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Voicu V, Brehar FM, Toader C, Covache-Busuioc RA, Corlatescu AD, Bordeianu A, Costin HP, Bratu BG, Glavan LA, Ciurea AV. Cannabinoids in Medicine: A Multifaceted Exploration of Types, Therapeutic Applications, and Emerging Opportunities in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1388. [PMID: 37759788 PMCID: PMC10526757 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we embark on a thorough exploration of cannabinoids, compounds that have garnered considerable attention for their potential therapeutic applications. Initially, this article delves into the fundamental background of cannabinoids, emphasizing the role of endogenous cannabinoids in the human body and outlining their significance in studying neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Building on this foundation, this article categorizes cannabinoids into three main types: phytocannabinoids (plant-derived cannabinoids), endocannabinoids (naturally occurring in the body), and synthetic cannabinoids (laboratory-produced cannabinoids). The intricate mechanisms through which these compounds interact with cannabinoid receptors and signaling pathways are elucidated. A comprehensive overview of cannabinoid pharmacology follows, highlighting their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, as well as their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Special emphasis is placed on the role of cannabinoids in neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their potential benefits in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The potential antitumor properties of cannabinoids are also investigated, exploring their potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment and the mechanisms underlying their anticancer effects. Clinical aspects are thoroughly discussed, from the viability of cannabinoids as therapeutic agents to current clinical trials, safety considerations, and the adverse effects observed. This review culminates in a discussion of promising future research avenues and the broader implications for cannabinoid-based therapies, concluding with a reflection on the immense potential of cannabinoids in modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Voicu
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Psychopharmacology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Medical Section within the Romanian Academy, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Felix-Mircea Brehar
- Neurosurgery Department, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bagdasar-Arseni, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Corneliu Toader
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
- Department of Vascular Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases, 077160 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Antonio Daniel Corlatescu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Andrei Bordeianu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Horia Petre Costin
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Bogdan-Gabriel Bratu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Luca-Andrei Glavan
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Alexandru Vlad Ciurea
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (A.D.C.); (A.B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (L.-A.G.); (A.V.C.)
- Neurosurgery Department, Sanador Clinical Hospital, 010991 Bucharest, Romania
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Fujiwara R, Journey M, Al-Doori F, Bell P, Judge B, Miracle K, Ito K, Jones S. Potential neonatal toxicity of new psychoactive substances. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 248:108468. [PMID: 37290575 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis, cocaine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide are psychoactive substances with a significant increase in consumption during the 21st century due to their popularity in medicinal and recreational use. New psychoactive substances (NPSs) mimic established psychoactive substances. NPSs are known as being natural and safe to consumers; however, they are neither natural nor safe, causing severe adverse reactions, including seizures, nephrotoxicity, and sometimes death. Synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, phenethylamines, and piperazines are all examples of NPSs. As of January 2020, nearly 1000 NPSs have become documented. Due to their low cost, ease of availability, and difficulty of detection, misuse of NPSs has become a familiar and growing problem, especially in adolescents and young adults in the past decade. The use of NPSs is associated with higher risks of unplanned sexual intercourse and pregnancy. As many as 4 in 100 women seeking treatment for substance abuse are pregnant or nursing. Animal studies and human clinical case reports have shown that exposure to certain NPSs during lactation periods has toxic effects on neonates, increasing various risks, including brain damage. Nevertheless, neonatal toxicity effects of NPSs are usually unrecognized and overlooked by healthcare professionals. In this review article, we introduce and discuss the potential neonatal toxicity of NPSs, emphasizing synthetic cannabinoids. Utilizing the established prediction models, we identify synthetic cannabinoids and their highly accumulative metabolites in breast milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoichi Fujiwara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA.
| | - Megan Journey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Fatimah Al-Doori
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Paris Bell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Brahmjot Judge
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Kamille Miracle
- College of Graduate Studies, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Kousei Ito
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Sabrina Jones
- Department of Physics, University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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Nouh RA, Kamal A, Abdelnaser A. Cannabinoids and Multiple Sclerosis: A Critical Analysis of Therapeutic Potentials and Safety Concerns. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041151. [PMID: 37111637 PMCID: PMC10146800 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complicated condition in which the immune system attacks myelinated axons in the central nervous system (CNS), destroying both myelin and axons to varying degrees. Several environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors influence the risk of developing the disease and how well it responds to treatment. Cannabinoids have recently sparked renewed interest in their therapeutic applications, with growing evidence for their role in symptom control in MS. Cannabinoids exert their roles through the endogenous cannabinoid (ECB) system, with some reports shedding light on the molecular biology of this system and lending credence to some anecdotal medical claims. The double nature of cannabinoids, which cause both positive and negative effects, comes from their actions on the same receptor. Several mechanisms have been adopted to evade this effect. However, there are still numerous limitations to using cannabinoids to treat MS patients. In this review, we will explore and discuss the molecular effect of cannabinoids on the ECB system, the various factors that affect the response to cannabinoids in the body, including the role of gene polymorphism and its relation to dosage, assessing the positive over the adverse effects of cannabinoids in MS, and finally, exploring the possible functional mechanism of cannabinoids in MS and the current and future progress of cannabinoid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua A. Nouh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, P.O. Box 43518, Suez 43533, Egypt
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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New Psychoactive Substances: Major Groups, Laboratory Testing Challenges, Public Health Concerns, and Community-Based Solutions. J CHEM-NY 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/5852315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Across communities worldwide, various new psychoactive substances (NPSs) continue to emerge, which worsens the challenges to global mental health, drug rules, and public health risks, as well as combats their usage. Specifically, the vast number of NPSs that are currently available, coupled with the rate at which new ones emerge worldwide, increasingly challenges both forensic and clinical testing strategies. The well-established NPS detection techniques include immunoassays, colorimetric tests, mass spectrometric techniques, chromatographic techniques, and hyphenated types. Nonetheless, mitigating drug abuse and NPS usage is achievable through extensive community-based initiatives, with increased focus on harm reduction. Clinically validated and reliable testing of NPS from human samples, along with community-driven solution, such as harm reduction, will be of great importance, especially in combating their prevalence and the use of other illicit synthetic substances. There is a need for continued literature synthesis to reiterate the importance of NPS, given the continuous emergence of illicit substances in the recent years. All these are discussed in this overview, as we performed another look into NPS, from differentiating the major groups and identifying with laboratory testing challenges to community-based initiatives.
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Cytotoxicity, metabolism, and isozyme mapping of the synthetic cannabinoids JWH-200, A-796260, and 5F-EMB-PINACA studied by means of in vitro systems. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3539-3557. [PMID: 34453555 PMCID: PMC8492589 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03148-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Intake of synthetic cannabinoids (SC), one of the largest classes of new psychoactive substances, was reported to be associated with acute liver damage but information about their hepatotoxic potential is limited. The current study aimed to analyze the hepatotoxicity including the metabolism-related impact of JWH-200, A-796260, and 5F-EMB-PINACA in HepG2 cells allowing a tentative assessment of different SC subclasses. A formerly adopted high-content screening assay (HCSA) was optimized using a fully automated epifluorescence microscope. Metabolism-mediated effects in the HCSA were additionally investigated using the broad CYP inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole. Furthermore, phase I metabolites and isozymes involved were identified by in vitro assays and liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. A strong cytotoxic potential was observed for the naphthoylindole SC JWH-200 and the tetramethylcyclopropanoylindole compound A-796260, whereas the indazole carboxamide SC 5F-EMB-PINACA showed moderate effects. Numerous metabolites, which can serve as analytical targets in urine screening procedures, were identified in pooled human liver microsomes. Most abundant metabolites of JWH-200 were formed by N-dealkylation, oxidative morpholine cleavage, and oxidative morpholine opening. In case of A-796260, most abundant metabolites included an oxidative morpholine cleavage, oxidative morpholine opening, hydroxylation, and dihydroxylation followed by dehydrogenation. Most abundant 5F-EMB-PINACA metabolites were generated by ester hydrolysis plus additional steps such as oxidative defluorination and hydroxylation. To conclude, the data showed that a hepatotoxicity of the investigated SC cannot be excluded, that metabolism seems to play a minor role in the observed effects, and that the extensive phase I metabolism is mediated by several isozymes making interaction unlikely.
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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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Watanabe S, Wu X, Dahlen J, Konradsson P, Vikingsson S, Kronstrand R, Gréen H. Metabolism of MMB022 and identification of dihydrodiol formation in vitro using synthesized standards. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1432-1441. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shimpei Watanabe
- Division of Drug Research, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology National Board of Forensic Medicine Linköping Sweden
| | - Xiongyu Wu
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Johan Dahlen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Peter Konradsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Svante Vikingsson
- Division of Drug Research, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology National Board of Forensic Medicine Linköping Sweden
| | - Robert Kronstrand
- Division of Drug Research, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology National Board of Forensic Medicine Linköping Sweden
| | - Henrik Gréen
- Division of Drug Research, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology National Board of Forensic Medicine Linköping Sweden
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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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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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Bakdash A, AL-Mathloum AMK, Abdelgadir ElAmin EH, Abu Taha NMT, Kumar S, Nasr FA. Single-dose acute toxicity of THJ-2201 designer Cannabis drug: LD50 and hematological and histological changes in mice. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-018-0079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Hryhorowicz S, Walczak M, Zakerska-Banaszak O, Słomski R, Skrzypczak-Zielińska M. Pharmacogenetics of Cannabinoids. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2018; 43:1-12. [PMID: 28534260 PMCID: PMC5794848 DOI: 10.1007/s13318-017-0416-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the application of medical marijuana and cannabinoid drugs is controversial, it is a part of modern-day medicine. The list of diseases in which cannabinoids are promoted as a treatment is constantly expanding. Cases of significant improvement in patients with a very poor prognosis of glioma or epilepsy have already been described. However, the occurrence of side effects is still difficult to estimate, and the current knowledge of the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids is still insufficient. In our opinion, the answers to many questions and concerns regarding the medical use of cannabis can be provided by pharmacogenetics. Knowledge based on proteins and molecules involved in the transport, action, and metabolism of cannabinoids in the human organism leads us to predict candidate genes which variations are responsible for the presence of the therapeutic and side effects of medical marijuana and cannabinoid-based drugs. We can divide them into: receptor genes-CNR1, CNR2, TRPV1, and GPR55, transporters-ABCB1, ABCG2, SLC6A, biotransformation, biosynthesis, and bioactivation proteins encoded by CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2A6, CYP1A1, COMT, FAAH, COX2, ABHD6, ABHD12 genes, and also MAPK14. This review organizes the current knowledge in the context of cannabinoids pharmacogenetics according to individualized medicine and cannabinoid drugs therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Hryhorowicz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Michal Walczak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Oliwia Zakerska-Banaszak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard Słomski
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, Dojazd 11, 60-632, Poznan, Poland
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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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13
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Banister SD, Olson A, Winchester M, Stuart J, Edington AR, Kevin RC, Longworth M, Herrera M, Connor M, McGregor IS, Gerona RR, Kassiou M. The chemistry and pharmacology of synthetic cannabinoid SDB-006 and its regioisomeric fluorinated and methoxylated analogs. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:1099-1109. [PMID: 29350472 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids are the largest and most structurally diverse class of new psychoactive substances, with manufacturers often using isomerism to evade detection and circumvent legal restriction. The regioisomeric methoxy- and fluorine-substituted analogs of SDB-006 (N-benzyl-1-pentyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamide) were synthesized and could not be differentiated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), but were distinguishable by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-MS (LC-QTOF-MS). In a fluorescence-based plate reader membrane potential assay, SDB-006 acted as a potent agonist at human cannabinoid receptors (CB1 EC50 = 19 nM). All methoxy- and fluorine-substituted analogs showed reduced potency compared to SDB-006, although the 2-fluorinated analog (EC50 = 166 nM) was comparable to known synthetic cannabinoid RCS-4 (EC50 = 146 nM). Using biotelemetry in rats, SDB-006 and RCS-4 evoked comparable reduction in body temperature (~0.7°C at a dose of 10 mg/kg), suggesting lower potency than the recent synthetic cannabinoid AB-CHMINACA (>2°C, 3 mg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Banister
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Alexander Olson
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Matthew Winchester
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jordyn Stuart
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amelia R Edington
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard C Kevin
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Marco Herrera
- Department of Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Roy R Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Banister SD, Connor M. The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist New Psychoactive Substances: Evolution. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2018; 252:191-226. [PMID: 30105473 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are the largest and most structurally diverse class of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Although the earliest SCRA NPS were simply repurposed from historical academic manuscripts or pharmaceutical patents describing cannabinoid ligands, recent examples bear hallmarks of rational design. SCRA NPS manufacturers have applied traditional medicinal chemistry strategies (such as molecular hybridization, bioisosteric replacement, and scaffold hopping) to existing cannabinoid templates in order to generate new molecules that circumvent structure-based legislation. Most SCRAs potently activate cannabinoid type 1 and type 2 receptors (CB1 and CB2, respectively), with the former contributing to the psychoactivity of these substances. SCRAs are generally more toxic than the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) found in cannabis, and this may be due to ligand bias, metabolism, or off-target activity. This chapter will chart the evolution of recently identified SCRA NPS chemotypes, as well as their putative manufacturing by-products and thermolytic degradants, and describe structure-activity relationships within each class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Banister
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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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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16
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Diao X, Carlier J, Zhu M, Huestis MA. Human Hepatocyte Metabolism of Novel Synthetic Cannabinoids MN-18 and Its 5-Fluoro Analog 5F-MN-18. Clin Chem 2017; 63:1753-1763. [PMID: 28821542 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2017.277152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2014, 2 novel synthetic cannabinoids, MN-18 and its 5-fluoro analog, 5F-MN-18, were first identified in an ongoing survey of novel psychoactive substances in Japan. In vitro pharmacological assays revealed that MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 displayed high binding affinities to human CB1 and CB2 receptors, with Ki being 1.65-3.86 nmol/L. MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 were scheduled in Japan and some other countries in 2014. Despite increasing prevalence, no human metabolism data are currently available, making it challenging for forensic laboratories to confirm intake of MN-18 or 5F-MN-18. METHODS We incubated 10 μmol/L of MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 in human hepatocytes for 3 h and analyzed the samples on a TripleTOF 5600+ high-resolution mass spectrometer to identify appropriate marker metabolites. Data were acquired via full scan and information-dependent acquisition-triggered product ion scans with mass defect filter. RESULTS In total, 13 MN-18 metabolites were detected, with the top 3 abundant metabolites being 1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid, pentyl-carbonylated MN-18, and naphthalene-hydroxylated MN-18. For 5F-MN-18, 20 metabolites were observed, with the top 3 abundant metabolites being 5'-OH-MN-18, MN-18 pentanoic acid, and 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid. CONCLUSIONS We have characterized MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 metabolism with human hepatocytes and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and we recommend characteristic major metabolites for clinical and forensic laboratories to identify MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 intake and link observed adverse events to these novel synthetic cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Diao
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jeremy Carlier
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD; .,University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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17
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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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18
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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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19
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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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20
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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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21
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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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