1
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Cozier G, Andrews RC, Frinculescu A, Kumar R, May B, Tooth T, Collins P, Costello A, Haines TSF, Freeman TP, Blagbrough IS, Scott J, Shine T, Sutcliffe OB, Husbands SM, Leach J, Bowman RW, Pudney CR. Instant Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids on Physical Matrices, Implemented on a Low-Cost, Ultraportable Device. Anal Chem 2023; 95:13829-13837. [PMID: 37642957 PMCID: PMC10515102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01844] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) make up a class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), used predominantly in prisons and homeless communities in the U.K. SCs can have severe side effects, including psychosis, stroke, and seizures, with numerous reported deaths associated with their use. The chemical diversity of SCs presents the major challenge to their detection since approaches relying on specific molecular recognition become outdated almost immediately. Ideally one would have a generic approach to detecting SCs in portable settings. The problem of SC detection is more challenging still because the majority of SCs enter the prison estate adsorbed onto physical matrices such as paper, fabric, or herb materials. That is, regardless of the detection modality used, the necessary extraction step reduces the effectiveness and ability to rapidly screen materials on-site. Herein, we demonstrate a truly instant generic test for SCs, tested against real-world drug seizures. The test is based on two advances. First, we identify a spectrally silent region in the emission spectrum of most physical matrices. Second, the finding that background signals (including from autofluorescence) can be accurately predicted is based on tracking the fraction of absorbed light from the irradiation source. Finally, we demonstrate that the intrinsic fluorescence of a large range of physical substrates can be leveraged to track the presence of other drugs of interest, including the most recent iterations of benzodiazepines and opioids. We demonstrate the implementation of our presumptive test in a portable, pocket-sized device that will find immediate utility in prisons and law enforcement agencies around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyles
E. Cozier
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Rachael C. Andrews
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Anca Frinculescu
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
- TICTAC
Communications Ltd., Room 1.159 Jenner Wing, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, U.K.
| | - Ranjeet Kumar
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Benedict May
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Tom Tooth
- HMP
Bristol, 19 Cambridge
Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 8PS, U.K.
| | - Peter Collins
- Avon
and Somerset Police, Valley Road, Bristol BS20
8JJ, U.K.
| | - Andrew Costello
- MANchester
DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Department of Natural
Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- Greater
Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street,
Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, U.K.
| | - Tom S. F. Haines
- Department of Computer Science and Department of
Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Tom P. Freeman
- Department of Computer Science and Department of
Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Ian S. Blagbrough
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Jennifer Scott
- Centre
for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical
School, Bristol BS8 2PN, U.K.
| | - Trevor Shine
- TICTAC
Communications Ltd., Room 1.159 Jenner Wing, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, U.K.
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- MANchester
DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Department of Natural
Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Stephen M. Husbands
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Jonathan Leach
- Institute
of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K.
| | - Richard W. Bowman
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Christopher R. Pudney
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
- Centre
for Therapeutic Innovation, University of
Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
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2
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Hindson SA, Andrews RC, Danson MJ, van der Kamp MW, Manley AE, Sutcliffe OB, Haines TSF, Freeman TP, Scott J, Husbands SM, Blagbrough IS, Anderson JLR, Carbery DR, Pudney CR. Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists are monoamine oxidase-A selective inhibitors. FEBS J 2023; 290:3243-3257. [PMID: 36708234 PMCID: PMC10952593 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16741] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are one of the fastest growing classes of recreational drugs. Despite their growth in use, their vast chemical diversity and rapidly changing landscape of structures make understanding their effects challenging. In particular, the side effects for SCRA use are extremely diverse, but notably include severe outcomes such as cardiac arrest. These side effects appear at odds with the main putative mode of action, as full agonists of cannabinoid receptors. We have hypothesized that SCRAs may act as MAO inhibitors, owing to their structural similarity to known monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's) as well as matching clinical outcomes (hypertensive crisis) of 'monoaminergic toxicity' for users of MAOIs and some SCRA use. We have studied the potential for SCRA-mediated inhibition of MAO-A and MAO-B via a range of SCRAs used commonly in the UK, as well as structural analogues to prove the atomistic determinants of inhibition. By combining in silico and experimental kinetic studies we demonstrate that SCRAs are MAO-A-specific inhibitors and their affinity can vary significantly between SCRAs, most notably affected by the nature of the SCRA 'head' group. Our data allow us to posit a putative mechanism of inhibition. Crucially our data demonstrate that SCRA activity is not limited to just cannabinoid receptor agonism and that alternative interactions might account for some of the diversity of the observed side effects and that these effects can be SCRA-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Hindson
- Department of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
| | - Rachael C. Andrews
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
- Centre for Sustainable and Circular TechnologiesUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
| | - Michael J. Danson
- Department of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
| | | | - Amy E. Manley
- Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBS8 1THBristolUK
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan UniversityM15 5GDManchesterUK
| | | | | | - Jennifer Scott
- Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBS8 1THBristolUK
| | | | - Ian S. Blagbrough
- Department of Pharmacy and PharmacologyUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
| | | | - David R. Carbery
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
- Centre for Sustainable and Circular TechnologiesUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
| | - Christopher R. Pudney
- Department of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
- Centre for Sustainable and Circular TechnologiesUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
- Centre for Therapeutic InnovationUniversity of BathBA2 7AYBathUK
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3
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Hulme MC, Hayatbakhsh A, Brignall RM, Gilbert N, Costello A, Schofield CJ, Williamson DC, Kemsley EK, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Detection, discrimination and quantification of amphetamine, cathinone and nor-ephedrine regioisomers using benchtop 1 H and 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Magn Reson Chem 2023; 61:73-82. [PMID: 33786881 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.5156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamine and cathinone derivatives are abused recreationally due to the sense of euphoria they provide to the user. Methodologies for the rapid detection of the drug derivative present in a seized sample, or an indication of the drug class, are beneficial to law enforcement and healthcare providers. Identifying the drug class is prudent because derivatisation of these drugs, to produce regioisomers, for example, occurs frequently to circumvent global and local drug laws. Thus, newly encountered derivatives might not be present in a spectral library. Employment of benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) could be used to provide rapid analysis of seized samples as well as identifying the class of drug present. Discrimination of individual amphetamine-, methcathinone-, N-ethylcathinone and nor-ephedrine-derived fluorinated and methylated regioisomers is achieved herein using qualitative automated 1 H NMR analysis and compared to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data. Two seized drug samples, SS1 and SS2, were identified to contain 4-fluoroamphetamine by 1 H NMR (match score median = 0.9933) and GC-MS (RRt = 5.42-5.43 min). The amount of 4-fluoroamphetamine present was 42.8%-43.4% w/w and 48.7%-49.2% w/w for SS1 and SS2, respectively, from quantitative 19 F NMR analysis, which is in agreement with the amount determined by GC-MS (39.9%-41.4% w/w and 49.0%-49.3% w/w). The total time for the qualitative 1 H NMR and quantitative 19 F NMR analysis is ~10 min. This contrasts to ~40 min for the GC-MS method. The NMR method also benefits from minimal sample preparation. Thus, benchtop NMR affords rapid, and discriminatory, analysis of the drug present in a seized sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Hulme
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Armita Hayatbakhsh
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Nicolas Gilbert
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Costello
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Manchester, UK
| | | | - E Kate Kemsley
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Ryan E Mewis
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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4
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Andrews R, May B, Hernández FJ, Cozier GE, Townsend PA, Sutcliffe OB, Haines TSF, Freeman TP, Scott J, Husbands SM, Blagbrough IS, Bowman RW, Lewis SE, Grayson MN, Crespo-Otero R, Carbery DR, Pudney CR. Photochemical Fingerprinting Is a Sensitive Probe for the Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; toward Robust Point-of-Care Detection. Anal Chem 2023; 95:703-713. [PMID: 36599091 PMCID: PMC9850351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02529] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
With synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) use still prevalent across Europe and structurally advanced generations emerging, it is imperative that drug detection methods advance in parallel. SCRAs are a chemically diverse and evolving group, which makes rapid detection challenging. We have previously shown that fluorescence spectral fingerprinting (FSF) has the potential to provide rapid assessment of SCRA presence directly from street material with minimal processing and in saliva. Enhancing the sensitivity and discriminatory ability of this approach has high potential to accelerate the delivery of a point-of-care technology that can be used confidently by a range of stakeholders, from medical to prison staff. We demonstrate that a range of structurally distinct SCRAs are photochemically active and give rise to distinct FSFs after irradiation. To explore this in detail, we have synthesized a model series of compounds which mimic specific structural features of AM-694. Our data show that FSFs are sensitive to chemically conservative changes, with evidence that this relates to shifts in the electronic structure and cross-conjugation. Crucially, we find that the photochemical degradation rate is sensitive to individual structures and gives rise to a specific major product, the mechanism and identification of which we elucidate through density-functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT. We test the potential of our hybrid "photochemical fingerprinting" approach to discriminate SCRAs by demonstrating SCRA detection from a simulated smoking apparatus in saliva. Our study shows the potential of tracking photochemical reactivity via FSFs for enhanced discrimination of SCRAs, with successful integration into a portable device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael
C. Andrews
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.,Centre
for Sustainable Chemical Technology, University
of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Benedict May
- Department
of Biology and Biochemistry, University
of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.
| | | | - Gyles E. Cozier
- Department
of Biology and Biochemistry, University
of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Piers A. Townsend
- School
of Applied Sciences, University of the West
of England, BristolBS16 1QY, U.K.
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- MANchester
DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Department of Natural
Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, ManchesterM15 5GD, U.K.
| | - Tom S. F. Haines
- Department
of Computer Science, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Tom P. Freeman
- Department
of Psychology. University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Jennifer Scott
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University
of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Stephen M. Husbands
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University
of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Ian S. Blagbrough
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University
of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Richard W. Bowman
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Simon E. Lewis
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Matthew N. Grayson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.,Centre
for Sustainable Chemical Technology, University
of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.,
| | - Rachel Crespo-Otero
- Department
of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, LondonE1 4NS, U.K.,
| | - David R. Carbery
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.,
| | - Christopher R. Pudney
- Centre
for Sustainable Chemical Technology, University
of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.,Department
of Biology and Biochemistry, University
of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.,Centre for
Therapeutic Innovation, University
of Bath, BathBA2 7AY, U.K.,
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5
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Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE, Kemsley EK, Williamson DC. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine quantification via benchtop 1H qNMR spectroscopy: Method validation and its application to ecstasy tablets collected at music festivals. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 221:115042. [PMID: 36155482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.115042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver B Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Ryan E Mewis
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
| | - E Kate Kemsley
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK
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6
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Naredo-Gonzalez G, Upreti R, Jansen MA, Semple S, Sutcliffe OB, Marshall I, Walker BR, Andrew R. Non-invasive in vivo assessment of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity by 19F-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16268. [PMID: 36175417 PMCID: PMC9523021 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18740-5] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) amplifies tissue glucocorticoid levels and is a pharmaceutical target in diabetes and cognitive decline. Clinical translation of inhibitors is hampered by lack of in vivo pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Our goal was to monitor substrates and products of 11β-HSD1 non-invasively in liver via 19Fluorine magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19F-MRS). Interconversion of mono/poly-fluorinated substrate/product pairs was studied in Wistar rats (male, n = 6) and healthy men (n = 3) using 7T and 3T MRI scanners, respectively. Here we show that the in vitro limit of detection, as absolute fluorine content, was 0.625 μmole in blood. Mono-fluorinated steroids, dexamethasone and 11-dehydrodexamethasone, were detected in phantoms but not in vivo in human liver following oral dosing. A non-steroidal polyfluorinated tracer, 2-(phenylsulfonyl)-1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethanone and its metabolic product were detected in vivo in rat liver after oral administration of the keto-substrate, reading out reductase activity. Administration of a selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor in vivo in rats altered total liver 19F-MRS signal. We conclude that there is insufficient sensitivity to measure mono-fluorinated tracers in vivo in man with current dosage regimens and clinical scanners. However, since reductase activity was observed in rats using poly-fluorinated tracers, this concept could be pursued for translation to man with further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Naredo-Gonzalez
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Rita Upreti
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Maurits A Jansen
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK.,Edinburgh Imaging, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Scott Semple
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK.,Edinburgh Imaging, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Ian Marshall
- Edinburgh Imaging, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland, UK
| | - Brian R Walker
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK.,Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Ruth Andrew
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK.
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7
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Dixon DI, Antonides LH, Costello A, Crane B, Embleton A, Fletcher ML, Gilbert N, Hulme MC, James MJ, Lever MA, Maccallum CJ, Millea MF, Pimlott JL, Robertson TBR, Rudge NE, Schofield CJ, Zukowicz F, Kemsley EK, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Comparative study of the analysis of seized samples by GC-MS, 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy within a Night-Time Economy (NTE) setting. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 219:114950. [PMID: 35914505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114950] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Rapid analysis of surrendered or seized drug samples provides important intelligence for health (e.g. treatment or harm reduction), and custodial services. Herein, three in-situ techniques, GC-MS, 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, with searchable libraries, are used to analyse 318 samples qualitatively, using technique specific library-based searches, obtained over the period 24th - 29th August 2019. 259 samples were identified as consisting of a single component, of which cocaine was the most prevalent (n = 158). Median match scores for all three techniques were ≥ 0.84 and showed agreement except for metformin (n = 1), oxandrolone (identified as vitamin K by IR (n = 4)), diazepam (identified as zolpidem by FT-IR (n = 2)) and 2-Br-4,5-DMPEA (n = 1), a structural isomer of 2C-B identified as a polymer of cellulose (cardboard) by FT-IR. 51 samples were found to consist of two or more components, of which 49 were adulterated cocaine samples (45 binary and 4 tertiary samples). GC-MS identified all components present in the 49 adulterated cocaine samples, whereas IR identified only cocaine in 88 % of cases (adulterant only = 12 %). The breakdown for 1H NMR spectroscopy was all components identified (51 %), cocaine only (33 %), adulterant only (10 %), cocaine and one adulterant (tertiary mixtures only, 6 %).
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Affiliation(s)
- David I Dixon
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Lysbeth H Antonides
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Andrew Costello
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, UK
| | - Benjamin Crane
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Arran Embleton
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Mark L Fletcher
- Manchester Pride, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3LD, UK
| | - Nicolas Gilbert
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Matthew C Hulme
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Molly J James
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Michael A Lever
- Manchester Pride, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3LD, UK
| | - Conner J Maccallum
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Molly F Millea
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Jessica L Pimlott
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Thomas B R Robertson
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Nathan E Rudge
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, UK
| | - Filip Zukowicz
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - E Kate Kemsley
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Ryan E Mewis
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
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8
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McNeill L, Megson D, Linton PE, Norrey J, Bradley L, Sutcliffe OB, Shaw KJ. Lab-on-a-Chip approaches for the detection of controlled drugs, including new psychoactive substances: A systematic review. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100370] [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: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Gilbert N, Costello A, Ellison JR, Khan U, Knight M, Linnell MJ, Ralphs R, Mewis RE, Sutcliffe OB. Synthesis, characterisation, detection and quantification of a novel hexyl-substituted synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist: (S)-N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-hexyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (ADB-HINACA). Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Kronstrand R, Norman C, Vikingsson S, Biemans A, Valencia Crespo B, Edwards D, Fletcher D, Gilbert N, Persson M, Reid R, Semenova O, Al Teneiji F, Wu X, Dahlén J, NicDaéid N, Tarbah F, Sutcliffe OB, McKenzie C, Gréen H. The metabolism of the synthetic cannabinoids ADB-BUTINACA and ADB-4en-PINACA and their detection in forensic toxicology casework and infused papers seized in prisons. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:634-652. [PMID: 34811926 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early warning systems detect new psychoactive substances (NPS), while dedicated monitoring programs and routine drug and toxicology testing identify fluctuations in prevalence. We report the increasing prevalence of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) ADB-BUTINACA (N-[1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-butyl-1H-indazole-3-carbox-amide). ADB-BUTINACA was first detected in a seizure in Sweden in 2019, and we report its detection in 13 routine Swedish forensic toxicology cases soon after. In January 2021, ADB-BUTINACA was detected in SCRA-infused papers seized in Scottish prisons and has rapidly increased in prevalence, being detected in 60.4% of the SCRA-infused papers tested between January and July 2021. In this work, ADB-BUTINACA was incubated with human hepatocytes (HHeps), and 21 metabolites were identified in vitro, 14 being detected in authentic case samples. The parent drug and metabolites B9 (mono-hydroxylation on the n-butyl tail) and B16 (mono-hydroxylation on the indazole ring) are recommended biomarkers in blood, while metabolites B4 (dihydrodiol formation on the indazole core), B9, and B16 are suitable biomarkers in urine. ADB-4en-PINACA (N-[1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-1-[pent-4-en-1-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) was detected in Scottish prisons in December 2020, but, unlike ADB-BUTINACA, prevalence has remained low. ADB-4en-PINACA was incubated with HHeps, and 11 metabolites were identified. Metabolites E3 (dihydrodiol formed in the tail moiety) and E7 (hydroxylation on the linked/head group) are the most abundant metabolites in vitro and are suggested as urinary biomarkers. The in vitro potencies of ADB-BUTINACA (EC50 , 11.5 nM and ADB-4en-PINACA (EC50 , 11.6 nM) are similar to that of MDMB-4en-PINACA (EC50 , 4.3 nM). A third tert-leucinamide SCRA, ADB-HEXINACA was also detected in prison samples and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kronstrand
- 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
| | - Caitlyn Norman
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Svante Vikingsson
- 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.,RTI International, Research Triangle, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anoek Biemans
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Bryan Valencia Crespo
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Darren Edwards
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Daniel Fletcher
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.,BioAscent, Motherwell, UK
| | - Nicolas Gilbert
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Mattias Persson
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Reid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Olga Semenova
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Faisal Al Teneiji
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.,General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology, Toxicology Department, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Xiongyu Wu
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Dahlén
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Niamh NicDaéid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Fuad Tarbah
- General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology, Toxicology Department, Dubai Police, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, 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
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11
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Ralphs R, Gray P, Sutcliffe OB. The impact of the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act on synthetic cannabinoid use within the homeless population: Markets, content and user harms. Int J Drug Policy 2021; 97:103305. [PMID: 34146792 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103305] [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: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On 26 May 2016, the UK introduced the Psychoactive Substances Act. The Act made it an offence to produce, supply, or offer to supply, any psychoactive substance likely to be used for its psychoactive effects. While a Home Office review of the Act in 2018 proclaimed that the Act had been successful in achieving its main goal of preventing the open sale of psychoactive substances, significantly, the review acknowledged that high levels of synthetic cannabinoid use remain amongst vulnerable user groups, in particular the homeless population. METHODS The research adopted an innovative interdisciplinary approach drawing on sociology and chemistry. The sociological element involved 82 face-to-face qualitative semi-structured interviews with 37 homeless synthetic cannabinoid users, 45 stakeholders, and over 100 h of fieldwork observations. The chemical analysis element involved the testing (using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) of 69 synthetic cannabinoid street samples obtained by a local police force. RESULTS The introduction of the Act was associated with a number of significant changes to the synthetic cannabinoid market, including the integration of synthetic cannabinoids into the existing illicit street market, new dealers, the adoption of more targeted and aggressive supply practices, and variability in the content and potency of synthetic cannabinoids. Combined, these changes have increased the risk of harm to homeless users and homeless sector staff and resulted in a concomitant increase in the demand on emergency services. CONCLUSION The foreseen concerns that the Act would result in detrimental market changes and increased harms to vulnerable user groups have been manifested in the homeless population. The failure of the Act to reduce synthetic cannabinoid use within this group, combined with the increased risk of individual and societal harm, highlights the importance of reducing the demand for synthetic cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Ralphs
- Department of Sociology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
| | - Paul Gray
- Department of Sociology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
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12
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Robertson TBR, Gilbert N, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Hyperpolarisation of Mirfentanil by SABRE in the Presence of Heroin. Chemphyschem 2021; 22:1059-1064. [PMID: 33871116 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202100165] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mirfentanil, a fentanyl derivative that is a μ-opioid partial agonist, is hyperpolarised via Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE), a para-hydrogen-based technique. [Ir(IMes)(COD)Cl] (IMes=1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazole-2-ylidene, COD=cyclooctadiene) was employed as the polarisation transfer catalyst. Following polarisation transfer at 6.5 mT, the pyrazine-protons were enhanced by 78-fold (polarisation, P=0.04 %). The complex [Ir(IMes)(H)2 (mirfentanil)2 (MeOH)]+ is proposed to form based on the observation of two hydrides at δ -22.9 (trans to mirfentanil) and -24.7 (trans to methanol). In a mixture of mirfentanil and heroin, the former could be detected using SABRE at concentrations less than 1 % w/w. At the lowest concentration analyzed, the amount of mirfentanil present was 0.18 mg (812 μM) and produced a signal enhancement of -867-fold (P=0.42 %). following polarisation transfer at 6.5 mT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B R Robertson
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.,Current address: School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - Nicolas Gilbert
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.,MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.,MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Ryan E Mewis
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.,MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
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13
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Antonides LH, Cannaert A, Norman C, NicDáeid N, Sutcliffe OB, Stove CP, McKenzie C. Shape matters: The application of activity-based in vitro bioassays and chiral profiling to the pharmacological evaluation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in drug-infused papers seized in prisons. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:628-643. [PMID: 33161649 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) elicit many of their psychoactive effects via type-1 human cannabinoid (CB1 ) receptors. Enantiomer pairs of eight tert-leucinate or valinate indole- and indazole-3-carboxamide SCRAs were synthesized and their CB1 potency and efficacy assessed using an in vitro β-arrestin recruitment assay in a HEK239T stable cell system. A chiral high-performance liquid chromatography method with photodiode array and/or quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry detection (HPLC-PDA and HPLC-PDA-QToF-MS) was applied to 177 SCRA-infused paper samples seized in Scottish prisons between 2018 and 2020. In most samples, SCRAs were almost enantiopure (S)-enantiomer (>98% of total chromatographic peak area), although in some (n = 18), 2% to 16% of the (R)-enantiomer was detected. (S)-enantiomers are consistently more potent than (R)-enantiomers and often more efficacious. The importance of SCRA-CB1 receptor interactions in the "head" or "linked group" moiety is demonstrated, with the conformation of the "bulky" tert-leucinate group greatly affecting potency (by up to a factor of 374), significantly greater than the difference observed between valinate SCRA enantiomers. (S)-MDMB-4en-PINACA, (S)-4F-MDMB-BINACA, and (S)-5F-MDMB-PICA are currently the most prevalent SCRAs in Scottish prisons, and all have similar high potency (EC50 , 1-5 nM) and efficacy. Infused paper samples were compared using estimated intrinsic efficacy at the CB1 receptor (EIECB1 ) to evaluate samples with variable SCRA content. Given their similar potency and efficacy, any variation in CB1 receptor-mediated psychoactive effects are likely to derive from variation in dose, mode of use, pharmacokinetic differences, and individual factors affecting the user, rather than differences in the specific SCRA present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lysbeth H Antonides
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- 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
| | - Niamh NicDáeid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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14
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Tennant T, Hulme MC, Robertson TBR, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Benchtop NMR analysis of piperazine-based drugs hyperpolarised by SABRE. Magn Reson Chem 2020; 58:1151-1159. [PMID: 31945193 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.4999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Piperazine-based drugs, such as N-benzylpiperazine (BZP), became attractive in the 2000s due to possessing effects similar to amphetamines. Herein, BZP, in addition to its pyridyl analogues, 2-, 3-, and 4-pyridylmethylpiperidine (2-PMP, 3-PMP, and 4-PMP respectively) was subjected to the hyperpolarisation technique Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE) in order to demonstrate the use of this technique to detect these piperazine-based drugs. Although BZP was not hyperpolarised via SABRE, 2-PMP, 3-PMP, and 4-PMP were, with the ortho- and meta-pyridyl protons of 4-PMP showing the largest enhancement of 313-fold and 267-fold, respectively, in a 1.4-T detection field, following polarisation transfer at Earth's magnetic field. In addition to the freebase, 4-PMP.3HCl was also appraised by SABRE and was found not to polarise, however, the addition of increasing equivalents of triethylamine (TEA) produced the freebase, with a maximum enhancement observed upon the addition of 3 equivalents of TEA. Further addition of TEA led to a reduction in the observed enhancement. SABRE was also employed to polarise 4-PMP.3HCl (~20% w/w) in a simulated tablet to demonstrate the forensic application of the technique (138-fold enhancement for the ortho-pyridyl protons). The amount of 4-PMP.3HCl present in the simulated tablet was quantified via NMR using D2 O as a solvent and compared well to complimentary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data. Exchanging D2 O for CD3 OD as the solvent utilised for analysis resulted in a significantly lower amount of 4-PMP.3HCl being determined, thus highlighting safeguarding issues linked to drug abuse in relation to determining the amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tennant
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew C Hulme
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas B R Robertson
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Ryan E Mewis
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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15
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Gilbert N, Mewis RE, Sutcliffe OB. Classification of fentanyl analogues through principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering of GC–MS data. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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16
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Hussain JH, Gilbert N, Costello A, Schofield CJ, Kemsley EK, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Quantification of MDMA in seized tablets using benchtop 1H NMR spectroscopy in the absence of internal standards. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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17
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Norman C, Walker G, McKirdy B, McDonald C, Fletcher D, Antonides LH, Sutcliffe OB, Nic Daéid N, McKenzie C. Detection and quantitation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in infused papers from prisons in a constantly evolving illicit market. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:538-554. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Norman
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
| | - Gillian Walker
- Public Protection Unit, Scottish Prison Service Edinburgh UK
| | - Brian McKirdy
- Public Protection Unit, Scottish Prison Service Edinburgh UK
| | - Ciara McDonald
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
- Department of Pure and Applied ChemistryUniversity of Strathclyde UK
| | - Daniel Fletcher
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life SciencesUniversity of Dundee UK
| | - Lysbeth H. Antonides
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic ScienceUniversity of Dundee UK
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental ScienceManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Niamh Nic Daéid
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic ScienceUniversity of Dundee UK
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of Dundee UK
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18
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Gilbert N, Antonides LH, Schofield CJ, Costello A, Kilkelly B, Cain AR, Dalziel PR, Horner K, Mewis RE, Sutcliffe OB. Hitting the Jackpot – development of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and other rapid screening methods for the analysis of 18 fentanyl‐derived synthetic opioids. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:798-811. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gilbert
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Lysbeth H. Antonides
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Present address: Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic ScienceUniversity of Dundee Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Christopher J. Schofield
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Manchester UK
| | - Andrew Costello
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Manchester UK
| | - Brenda Kilkelly
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Alan R. Cain
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Security & Business ContinuityManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Present address: NHS Manchester CCG Parkway 3, Parkway Business Centre, Princess Road Manchester M14 7LU UK
| | - Paula R.V. Dalziel
- Residential ServicesManchester Metropolitan University Business School Manchester UK
| | - Karen Horner
- Residential ServicesManchester Metropolitan University Business School Manchester UK
| | - Ryan E. Mewis
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
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19
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Robertson TBR, Antonides LH, Gilbert N, Benjamin SL, Langley SK, Munro LJ, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Hyperpolarization of Pyridyl Fentalogues by Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE). ChemistryOpen 2019; 8:1375-1382. [PMID: 31844604 PMCID: PMC6892445 DOI: 10.1002/open.201900273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl, also known as 'jackpot', is a synthetic opiate that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Clandestine laboratories produce analogues of fentanyl, known as fentalogues to circumvent legislation regarding its production. Three pyridyl fentalogues were synthesized and then hyperpolarized by signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) to appraise the forensic potential of the technique. A maximum enhancement of -168-fold at 1.4 T was recorded for the ortho pyridyl 1H nuclei. Studies of the activation parameters for the three fentalogues revealed that the ratio of ligand loss trans to hydride and hydride loss in the complex [Ir(IMes)(L)3(H)2]+ (IMes=1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazole-2-ylidene) ranged from 0.52 to 1.83. The fentalogue possessing the ratio closest to unity produced the largest enhancement subsequent to performing SABRE at earth's magnetic field. It was possible to hyperpolarize a pyridyl fentalogue selectively from a matrix that consisted largely of heroin (97 : 3 heroin:fentalogue) to validate the use of SABRE as a forensic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B. R. Robertson
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
| | - Lysbeth H. Antonides
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic ScienceUniversity of DundeeDundeeDD1 5EHUK
| | - Nicolas Gilbert
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.ManchesterM1 5GDUK
| | - Sophie L. Benjamin
- School of Science and TechnologyNottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamNG11 8NSUK
| | - Stuart K. Langley
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
| | - Lindsey J. Munro
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE)Manchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.ManchesterM1 5GDUK
| | - Ryan E. Mewis
- Department of Natural SciencesManchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building, Chester St.Manchester, M1 5GDUK
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20
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Elbardisy H, Foster CW, Marron J, Mewis RE, Sutcliffe OB, Belal TS, Talaat W, Daabees HG, Banks CE. Quick Test for Determination of N-Bombs (Phenethylamine Derivatives, NBOMe) Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: A Comparison between Photodiode Array and Amperometric Detection. ACS Omega 2019; 4:14439-14450. [PMID: 31528797 PMCID: PMC6740171 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of a new class of novel psychoactive substances, N-benzyl-substituted phenethylamine derivatives so-called "NBOMes" or "Smiles", in the recreational drug market has forced the development of new sensitive analytical methodologies for their detection and quantitation. NBOMes' hallucinogenic effects mimic those of the illegal psychedelic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and are typically sold as LSD on blotter papers, resulting in a remarkable number of fatalities worldwide. In this article, four halide derivatives of NBOMe, namely, 2-(4-fluoro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine, 2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine, 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine, and 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine, were detected and quantified simultaneously using a high-performance liquid chromatographic method, and two detection systems were compared: photodiode array detection (detection system I) and amperometric detection via a commercially available impinging jet flow-cell system incorporating embedded graphite screen-printed macroelectrodes (detection system II). Under optimized experimental conditions, linear calibration plots were obtained in the concentration range of 10-300 and 20-300 μg mL-1, for detection systems I and II, respectively. Detection limit (limit of detection) values were between 4.6-6.7 and 9.7-18 μg mL-1, for detection systems I and II, respectively. Both detectors were employed for the analysis of the four NBOMe derivatives in the bulk form, in the presence of LSD and adulterants commonly found in street samples (e.g. paracetamol, caffeine, and benzocaine). Furthermore, the method was applied for the analysis of simulated blotter papers, and the obtained percentage recoveries were satisfactory, emphasizing its advantageous applicability for the routine analysis of NBOMes in forensic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadil
M. Elbardisy
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Christopher W. Foster
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
| | - Jack Marron
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
| | - Ryan E. Mewis
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
| | - Tarek S. Belal
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Wael Talaat
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Hoda G. Daabees
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Craig E. Banks
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
- E-mail: . Tel: ++(0)1612471196. Website: www.craigbanksresearch.com
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21
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Muhamadali H, Watt A, Xu Y, Chisanga M, Subaihi A, Jones C, Ellis DI, Sutcliffe OB, Goodacre R. Rapid Detection and Quantification of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Using Raman Spectroscopy and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering. Front Chem 2019; 7:412. [PMID: 31275919 PMCID: PMC6593286 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With more than a million seizures of illegal drugs reported annually across Europe, the variety of psychoactive compounds available is vast and ever-growing. The multitude of risks associated with these compounds are well-known and can be life threatening. Hence the need for the development of new analytical techniques and approaches that allow for the rapid, sensitive, and specific quantitative detection and discrimination of such illicit materials, ultimately with portability for field testing, is of paramount importance. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the application of Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) combined with chemometrics approaches, as rapid and portable techniques for the quantitative detection and discrimination of a wide range of novel psychoactive substances (methcathinone and aminoindane derivatives), both in powder form and in solution. The Raman spectra of the psychoactive compounds provided clear separation and classification of the compounds based on their core chemical structures; viz. methcathinones, aminoindanes, diphenidines, and synthetic cannabinoids. The SERS results also displayed similar clustering patterns, with improved limits of detections down to ~2 mM (0.41 g L−1). As mephedrone is currently very popular for recreational use we performed multiplexed quantitative detection of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), and its two major metabolites (nor-mephedrone and 4-methylephedrine), as tertiary mixtures in water and healthy human urine. These findings readily illustrate the potential application of SERS for simultaneous detection of multiple NPS as mixtures without the need for lengthy prior chromatographic separation or enrichment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howbeer Muhamadali
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Watt
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Malama Chisanga
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Abdu Subaihi
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemistry, University College in Al-Qunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carys Jones
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David I Ellis
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Royston Goodacre
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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22
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Antonides LH, Cannaert A, Norman C, Vives L, Harrison A, Costello A, Nic Daeid N, Stove CP, Sutcliffe OB, McKenzie C. Enantiospecific Synthesis, Chiral Separation, and Biological Activity of Four Indazole-3-Carboxamide-Type Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists and Their Detection in Seized Drug Samples. Front Chem 2019; 7:321. [PMID: 31157203 PMCID: PMC6532652 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) have been the largest group of illicit psychoactive substances reported to international monitoring and early warning systems for many years. Carboxamide-type SCRAs are amongst the most prevalent and potent. Enantiospecific synthesis and characterization of four indazole-3-carboxamides, AMB-FUBINACA, AB-FUBINACA, 5F-MDMB-PINACA (5F-ADB), and AB-CHMINACA is reported. The interactions of the compounds with CB1 and CB2 receptors were investigated using a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activation assay based on functional complementation of a split NanoLuc luciferase and EC50 (a measure of potency) and Emax (a measure of efficacy) values determined. All compounds demonstrated higher potency at the CB2 receptor than at the CB1 receptor and (S)-enantiomers had an enhanced potency to both receptors over the (R)-enantiomers. The relative potency of the enantiomers to the CB2 receptor is affected by structural features. The difference was more pronounced for compounds with an amine moiety (AB-FUBINACA and AB-CHMINACA) than those with an ester moiety (AMB-FUBINACA and 5F-MDMB-PINACA). An HPLC method was developed to determine the prevalence of (R)-enantiomers in seized samples. Lux® Amylose-1 [Amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)] has the greatest selectivity for the SCRAs with a terminal methyl ester moiety and a Lux® i-Cellulose-5 column for SCRAs with a terminal amide moiety. Optimized isocratic separation methods yielded enantiomer resolution values (Rs) ≥ 1.99. Achiral GC-MS analysis of seized herbal materials (n = 16), found 5F-MDMB-PINACA (<1.0-91.5 mg/g herbal material) and AMB-FUBINACA (15.5-58.5 mg/g herbal material), respectively. EMB-FUBINACA, AMB-CHMICA, 5F-ADB-PINACA isomer 2, and ADB-CHMINACA were also tentatively identified. Analysis using chiral chromatography coupled to photodiode array and quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (chiral HPLC-PDA-QToF-MS/MS) confirmed that the (S)-enantiomer predominated in all samples (93.6-99.3% (S)-enantiomer). Small but significant differences in synthesis precursor enantiopurity may provide significant differences between synthesis batches or suppliers and warrants further study. A method to compare potency between samples containing different SCRAs at varying concentrations was developed and applied in this small preliminary study. A 10-fold difference in the "intrinsic" potency of samples in the study was noted. With the known heterogeneity of SCRA infused materials, the approach provides a simplified method for assessing and communicating the risk of their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lysbeth H. Antonides
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Toxicology, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Caitlyn Norman
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Loelia Vives
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- IUT “A” Paul Sabatier, Département de Chimie, Castres, France
| | | | - Andrew Costello
- Manchester Drug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Police, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Niamh Nic Daeid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Manchester Drug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Craig McKenzie
- Forensic Drug Research Group, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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23
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Antonides LH, Brignall RM, Costello A, Ellison J, Firth SE, Gilbert N, Groom BJ, Hudson SJ, Hulme MC, Marron J, Pullen ZA, Robertson TBR, Schofield CJ, Williamson DC, Kemsley EK, Sutcliffe OB, Mewis RE. Rapid Identification of Novel Psychoactive and Other Controlled Substances Using Low-Field 1H NMR Spectroscopy. ACS Omega 2019; 4:7103-7112. [PMID: 31179411 PMCID: PMC6547625 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
An automated approach to the collection of 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectra using a benchtop NMR spectrometer and the subsequent analysis, processing, and elucidation of components present in seized drug samples are reported. An algorithm is developed to compare spectral data to a reference library of over 300 1H NMR spectra, ranking matches by a correlation-based score. A threshold for identification was set at 0.838, below which identification of the component present was deemed unreliable. Using this system, 432 samples were surveyed and validated against contemporaneously acquired GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) data. Following removal of samples which possessed no peaks in the GC-MS trace or in both the 1H NMR spectrum and GC-MS trace, the remaining 416 samples matched in 93% of cases. Thirteen of these samples were binary mixtures. A partial match (one component not identified) was obtained for 6% of samples surveyed whilst only 1% of samples did not match at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lysbeth H Antonides
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Rachel M Brignall
- Oxford Instruments, Tubney Woods, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5QX, U.K
| | - Andrew Costello
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Jamie Ellison
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Samuel E Firth
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Nicolas Gilbert
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Bethany J Groom
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Samuel J Hudson
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Matthew C Hulme
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Jack Marron
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Zoe A Pullen
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Thomas B R Robertson
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | | | - E Kate Kemsley
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UA, U.K
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Ryan E Mewis
- School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
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24
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Lowdon JW, Alkirkit SMO, Mewis RE, Fulton D, Banks CE, Sutcliffe OB, Peeters M. Engineering molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the selective extraction and quantification of the novel psychoactive substance (NPS) methoxphenidine and its regioisomers. Analyst 2018; 143:2002-2007. [PMID: 29671423 DOI: 10.1039/c8an00131f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this communication, we present the first developed Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for the specific detection of a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS); namely, methoxphenidine (MXP) and its regioisomers. Selectivity of the MIP towards MXP is studied by analysing mixtures and an acquired street sample with High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to UV detection. The study demonstrates that the engineered polymers selectively extract MXP from heterogeneous samples, which makes for a very powerful diagnostic tool that can detect traces of MXP in complicated NPS samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Lowdon
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
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25
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McKenzie C, Sutcliffe OB, Read KD, Scullion P, Epemolu O, Fletcher D, Helander A, Beck O, Rylski A, Antonides LH, Riley J, Smith SA, Nic Daeid N. Chemical synthesis, characterisation and in vitro and in vivo metabolism of the synthetic opioid MT-45 and its newly identified fluorinated analogue 2F-MT-45 with metabolite confirmation in urine samples from known drug users. Forensic Toxicol 2018; 36:359-374. [PMID: 29963206 PMCID: PMC6002428 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0413-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The detection of a novel psychoactive substance, 2F-MT-45, a fluorinated analogue of the synthetic opioid MT-45, was reported in a single seized tablet. MT-45, 2F-, 3F- and 4F-MT-45 were synthesised and reference analytical data were reported. The in vitro and in vivo metabolisms of MT-45 and 2F-MT-45 were investigated. Method The reference standards and seized sample were characterised using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Presumptive tests were performed and physicochemical properties of the compounds determined. Metabolite identification studies using human liver microsomes, human hepatocytes, mouse hepatocytes and in vivo testing using mice were performed and identified MT-45 metabolites were confirmed in authentic human urine samples. Results Metabolic pathways identified for MT-45 and 2F-MT-45 were N-dealkylation, hydroxylation and subsequent glucuronidation. The major MT-45 metabolites identified in human in vitro studies and in authenticated human urine were phase I metabolites and should be incorporated as analytical targets to existing toxicological screening methods. Phase II glucuronidated metabolites were present in much lower proportions. Conclusions 2F-MT-45 has been detected in a seized tablet for the first time. The metabolite identification data provide useful urinary metabolite targets for forensic and clinical testing for MT-45 and allows screening of urine for 2F-MT-45 and its major metabolites to determine its prevalence in case work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig McKenzie
- Forensic Drug Research Centre, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Paul Scullion
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ola Epemolu
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Daniel Fletcher
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Anders Helander
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olof Beck
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexia Rylski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lysbeth H. Antonides
- Forensic Drug Research Centre, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jennifer Riley
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Shannah A. Smith
- Forensic Drug Research Centre, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Niamh Nic Daeid
- Forensic Drug Research Centre, Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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26
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Boateng BO, Fever M, Edwards D, Petersson P, Euerby MR, Sutcliffe OB. Chromatographic retention behaviour, modelling and optimization of a UHPLC-UV separation of the regioisomers of the Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) methoxphenidine (MXP). J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018. [PMID: 29514124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A detailed investigation into the chromatographic retention behaviour and separation of the three regioisomers of the Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) methoxphenidine (i.e. 2-, 3- and 4-MXP isomers) has revealed the ionization state of the analyte and stationary phase, to be the controlling factor in dictating which retention mechanism is in operation. At low pH, poor separation and retention was observed. In contrast, at intermediate pH, enhanced retention and separation of the three MXP isomers was obtained; it appeared that there was a synergistic effect between the electrostatic and hydrophobic mechanisms. At high pH, the MXP isomers were retained by hydrophobic retention. Accurate retention time predictions (<0.5%) were achievable using non-linear retention models (3 × 3). This allowed the optimization of the gradient separation of the MXP isomers using a two-dimensional gradient and temperature design space. Prediction errors for peak width and resolution were, in most cases, lower than 5%. The use of linear models (2 × 2) still afforded retention time and resolution accuracies of <2.3 and 11% respectively. A rapid and highly sensitive LC-MS friendly method (i.e. Rsmin > 5 within 4 min) was predicted and verified. The developed methodology should be highly suitable for the rapid, specific and sensitive detection and control of MXP regioisomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard O Boateng
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde,161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Mark Fever
- Hichrom Ltd, 1 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading Berkshire, RG7 4PE, UK
| | - Darren Edwards
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde,161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | | | - Melvin R Euerby
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde,161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK; Hichrom Ltd, 1 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading Berkshire, RG7 4PE, UK.
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), School of Science and the Environment, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
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27
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Anthony NG, Baiget J, Berretta G, Boyd M, Breen D, Edwards J, Gamble C, Gray AI, Harvey AL, Hatziieremia S, Ho KH, Huggan JK, Lang S, Llona-Minguez S, Luo JL, McIntosh K, Paul A, Plevin RJ, Robertson MN, Scott R, Suckling CJ, Sutcliffe OB, Young LC, Mackay SP. Inhibitory Kappa B Kinase α (IKKα) Inhibitors That Recapitulate Their Selectivity in Cells against Isoform-Related Biomarkers. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7043-7066. [PMID: 28737909 PMCID: PMC5578373 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
IKKβ plays a central role in the canonical NF-kB pathway, which has been extensively characterized. The role of IKKα in the noncanonical NF-kB pathway, and indeed in the canonical pathway as a complex with IKKβ, is less well understood. One major reason for this is the absence of chemical tools designed as selective inhibitors for IKKα over IKKβ. Herein, we report for the first time a series of novel, potent, and selective inhibitors of IKKα. We demonstrate effective target engagement and selectivity with IKKα in U2OS cells through inhibition of IKKα-driven p100 phosphorylation in the noncanonical NF-kB pathway without affecting IKKβ-dependent IKappa-Bα loss in the canonical pathway. These compounds represent the first chemical tools that can be used to further characterize the role of IKKα in cellular signaling, to dissect this from IKKβ and to validate it in its own right as a target in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahoum G. Anthony
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Jessica Baiget
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Giacomo Berretta
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Marie Boyd
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - David Breen
- WestCHEM Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Edwards
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute
of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Carly Gamble
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Alexander I. Gray
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Alan L. Harvey
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Sophia Hatziieremia
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Ka Ho Ho
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Judith K. Huggan
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Stuart Lang
- WestCHEM Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sabin Llona-Minguez
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Jia Lin Luo
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Kathryn McIntosh
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrew Paul
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Robin J. Plevin
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Murray N. Robertson
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Scott
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Colin J. Suckling
- WestCHEM Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Louise C. Young
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
| | - Simon P. Mackay
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University
of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, United
Kingdom
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28
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Zuway KY, Smith JP, Foster CW, Kapur N, Banks CE, Sutcliffe OB. Detection and quantification of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) within the evolved "legal high" product, NRG-2, using high performance liquid chromatography-amperometric detection (HPLC-AD). Analyst 2016; 140:6283-94. [PMID: 26244169 DOI: 10.1039/c5an01106j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The global increase in the production and abuse of cathinone-derived New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) has developed the requirement for rapid, selective and sensitive protocols for their separation and detection. Electrochemical sensing of these compounds has been demonstrated to be an effective method for the in-field detection of these substances, either in their pure form or in the presence of common adulterants, however, the technique is limited in its ability to discriminate between structurally related cathinone-derivatives (for example: (±)-4′-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC, 2a) and (±)-4′-methyl-N-ethylmethcathinone (4-MEC, 2b) when they are both present in a mixture. In this paper we demonstrate, for the first time, the combination of HPLC-UV with amperometric detection (HPLC-AD) for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of 4-MMC and 4-MEC using either a commercially available impinging jet (LC-FC-A) or custom-made iCell channel (LC-FC-B) flow-cell system incorporating embedded graphite screen-printed macroelectrodes. The protocol offers a cost-effective, reproducible and reliable sensor platform for the simultaneous HPLC-UV and amperometric detection of the target analytes. The two systems have similar limits of detection, in terms of amperometric detection [LC-FC-A: 14.66 μg mL(-1) (2a) and 9.35 μg mL(-1) (2b); LC-FC-B: 57.92 μg mL(-1) (2a) and 26.91 μg mL(-1) (2b)], to the previously reported oxidative electrochemical protocol [39.8 μg mL(-1) (2a) and 84.2 μg mL(-1) (2b)], for two synthetic cathinones, prevalent on the recreational drugs market. Though not as sensitive as standard HPLC-UV detection, both flow cells show a good agreement, between the quantitative electroanalytical data, thereby making them suitable for the detection and quantification of 4-MMC and 4-MEC, either in their pure form or within complex mixtures. Additionally, the simultaneous HPLC-UV and amperometric detection protocol detailed herein shows a marked improvement and advantage over previously reported electroanalytical methods, which were either unable to selectively discriminate between structurally related synthetic cathinones (e.g. 4-MMC and 4-MEC) or utilised harmful and restrictive materials in their design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Y Zuway
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
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29
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Smith JP, Sutcliffe OB, Banks CE. An overview of recent developments in the analytical detection of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Analyst 2016; 140:4932-48. [PMID: 26031385 DOI: 10.1039/c5an00797f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPSs), sometimes referred to as "legal highs" in more colloquial environments/the media, are a class of compounds that have been recently made available for abuse (not necessarily recently discovered) which provide similar effects to the traditional well studied illegal drugs but are not always controlled under existing local, regional or international drug legislation. Following an unprecedented increase in the number of NPSs in the last 5 years (with 101 substances discovered for the first time in 2014 alone) its, occasionally fatal, consequences have been extensively reported in the media. Such NPSs are typically marketed as 'not for human consumption' and are instead labelled and sold as plant food, bath salts as well as a whole host of other equally nondescript aliases in order to bypass legislative controls. NPSs are a new multi-disciplinary research field with the main emphasis in terms of forensic identification due to their adverse health effects, which can range from minimal to life threatening and even fatalities. In this mini-review we overview this recent emerging research area of NPSs and the analytical approaches reported to provide detection strategies as well as detailing recent reports towards providing point-of-care/in-the-field NPS ("legal high") sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie P Smith
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Science and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.
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30
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Sutcliffe OB, Skellern GG, Araya F, Cannavan A, Sasanya JJ, Dungu B, van Gool F, Münstermann S, Mattioli RC. Animal trypanosomosis: making quality control of trypanocidal drugs possible. REV SCI TECH OIE 2015; 33:813-30. [PMID: 25812206 DOI: 10.20506/rst.33.3.2320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
African animal trypanosomosis is arguably the most important animal disease impairing livestock agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to vector control, the use oftrypanocidal drugs is important in controlling the impact of the disease on animal health and production in most sub-Saharan countries. However, there are no internationally agreed standards (pharmacopoeia-type monographs or documented product specifications) for the quality control of these compounds. This means that it is impossible to establish independent quality control and quality assurance standards for these agents. An international alliance between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Federation for Animal Health, the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines, the University of Strathclyde and the International Atomic Energy Agency (with critical support from the World Organisation for Animal Health) was established to develop quality control and quality assurance standards for trypanocidal drugs, with the aim of transferring these methodologies to two control laboratories in sub-Saharan Africa that will serve as reference institutions for their respective regions. The work of the international alliance will allow development of control measures against sub-standard or counterfeit trypanocidal drugs for treatment of trypanosome infection. Monographs on diminazene aceturate (synonym: diminazene diaceturate), isometamidium chloride hydrochloride, homidium chloride and bromide salts and their relevant veterinary formulations for these agents are given in the annex to this paper. However, the authors do not recommend use of homidium bromide and chloride, because of their proven mutagenic properties in some animal test models and their suspected carcinogenic properties.
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31
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Connor LE, Delori A, Hutchison IB, Nic Daeid N, Sutcliffe OB, Oswald IDH. The ecstasy and the agony; compression studies of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Acta Crystallogr B Struct Sci Cryst Eng Mater 2015; 71:3-9. [DOI: 10.1107/s2052520614026389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a Class A substance that is usually found in a tableted form. It is only observed in one orthorhombic polymorph under ambient conditions. It shows slight positional disorder around the methlyenedioxy ring which persists during compression up to 6.66 GPa. The crystal quality deteriorates above 6.66 GPa where the hydrostatic limit of the pressure-transmitting medium is exceeded. The structure undergoes anisotropic compression with thea-axis compressing the greatest (12%cf.4 and 10% for theb- andc-axes, respectively). This is due to the pattern of the hydrogen bonding which acts like a spring and allows the compression along this direction.
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32
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Cumba LR, Kolliopoulos AV, Smith JP, Thompson PD, Evans PR, Sutcliffe OB, do Carmo DR, Banks CE. Forensic electrochemistry: indirect electrochemical sensing of the components of the new psychoactive substance “Synthacaine”. Analyst 2015; 140:5536-45. [DOI: 10.1039/c5an00858a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
For the first time a novel indirect, independently validated, electrochemical protocol for the sensing of MPA and 2-AI (“Synthacaine”) is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loanda R. Cumba
- Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira UNESP – Universidade Estadual Paulista
- Departamento de Física e Química
- Ilha Solteira
- Brazil
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
| | - Athanasios V. Kolliopoulos
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- School of Science and the Environment
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Manchester M1 5GD
| | - Jamie P. Smith
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- School of Science and the Environment
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Manchester M1 5GD
| | - Paul D. Thompson
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- School of Science and the Environment
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Manchester M1 5GD
| | - Peter R. Evans
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- School of Science and the Environment
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Manchester M1 5GD
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- School of Science and the Environment
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Manchester M1 5GD
| | - Devaney R. do Carmo
- Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira UNESP – Universidade Estadual Paulista
- Departamento de Física e Química
- Ilha Solteira
- Brazil
| | - Craig E. Banks
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- School of Science and the Environment
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Manchester M1 5GD
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33
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Smith JP, Foster CW, Metters JP, Sutcliffe OB, Banks CE. Metallic Impurities in Graphene Screen-Printed Electrodes Can Influence Their Electrochemical Properties. ELECTROANAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.201400320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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34
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Smith JP, Metters JP, Khreit OIG, Sutcliffe OB, Banks CE. Forensic Electrochemistry Applied to the Sensing of New Psychoactive Substances: Electroanalytical Sensing of Synthetic Cathinones and Analytical Validation in the Quantification of Seized Street Samples. Anal Chem 2014; 86:9985-92. [DOI: 10.1021/ac502991g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie P. Smith
- Faculty of Science
and Engineering, School of Chemistry and the Environment, Division
of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, Lancashire, U.K
| | - Jonathan P. Metters
- Faculty of Science
and Engineering, School of Chemistry and the Environment, Division
of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, Lancashire, U.K
| | - Osama I. G. Khreit
- Strathclyde Institute
of Pharmacy and Biomedical
Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Faculty of Science
and Engineering, School of Chemistry and the Environment, Division
of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, Lancashire, U.K
| | - Craig E. Banks
- Faculty of Science
and Engineering, School of Chemistry and the Environment, Division
of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, Lancashire, U.K
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35
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Apps MG, Johnson BW, Sutcliffe OB, Brown SD, Wheate NJ. Amide coupling reaction for the synthesis of bispyridine-based ligands and their complexation to platinum as dinuclear anticancer agents. J Vis Exp 2014. [PMID: 24893964 DOI: 10.3791/51740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Amide coupling reactions can be used to synthesize bispyridine-based ligands for use as bridging linkers in multinuclear platinum anticancer drugs. Isonicotinic acid, or its derivatives, are coupled to variable length diaminoalkane chains under an inert atmosphere in anhydrous DMF or DMSO with the use of a weak base, triethylamine, and a coupling agent, 1-propylphosphonic anhydride. The products precipitate from solution upon formation or can be precipitated by the addition of water. If desired, the ligands can be further purified by recrystallization from hot water. Dinuclear platinum complex synthesis using the bispyridine ligands is done in hot water using transplatin. The most informative of the chemical characterization techniques to determine the structure and gross purity of both the bispyridine ligands and the final platinum complexes is (1)H NMR with particular analysis of the aromatic region of the spectra (7-9 ppm). The platinum complexes have potential application as anticancer agents and the synthesis method can be modified to produce trinuclear and other multinuclear complexes with different hydrogen bonding functionality in the bridging ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben W Johnson
- School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney
| | - Oliver B Sutcliffe
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University
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36
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Delori A, Maclure P, Bhardwaj RM, Johnston A, Florence AJ, Sutcliffe OB, Oswald IDH. Drug solid solutions – a method for tuning phase transformations. CrystEngComm 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ce00211c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tuning phase transformation temperatures through the use of solid solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Delori
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS)
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow, UK G4 0RE
| | - Pauline Maclure
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS)
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow, UK G4 0RE
| | - Rajni M. Bhardwaj
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS)
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow, UK G4 0RE
| | - Andrea Johnston
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS)
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow, UK G4 0RE
| | - Alastair J. Florence
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS)
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow, UK G4 0RE
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- School of Science and the Environment
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Manchester, UK M1 5GD
| | - Iain D. H. Oswald
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS)
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow, UK G4 0RE
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37
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Smith JP, Metters JP, Irving C, Sutcliffe OB, Banks CE. Forensic electrochemistry: the electroanalytical sensing of synthetic cathinone-derivatives and their accompanying adulterants in “legal high” products. Analyst 2014; 139:389-400. [DOI: 10.1039/c3an01985c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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38
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Khreit OI, Grant MH, Zhang T, Henderson C, Watson DG, Sutcliffe OB. Elucidation of the Phase I and Phase II metabolic pathways of (±)-4′-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC) and (±)-4′-(trifluoromethyl)methcathinone (4-TFMMC) in rat liver hepatocytes using LC–MS and LC–MS2. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2013; 72:177-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2012.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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39
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Smith JP, Metters JP, Kampouris DK, Lledo-Fernandez C, Sutcliffe OB, Banks CE. Forensic electrochemistry: the electroanalytical sensing of Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) using screen-printed graphite electrodes without recourse for electrode or sample pre-treatment. Analyst 2013; 138:6185-91. [DOI: 10.1039/c3an01352a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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40
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NicDaéid N, Meier-Augenstein W, Kemp HF, Sutcliffe OB. Using Isotopic Fractionation to Link Precursor to Product in the Synthesis of (±)-Mephedrone: A New Tool for Combating “Legal High” Drugs. Anal Chem 2012; 84:8691-6. [DOI: 10.1021/ac3019069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Niamh NicDaéid
- Centre for Forensic Science, Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow,G1 1XW, U.K
| | - Wolfram Meier-Augenstein
- Stable Isotope Forensics Laboratory, James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA,
U.K
- Environmental and Forensic
Science Group, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 1FR, U.K
| | - Helen F. Kemp
- Stable Isotope Forensics Laboratory, James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA,
U.K
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science
and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, U.K
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41
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Bawazeer S, Sutcliffe OB, Euerby MR, Bawazeer S, Watson DG. A comparison of the chromatographic properties of silica gel and silicon hydride modified silica gels. J Chromatogr A 2012; 1263:61-7. [PMID: 23040975 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 09/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The retention properties of a silica gel column and a type C silica (silicon hydride) column for bases, sugars and polar acids were compared in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) mode with formic acid or ammonium acetate as aqueous phase modifiers. The type C silica column was much more retentive for a series of model bases than the silica gel column and, surprisingly, retention of bases increased on the type C silica column when, the higher pH, ammonium acetate containing mobile phase was used. The retention of sugars was greater on the type C silica column than on the silica gel column and also increased on the type C silica column with increased pH suggesting either a silanophilic mechanism of retention or some unknown mechanism. Three type C silica based columns, type C silica, cogent diamond hydride and a β-pinene modified column, which it was hoped might exert some additional stereochemical discrimination, were tested for metabolomic profiling of urine. In general the unmodified type C silica column gave the strongest retention of the many polar metabolites in urine and could provide a useful complement to established HILIC methods for metabolomic profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saud Bawazeer
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
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42
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Abualhasan MN, Batrawi N, Sutcliffe OB, Zaid AN. A validated stability-indicating HPLC method for routine analysis of an injectable lincomycin and spectinomycin formulation. Sci Pharm 2012; 80:977-86. [PMID: 23264944 PMCID: PMC3528054 DOI: 10.3797/scipharm.1207-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lincomycin and spectinomycin combination therapy is widely used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections caused by lincomycin- and spectinomycin-sensitive microorganisms. A simple, reverse phase HPLC method for the analysis of samples of an injectable lincomycin and spectinomycin preparation containing a mixture of inactive excipients has been developed. The HPLC was carried out using the RP-C18 (250 mm × 4.0 mm, 5 μm) column, with the gradient mobile phase consisting of an acetonitrile and phosphate buffer at pH 6; the flow rate of 1 mL/min and ultraviolet detection at 220 nm. This method was validated in accordance with both FDA and ICH guidelines and showed good linearity, accuracy, precision, selectivity, and system suitability results within the acceptance criteria. A stability-indicating study was also carried out and indicated that this method can also be used for purity and degradation evaluation of these formulations.
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43
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Wang F, Good JAD, Rath O, Kaan HYK, Sutcliffe OB, Mackay SP, Kozielski F. Triphenylbutanamines: kinesin spindle protein inhibitors with in vivo antitumor activity. J Med Chem 2012; 55:1511-25. [PMID: 22248262 PMCID: PMC3428805 DOI: 10.1021/jm201195m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
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The human mitotic kinesin Eg5 represents a novel mitotic
spindle target for cancer chemotherapy. We previously identified S-trityl-l-cysteine (STLC) and related analogues
as selective potent inhibitors of Eg5. We herein report on the development
of a series of 4,4,4-triphenylbutan-1-amine inhibitors derived from
the STLC scaffold. This new generation systematically improves on
potency: the most potent C-trityl analogues exhibit Kiapp ≤ 10 nM and GI50 ≈ 50 nM, comparable to results from the phase II clinical
benchmark ispinesib. Crystallographic studies reveal that they adopt
the same overall binding configuration as S-trityl
analogues at an allosteric site formed by loop L5 of Eg5. Evaluation
of their druglike properties reveals favorable profiles for future
development and, in the clinical candidate ispinesib, moderate hERG
and CYP inhibition. One triphenylbutanamine analogue and ispinesib
possess very good bioavailability (51% and 45%, respectively), with
the former showing in vivo antitumor growth activity in nude mice
xenograft studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Molecular Motor Laboratory, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, Scotland, UK.
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44
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Brown SD, Trotter KD, Sutcliffe OB, Plumb JA, Waddell B, Briggs NEB, Wheate NJ. Combining aspects of the platinum anticancer drugs picoplatin and BBR3464 to synthesize a new family of sterically hindered dinuclear complexes; their synthesis, binding kinetics and cytotoxicity. Dalton Trans 2012; 41:11330-9. [DOI: 10.1039/c2dt31313h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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45
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Woo LWL, Ganeshapillai D, Thomas MP, Sutcliffe OB, Malini B, Mahon MF, Purohit A, Potter BVL. Cover Picture: Structure-Activity Relationship for the First-in-Class Clinical Steroid Sulfatase Inhibitor Irosustat (STX64, BN83495) (ChemMedChem 11/2011). ChemMedChem 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201190047] [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: 11/10/2022]
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Woo LWL, Ganeshapillai D, Thomas MP, Sutcliffe OB, Malini B, Mahon MF, Purohit A, Potter BVL. Structure-activity relationship for the first-in-class clinical steroid sulfatase inhibitor Irosustat (STX64, BN83495). ChemMedChem 2011; 6:2019-34. [PMID: 21990014 PMCID: PMC3262147 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Structure-activity relationship studies were conducted on Irosustat (STX64, BN83495), the first steroid sulfatase (STS) inhibitor to enter diverse clinical trials for patients with advanced hormone-dependent cancer. The size of its aliphatic ring was expanded; its sulfamate group was N,N-dimethylated, relocated to another position and flanked by an adjacent methoxy group; and series of quinolin-2(1H)-one and quinoline derivatives of Irosustat were explored. The STS inhibitory activities of the synthesised compounds were assessed in a preparation of JEG-3 cells. Stepwise enlargement of the aliphatic ring from 7 to 11 members increases potency, although a further increase in ring size is detrimental. The best STS inhibitors in vitro had IC50 values between 0.015 and 0.025 nM. Other modifications made to Irosustat were found to either abolish or significantly weaken its activity. An azomethine adduct of Irosustat with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was isolated, and crystal structures of Irosustat and this adduct were determined. Docking studies were conducted to explore the potential interactions between compounds and the active site of STS, and suggest a sulfamoyl group transfer to formylglycine 75 during the inactivation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- L W Lawrence Woo
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY (UK), Fax:(+44) 1225-386-114
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Baiget J, Llona-Minguez S, Lang S, Mackay SP, Suckling CJ, Sutcliffe OB. Manganese dioxide mediated one-pot synthesis of methyl 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-1-carboxylate: Concise synthesis of alangiobussinine. Beilstein J Org Chem 2011; 7:1407-11. [PMID: 22043251 PMCID: PMC3201054 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.7.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The carboline ring system is an important pharmacophore found in a number of biologically important targets. Development of synthetic routes for the preparation of these compounds is important in order to prepare a range of analogues containing the carboline heterocyclic moiety. A manganese dioxide mediated one-pot method starting with an activated alcohol and consisting of alcohol oxidation, Pictet–Spengler cyclisation, and oxidative aromatisation, offers a convenient process that allows access to β-carbolines. This one-pot process for the preparation of methyl 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-1-carboxylate has subsequently been used as the key step in the synthesis of alangiobussinine and a closely related analogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Baiget
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 165 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
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Santali EY, Cadogan AK, Daeid NN, Savage KA, Sutcliffe OB. Synthesis, full chemical characterisation and development of validated methods for the quantification of (±)-4′-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone): A new “legal high”. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2011; 56:246-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2011.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kirkpatrick GJ, Plumb JA, Sutcliffe OB, Flint DJ, Wheate NJ. Evaluation of anionic half generation 3.5-6.5 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers as delivery vehicles for the active component of the anticancer drug cisplatin. J Inorg Biochem 2011; 105:1115-22. [PMID: 21704583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2011.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Aquated cisplatin was added to half-generation PAMAM dendrimers and the resultant complexes were purified by centrifuge. The drug-dendrimer complexes were then characterised by 1-D and diffusion (1)H NMR and ICP-AES. The amount of drug bound was found to increase in proportion with dendrimer size: G3.5, 22 cis-{Pt(NH(3))(2)} molecules per dendrimer; G4.5, 37; G5.5, 54; and G6.5, 94, which represent only a fraction of the available binding sites on each dendrimer (68, 58, 42 and 37%, respectively). Drug release studies showed that some drug remains bound to the dendrimer even after prolonged incubation with 5'-GMP at temperatures of 60°C for over a week (percentage of drug released 18, 30, 35 and 63%, respectively). Attachment of the drug was found to decrease the radius of the dendrimers. Finally, the effect of the dendrimer on drug cytotoxicity was determined using in vitro assays with the A2780, A2780cis and A2780cp ovarian cancer cell lines. The free dendrimers display no cytotoxicity whilst the drug-dendrimer complexes showed moderate activity. In vivo activity was examined using an A2780 tumour xenograft. Cisplatin, at its maximum tolerated dose of 6 mg/kg, reduced tumour size by 33% compared to an untreated control group. The G6.5 cisplatin-dendrimer complex was administered at two doses (6 and 8 mg/kg equivalent of cisplatin). Both were well tolerated by the mice. The lower dose displayed comparable activity to cisplatin with a tumour volume reduction of 32%, but the higher dose was significantly more active than free cisplatin with a tumour reduction of 45%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon J Kirkpatrick
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, John Arbuthnott Building, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, United Kingdom
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Clark RL, Johnston BF, Mackay SP, Breslin CJ, Robertson MN, Sutcliffe OB, Dufton MJ, Harvey AL. The drug discovery portal: a computational platform for identifying drug leads from academia. Curr Pharm Des 2010; 16:1697-702. [PMID: 20222856 DOI: 10.2174/138161210791164018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Drug Discovery Portal (DDP) is a research initiative based at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. It was initiated in 2007 by a group of researchers with expertise in virtual screening. Academic research groups in the university working in drug discovery programmes estimated there was a historical collection of physical compounds going back 50 years that had never been adequately catalogued. This invaluable resource has been harnessed to form the basis of the DDP library, and has attracted a high-percentage uptake from the Universities and Research Groups internationally. Its unique attributes include the diversity of the academic database, sourced from synthetic, medicinal and phytochemists working an academic laboratories and the ability to link biologists with appropriate chemical expertise through a target-matching virtual screening approach, and has resulted in seven emerging hit development programmes between international contributors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Clark
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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