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Carlier J, Malaca S, Huestis MA, Tagliabracci A, Tini A, Busardò FP. Biomarkers of 4-hydroxy- N,N-methylpropyltryptamine (4-OH-MPT) intake identified from human hepatocyte incubations. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:831-840. [PMID: 36609205 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2166826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 4-Hydroxy-N,N-methylpropyltryptamine (4-OH-MPT) is a psychedelic tryptamine whose use is regulated in several countries. Due to unspecific effects, consumption can be ascertained only through toxicological analyses. However, the trace amounts of tryptamines are usually challenging to detect in biological samples. 4-OH-MPT metabolism was characterized to identify optimal metabolite markers of intake in clinical/forensic toxicology. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS 4-OH-MPT was incubated with 10-donor-pooled human hepatocytes to simulate in vivo conditions; samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS), and data were processed with Compound Discoverer from Thermo Scientific. LC-HRMS/MS and data mining were supported by in silico metabolite predictions (GLORYx). RESULTS Three phase I and four phase II metabolites were identified, including N-oxidation and N-demethylation at the alkylamine chain, and O-glucuronidation and sulfation at the hydroxylindole core. CONCLUSIONS 4-OH-MPT metabolic fate was consistent with the human metabolism of tryptamine analogues: we suggest 4-OH-MPT-N-oxide and 4-hydroxy-N,N-propyltryptamine (4-OH-PT) as metabolite biomarkers of 4-OH-MPT consumption after glucuronide/sulfate hydrolysis in biological samples to improve detection of 4-OH-MPT and phase I metabolites; 4-OH-MPT-glucuronide is suggested as an additional biomarker when hydrolysis is not performed. Further research on the metabolism of structural analogues is necessary to evaluate the specificity of 4-OH-MPT metabolite biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Carlier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sara Malaca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adriano Tagliabracci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Anastasio Tini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco P Busardò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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Fabregat-Safont D, Mata-Pesquera M, Barneo-Muñoz M, Martinez-Garcia F, Mardal M, Davidsen AB, Sancho JV, Hernández F, Ibáñez M. In-depth comparison of the metabolic and pharmacokinetic behaviour of the structurally related synthetic cannabinoids AMB-FUBINACA and AMB-CHMICA in rats. Commun Biol 2022; 5:161. [PMID: 35210552 PMCID: PMC8873228 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids receptor agonists (SCRAs) are often almost completely metabolised, and hence their pharmacokinetics should be carefully evaluated for determining the most adequate biomarker in toxicological analysis. Two structurally related SCRAs, AMB-FUBINACA and AMB-CHMICA, were selected to evaluate their in vivo metabolism and pharmacokinetics using male Sprague-Dawley rats. Brain, liver, kidney, blood (serum) and urine samples were collected at different times to assess the differences in metabolism, metabolic reactions, tissue distribution and excretion. Both compounds experimented O-demethyl reaction, which occurred more rapidly for AMB-FUBINACA. The parent compounds and O-demethyl metabolites were highly bioaccumulated in liver, and were still detected in this tissue 48 h after injection. The different indazole/indole N-functionalisation produced diverse metabolic reactions in this moiety and thus, different urinary metabolites were formed. Out of the two compounds, AMB-FUBINACA seemed to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, presenting higher brain/serum concentrations ratio than AMB-CHMICA. Synthetic cannabinoids are amongst the most widely used psychoactive drugs which are tightly controlled by government agencies around the world. Here, pharmacokinetics of two synthetic cannabinoids in rats are evaluated along with their metabolites and tissue distribution, aiding in identifying distinct biomarkers that reflect the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids based on the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fabregat-Safont
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
| | - María Mata-Pesquera
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
| | - Manuela Barneo-Muñoz
- Predepartmental Unit of Medicine, Unitat Mixta de Neuroanatomia Funcional NeuroFun-UVEG-UJI, University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Ferran Martinez-Garcia
- Predepartmental Unit of Medicine, Unitat Mixta de Neuroanatomia Funcional NeuroFun-UVEG-UJI, University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Marie Mardal
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders B Davidsen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Juan V Sancho
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
| | - María Ibáñez
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain.
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Pugazhendhi A, Suganthy N, Chau TP, Sharma A, Unpaprom Y, Ramaraj R, Karuppusamy I, Brindhadevi K. Cannabinoids as anticancer and neuroprotective drugs: Structural insights and pharmacological interactions—A review. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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4
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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] [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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Sharp P, Hudson S, Morley SR. Quantitation of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists in Postmortem Blood Using a Single Point Calibration. Acad Forensic Pathol 2021; 11:75-82. [PMID: 34567326 DOI: 10.1177/19253621211032511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA) share minimal structural similarities to tetrahydrocannabinol or themselves. Due to their heterogeneous structures and the rapid appearance and disappearance of new SCRA on the drug scene, the quantitation of SCRA has not been attempted extensively. We present a wide series of SCRA concentrations based on a single-point calibration using peak height ratios for the extracted ion chromatogram of the protonated precursor ion against that of the internal standard. These concentrations are viewed as indicative only given the use of a single concentration "calibrator" based on the response of a deuterated analogue of a structurally related compound. What is of note, is that, despite the potential differences in potency the majority of SCRA seem to have relatively similar concentrations in postmortem cases.
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Sia CH, Wang Z, Goh EML, Tan YL, Fong CY, Moy HY, Chan ECY. Urinary Metabolite Biomarkers for the Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoid ADB-BUTINACA Abuse. Clin Chem 2021; 67:1534-1544. [PMID: 34387654 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvab134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND (S)-N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-butyl-1H-indazole-3carboxamide (ADB-BUTINACA) is an emerging synthetic cannabinoid that was first identified in Europe in 2019 and entered Singapore's drug scene in January 2020. Due to the unavailable toxicological and metabolic data, there is a need to establish urinary metabolite biomarkers for detection of ADB-BUTINACA consumption and elucidate its biotransformation pathways for rationalizing its toxicological implications. METHODS We characterized the metabolites of ADB-BUTINACA in human liver microsomes using liquid chromatography Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis. Enzyme-specific inhibitors and recombinant enzymes were adopted for the reaction phenotyping of ADB-BUTINACA. We further used recombinant enzymes to generate a pool of key metabolites in situ and determined their metabolic stability. By coupling in vitro metabolism and authentic urine analyses, a panel of urinary metabolite biomarkers of ADB-BUTINACA was curated. RESULTS Fifteen metabolites of ADB-BUTINACA were identified with key biotransformations being hydroxylation, N-debutylation, dihydrodiol formation, and oxidative deamination. Reaction phenotyping established that ADB-BUTINACA was rapidly eliminated via CYP2C19-, CYP3A4-, and CYP3A5-mediated metabolism. Three major monohydroxylated metabolites (M6, M12, and M14) were generated in situ, which demonstrated greater metabolic stability compared to ADB-BUTINACA. Coupling metabolite profiling with urinary analysis, we identified four urinary biomarker metabolites of ADB-BUTINACA: 3 hydroxylated metabolites (M6, M11, and M14) and 1 oxidative deaminated metabolite (M15). CONCLUSIONS Our data support a panel of four urinary metabolite biomarkers for diagnosing the consumption of ADB-BUTINACA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Hon Sia
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ziteng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Evelyn Mei Ling Goh
- Division of Analytical Toxicology, Department of Drug Abuse Testing, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Yen Li Tan
- Division of Analytical Toxicology, Department of Drug Abuse Testing, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Ching Yee Fong
- Division of Analytical Toxicology, Department of Drug Abuse Testing, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Hooi Yan Moy
- Division of Analytical Toxicology, Department of Drug Abuse Testing, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Eric Chun Yong Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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7
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Minakata K, Hasegawa K, Nozawa H, Yamagishi I, Suzuki M, Kitamoto T, Suzuki O, Watanabe K. Quantification of Major Metabolites of AB-FUBINACA in Solid Tissues Obtained from an Abuser. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:555-565. [PMID: 32886766 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AB-FUBINACA M3 was reported to be a major metabolite of the drug, but its in vivo concentration in authentic human solid tissues has not been quantified yet. Another metabolite AB-FUBINACA M4 did not receive much attention previously and also has not been quantified yet in any authentic human specimens. The aims of this study are to establish a sensitive method for quantification of M3 and M4 in solid tissues and to compare the metabolite profile of AB-FUBINACA in authentic human specimens in vivo with that produced by human hepatocytes in vitro. The quantification was performed by liquid chromatography (LC)-quadrupole-ion trap-tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS), and the characterization by LC-quadrupole Orbitrap MS-MS The limits of quantification of M3 were 10 pg/mL and 60 pg/g, and those of M4 were 100 pg/mL and 600 pg/g in urine and tissues, respectively. In the present work, M3 and M4 were identified and quantified in human lung, liver and kidney obtained from a cadaver for the first time; the concentrations of M3 were 226, 255, 202 and 155 pg/mL or g, and those of M4 14,400, 768, 637 and 1,390 pg/mL or g in urine, lung, liver and kidney, respectively. The peak intensity profiles of seven metabolites in these specimens were compared with that produced by human hepatocytes; the top three metabolites in urine specimen were completely different from those of hepatocytes. M3 was reported as the predominant metabolite in several previous works and M4 was listed as a minor metabolite in only one work, but, in this work, M4 has been found to be the major metabolite in all of the authentic urine, lung, liver and kidney specimens. The M3 plus M4 metabolites in lung or kidney were found most recommendable to prove AB-FUBINACA consumption, when urine specimen is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Minakata
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Koutaro Hasegawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hideki Nozawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Itaru Yamagishi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masako Suzuki
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Takuya Kitamoto
- Advanced Research Facilities and Services, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Osamu Suzuki
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kanako Watanabe
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
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Efeoglu Ozseker P, Daglioglu N, Gulmen MK, Tolunay I, Efeoglu F. Determination of AB-FUBINACA and 5F-NPB-22 in rats exposed to "Bonsai" via inhalation and analysis of seized product. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 50:101869. [PMID: 33713938 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are the most rapidly growing class of recreational designer drugs. Illicit drug manufacturers began to produce herbal smoking materials under a variety of brands names, e.g. "Spice, K2, Bonsai, Yucatan Fire". They were appeared on the European market in 2008. In this study, types of SCs in the herbal product sold as "Bonsai" in Turkey were determined and the identification of these substances in biological samples collected from rats depending on the inhalation of different amounts of plant material were aimed. To determine the SC species in the content of the plant product, analysis was performed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Liquid-liquid extraction methods were utilized for blood and organ samples, while solid-phase extraction with β-glucuronidase enzyme treatment was applied for urine sample preparation. The relationship between the amount of burned plant and the amount of SCs accumulated in the blood, urine and organ samples of rats exposed to the plant product by inhalation was examined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. AB-FUBINACA and 5F-NPB-22 were detected in the herbal product. A significant correlation was found between the amount of herbal product inhaled and the prevalence of SCs, especially in lung tissues while no SCs were detected in the blood and urine samples of rats. There is currently no study on biological samples of individuals exposed to herbal products containing SCs by inhalation. Regarding the findings obtained in this study, the overall increase in the amounts of herbal product inhaled was demonstrated to pose a potential risk to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Efeoglu Ozseker
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
| | - Nebile Daglioglu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Mete Korkut Gulmen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ilknur Tolunay
- Adana City Education & Research Hospital, Child Intensive Care Department, Adana, Turkey
| | - Fehiman Efeoglu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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A Systematic Study of the In Vitro Pharmacokinetics and Estimated Human In Vivo Clearance of Indole and Indazole-3-Carboxamide Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists Detected on the Illicit Drug Market. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051396. [PMID: 33807614 PMCID: PMC7961380 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro pharmacokinetic studies were conducted on enantiomer pairs of twelve valinate or tert-leucinate indole and indazole-3-carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) detected on the illicit drug market to investigate their physicochemical parameters and structure-metabolism relationships (SMRs). Experimentally derived Log D7.4 ranged from 2.81 (AB-FUBINACA) to 4.95 (MDMB-4en-PINACA) and all SCRAs tested were highly protein bound, ranging from 88.9 ± 0.49% ((R)-4F-MDMB-BINACA) to 99.5 ± 0.08% ((S)-MDMB-FUBINACA). Most tested SCRAs were cleared rapidly in vitro in pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) and pooled cryopreserved human hepatocytes (pHHeps). Intrinsic clearance (CLint) ranged from 13.7 ± 4.06 ((R)-AB-FUBINACA) to 2944 ± 95.9 mL min−1 kg−1 ((S)-AMB-FUBINACA) in pHLM, and from 110 ± 34.5 ((S)-AB-FUBINACA) to 3216 ± 607 mL min−1 kg−1 ((S)-AMB-FUBINACA) in pHHeps. Predicted Human in vivo hepatic clearance (CLH) ranged from 0.34 ± 0.09 ((S)-AB-FUBINACA) to 17.79 ± 0.20 mL min−1 kg−1 ((S)-5F-AMB-PINACA) in pHLM and 1.39 ± 0.27 ((S)-MDMB-FUBINACA) to 18.25 ± 0.12 mL min−1 kg−1 ((S)-5F-AMB-PINACA) in pHHeps. Valinate and tert-leucinate indole and indazole-3-carboxamide SCRAs are often rapidly metabolised in vitro but are highly protein bound in vivo and therefore predicted in vivo CLH is much slower than CLint. This is likely to give rise to longer detection windows of these substances and their metabolites in urine, possibly as a result of accumulation of parent drug in lipid-rich tissues, with redistribution into the circulatory system and subsequent metabolism.
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Overview of Synthetic Cannabinoids ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA: Clinical, Analytical, and Forensic Implications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030186. [PMID: 33669071 PMCID: PMC7996508 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA are two synthetic indazole-derived cannabinoid receptor agonists, up to 140- and 85-fold more potent, respectively, than trans-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), the main psychoactive compound of cannabis. Synthesised in 2009 as a pharmaceutical drug candidate, the recreational use of ADB-FUBINACA was first reported in 2013 in Japan, with fatal cases being described in 2015. ADB-FUBINACA is one of the most apprehended and consumed synthetic cannabinoid (SC), following AMB-FUBINACA, which emerged in 2014 as a drug of abuse and has since been responsible for several intoxication and death outbreaks. Here, we critically review the physicochemical properties, detection methods, prevalence, biological effects, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of both drugs. When smoked, these SCs produce almost immediate effects (about 10 to 15 s after use) that last up to 60 min. They are rapidly and extensively metabolised, being the O-demethylated metabolite of AMB-FUBINACA, 2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide)-3-methylbutanoic acid, the main excreted in urine, while for ADB-FUBINACA the main biomarkers are the hydroxdimethylpropyl ADB-FUBINACA, hydroxydehydrodimethylpropyl ADB-FUBINACA and hydroxylindazole ADB-FUBINACA. ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA display full agonism of the CB1 receptor, this being responsible for their cardiovascular and neurological effects (e.g., altered perception, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, loss of consciousness and memory, chest pain, hypertension, tachycardia, seizures). This review highlights the urgent requirement for additional studies on the toxicokinetic properties of AMB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA, as this is imperative to improve the methods for detecting and quantifying these drugs and to determine the best exposure markers in the various biological matrices. Furthermore, it stresses the need for clinicians and pathologists involved in the management of these intoxications to describe their findings in the scientific literature, thus assisting in the risk assessment and treatment of the harmful effects of these drugs in future medical and forensic investigations.
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In Vitro Interaction of AB-FUBINACA with Human Cytochrome P450, UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase Enzymes and Drug Transporters. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194589. [PMID: 33050066 PMCID: PMC7582776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AB-FUBINACA, a synthetic indazole carboxamide cannabinoid, has been used worldwide as a new psychoactive substance. Because drug abusers take various drugs concomitantly, it is necessary to explore potential AB-FUBINACA-induced drug–drug interactions caused by modulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. In this study, the inhibitory effects of AB-FUBINACA on eight major human cytochrome P450s (CYPs) and six uridine 5′-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) of human liver microsomes, and on eight clinically important transport activities including organic cation transporters (OCT)1 and OCT2, organic anion transporters (OAT)1 and OAT3, organic anion transporting polypeptide transporters (OATP)1B1 and OATP1B3, P-glycoprotein, and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in transporter-overexpressing cells were investigated. AB-FUBINACA inhibited CYP2B6-mediated bupropion hydroxylation via mixed inhibition with Ki value of 15.0 µM and competitively inhibited CYP2C8-catalyzed amodiaquine N-de-ethylation, CYP2C9-catalyzed diclofenac 4′-hydroxylation, CYP2C19-catalyzed [S]-mephenytoin 4′-hydroxylation, and CYP2D6-catalyzed bufuralol 1′-hydroxylation with Ki values of 19.9, 13.1, 6.3, and 20.8 µM, respectively. AB-FUBINACA inhibited OCT2-mediated MPP+ uptake via mixed inhibition (Ki, 54.2 µM) and competitively inhibited OATP1B1-mediated estrone-3-sulfate uptake (Ki, 94.4 µM). However, AB-FUBINACA did not significantly inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP3A4, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A4, UGT1A6, or UGT2B7 enzyme activities at concentrations up to 100 µM. AB-FUBINACA did not significantly inhibit the transport activities of OCT1, OAT1/3, OATP1B3, P-glycoprotein, or BCRP at concentrations up to 250 μM. As the pharmacokinetics of AB-FUBINACA in humans and animals remain unknown, it is necessary to clinically evaluate potential in vivo pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions induced by AB-FUBINACA-mediated inhibition of CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, OCT2, and OATP1B1 activities.
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12
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Presley BC, Castaneto MS, Logan BK, Jansen-Varnum SA. Assessment of synthetic cannabinoid FUB-AMB and its ester hydrolysis metabolite in human liver microsomes and human blood samples using UHPLC-MS/MS. Biomed Chromatogr 2020; 34:e4884. [PMID: 32415732 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
FUB-AMB, an indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid recreational drug, was one of the compounds most frequently reported to governmental agencies worldwide between 2016 and 2019. It has been implicated in intoxications and fatalities, posing a risk to public health. In the current study, FUB-AMB was incubated with human liver microsomes (HLM) to assess its metabolic fate and stability and to determine if its major ester hydrolysis metabolite (M1) was present in 12 authentic forensic human blood samples from driving under the influence of drug cases and postmortem investigations using UHPLC-MS/MS. FUB-AMB was rapidly metabolized in HLM, generating M1 that was stable through a 120-min incubation period, a finding that indicates a potential long detection window in human biological samples. M1 was identified in all blood samples, and no parent drug was detected. The authors propose that M1 is a reliable marker for inclusion in laboratory blood screens for FUB-AMB; this metabolite may be pharmacologically active like its precursor FUB-AMB. M1 frequently appears in samples in which the parent drug is undetectable and can point to the causative agent. The results suggest that it is imperative that synthetic cannabinoid laboratory assay panels include metabolites, especially known or potential pharmacologically active metabolites, particularly for compounds with short half-lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Presley
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Barry K Logan
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Alves VL, Gonçalves JL, Aguiar J, Teixeira HM, Câmara JS. The synthetic cannabinoids phenomenon: from structure to toxicological properties. A review. Crit Rev Toxicol 2020; 50:359-382. [PMID: 32530350 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2020.1762539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The word "cannabinoid" refers to every chemical substance, regardless of structure or origin, that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain and that have similar effects to those produced by the Cannabis plant and based on their source of production, cannabinoids can be classified into endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids represent the largest class of drugs detected through the EU Early Warning System with a total of 190 substances notified from 2008 to 2018 and about 280 have been reported worldwide to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Sprayed on natural herb mixtures with the aim to mimic the euphoria effect of cannabis and sold as "herbal smoking blends" or "herbal incense" under brand names like "Spice" or "K2", synthetic cannabinoids are available from websites for the combination with herbal materials or more recently, for the use in e-cigarettes. Currently labeled as "not for human consumption" to circumvent legislation, their legal status varies by country with many government institutions currently pushing for their control. However, due to the emergence of new substances, it requires a constant update of the list of controlled drugs. Little is known about how these substances work and their toxic effects in humans and the same product could vary not only in the amount and in the type of substance added. In the last years, synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with deaths and acute intoxications in Europe and, despite a range of new measures introduced in this area, continue to represent a challenge to current drug policy models. These synthetic substances are much more potent than natural cannabis, as well as displayed greater efficacy, acting as full agonists at the cannabinoid receptors. It is possible that, along with being highly potent, some may also have long half-lives, potentially leading to a prolonged psychoactive effect. The present work provides a review on existing literature about the development of synthetic cannabinoids as substances of abuse, current patterns of abuse and their legal status, chemical classification, and some pharmacological and toxicological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera L Alves
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - João L Gonçalves
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Joselin Aguiar
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Helena M Teixeira
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra, Portugal.,Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José S Câmara
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências Exactas e da Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
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14
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Kadomura N, Ito T, Kawashima H, Matsuhisa T, Kinoshita T, Soda M, Kohyama E, Iwaki T, Nagai H, Kitaichi K. In vitro metabolic profiles of adamantyl positional isomers of synthetic cannabinoids. Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00538-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Presley BC, Logan BK, Jansen-Varnum SA. In Vitro Metabolic Profile Elucidation of Synthetic Cannabinoid APP-CHMINACA (PX-3). J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:226-236. [PMID: 31665324 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids remain the most prevalent subclass of new psychoactive substances (NPS) reported internationally. However, the metabolic and pharmacological properties of many of these compounds remain unknown. Elucidating these characteristics allows members of the clinical and forensic communities to identify causative agents in patient samples, as well as render conclusions regarding their toxic effects. This work presents a detailed report on the in vitro phase I metabolism of indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid APP-CHMINACA (PX-3). Incubation of APP-CHMINACA with human liver microsomes, followed by analysis of extracts via high-resolution mass spectrometry, yielded 12 metabolites, encompassing 7 different metabolite classes. Characterization of the metabolites was achieved by evaluating the product ion spectra, accurate mass and chemical formula generated for each metabolite. The predominant biotransformations observed were hydrolysis of the distal amide group and hydroxylation of the cyclohexylmethyl (CHM) substituent. Nine metabolites were amide hydrolysis products, of which five were monohydroxylated, one dihydroxylated and two were ketone products. The metabolites in greatest abundance in the study were products of amide hydrolysis with no further biotransformation (M1), followed by amide hydrolysis with monohydroxylation (M2.1). Three APP-CHMINACA-specific metabolites were generated, all of which were hydroxylated on the CHM group; one mono-, di- and tri-hydroxylated metabolite each was produced, with dihydroxylation (M6) present in the greatest abundance. The authors propose that metabolites M1, M2.1 and M6 are the most appropriate markers to determine consumption of APP-CHMINACA. The methods used in the current study have broad applicability and have been used to determine the in vitro metabolic profiles of multiple synthetic cannabinoids and other classes of NPS. This research can be used to guide analytical scientists in method development, synthesis of reference material, pharmacological testing of proposed metabolites and prediction of metabolic processes of compounds yet to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Presley
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, 1901 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave., Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Susan A Jansen-Varnum
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, 1901 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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16
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Apirakkan O, Gavrilović I, Cowan DA, Abbate V. In Vitro Phase I Metabolic Profiling of the Synthetic Cannabinoids AM-694, 5F-NNEI, FUB-APINACA, MFUBINAC, and AMB-FUBINACA. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:1653-1664. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Orapan Apirakkan
- King’s Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Ivana Gavrilović
- King’s Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
- Drug Control Centre, King’s Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Cowan
- King’s Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Abbate
- King’s Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
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17
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AL-Eitan LN, Asa’ad AS, Battah AH, Aljamal HA. Application of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for the Identification and Quantitation of Three Common Synthetic Cannabinoids in Seized Materials from the Jordanian Market. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:4172-4180. [PMID: 32149247 PMCID: PMC7057677 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) were developed to mimic the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on humans. SCs were distributed in the form of herbal blends, with smoking being the main method of consumption. These synthetic compounds have a wide range of physical, behavioral, and harmful effects on the body. However, this study aimed to identify and quantify three common SCs including AB-FUBINACA, AB-CHMINACA, and XLR-11 in the seized materials from the Jordanian market by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A liquid-liquid extraction sample preparation technique was applied to 100 different seized samples obtained from the Anti-Narcotics Department of Public Security in a period between 2017 and 2018. Profiling of the seized samples revealed different distributions of the targeted SCs in the obtained samples. Upon quantitation, concentrations of these SCs varied greatly within and among the samples. The use of GC-MS analysis provided a powerful technique in the detection and identification of SCs. This study revealed the current and trends of SC use in the Jordanian illicit substance market, which was previously unclear. Future studies are required to explore new SCs and their influence in different biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith N. AL-Eitan
- Department
of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University
of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
- Department
of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Abdelqader S. Asa’ad
- Department
of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
- Drug
and Alcohol Analysis Department, Forensic Science Laboratories, Public Security Directorate, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - AbdelKader H. Battah
- Department
of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Hanan A. Aljamal
- Department
of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University
of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
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18
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Franz F, Haschimi B, King LA, Auwärter V. Extraordinary long detection window of a synthetic cannabinoid metabolite in human urine - Potential impact on therapeutic decisions. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:391-396. [PMID: 31944614 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have become established drugs of abuse. They play an increasing role in drug therapy, where abstinence control testing is required. Differentiation between recent drug uptake and uptake in the distant past is important for drug therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the detection window of a metabolite commonly used as a consumption marker for AB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA (synonym: FUB-AMB) in urine analysis. The acidic hydrolysis metabolite was quantified in urine samples of a drug user by applying a validated analytical method. The concentration profile of the metabolite was correlated with usage data of the subject. Pharmacokinetic properties of AB-FUBINACA were collected by analysis of serum and urine samples from a controlled administration study (single oral ingestion of AB-FUBINACA). Thirteen urine samples were taken without advance notice over 2 years. The metabolite was detected in the first urine sample at 0.77 ng/mg creatinine and subsequently in concentrations ranging from 0.06 to 0.29 ng/mg creatinine. Usage data showed credible abstinence from SCs during this period. The pharmacokinetic properties observed within the controlled self-administration study supported the hypothesis of distribution into deeper compartments and long-lasting elimination (serum concentration-time curve showing biphasic kinetics). An elimination phase of over 1 year after the last drug uptake seems plausible in cases of extensive consumption. To avoid misinterpretation of positive findings, we recommend testing patients with known SC use at the beginning of the abstinence program and to re-test continuously at short time intervals. These data enable the correct interpretation of analytical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Franz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Belal Haschimi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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19
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Giorgetti A, Mogler L, Haschimi B, Halter S, Franz F, Westphal F, Fischmann S, Riedel J, Pütz M, Auwärter V. Detection and phase I metabolism of the 7‐azaindole‐derived synthetic cannabinoid 5F‐AB‐P7AICA including a preliminary pharmacokinetic evaluation. Drug Test Anal 2019; 12:78-91. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology University‐Hospital of Padova Italy
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Lukas Mogler
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Belal Haschimi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Florian Franz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig‐Holstein Kiel Germany
| | - Svenja Fischmann
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig‐Holstein Kiel Germany
| | - Jan Riedel
- Federal Criminal Police Office Forensic Science Institute Wiesbaden Germany
| | - Michael Pütz
- Federal Criminal Police Office Forensic Science Institute Wiesbaden Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Germany
- Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Germany
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20
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Fabregat-Safont D, Mardal M, Noble C, Cannaert A, Stove CP, Sancho JV, Linnet K, Hernández F, Ibáñez M. Comprehensive investigation on synthetic cannabinoids: Metabolic behavior and potency testing, using 5F-APP-PICA and AMB-FUBINACA as model compounds. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1358-1368. [PMID: 31192526 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) represented 45% of new psychoactive substances seizures in Europe (data from 2016). The consumption of SCs is an issue of concern due to their still unknown toxicity and effects on human health, the great variety of compounds synthetized, and the continuous modifications being made to their chemical structure to avoid regulatory issues. These compounds are extensively metabolized in the organism and often cannot be detected as the intact molecule in human urine. The monitoring of SCs in forensic samples must be performed by the analysis of their metabolites. In this work, a workflow for the comprehensive study of SC consumption is proposed and applied to 5F-APP-PICA (also known as PX 1 or SRF-30) and AMB-FUBINACA (also known as FUB-AMB or MMB-FUBINACA), based not only on the elucidation of their metabolites but also including functional data using the NanoLuc approach, previously published. Both cannabinoids were completely metabolized by human hepatocytes (12 and 8 metabolites were elucidated by high resolution mass spectrometry for 5F-APP-PICA and AMB-FUBINACA, respectively) and therefore suitable consumption markers are proposed. The bioassays revealed that 5F-APP-PICA presented lower activity than AMB-FUBINACA at CB1 and CB2 receptors, based on the half maximal effective concentration (EC50 ) and the maximum response (Emax ). These results are in agreement with the different intoxication cases found in the literature for AMB-FUBINACA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Mardal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carolina Noble
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan V Sancho
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Kristian Linnet
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Section of Forensic Chemistry, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Félix Hernández
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - María Ibáñez
- Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
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21
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Wouters E, Mogler L, Cannaert A, Auwärter V, Stove C. Functional evaluation of carboxy metabolites of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists featuring scaffolds based on L‐valine or L‐
tert
‐leucine. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1183-1191. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Wouters
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesGhent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Lukas Mogler
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Albertstr. 9 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesGhent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Albertstr. 9 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesGhent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
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22
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Presley BC, Logan BK, Jansen-Varnum SA. In vitro Phase I metabolism of indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-CHMINACA via human liver microsome incubation and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1264-1276. [PMID: 31108568 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids have proliferated over the last decade and have become a major public health and analytical challenge, critically impacting the clinical and forensic communities. Indazole carboxamide class synthetic cannabinoids have been particularly rampant, and exhibit severe toxic effects upon consumption due to their high binding affinity and potency at the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 ). MDMB-CHMINACA, methyl 2-[1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido]-3,3-dimethylbutanoate, a compound of this chemical class, has been identified in forensic casework and is structurally related to several other synthetic cannabinoids. This study presents the first extensive report on the Phase I metabolic profile of MDMB-CHMINACA, a potent synthetic cannabinoid. The in vitro metabolism of MDMB-CHMINACA was determined via incubation with human liver microsomes and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The accurate masses of precursor and fragments, mass error (ppm), and chemical formula were obtained for each metabolite. Twenty-seven metabolites were identified, encompassing twelve metabolite types. The major biotransformations observed were hydroxylation and ester hydrolysis. Hydroxylations were located predominantly on the cyclohexylmethyl (CHM) moiety. Ester hydrolysis was followed by additional biotransformations, including dehydrogenation; mono- and dihydroxylation and ketone formation, each with dehydrogenation. Minor metabolites were identified and reported. The authors propose that CHM-monohydroxylated metabolites specific to MDMB-CHMINACA are the most suitable candidates for implementation into bioanalytical assays to demonstrate consumption of this synthetic cannabinoid. Due to the structural similarity of MDMB-CHMINACA and currently trending synthetic cannabinoids whose metabolic profiles have not been reported, the results of this study can be used as a guide to predict their metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Presley
- Temple University Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Barry K Logan
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Susan A Jansen-Varnum
- Temple University Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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23
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Xu DQ, Zhang WF, Li J, Wang JF, Qin SY, Lu JH. Analysis of AMB-FUBINACA Biotransformation Pathways in Human Liver Microsome and Zebrafish Systems by Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Front Chem 2019; 7:240. [PMID: 31041306 PMCID: PMC6476901 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the metabolic profiles of a new illicit drug AMB-FUBINACA were investigated using both human liver microsome and zebrafish models. Liquid chromatography Q Extractive HF Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-QE-HF-MS) was employed to analyze the metabolic sites and pathways. AMB-FUBINACA was added to the in vitro liver microsome incubation model to simulate the metabolic processes in human body. The results showed that a total of 17 metabolites were generated in the human liver microsome model; the main metabolic pathways of the phase I metabolism included ester hydrolysis, methylation, ester hydrolysis combined with decarboxylation, hydroxylation, ester hydrolysis combined with indazole ring hydroxylation, etc. while glucuronidation served as the main metabolic pathway of the phase II metabolism. The zebrafish system produced a similar result with 16 of the same 17 metabolites identified. The phase I metabolites M3.1 (ester hydrolysis), M1.2 (alkyl chain hydrolysis) and the phase II metabolite M3.2 (M3.1 glucuronide) were recommended to be the potential poisoning markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo-qi Xu
- China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-fang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-fen Wang
- College of Criminal Science and Technology, People‘s Public Security University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-yang Qin
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang-hai Lu
- Drug and Food Anti Doping Laboratory, China Anti-Doping Agency, Beijing, China
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24
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Diao X, Huestis MA. New Synthetic Cannabinoids Metabolism and Strategies to Best Identify Optimal Marker Metabolites. Front Chem 2019; 7:109. [PMID: 30886845 PMCID: PMC6409358 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) were initially developed as pharmacological tools to probe the endocannabinoid system and as novel pharmacotherapies, but are now highly abused. This is a serious public health and social problem throughout the world and it is highly challenging to identify which SC was consumed by the drug abusers, a necessary step to tie adverse health effects to the new drug's toxicity. Two intrinsic properties complicate SC identification, their often rapid and extensive metabolism, and their generally high potency relative to the natural psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in cannabis. Additional challenges are the lack of reference standards for the major urinary metabolites needed for forensic verification, and the sometimes differing illicit and licit status and, in some cases, identical metabolites produced by closely related SC pairs, i.e., JWH-018/AM-2201, THJ-018/THJ-2201, and BB-22/MDMB-CHMICA/ADB-CHMICA. We review current SC prevalence, establish the necessity for SC metabolism investigation and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of multiple metabolic approaches. The human hepatocyte incubation model for determining a new SC's metabolism is highly recommended after comparison to human liver microsomes incubation, in silico prediction, rat in vivo, zebrafish, and fungus Cunninghamella elegans models. We evaluate SC metabolic patterns, and devise a practical strategy to select optimal urinary marker metabolites for SCs. New SCs are incubated first with human hepatocytes and major metabolites are then identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Although initially difficult to obtain, authentic human urine samples following the specified SC exposure are hydrolyzed and analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry to verify identified major metabolites. Since some SCs produce the same major urinary metabolites, documentation of the specific SC consumed may require identification of the SC parent itself in either blood or oral fluid. An encouraging trend is the recent reduction in the number of new SC introduced per year. With global collaboration and communication, we can improve education of the public about the toxicity of new SC and our response to their introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Diao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- The Lambert Center for the Study of Medicinal Cannabis and Hemp, Institute for Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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25
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Yeter O, Ozturk YE. Metabolic profiling of synthetic cannabinoid 5F-ADB by human liver microsome incubations and urine samples using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:847-858. [PMID: 30610752 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
5F-ADB (methyl 2-{[1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbonyl] amino}-3,3-dimethylbutanoate) is a frequently abused new synthetic cannabinoid that has been sold since at least the end of 2014 on the drug market and has been classified as an illicit drug in most European countries, as well as Turkey, Japan, and the United States. In this study, the in vitro metabolism of 5F-ADB was investigated by using pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs) assay and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). 5F-ADB (5 μmol/L) was incubated with HLMs for up to 3 hours, and the metabolites were identified using LC-HRMS and software-assisted data mining. The in vivo metabolism was investigated by the analysis of 30 authentic urine samples and was compared to the data received from the in vitro metabolism study. Less than 3.3% of the 5F-ADB parent compound remained after 1 hour of incubation, and no parent drug was detected after 3 hours. We identified 20 metabolites formed via ester hydrolysis, N-dealkylation, oxidative defluorination, hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, further oxidation to N-pentanoic acid and glucuronidation or a combination of these reactions in vitro. In 12 urine samples (n = 30), 5F-ADB was detected as the parent drug. Three of the identified main metabolites 5F-ADB carboxylic acid (M20), monohydroxypentyl-5F-ADB (M17), and carboxypentyl ADB carboxylic acid (M8) were suggested as suitable urinary markers. The screening of 8235 authentic urine samples for identified 5F-ADB metabolites in vitro resulted in 3135 cases of confirmed 5F-ADB consumption (38%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oya Yeter
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Chemistry Department, 34196, Bahcelievler, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yeter Erol Ozturk
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Chemistry Department, 34196, Bahcelievler, Istanbul, Turkey
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26
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Structure-metabolism relationships of valine and tert-leucine-derived synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists: a systematic comparison of the in vitro phase I metabolism using pooled human liver microsomes and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Forensic Toxicol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-00462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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27
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Gundersen POM, Spigset O, Josefsson M. Screening, quantification, and confirmation of synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in urine by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. Drug Test Anal 2018; 11:51-67. [PMID: 29996011 PMCID: PMC6585856 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the most significant groups within the category new psychoactive substances (NPS) and in recent years new compounds have continuously been introduced to the market of recreational drugs. A sensitive and quantitative screening method in urine with metabolites of frequently seized compounds in Norway (AB‐FUBINACA, AB‐PINACA, AB‐CHMINACA, AM‐2201, AKB48, 5F‐AKB48, BB‐22, JWH‐018, JWH‐073, JWH‐081, JWH‐122, JWH‐203, JWH‐250, PB‐22, 5F‐PB‐22, RCS‐4, THJ‐2201, and UR‐144) using ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography–quadrupole time of flight–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF–MS) has been developed. The samples were treated with ß‐glucuronidase prior to extraction and solid‐phase extraction was used. Liquid handling was automated using a robot. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a C18‐column and a gradient of water and acetonitrile, both with 0.1% formic acid. Each sample was initially screened for identification and quantification followed by a second injection for confirmation. The concentrations by which the compounds could be confirmed varied between 0.1 and 12 ng/mL. Overall the validation showed that the method fulfilled the set criteria and requirements for matrix effect, extraction recovery, linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, and stability. One thousand urine samples from subjects in drug withdrawal programs were analyzed using the presented method. The metabolite AB‐FUBINACA M3, hydroxylated metabolite of 5F‐AKB48, hydroxylated metabolite of AKB48, AKB48 N‐pentanoic acid, 5F‐PB‐22 3‐carboxyindole, BB‐22 3‐carboxyindole, JWH‐018 N‐(5‐hydroxypentyl), JWH‐018 N‐pentanoic acid, and JWH‐073 N‐butanoic acid were quantified and confirmed in 2.3% of the samples. The method was proven to be sensitive, selective and robust for routine use for the investigated metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Ole M Gundersen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Olav Spigset
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin Josefsson
- National Forensic Centre, Drug Unit, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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28
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The ongoing challenge of novel psychoactive drugs of abuse. Part I. Synthetic cannabinoids (IUPAC Technical Report). PURE APPL CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2017-0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In the past decade, the world has experienced a large increase in the number of novel compounds appearing on the illicit drug market for recreational purposes. Such substances are designed to circumvent governmental regulations; the illegal drug manufacturers take a known psychoactive compound reported in the scientific literature and slightly modify its chemical structure in order to produce analogues that will mimic the pharmacological activity of the original substance. Many of these novel substances are sold via the Internet. Among the various chemical classes, synthetic cannabinoid receptor modulators, commonly referred to as “synthetic cannabinoids” have been at the forefront, as demonstrated by the frequency of drug seizures, numerous severe toxic effects, and fatalities associated with some of these substances. This review presents the chemical structures of relevant synthetic cannabinoids and describes their mechanism of action, pharmacological features, metabolic pathways, and structure-activity relationships. It illustrates the approaches used in forensic testing, both for bulk analysis (drug seizures) and for analytical toxicology (biological matrices) and discusses aspects of regulation surrounding this drug class. This report is intended to provide pertinent information for the purposes of informing scientific, medical, social, and governmental bodies about this ever-evolving recreational drug class and the challenges it poses worldwide.
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29
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Stefanucci A, Macedonio G, Dvorácskó S, Tömböly C, Mollica A. Novel Fubinaca/Rimonabant hybrids as endocannabinoid system modulators. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1595-1605. [PMID: 30145711 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2636-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of novel modulators of the cannabinoid system is a current topic in medicinal chemistry. In this paper, we report nine novel carboxamides designed as hybrids of Fubinaca family compounds and Rimonabant. These hybrids were obtained by linking the 1-benzyl-2,5-dichloroindazole-3-carboxylic acid to different amino acids bearing a hydrophobic side chain and three different C-terminus. The new chemical entities were tested in vitro to evaluate their bioactivity by means of receptor binding assays and [35S]GTPγS stimulation assays to reveal their affinity and potency. We found that all compounds were able to bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the low nanomolar range with a marked selectivity towards the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. Some of them are full agonists, whereas the others act as partial agonists. These molecules could be potentially used as anti-obesity agents, antiemetic and analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgia Macedonio
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary.
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
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30
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Synthetic cannabinoid BB-22 (QUCHIC): Human hepatocytes metabolism with liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry detection. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 157:27-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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31
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Synthetic cannabinoids are substrates and inhibitors of multiple drug-metabolizing enzymes. Arch Pharm Res 2018; 41:691-710. [PMID: 30039377 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-018-1055-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids, a new class of psychoactive substances, are potent agonists of cannabinoid receptors, which mimic the psychoactive effects of the principal psychoactive component of cannabis, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Despite governmental scheduling as illicit drugs, new synthetic cannabinoids are being produced. The abuse of synthetic cannabinoids with several drugs containing different chemical groups has resulted in large numbers of poisonings. This has increased the urgency for forensic and public health laboratories to identify the metabolites of synthetic cannabinoids and apply this knowledge to the development of analytical methods and for toxicity prediction. It is necessary to determine whether synthetic cannabinoids are involved in drug-metabolizing enzyme-mediated drug-drug interactions. This review describes the metabolic pathways of 13 prevalent synthetic cannabinoids and various drug-metabolizing enzymes responsible for their metabolism, including cytochrome P450 (CYP), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), and carboxylesterases. The inhibitory effects of synthetic cannabinoids on CYP and UGT activities are also reviewed to predict the potential of synthetic cannabinoids for drug-drug interactions. The drug-metabolizing enzymes responsible for metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids should be characterized and the effects of synthetic cannabinoids on CYP and UGT activities should be determined to predict the pharmacokinetics of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoid-induced drug-drug interactions in the clinic.
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32
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Metabolism of the new synthetic cannabinoid EG-018 in human hepatocytes by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Forensic Toxicol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0404-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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33
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Li J, Liu C, Li T, Hua Z. UPLC-HR-MS/MS-based determination study on the metabolism of four synthetic cannabinoids, ADB-FUBICA, AB-FUBICA, AB-BICA and ADB-BICA, by human liver microsomes. Biomed Chromatogr 2017; 32. [PMID: 28992356 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Since 2012, several cannabimimetic indazole and indole derivatives with valine amino acid amide residue have emerged in the illicit drug market, and have gradually replaced the old generations of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) with naphthyl or adamantine groups. Among them, ADB-FUBICA [N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide], AB-FUBICA [N-(1-amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide], AB-BICA [N-(1-amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-benzyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] and ADB-BICA [N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-benzyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide] were detected in China recently, but unfortunately no information about their in vitro human metabolism is available. Therefore, biomonitoring studies to screen their consumption lack any information about the potential biomarkers (e.g. metabolites) to target. To bridge this gap, we investigated their phase I metabolism by incubating with human liver microsomes, and the metabolites were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolites generated by N-dealkylation and hydroxylation on the 1-amino-alkyl moiety were found to be predominant for all these four substances, and others which underwent hydroxylation, amide hydrolysis and dehydrogenation were also observed in our investigation. Based on our research, we recommend that the N-dealkylation and hydroxylation metabolites are suitable and appropriate analytical markers for monitoring their intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- National Narcotic Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of Minister of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotic Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of Minister of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- National Narcotic Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of Minister of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotic Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of Minister of Public Security, Beijing, China
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34
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Mogler L, Franz F, Rentsch D, Angerer V, Weinfurtner G, Longworth M, Banister SD, Kassiou M, Moosmann B, Auwärter V. Detection of the recently emerged synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA in 'legal high' products and human urine samples. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:196-205. [PMID: 28371476 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Indole or indazole-based synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) bearing substituents derived from valine or tert-leucine are frequently abused new psychoactive substances (NPS). The emergence of 5F-MDMB-PICA (methyl N-{[1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]carbonyl}-3-methylvalinate) on the German drug market is a further example of a substance synthesized in the context of scientific research being misused by clandestine laboratories by adding it to 'legal high' products. In this work, we present the detection of 5F-MDMB-PICA in several legal high products by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. To detect characteristic metabolites suitable for a proof of 5F-MDMB-PICA consumption by urine analysis, pooled human liver microsome (pHLM) assays were performed and evaluated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) techniques to generate reference spectra of the in vitro phase I metabolites. The in vivo phase I metabolism was investigated by the analysis of more than 20 authentic human urine specimens and compared to the data received from the pHLM assay. Biotransformation of the 5-fluoropentyl side chain and hydrolysis of the terminal methyl ester bond are main phase I biotransformation steps. Two of the identified main metabolites formed by methyl ester hydrolysis or mono-hydroxylation at the indole ring system were evaluated as suitable urinary biomarkers and discussed regarding the interpretation of analytical findings. Exemplary analysis of one urine sample for 5F-MDMB-PICA phase II metabolites showed that two of the main phase I metabolites are subject to extensive glucuronidation prior to renal excretion. Therefore, conjugate cleavage is reasonable for enhancing sensitivity. Commercially available immunochemical pre-tests for urine proved to be unsuitable for the detection of 5F-MDMB-PICA consumption. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Mogler
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Franz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Hebelstraße 27, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Rentsch
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Rostock, St.-Georg-Str. 108, 18055, Rostock, Germany
| | - Verena Angerer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Hebelstraße 27, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Georg Weinfurtner
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, medbo® - District Hospital for Mental Health, Universitätstraße 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mitchell Longworth
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Eastern Avenue, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Lane 235, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Eastern Avenue, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Bjoern Moosmann
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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35
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Carlier J, Diao X, Scheidweiler KB, Huestis MA. Distinguishing Intake of New Synthetic Cannabinoids ADB-PINACA and 5F-ADB-PINACA with Human Hepatocyte Metabolites and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Clin Chem 2017; 63:1008-1021. [DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2016.267575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
ADB-PINACA and its 5-fluoropentyl analog 5F-ADB-PINACA are among the most potent synthetic cannabinoids tested to date, with several severe intoxication cases. ADB-PINACA and 5F-ADB-PINACA have a different legal status, depending on the country. Synthetic cannabinoid metabolites predominate in urine, making detection of specific metabolites the most reliable way for proving intake in clinical and forensic specimens. However, there are currently no data on ADB-PINACA and 5F-PINACA metabolism. The substitution of a single fluorine atom distinguishes the 2 molecules, which may share common major metabolites. For some legal applications, distinguishing between ADB-PINACA and 5F-PINACA intake is critical. For this reason, we determined the human metabolic fate of the 2 analogs.
METHODS
ADB-PINACA and 5F-PINACA were incubated for 3 h with pooled cryopreserved human hepatocytes, followed by liquid chromatography—high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Data were processed with Compound Discoverer.
RESULTS
We identified 19 and 12 major ADB-PINACA and 5F-ADB-PINACA metabolites, respectively. Major metabolic reactions included pentyl hydroxylation, hydroxylation followed by oxidation (ketone formation), and glucuronidation of ADB-PINACA, and oxidative defluorination followed by carboxylation of 5F-ADB-PINACA.
CONCLUSIONS
We recommend ADB-PINACA ketopentyl and hydroxypentyl, and ADB-PINACA 5-hydroxypentyl and pentanoic acid, as optimal markers for ADB-PINACA and 5F-ADB-PINACA intake, respectively. Since the 2 compounds present positional isomers as the primary metabolites, monitoring unique product ions and optimized chromatographic conditions are required for a clear distinction between ADB-PINACA and 5F-ADB-PINACA intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Carlier
- Chemistry & Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xingxing Diao
- Chemistry & Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Karl B Scheidweiler
- Chemistry & Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry & Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
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36
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Watanabe S, Kuzhiumparambil U, Nguyen MA, Cameron J, Fu S. Metabolic Profile of Synthetic Cannabinoids 5F-PB-22, PB-22, XLR-11 and UR-144 by Cunninghamella elegans. AAPS JOURNAL 2017; 19:1148-1162. [DOI: 10.1208/s12248-017-0078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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37
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Detection of metabolites of two synthetic cannabimimetics, MDMB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA, in authentic human urine specimens by accurate mass LC–MS: a comparison of intersecting metabolic patterns. Forensic Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-017-0356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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38
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Allibe N, Richeval C, Willeman T, Humbert L, Allorge D, Maignan M, Eysseric-Guerin H, Stanke-Labesque F, Gaulier JM. Case reports: Four concomitant non-fatal intoxications with AB-FUBINACA and MDMA. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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39
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Carlier J, Diao X, Sempio C, Huestis MA. Identification of New Synthetic Cannabinoid ADB-CHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA) Metabolites in Human Hepatocytes. AAPS JOURNAL 2017; 19:568-577. [DOI: 10.1208/s12248-016-0037-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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40
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Diao X, Carlier J, Scheidweiler KB, Huestis MA. In vitro metabolism of new synthetic cannabinoid SDB-006 in human hepatocytes by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Forensic Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0350-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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41
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Diao X, Carlier J, Zhu M, Pang S, Kronstrand R, Scheidweiler KB, Huestis MA. In vitro and in vivo human metabolism of a new synthetic cannabinoid NM-2201 (CBL-2201). Forensic Toxicol 2017; 35:20-32. [PMID: 28286577 PMCID: PMC5342258 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0326-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In 2014, NM-2201 (CBL-2201), a novel synthetic cannabinoid (SC), was detected by Russian and United States laboratories. It was already added to the scheduled drugs list in Japan, Sweden and Germany. Unfortunately, no human metabolism data are currently available, making it challenging to confirm its intake because all previous investigated SCs were extensively metabolized. The present study aims to recommend appropriate marker metabolites by investigating NM-2201 metabolism in human hepatocytes and confirm the results in authentic human urine specimens. For the metabolic stability assay, 1 μM NM-2201 was incubated in human liver microsomes (HLMs) for up to 1 h; for metabolite profiling, 10 μM of NM-2201 was incubated in human hepatocytes for 3 h. Two authentic urine specimens from NM-2201 positive cases were analyzed after β-glucuronidase hydrolysis. Metabolite identification in hepatocyte samples and urine specimens was achieved with high-resolution mass spectrometry via information-dependent acquisition. NM-2201 was quickly metabolized in HLMs with an 8.0 min half-life. In human hepatocyte incubation samples, a total of thirteen NM-2201 metabolites were identified, generated mainly from ester hydrolysis and further hydroxylation, oxidative defluorination and subsequent glucuronidation. M13 (5-fluoro PB-22 3-carboxyindole) was the major metabolite. In the urine specimens, the parent drug NM-2201 was not detected; M13 was the predominant metabolite after β-glucuronidase hydrolysis. Therefore, based on our study, we recommend the M13 as a suitable urinary marker metabolite for confirming NM-2201 and/or 5F-PB-22 intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Diao
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A727, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jeremy Carlier
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A727, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Mingshe Zhu
- Department of Biotransformation, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Research and Development, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | | | - Robert Kronstrand
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, 58758 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Drug Research, University of Linköping, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karl B. Scheidweiler
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A727, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A727, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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42
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Diao X, Huestis MA. Approaches, Challenges, and Advances in Metabolism of New Synthetic Cannabinoids and Identification of Optimal Urinary Marker Metabolites. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2016; 101:239-253. [DOI: 10.1002/cpt.534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- X Diao
- Department of Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - MA Huestis
- Department of Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; Baltimore Maryland USA
- University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore Maryland USA
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Murakami T, Iwamuro Y, Ishimaru R, Chinaka S, Sugimura N, Takayama N. Differentiation of AB-FUBINACA positional isomers by the abundance of product ions using electron ionization-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2016; 51:1016-1022. [PMID: 27441731 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mass spectrometric differentiation of structural isomers is important for the analysis of forensic samples. Presently, there is no mass spectrometric method for differentiating halogen positional isomers of cannabimimetic compounds. We describe here a novel and practical method for differentiating one of these compounds, N-(1-amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (AB-FUBINACA (para)), and its fluoro positional (ortho and meta) isomers in the phenyl ring by electron ionization-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. It was found that the three isomers differed in the relative abundance of the ion at m/z 109 and 253 in the product ion spectra, while the detected product ions were identical. The logarithmic values of the abundance ratio of the ions at m/z 109 to 253 (ln(A109 /A253 )) were in the order meta < ortho < para and increased linearly with collision energy. The differences in abundances were attributed to differences in the dissociation reactivity between the indazole moiety and the fluorobenzyl group because of the halogen-positional effect on the phenyl ring. Our methodology, which is based on the abundance of the product ions in mass spectra, should be applicable to determination of the structures of other newly encountered designer drugs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaya Murakami
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police H.Q., 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8553, Japan.
| | - Yoshiaki Iwamuro
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police H.Q., 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8553, Japan
| | - Reiko Ishimaru
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police H.Q., 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8553, Japan
| | - Satoshi Chinaka
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police H.Q., 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8553, Japan
| | - Natsuhiko Sugimura
- Materials Characterization Central Laboratory, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Ohkubo, Shinjyuku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Nariaki Takayama
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police H.Q., 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8553, Japan
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44
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Andersson M, Diao X, Wohlfarth A, Scheidweiler KB, Huestis MA. Metabolic profiling of new synthetic cannabinoids AMB and 5F-AMB by human hepatocyte and liver microsome incubations and high-resolution mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2016; 30:1067-1078. [PMID: 27003044 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AMB (methyl (1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carbonyl)-L-valinate)) and its fluoro analog 5F-AMB (methyl (1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbonyl)-L-valinate) are two new synthetic cannabinoids that are structural analogs of AB-PINACA and 5F-AB-PINACA, respectively. 5F-AMB is scheduled as an illicit drug in China, Germany, Singapore and Japan, and no metabolism data are currently available for either drug. The aim of the present work was to investigate the metabolism of AMB and 5F-AMB and propose appropriate markers to identify their intake in clinical or forensic cases. METHODS AMB and 5F-AMB were incubated in human hepatocytes (10 μmol/L) to generate phase I and II metabolites, which were identified with a TripleTOF 5600(+) high-resolution mass spectrometer. AMB and 5F-AMB metabolic stability studies also were performed with human liver microsomes (HLM) to evaluate metabolic clearances, and to adequately design the human hepatocyte experiment. RESULTS AMB and 5F-AMB were quickly metabolized in HLM with a 1.1 ± 0.1 and 1.0 ± 0.2 min T1/2, respectively. The predominant metabolic pathway for AMB and 5F-AMB in hepatocytes was ester hydrolysis, and further oxidation and/or glucuronidation. In total, 19 metabolites were identified for AMB and 17 for 5F-AMB. We describe metabolites to differentiate AMB from 5F-AMB, and metabolites that are common to both analytes due to oxidative defluorination of 5F-AMB. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, AMB and 5F-AMB metabolism profiles were characterized, providing valuable data for identifying these two novel psychoactive substances. The difficulties of differentiating AMB and 5F-AMB from AB-PINACA/5F-AB-PINACA metabolites also were examined. These data improve the interpretation of urinary markers after AMB and 5F-AMB intake. Published in 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Andersson
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Xingxing Diao
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ariane Wohlfarth
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, 58758, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Drug Research, University of Linköping, 58185, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karl B Scheidweiler
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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45
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Longworth M, Banister SD, Mack JBC, Glass M, Connor M, Kassiou M. The 2-alkyl-2 H-indazole regioisomers of synthetic cannabinoids AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA are possible manufacturing impurities with cannabimimetic activities. Forensic Toxicol 2016; 34:286-303. [PMID: 27547266 PMCID: PMC4971050 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Indazole-derived synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) featuring an alkyl substituent at the 1-position and l-valinamide at the 3-carboxamide position (e.g., AB-CHMINACA) have been identified by forensic chemists around the world, and are associated with serious adverse health effects. Regioisomerism is possible for indazole SCs, with the 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomer of AB-CHMINACA recently identified in SC products in Japan. It is unknown whether this regiosiomer represents a manufacturing impurity arising as a synthetic byproduct, or was intentionally synthesized as a cannabimimetic agent. This study reports the synthesis, analytical characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of commonly encountered indazole SCs AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, 5F-AB-PINACA and their corresponding 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers. Both regioisomers of each SC were prepared from a common precursor, and the physical properties, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy of all SC compounds are described. Additionally, AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA were found to act as high potency agonists at CB1 (EC50 = 2.1-11.6 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 5.6-21.1 nM) receptors in fluorometric assays, while the corresponding 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers demonstrated low potency (micromolar) agonist activities at both receptors. Taken together, these data suggest that 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers of AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA are likely to be encountered by forensic chemists and toxicologists as the result of improper purification during the clandestine synthesis of 1-alkyl-1H-indazole regioisomers, and can be distinguished by differences in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry fragmentation pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Longworth
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - James B C Mack
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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46
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Human urinary metabolite pattern of a new synthetic cannabimimetic, methyl 2-(1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate. Forensic Toxicol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0319-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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47
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Diao X, Scheidweiler KB, Wohlfarth A, Zhu M, Pang S, Huestis MA. Strategies to distinguish new synthetic cannabinoid FUBIMINA (BIM-2201) intake from its isomer THJ-2201: metabolism of FUBIMINA in human hepatocytes. Forensic Toxicol 2016; 34:256-267. [PMID: 27547265 PMCID: PMC4971051 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0312-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Since 2013, a new drugs-of-abuse trend attempts to bypass drug legislation by marketing isomers of scheduled synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), e.g., FUBIMINA (BIM-2201) and THJ-2201. It is much more challenging to confirm a specific isomer’s intake and distinguish it from its structural analog because the isomers and their major metabolites usually have identical molecular weights and display the same product ions. Here, we investigated isomers FUBIMINA and THJ-2201 and propose strategies to distinguish their consumption. THJ-2201 was scheduled in the US, Japan, and Europe; however, FUBIMINA is easily available on the Internet. We previously investigated THJ-2201 metabolism in human hepatocytes, but human FUBIMINA metabolism is unknown. We aim to characterize FUBIMINA metabolism in human hepatocytes, recommend optimal metabolites to confirm its consumption, and propose strategies to distinguish between intakes of FUBIMINA and THJ-2201. FUBIMINA (10 μM) was incubated in human hepatocytes for 3 h, and metabolites were characterized with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS). We identified 35 metabolites generated by oxidative defluorination, further carboxylation, hydroxylation, dihydrodiol formation, glucuronidation, and their combinations. We recommend 5′-OH-BIM-018 (M34), BIM-018 pentanoic acid (M33), and BIM-018 pentanoic acid dihydrodiol (M7) as FUBIMINA specific metabolites. THJ-2201 produced specific metabolite markers 5′-OH-THJ-018 (F26), THJ-018 pentanoic acid (F25), and hydroxylated THJ-2201 (F13). Optimized chromatographic conditions to achieve different retention times and careful selection of specific product ion spectra enabled differentiation of isomeric metabolites, in this case FUBIMINA from THJ-2201. Our HR-MS approach should be applicable for differentiating future isomeric SCs, which is especially important when different isomers have different legal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Diao
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A721, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Karl B. Scheidweiler
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A721, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Ariane Wohlfarth
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, 58758 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Drug Research, University of Linköping, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mingshe Zhu
- Department of Biotransformation, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Research and Development, Princeton, NJ 08543 USA
| | | | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A721, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
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48
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Metabolites of synthetic cannabinoids in hair—proof of consumption or false friends for interpretation? Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:3445-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9422-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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49
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Diao X, Scheidweiler KB, Wohlfarth A, Pang S, Kronstrand R, Huestis MA. In Vitro and In Vivo Human Metabolism of Synthetic Cannabinoids FDU-PB-22 and FUB-PB-22. AAPS JOURNAL 2016; 18:455-64. [PMID: 26810398 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-016-9867-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In 2014, FDU-PB-22 and FUB-PB-22, two novel synthetic cannabinoids, were detected in herbal blends in Japan, Russia, and Germany and were quickly added to their scheduled drugs list. Unfortunately, no human metabolism data are currently available, making it challenging to confirm their intake. The present study aims to identify appropriate analytical markers by investigating FDU-PB-22 and FUB-PB-22 metabolism in human hepatocytes and confirm the results in authentic urine specimens. For metabolic stability, 1 μM FDU-PB-22 and FUB-PB-22 was incubated with human liver microsomes for up to 1 h; for metabolite profiling, 10 μM was incubated with human hepatocytes for 3 h. Two authentic urine specimens from FDU-PB-22 and FUB-PB-22 positive cases were analyzed after β-glucuronidase hydrolysis. Metabolite identification in hepatocyte samples and urine specimens was accomplished by high-resolution mass spectrometry using information-dependent acquisition. Both FDU-PB-22 and FUB-PB-22 were rapidly metabolized in HLM with half-lives of 12.4 and 11.5 min, respectively. In human hepatocyte samples, we identified seven metabolites for both compounds, generated by ester hydrolysis and further hydroxylation and/or glucuronidation. After ester hydrolysis, FDU-PB-22 and FUB-PB-22 yielded the same metabolite M7, fluorobenzylindole-3-carboxylic acid (FBI-COOH). M7 and M6 (hydroxylated FBI-COOH) were the major metabolites. In authentic urine specimens after β-glucuronidase hydrolysis, M6 and M7 also were the predominant metabolites. Based on our study, we recommend M6 (hydroxylated FBI-COOH) and M7 (FBI-COOH) as suitable urinary markers for documenting FDU-PB-22 and/or FUB-PB-22 intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Diao
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A721, Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, USA
| | - Karl B Scheidweiler
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A721, Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, USA
| | - Ariane Wohlfarth
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, 58758, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Drug Research, University of Linköping, 58185, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Robert Kronstrand
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, 58758, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Drug Research, University of Linköping, 58185, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200 Room 05A721, Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, USA.
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50
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Banister SD, Moir M, Stuart J, Kevin RC, Wood KE, Longworth M, Wilkinson SM, Beinat C, Buchanan AS, Glass M, Connor M, McGregor IS, Kassiou M. Pharmacology of Indole and Indazole Synthetic Cannabinoid Designer Drugs AB-FUBINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, ADB-PINACA, 5F-AB-PINACA, 5F-ADB-PINACA, ADBICA, and 5F-ADBICA. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1546-59. [PMID: 26134475 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) designer drugs based on indole and indazole scaffolds and featuring l-valinamide or l-tert-leucinamide side chains are encountered with increasing frequency by forensic researchers and law enforcement agencies and are associated with serious adverse health effects. However, many of these novel SCs are unprecedented in the scientific literature at the time of their discovery, and little is known of their pharmacology. Here, we report the synthesis and pharmacological characterization of AB-FUBINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, ADB-PINACA, 5F-AB-PINACA, 5F-ADB-PINACA, ADBICA, 5F-ADBICA, and several analogues. All synthesized SCs acted as high potency agonists of CB1 (EC50 = 0.24-21 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 0.88-15 nM) receptors in a fluorometric assay of membrane potential, with 5F-ADB-PINACA showing the greatest potency at CB1 receptors. The cannabimimetic activities of AB-FUBINACA and AB-PINACA in vivo were evaluated in rats using biotelemetry. AB-FUBINACA and AB-PINACA dose-dependently induced hypothermia and bradycardia at doses of 0.3-3 mg/kg, and hypothermia was reversed by pretreatment with a CB1 (but not CB2) antagonist, indicating that these SCs are cannabimimetic in vivo, consistent with anecdotal reports of psychoactivity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jordyn Stuart
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michelle Glass
- School
of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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