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Salomone A, Vincenti M. Detecting novel psychoactive substances around the world. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:258-263. [PMID: 38818825 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The worldwide spread of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the illicit drug market and their continuous increase in number and type, for the purpose of bypassing controlled substance legislation, represents a continuing challenge for forensic scientists, clinicians and enforcement authorities. We aim to provide information regarding the most urgent harms related to NPS consumption in different world regions and the current state of the art for NPS analysis. RECENT FINDINGS Unfortunately, the identification of NPS in biological samples is controversial, especially when samples are limited, or the drug is promptly and extensively metabolized. This causes a lack of information on their real diffusion in different parts of the world and in different populations. New technologies and instrumental detection of NPS in alternative samples are offering comprehensive information about NPS use. SUMMARY The lack of detection and underreporting of NPS in biological samples makes it difficult to obtain complete qualitative and quantitative information about NPS prevalence. The most innovative strategies that have been proposed in the last 2 years to assist NPS analysis and possibly facilitate the understanding of the NPS diffusion around the world are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Salomone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin
- Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Vincenti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin
- Centro Regionale Antidoping, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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2
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Fabris AL, Pedersen-Bjergaard S, Øiestad EL, Rossi GN, Hallak JEC, Dos Santos RG, Costa JL, Yonamine M. Solvent-free parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction for drugs of abuse in plasma samples using LC-MS/MS. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1301:342387. [PMID: 38553114 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction (PALME) is a 96-well plate setup variant of liquid-phase microextraction. Basic or acidic analytes are extracted in neutral form from the sample, through a supported liquid membrane (SLM), and into aqueous acceptor. PALME is already considered a green extraction technique, but in the current conceptual work, we sought to make it even greener by replacing the use of organic solvents with essential oils (EO). PALME was combined with LC-MS/MS for analysis of plasma samples and multiple drugs of abuse with toxicological relevance (amphetamines, phenethylamines, synthetic cathinones, designer benzodiazepines, ayahuasca alkaloids, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ketamine). RESULTS Fourteen EO were compared to organic solvents frequently used in PALME. The EO termed smart & sassy yielded the best analyte recovery for all drugs studied and was thus selected as SLM. Then, factorial screening and Box-Behnken were employed to optimize the technique. The extraction time, concentration of base, sample volume, and percentage of trioctylamine significantly impacted analyte recovery. The optimum values were defined as 120 min, 10 mmol/L of NaOH, 150 μL, and 0%, respectively. Once optimized, validation parameters were 1-100 ng mL-1 as linear range, accuracy ±16.4%, precision >83%, 1 ng mL-1 as limit of quantitation, 0.1-0.75 ng mL-1 as limit of detection, matrix effect <20%, and recovery 20-106%. Additionally, EO purchased from different production batches were tested and achieved acceptable reproducibility. Data were in compliance with requirements set by internationally accepted validation guidelines and the applicability of the technique was proven using authentic samples. SIGNIFICANCE In this study, the use of an EO provided a solvent-free sample preparation technique suited to extract different classes of drugs of abuse from plasma samples, dismissing the use of hazardous organic solvents. The method also provided excellent sample clean-up, thus being a simple and efficient tool for toxicological applications that is in agreement with the principles of sustainable chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luis Fabris
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Stig Pedersen-Bjergaard
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068 Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Leere Øiestad
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068 Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway; Department of Forensic Sciences, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4459 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Giordano Novak Rossi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaime E Cecílio Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology - Translational Medicine, Brazil
| | - Rafael Guimarães Dos Santos
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology - Translational Medicine, Brazil
| | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Yonamine
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
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Daswani RR, Choles CM, Kim DD, Barr AM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of synthetic cathinone use and psychosis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:875-896. [PMID: 38446172 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic cathinones (SC), commonly referred to as "bath salts", are stimulants resembling the natural alkaloid cathinone found in the khat plant. These substances have the potential to induce serious health risks such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and agitation which can lead to substance-induced psychotic disorders. Despite growing concerns, there is a limited understanding of the association between SC consumption and the devolvement of such psychopathologies. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to investigate the frequency of substance-induced psychotic disorder (SIPD) and associated conditions in humans following synthetic cathinone consumption. We qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed SC exposure cases. RESULTS A total of 32 studies were included, with a diverse range of demographics, synthetic cathinone types, and consumption patterns. The proportion of individuals developing psychotic symptoms was reported at 0.380 (Random-effects model, 95% CI 0.289 - 0.475). Additionally, the significant heterogeneity in diagnostic approaches limited our ability to provide a precise estimate of prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Synthetic cathinone consumption is associated with the risk of developing psychotic symptoms as indicated by the prevalence of hallucinations and/or delusions. Due to the lack of information on classifying factors, particularly duration of symptoms, we are unable to conclude synthetic cathinone-induced psychosis. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanism linking synthetic cathinone consumption and psychosis. This review underscores the urgency of addressing the growing health risks posed by synthetic cathinone use. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of proper quantification of psychotic symptoms through scales and reporting of classification criteria to accurately diagnose SIPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishika R Daswani
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cassandra M Choles
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T1Z3, Canada
- International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David D Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T1Z3, Canada
- British Columbia Mental Health & Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alasdair M Barr
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T1Z3, Canada.
- British Columbia Mental Health & Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Arillotta D, Totti A, Dimitrova A, Croce EB, Di Milia MG, Gambassi F, Gualco B, Pieraccini G, Mannaioni G, Vaiano F. Clinical manifestations and analytical reports for MDPHP acute intoxication cases. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 241:115974. [PMID: 38277706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.115974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
MDPHP is a synthetic cathinone (SC) belonging to α-pyrrolidinophenone derivatives. It is a central nervous system stimulant and may induce hallucinations, paranoia, tachycardia, hypertension, chest pain, and rhabdomyolysis. In literature, a few cases of intoxication have been reported. In the present study, 17 cases of MDPHP intake were described including the analytical findings and clinical manifestations. MDPHP was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in blood (range 1.26-73.30 ng/mL) and urine (range 19.31-8769.64 ng/mL) samples. In three cases the presence of α-PHP was observed. In one case, MDPHP was the only detected substance. Concomitant use of MDPHP with other substances, particularly psychostimulants, was common and it was difficult to describe the peculiar clinical characteristics of this SC. Most of the symptoms overlapped those expected, some of them were unusual and all of them particularly severe thus inducing the research of NPS in laboratory tests. We demonstrated the presence of psychiatric, neurological, and respiratory symptoms, as well as the possible presence of rhabdomyolysis and cardiotoxicity associated with the use of MDPHP. ED admissions were also more frequent in patients with addiction problems. In some cases, MDPHP intake required intensive supportive care. A multidisciplinary approach, including specialist consultation, is recommended for patients showing challenging features. Moreover, we demonstrated that the adoption of advanced analytical techniques, i.e., liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, is necessary to detect these molecules. Further studies are needed to understand MDPHP intake patterns and associated symptoms. It is essential to raise awareness in addiction treatment centers and among potential users, especially young people, and chemsex addicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Arillotta
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Arianna Totti
- Toxicology Unit, Poison Control Center, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Alexandra Dimitrova
- FT-LAB Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emma B Croce
- FT-LAB Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Milia
- FT-LAB Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Gambassi
- Toxicology Unit, Poison Control Center, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Gualco
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Guido Mannaioni
- Toxicology Unit, Poison Control Center, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Vaiano
- FT-LAB Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Dinis P, Franco J, Margalho C. α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP): A Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:429. [PMID: 38672701 PMCID: PMC11051472 DOI: 10.3390/life14040429] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
New Psychoactive Substances are currently a serious and growing problem affecting public health worldwide. By 2022, 1184 of these substances had been identified over a period of 16 years. Within these, α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP) have emerged, two synthetic cathinones from the pyrovalerone derivates subgroup that are positional isomers of each other. Alpha-PHP appeared on the Japanese illicit drug market in 2014 and, two years later, α-PiHP was identified for the first time in China. They were placed in schedule II on the list of Psychotropic Substances under International Control in 2020 and in March 2023, respectively. Both cathinones have no therapeutic potential for medical use and therefore are abused for recreational habits, which can lead to fatalities. The most frequent adverse effects reported are cardiac, psychiatric, and neurologic, and fatal intoxications have already been described. In Portugal, their consumption and consequent seizures are more prevalent on the archipelagos, which has been aggravating the health situation. In conclusion, these types of substances are a challenge for forensic toxicology since they are easily synthesized, modified, and placed on the market. Therefore, more studies to develop analytical methods to detect them and more comprehensive legislation should be applied. Thus, this review aimed to address the legislative, physicochemical, toxicological, and analytical aspects of both substances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cláudia Margalho
- Laboratory of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, I.P.—Centre Branch, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde (Pólo III)—Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (P.D.); (J.F.)
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Shishkanova TV, Pospíšilová E, Trchová M, Broncová G. Zwitterionic oligomers of 3-aminobenzoic acid on screen-printed electrodes: structure, properties and forensic application. Analyst 2024; 149:1121-1131. [PMID: 38205618 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01700a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The popularity and rapid spread of new psychoactive substances is why there is an urgent need for their fast monitoring in saliva in the field with electrodes modified with a selective receptor. Oligomers of electrochemically oxidized 3-aminobenzoic acid that are deposited on the surface of a graphite screen-printed electrode (o-3ABA/G/SPE) is proposed as a selector for the analyte of forensic interest. The oligomeric structure and existence of the zwitterionic form of o-3ABA on the G/SPE surface was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The equilibrium adsorption constants between o-3ABA and 2-aminoindane (primary amine: Kads(2-AI) = 5.31 × 104) and selected synthetic cathinones (secondary amine: Kads(butylone) = 6.12 × 105, tertiary amines: Kads(MDPV) = 3.41 × 104 and Kads(naphyrone) = 1.01 × 104) were estimated using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. The EIS technique was applied for determining a 1.0 μM concentration of 2-AI (RSD 3.5-4.0%) and butylone (RSD 4.9-6.4%) in the model and oral fluid samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V Shishkanova
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic. eva.pospisilovavscht.cz
| | - Eva Pospíšilová
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic. eva.pospisilovavscht.cz
| | - Miroslava Trchová
- Central Laboratory, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriela Broncová
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic. eva.pospisilovavscht.cz
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Pelletier R, Le Daré B, Le Bouëdec D, Bourdais A, Ferron PJ, Morel I, Porée FH, Gicquel T. Identification, synthesis and quantification of eutylone consumption markers in a chemsex context. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:151-158. [PMID: 37833490 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Eutylone is a cathinone-derived synthetic amphetamine scheduled by the World Health Organization and European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction since 2022 due to its growing consumption. We report here an eutylone intoxication involving a 38-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman in a chemsex context. A bag containing a white crystalline powder labelled as a research product was found in their vehicle. Nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analyses identified the powder as eutylone and confirmed purity superior to 99%. LC-HRMS data analysis using molecular networking allowed to propose new eutylone metabolites in blood samples in a graphical manner. We described 16 phase I (e.g. hydroxylated or demethylated) and phase II metabolites (glucuroconjugates and sulfoconjugates). The same metabolites were found both in male and female blood samples. Toxicological analyses measured eutylone concentration in blood samples at 1374 ng/mL and 1536 ng/mL for the man and the woman, respectively. A keto-reduced metabolite (m/z 238.144) was synthesized to permit its quantification at 67 ng/mL and 54 ng/mL in male and female blood samples, respectively. Overall, the identification of these metabolites will increase the knowledge of potential drug consumption markers and allow to implement mass spectrometry databases to better monitor future drug abuse or consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Pelletier
- INSERM, Univ Rennes, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35000, Rennes, France.
- Rennes University Hospital, Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, CHU Pontchaillou, 2 Rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Brendan Le Daré
- INSERM, Univ Rennes, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35000, Rennes, France
- Rennes University Hospital, Pharmacy Departement, CHU Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Diane Le Bouëdec
- Rennes University Hospital, Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, CHU Pontchaillou, 2 Rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Alexis Bourdais
- INSERM, Univ Rennes, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Pierre-Jean Ferron
- INSERM, Univ Rennes, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Isabelle Morel
- INSERM, Univ Rennes, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35000, Rennes, France
- Rennes University Hospital, Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, CHU Pontchaillou, 2 Rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - François-Hugues Porée
- ISCR UMR CNRS 6226, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rennes University, 2 Avenue du Pr Léon Bernard, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Thomas Gicquel
- INSERM, Univ Rennes, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35000, Rennes, France
- Rennes University Hospital, Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, CHU Pontchaillou, 2 Rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35000, Rennes, France
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Manke HN, Nunn SS, Sulima A, Rice KC, Riley AL. Effects of Serial Polydrug Use on the Rewarding and Aversive Effects of the Novel Synthetic Cathinone Eutylone. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1294. [PMID: 37759895 PMCID: PMC10526358 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As individual synthetic cathinones become scheduled and regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), new ones regularly are produced and distributed. One such compound is eutylone, a novel third-generation synthetic cathinone whose affective properties (and abuse potential) are largely unknown. The following experiments begin to characterize these effects and how they may be impacted by drug history (a factor affecting reward/aversion for other drugs of abuse). METHODS Eutylone was assessed for its ability to induce conditioned taste avoidance (CTA; aversive effect) and conditioned place preference (CPP; rewarding effect) and their relationship (Experiment 1). Following this, the effects of exposure to cocaine or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] on eutylone's affective properties were investigated (Experiment 2). RESULTS Eutylone produced dose-dependent CTA and CPP (Experiment 1), and these endpoints were unrelated. Pre-exposure to cocaine and MDMA differentially impacted taste avoidance induced by eutylone (MDMA > cocaine) and did not impact eutylone-induced place preference. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that eutylone, like other synthetic cathinones, has co-occurring, independent rewarding and aversive effects that may contribute to its abuse potential and that these effects are differentially impacted by drug history. Although these studies begin the characterization of eutylone, future studies should examine the impact of other factors on eutylone's affective properties and its eventual reinforcing effects (i.e., intravenous self-administration [IVSA]) to predict its use and abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley N. Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (H.N.M.)
| | - Samuel S. Nunn
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (H.N.M.)
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA (K.C.R.)
| | - Kenner C. Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA (K.C.R.)
| | - Anthony L. Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (H.N.M.)
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Atasoy Aydin A, Gören İE, Yavuz Guzel E, Daglioglu N. Method development, validation, and application for simultaneous determination of 56 new psychoactive substances in surface water by LC-MS/MS. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:85920-85929. [PMID: 37394566 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite preventive legislation, the popularity and consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been steadily increasing in recent years. This study provides a rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation and the detection of 56 NPS from surface water. Sample clean-up and pre-concentration were performed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with Oasis HLB (6 cc/500 mg) cartridge. Following the chromatographic separation with Shim-pack FC-ODS column, the all substances were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method was optimized and validated for all NPS. Despite the wide variety of physicochemical properties of the analytes, the recoveries for all compounds studied were in the range of 69-117%. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranging from 2.5 to 15 ng/L was reached for reliable and accurate quantification of analytes. The analytical method developed was successfully applied to the surface water samples. While synthetic cannabinoids were not detected, mephedrone from the synthetic cathinone group was detected under the LOQ. This novel method was expected to be a part of future environmental routine analyses as a satisfactory method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Atasoy Aydin
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara University, 06620, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İsmail Ethem Gören
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara University, 06620, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Evsen Yavuz Guzel
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey
| | - Nebile Daglioglu
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara University, 06620, Ankara, Turkey.
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Sofia Almeida A, Cardoso T, Cravo S, Elizabeth Tiritan M, Remião F, Fernandes C. Binding studies of synthetic cathinones to human serum albumin by high-performance affinity chromatography. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1227:123836. [PMID: 37494753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123836] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The binding affinity to human serum albumin (HSA) of a series of fourteen synthetic cathinones, new psychoactive substances widely abused, was investigated by high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC). Zonal elution experiments were conducted to measure the retention times of each synthetic cathinone on an HSA column, which enabled the calculation of the percentage of the drug bound. For some synthetic cathinones, enantioselectivity on HSA was found. To gather information on the HSA binding sites and better understand the chiral recognition mechanisms, enantioresolution of selected cathinones was carried out at a milligram scale through liquid chromatography (LC) with carbamate polysaccharide-based columns. This work was followed by zonal displacement chromatography using known competitors with specific binding sites on HSA, namely (S)-ibuprofen and warfarin. Competition was observed between the tested drugs and both competitors (except for pentedrone with warfarin), which is consistent with an allosteric competition involving a non-cooperative binding mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Almeida
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra 4585-116, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tony Cardoso
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Cravo
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Maria Elizabeth Tiritan
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra 4585-116, Portugal
| | - Fernando Remião
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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Pérez-Pereira A, Carvalho AR, Carrola JS, Tiritan ME, Ribeiro C. Integrated Approach for Synthetic Cathinone Drug Prioritization and Risk Assessment: In Silico Approach and Sub-Chronic Studies in Daphnia magna and Tetrahymena thermophila. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28072899. [PMID: 37049662 PMCID: PMC10096003 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28072899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SC) are drugs of abuse that have been reported in wastewaters and rivers raising concern about potential hazards to non-target organisms. In this work, 44 SC were selected for in silico studies, and a group of five emerging SC was prioritized for further in vivo ecotoxicity studies: buphedrone (BPD), 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC), butylone (BTL), 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). In vivo short-term exposures were performed with the protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila (28 h growth inhibition assay) and the microcrustacean Daphnia magna by checking different indicators of toxicity across life stage (8 days sublethal assay at 10.00 µg L-1). The in silico approaches predicted a higher toxic potential of MDPV and lower toxicity of BTL to the model organisms (green algae, protozoan, daphnia, and fish), regarding the selected SC for the in vivo experiments. The in vivo assays showed protozoan growth inhibition with MDPV > BPD > 3,4-DMMC, whereas no effects were observed for BTL and stimulation of growth was observed for 3-MMC. For daphnia, the responses were dependent on the substance and life stage. Briefly, all five SC interfered with the morphophysiological parameters of juveniles and/or adults. Changes in swimming behavior were observed for BPD and 3,4-DMMC, and reproductive parameters were affected by MDPV. Oxidative stress and changes in enzymatic activities were noted except for 3-MMC. Overall, the in silico data agreed with the in vivo protozoan experiments except for 3-MMC, whereas daphnia in vivo experiments showed that at sublethal concentrations, all selected SC interfered with different endpoints. This study shows the importance to assess SC ecotoxicity as it can distress aquatic species and interfere with food web ecology and ecosystem balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Pérez-Pereira
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), CITAB, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Carvalho
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - João Soares Carrola
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), CITAB, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Inov4Agro-Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria Elizabeth Tiritan
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ribeiro
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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Semi-Preparative Separation, Absolute Configuration, Stereochemical Stability and Effects on Human Neuronal Cells of MDPV Enantiomers. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052121. [PMID: 36903367 PMCID: PMC10003790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, such as 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), are widely abused due to their psychostimulant effects. As they are chiral molecules, studies of their stereochemical stability (racemization can occur in certain temperatures and acidic/basic environments) and of their biological and/or toxicity effects (enantiomers might display different properties) are of great relevance. In this study, the liquid chromatography (LC) semi-preparative enantioresolution of MDPV was optimized to collect both enantiomers with high recovery rates and enantiomeric ratio (e.r.) values. The absolute configuration of the MDPV enantiomers was determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) with the aid of theoretical calculations. The first eluted enantiomer was identified as S-(-)-MDPV and the second eluted enantiomer was identified as R-(+)-MDPV. A racemization study was performed by LC-UV, showing enantiomers' stability up to 48 h at room temperature and 24 h at 37 °C. Racemization was only affected by higher temperatures. The potential enantioselectivity of MDPV in cytotoxicity and in the expression of neuroplasticity-involved proteins-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)-was also evaluated using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. No enantioselectivity was observed.
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Hemmer S, Wagmann L, Pulver B, Westphal F, Meyer MR. In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicometabolomics of the Synthetic Cathinone PCYP Studied by Means of LC-HRMS/MS. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12121209. [PMID: 36557246 PMCID: PMC9783153 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12121209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are one important group amongst new psychoactive substances (NPS) and limited information is available regarding their toxicokinetics and -dynamics. Over the past few years, nontargeted toxicometabolomics has been increasingly used to study compound-related effects of NPS to identify important exogenous and endogenous biomarkers. In this study, the effects of the synthetic cathinone PCYP (2-cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-ethanone) on in vitro and in vivo metabolomes were investigated. Pooled human-liver microsomes and blood and urine of male Wistar rats were used to generate in vitro and in vivo data, respectively. Samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry using an untargeted metabolomics workflow. Statistical evaluation was performed using univariate and multivariate statistics. In total, sixteen phase I and one phase II metabolite of PCYP could be identified as exogenous biomarkers. Five endogenous biomarkers (e.g., adenosine and metabolites of tryptophan metabolism) related to PCYP intake could be identified in rat samples. The present data on the exogenous biomarker of PCYP are crucial for setting up analytical screening procedures. The data on the endogenous biomarker are important for further studies to better understand the physiological changes associated with cathinone abuse but may also serve in the future as additional markers for an intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Hemmer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Lea Wagmann
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Pulver
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, 24116 Kiel, Germany
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, 24116 Kiel, Germany
| | - Markus R. Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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