exceeding the potencies of fentanyl (EC50 = 14.9 nM) and morphine (EC50 = 290 nM). When administered s.c. to male Sprague Dawley rats, N-pyrrolidino etonitazene induced opioid-like antinociceptive, cataleptic, and thermic effects. Its potency in the hot plate test (ED50 = 0.0017 mg/kg) was tenfold and 2,000-fold greater than fentanyl (ED50 = 0.0209 mg/kg) and morphine (ED50 = 3.940 mg/kg), respectively. Twenty-one overdose fatalities associated with N-pyrrolidino etonitazene were found to contain low blood concentrations of the drug (median = 2.2 ng/mL), commonly in the context of polysubstance use. N-Pyrrolidino etonitazene was reported as a cause of death in at least two cases, demonstrating toxicity in humans. We demonstrate that N-pyrrolidino etonitazene is an extremely potent MOR agonist that is likely to present high risk to users. Continued vigilance is required to identify and characterize emergent 2-benzylbenzimidazoles, and other non-fentanyl opioids, as they appear in the marketplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe M Vandeputte
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA, 19090, USA
| | - Donna Walther
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Grant C Glatfelter
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | | | - Sara E Walton
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA, 19090, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA, 19090, USA
- NMS Labs, Horsham, PA, 19044, USA
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Verougstraete N, Stove V, Verstraete AG, Stove CP. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Using Dried Blood Microsamples. Front Oncol 2022; 12:821807. [PMID: 35392223 PMCID: PMC8980857 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.821807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is not yet performed routinely in the standard care of oncology patients, although it offers a high potential to improve treatment outcome and minimize toxicity. TKIs are perfect candidates for TDM as they show a relatively small therapeutic window, a wide inter-patient variability in pharmacokinetics and a correlation between drug concentration and effect. Moreover, most of the available TKIs are susceptible to various drug-drug interactions and medication adherence can be checked by performing TDM. Plasma, obtained via traditional venous blood sampling, is the standard matrix for TDM of TKIs. However, the use of plasma poses some challenges related to sampling and stability. The use of dried blood microsamples can overcome these limitations. Collection of samples via finger-prick is minimally invasive and considered convenient and simple, enabling sampling by the patients themselves in their home-setting. The collection of small sample volumes is especially relevant for use in pediatric populations or in pharmacokinetic studies. Additionally, working with dried matrices improves compound stability, resulting in convenient and cost-effective transport and storage of the samples. In this review we focus on the different dried blood microsample-based methods that were used for the quantification of TKIs. Despite the many advantages associated with dried blood microsampling, quantitative analyses are also associated with some specific difficulties. Different methodological aspects of microsampling-based methods are discussed and applied to TDM of TKIs. We focus on sample preparation, analytics, internal standards, dilution of samples, external quality controls, dried blood spot specific validation parameters, stability and blood-to-plasma conversion methods. The various impacts of deviating hematocrit values on quantitative results are discussed in a separate section as this is a key issue and undoubtedly the most widely discussed issue in the analysis of dried blood microsamples. Lastly, the applicability and feasibility of performing TDM using microsamples in a real-life home-sampling context is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Verougstraete
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veronique Stove
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alain G Verstraete
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Tosh DK, Salmaso V, Campbell RG, Rao H, Bitant A, Pottie E, Stove CP, Liu N, Gavrilova O, Gao ZG, Auchampach JA, Jacobson KA. A 3 adenosine receptor agonists containing dopamine moieties for enhanced interspecies affinity. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:113983. [PMID: 34844790 PMCID: PMC8865922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Following our study of 4'-truncated (N)-methanocarba-adenosine derivatives that displayed unusually high mouse (m) A3AR affinity, we incorporated dopamine-related N6 substituents in the full agonist 5'-methylamide series. N6-(2-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl) derivative MRS7618 11 displayed Ki (nM) 0.563 at hA3AR (∼20,000-fold selective) and 1.54 at mA3AR. 2-Alkyl ethers maintained A3 affinity, but with less selectivity than 2-alkynes. Parallel functional assays of G protein-dependent and β-arrestin 2 (βarr2)-dependent pathways indicate these are full agonists but not biased. Through use of computational modeling, we hypothesized that phenyl OH/OMe groups interact with polar residues, particularly Gln261, on the mA3AR extracellular loops as the basis for the affinity enhancement. Although the pharmacokinetics indicated facile clearance of parent O-methyl catechol nucleosides 21 and 31, prolonged mA3AR activation in vivo was observed in a hypothermia model, suggested potential formation of active metabolites through demethylation. Selected analogues induced mouse hypothermia following i.p. injection, indicative of peripheral A3AR agonism in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip K. Tosh
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Veronica Salmaso
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ryan G. Campbell
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Harsha Rao
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Amelia Bitant
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Eline Pottie
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Naili Liu
- Mouse Metabolism Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Oksana Gavrilova
- Mouse Metabolism Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Zhan-Guo Gao
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - John A. Auchampach
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA,Corresponding author. Address correspondence to: Dr. Kenneth A. Jacobson, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-0810 USA; Molecular Recognition Section, Bldg. 8A, Rm. B1A-19, NIH, NIDDK, LBC, Bethesda, MD, USA. Phone: 301-496-9024. Fax: 301-496-8422. (K.A. Jacobson)
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Pottie E, Stove CP. In vitro assays for the functional characterization of (psychedelic) substances at the serotonin receptor 5-HT 2A R. J Neurochem 2022; 162:39-59. [PMID: 34978711 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are substances that induce alterations in mood, perception, and thought, and have the activation of serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptors (5-HT2A Rs) as a main pharmacological mechanism. Besides their appearance on the (illicit) drug market, e.g. as new psychoactive substances, their potential therapeutic application is increasingly explored. This group of substances demonstrates a broad structural variety, leading to insufficiently described structure-activity relationships, hence illustrating the need for better functional characterization. This review therefore elaborates on the in vitro molecular techniques that have been used the most abundantly for the characterization of (psychedelic) 5-HT2A R agonists. More specifically, this review covers assays to monitor the canonical G protein signaling pathway (e.g. measuring G protein recruitment/activation, inositol phosphate accumulation, or Ca2+ mobilization), assays to monitor non-canonical G protein signaling (such as arachidonic acid release), assays to monitor β-arrestin recruitment or signaling, and assays to monitor receptor conformational changes. In particular, focus lies on the mechanism behind the techniques, and the specific advantages and challenges that are associated with these. Additionally, several variables are discussed that one should consider when attempting to compare functional outcomes from different studies, both linked to the specific assay mechanism and linked to its specific execution, as these may heavily impact the assay outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Pottie
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Boffel L, Heughebaert L, Lambrecht S, Luginbühl M, Stove CP. In-depth evaluation of automated non-contact reflectance-based hematocrit prediction of dried blood spots. Analyst 2022; 147:5445-5454. [DOI: 10.1039/d2an01642g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Using the automated CAMAG® DBS-MS 500 HCT system, a UV-Vis-based hematocrit prediction calibration model was succesfully set up and applied on both an independent instrument and an independent set of venous DBS samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Boffel
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesl Heughebaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn Lambrecht
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Luginbühl
- CAMAG, Sonnenmattstrasse 11, CH-4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Delahaye L, Baerdemaeker LD, Stove CP. Determination of paracetamol and its metabolites via LC-MS/MS in dried blood volumetric absorptive microsamples: A tool for pharmacokinetic studies. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 206:114361. [PMID: 34508925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) is the most frequently used analgesic and antipyretic worldwide. Nonetheless, APAP induced hepatotoxicity is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the western world. This hepatotoxicity is related to the metabolism of APAP, via the formation of the electrophilic oxidation product N-acetyl-para-benzoquinone imine. To investigate differences in APAP metabolism in specific patient populations and to optimize dosing regimens, quantification of metabolites from the different metabolic pathways is needed to perform pharmacokinetic (PK) studies. For this purpose, sensitive and short liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods were developed for the quantitation of APAP and four of its metabolites (APAP-glucuronide, APAP-sulfate, APAP-mercapturate, and APAP-cysteine) in plasma, whole blood and dried blood microsamples collected via 10 µL volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) devices. The methods were successfully validated based on internationally accepted guidelines (EMA, FDA), encompassing selectivity, evaluation of the calibration model, matrix effect and recovery, accuracy and precision, stability, and dilution integrity. In addition, for the VAMS samples, the effect of the hematocrit on the recovery was evaluated. Successful application on whole blood and plasma, as well as on VAMS samples prepared from venous or capillary blood of patients, demonstrated that the methods were fit-for-purpose and can be used for future PK studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Delahaye
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Janssens LK, Stove CP. Sensing an Oxygen Sensor: Development and Application of Activity-Based Assays Directly Monitoring HIF Heterodimerization. Anal Chem 2021; 93:14462-14470. [PMID: 34677954 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Conventionally, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activation by prolyl hydroxylase domain enzyme (PHD) inhibition is monitored by gene reporter assays. The principle relies on the monitoring of an upstream event (HIF stabilization) by the downstream transcriptional activity. Here, we developed a novel approach to directly sense HIF activation by monitoring the heterodimerization of the HIFα/HIFβ subunits, constituting the functional HIF transcription factor. Two live cell-based biosensor assay setups were designed, utilizing functional complementation of split-nanoluciferase as a tool to measure HIFα/HIFβ protein-protein interaction resulting from the stabilization of HIF1α or HIF2α. The assay setup in a 96-well format was optimized for a duration of 2 h, and a HEK293T transfection protocol was introduced for the optimal configuration of HIFα/HIFβ-fusion proteins. These new bioassays outperformed hypoxia response element-based gene reporter assay, the current state-of-the-art assay, in terms of sensitivity. Applicability was demonstrated using a panel of PHD inhibitors, including roxadustat, molidustat, daprodustat, desidustat, vadadustat, and FG-2216, for which concentration-response curves were generated, allowing for the derivation of potency (EC50) and efficacy (Emax) data. The broad applicability of the biosensors was established via applying hypoxia mimetic CoCl2, iron chelator desferrioxamine, proteasome inhibitor MG-132, and 2-OG mimetic dimethyloxalylglycine on the assays, indicating concentration-dependent effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl K Janssens
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Nordmeier F, Cannaert A, Stove CP, Schmidt PH, Meyer MR, Schaefer N. Are the N-demethylated metabolites of U-47700 more active than their parent compound? In vitro μ-opioid receptor activation of N-desmethyl-U-47700 and N,N-bisdesmethyl-U-47700. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:713-717. [PMID: 34669261 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Studies on the tissue distribution of the new synthetic opioid U-47700 and its main metabolite N-desmethyl-U-47700 revealed about sixfold higher metabolite concentrations in pig brain as compared with the parent compound. To better assess the toxic potential of this drug, the aim of this study was to assess the in vitro μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activation potential of the main metabolites of U-47700, N-desmethyl-U-47700, and N,N-bisdesmethyl-U-47700, using a live cell-based reporter assay based on NanoLuc Binary Technology®. Cells stably expressing human MOR and β-arrestin 2 (βarr2), each fused via a flexible linker to two complementary inactive subunits of the nanoluciferase, were seeded on poly-d-lysine-coated 96-well plates and treated with N-desmethyl-U-47700, N,N-bisdesmethyl-U-47700, U-47700, or hydromorphone as reference standard. MOR activation results in functional complementation of the nanoluciferase, which can be assessed via luminescence monitoring. The potency of the metabolites is lower than that of U-47700 (EC50 of 186 nM for U-47700, 3770 nM for N-desmethyl-U-47700, and >5 μM for N,N-bisdesmethyl-U-47700). The maximal efficacy (Emax ) observed (relative to hydromorphone, set arbitrarily at 100%) decreased from 183% to 127% and 39.2% for U-47700, N-desmethyl-U-47700, and N,N-bisdesmethyl-U-47700, respectively. Thus, the loss of one or two methyl groups reduced the MOR activation potential, which was more pronounced if both methyl groups were removed. It is thus anticipated that the impact on MOR exerted by the higher metabolite concentration in brain has only little-if any relevance for the strong toxic effects of U-47700.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter H Schmidt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Schaefer
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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Delahaye L, Heughebaert L, Lühr C, Lambrecht S, Stove CP. Near-infrared-based hematocrit prediction of dried blood spots: An in-depth evaluation. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 523:239-246. [PMID: 34624275 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dried blood spot (DBS) microsampling has gained interest in different clinical fields, owing to its many advantages compared to conventional blood sampling. However, whilst being applied for decades for screening purposes, some challenges, such as the hematocrit (Hct) effect, hinder further widespread use of DBS for quantitative purposes in clinical practice. Amongst the approaches that were developed to cope with this issue, is the Hct prediction of DBS using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. METHODS Using left-over EDTA-anticoagulated patient samples, the accuracy and precision, stability, and robustness were assessed. Furthermore, applicability of the method on capillary DBS was evaluated via finger prick samples. RESULTS A maximal bias, respectively CV, of 0.012 L/L and 4.5% were obtained. The method was robust towards several aspects, including storage (except for storage at 60°C), measurement location, type of filter paper and spotted volume. Furthermore, the potential to predict the Hct of capillary DBS was demonstrated. CONCLUSION A commercially available NIR set-up was extensively and successfully validated, allowing non-contact Hct prediction of DBS with excellent accuracy and precision. This allows to correct for the Hct-based bias observed in partial-punch DBS analysis and the set-up of blood-plasma conversion factors, increasing the application potential of patient-centric sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Delahaye
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesl Heughebaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Stijn Lambrecht
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent, Belgium.
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Deprez S, Stove CP. Fully Automated Dried Blood Bpot Extraction coupled to Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Immunosuppressants. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1653:462430. [PMID: 34384960 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients receiving immunosuppressant therapy, require intensive follow-up via therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This puts quite a burden on the patient involving frequent hospital visits and venipunctures and could (partially) be resolved by the use of dried blood microsamples (e.g. dried blood spots, DBS). One of the drawbacks of the use of DBS is the requirement for a dedicated, manual sample preparation. Fully automated DBS extraction systems, online coupled to standard liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) configurations, could provide a solution for that. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the DBS-MS 500, online coupled to an LC-MS/MS system, for the TDM of immunosuppressants using DBS. Two methods for the quantification of tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus and cyclosporin A, in both DBS and whole blood, were developed and validated based on international guidelines. For the DBS method also DBS-specific parameters were taken into account. Both methods proved to be accurate and reproducible with biases below 11% (20% for the LLOQ) and CVs (%) below 14% (with a single exception) (20% for the LLOQ) over a calibration range from 1 to 50 ng/mL for tacrolimus, sirolimus and everolimus and 20 to 1500 ng/mL for cyclosporin A. Reproducible (CV < 15%) IS-compensated relative recovery values were obtained. However, a hematocrit-dependent relative recovery was observed for DBS, with lower hematocrit values yielding higher relative recoveries (and vice versa). Relative to the reference hematocrit of 0.37, this difference exceeded 15% at hematocrit extremes (0.18 and 0.60). Application on venous left-over patient samples showed reasonable agreement between the results of both methodologies (8,6,9 and 9/10 mean DBS results within 20% of the mean whole blood result for tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus and cyclosporin A, respectively), although also here an impact of the hematocrit could be discerned. As a next step, larger patient sets are needed to allow a better insight on how (correction for) the hct effect affects the quantification of immunosuppressants via fully automated DBS analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Deprez
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
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Vandeputte MM, Krotulski AJ, Papsun DM, Logan BK, Stove CP. The Rise and Fall of Isotonitazene and Brorphine: Two Recent Stars in the Synthetic Opioid Firmament. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:bkab082. [PMID: 34233349 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic opioids constitute one of the fastest growing groups of new psychoactive substances (NPS) worldwide. With fentanyl analogues being increasingly controlled via class-wide scheduling, many non-fentanyl related opioids are now emerging on the recreational opioid market, rendering the landscape highly complex and dynamic. While new compounds are entering the supply in rapid and unpredictable manners, some recent patterns have become apparent. Many of these newly emerging opioids are being pirated from early patent literature and/or research papers, synthesized and sold online through various channels. Burdened by the identification of every newly emerging drug, many toxicology labs struggle to keep up. Moreover, by the time a "new" drug is controlled via legislative measures, illicit drug markets will have already adapted and diversified as manufacturers work to avoid the restricted product(s). Hence, the typical life-cycle of an NPS opioid is generally short (less than 6 months to one year), with only a few drugs escalating to significant numbers of detections. In this review, we summarize the key events in the emergence, rise, and subsequent decline of two non-fentanyl opioids - isotonitazene and brorphine. These two opioids sequentially dominated the NPS opioid market in 2019 and 2020. Both isotonitazene and brorphine remained in circulation for over a year, each contributing to hundreds of deaths and adverse events. By detailing the life-cycles of these opioids from their earliest synthesis as described in scientific literature to their subsequent rise and fall on recreational markets, this review illustrates the new characteristic life-cycle of synthetic opioids in the 'post-fentanyl-analogue' era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe M Vandeputte
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | | | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
- NMS Labs, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
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Grafinger KE, Vandeputte MM, Cannaert A, Ametovski A, Sparkes E, Cairns E, Juchli PO, Haschimi B, Pulver B, Banister SD, Stove CP, Auwärter V. Systematic evaluation of a panel of 30 synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists structurally related to MMB-4en-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA, and MMB-4CN-BUTINACA using a combination of binding and different CB1 receptor activation assays. Part III: The G protein pathway and critical comparison of different assays. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1412-1429. [PMID: 33908179 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The present work is the last of a three-part study investigating a panel of 30 systematically designed synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) including features such as the 4-pentenyl tail and varying head groups including amides and esters of l-valine (MMB, AB), l-tert-leucine (ADB), and l-phenylalanine (APP), as well as adamantyl (A) and cumyl moieties (CUMYL). Here, we evaluated these SCRAs for their capacity to activate the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1 ) via indirect measurement of G protein recruitment. Furthermore, we comparatively evaluated the results obtained from three in vitro assays, based on the recruitment of β-arrestin 2 (βarr2 assay) or Gαi protein (mini-Gαi assay), or binding of [35 S]-GTPγS. The observed efficacies (Emax ) varied depending on the conducted assay. Statistical analysis suggests that the population means of the relative intrinsic activity (RAi ) significantly differ for the [35 S]-GTPγS assay and the other two assays, but the population means of the βarr2 and mini-Gαi assays were not statistically different. Our data suggest that differences observed between the βarr2 and mini-Gαi assays are the best predictor for 'biased agonism' towards βarr or G protein recruitment in our study. SCRAs carrying an ADB or MPP moiety as a head group tended to produce elevated Emax values in the βarr2 assay, which might result in a tendency of these compounds to cause pronounced tolerance in users-a hypothesis that should be evaluated further by future studies. In general, a comparison of efficacies derived from different assays is difficult and should only be conducted very cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Elisabeth Grafinger
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marthe M Vandeputte
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adam Ametovski
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eric Sparkes
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Belal Haschimi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Pulver
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Samuel D Banister
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Pike E, Grafinger KE, Cannaert A, Ametovski A, Luo JL, Sparkes E, Cairns EA, Ellison R, Gerona R, Stove CP, Auwärter V, Banister SD. Systematic evaluation of a panel of 30 synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists structurally related to MMB-4en-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA, and MMB-4CN-BUTINACA using a combination of binding and different CB 1 receptor activation assays: Part I-Synthesis, analytical characterization, and binding affinity for human CB 1 receptors. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1383-1401. [PMID: 33787091 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are one of the largest and most structurally diverse classes of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Despite this, pharmacological data are often lacking following the identification of a new SCRA in drug markets. In this first of a three-part series, we describe the synthesis, analytical characterization, and binding affinity of a proactively generated, systematic library of 30 indole, indazole, and 7-azaindole SCRAs related to MMB-4en-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, ADB-4en-PINACA, and MMB-4CN-BUTINACA featuring a 4-pentenyl (4en-P), butyl (B/BUT), or 4-cyanobutyl (4CN-B/BUT) tail and a methyl l-valinate (MMB), methyl l-tert-leucinate (MDMB), methyl l-phenylalaninate (MPP), l-valinamide (AB), l-tert-leucinamide (ADB), l-phenylalaninamide (APP), adamantyl (A), or cumyl head group. Competitive radioligand binding assays demonstrated that the indazole core conferred the highest CB1 binding affinity (Ki = 0.17-39 nM), followed by indole- (Ki = 0.95-160 nM) and then 7-azaindole-derived SCRAs (Ki = 5.4-271 nM). Variation of the head group had the greatest effect on binding, with tert-leucine amides and methyl esters (Ki = 0.17-14 nM) generally showing the greatest affinities, followed by valine derivatives (Ki = 0.72-180 nM), and then phenylalanine derivatives (Ki = 2.5-271 nM). Adamantyl head groups (Ki = 8.8-59 nM) were suboptimal for binding, whereas the cumyl analogues consistently conferred high affinity (Ki = 0.62-36 nM). Finally, both butyl (Ki = 3.1-163 nM) and 4-cyanobutyl (Ki = 5.5-44 nM) tail groups were less favorable for CB1 binding than their corresponding 4-pentenyl counterparts (Ki = 0.72-25 nM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Pike
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, UK
| | - Katharina Elisabeth Grafinger
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adam Ametovski
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jia Lin Luo
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric Sparkes
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ross Ellison
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Roy Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Samuel D Banister
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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