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Gomes NC, Cabrices OG, De Martinis BS. Innovative disposable pipette extraction for concurrent analysis of fourteen psychoactive substances in drug users' sweat. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1730:465136. [PMID: 38968663 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465136] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Widespread consumption of drugs of abuse worldwide has caused concern: it adversely affects public health, individual safety, and social structures. Experts are particularly alarmed because new psychoactive substances have been increasingly detected in biological samples. In recent years, several studies have focused on developing methods to identify psychoactive substances in alternative biological matrices, such as sweat. This approach holds promise for monitoring substance use, especially in individuals undergoing rehabilitation. Among the commonly employed analytical procedures, extraction using disposable DPX tips stands out as a novel, miniaturized, and promising technique. This study aimed to validate and to apply a method to analyze various substances, including amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA, MDEA, cocaine, cocaethylene, anhydroecgonine methyl ester, dibutylone, N-ethylpentylone, 25E-NBOMe, 25CNBOMe, 2CC, 2C-E, fentanyl, and carfentanil, in sweat samples simultaneously. In this method, sweat is collected by using laboratory-developed patches, and extraction is conducted with DPX-SCX tips. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is employed to separate, to identify, and to quantify the analytes. Validation results indicated that the quantification limit ranged from 2 to 30 ng of analyte/patch, and that the method was linear for analyte concentrations ranging from 2 to 1100 ng/patch. The validated method was applied to analyze 30 sweat samples collected from volunteers drug users and processed by using both the selected ion mode (SIM) and full scan. The method was able to detect and to quantify substances such as cocaine, cocaethylene, anhydroecgonine methyl ester, MDMA, MDA, nicotine, cotinine, caffeine, procaine, lidocaine, and ethylamphetamine simultaneously. The recovery rates ranged from 72.4 % to 97.1 %. The analytes were stable in the biological matrix. In conclusion, the validated method proved effective and allowed the target analytes to be quantified in sweat samples, highlighting that sweat is a viable matrix for analyzing drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayna Cândida Gomes
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo CEP 14040-903, Brazil.
| | | | - Bruno Spinosa De Martinis
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto CEP 14040-901, Brazil
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Rodrigues CHP, Mariotto LS, Castro JS, Peruquetti PH, Silva-Junior NC, Bruni AT. Acute, chronic, and post-mortem toxicity: a review focused on three different classes of new psychoactive substances. Forensic Toxicol 2023; 41:187-212. [PMID: 36604359 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-022-00657-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE New psychoactive substances (NPS) are not controlled under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 or the 1971 Convention, but they may pose a public health threat. Knowledge of the main properties and toxicological effects of these substances is lacking. According to the current Drugs Law (Law n. 11.343/2006), the Brazilian Surveillance Agency issues directives for forbidden substances in Brazil, and structural classes of synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and phenylethylamines are considered illicit drugs. Considering that data on these controlled substances are scattered, the main objective of this work was to collect and organize data to generate relevant information on the toxicological properties of NPS. METHODS We carried out a literature review collecting information on the acute, chronic, and post-mortem toxicity of these classes of NSP. We searched info in five scientific databases considering works from 2017 to 2021 and performed a statistical evaluation of the data. RESULTS Results have shown a general lack of studies in this field given that many NPS have not had their toxicity evaluated. We observed a significant difference in the volume of data concerning acute and chronic/post-mortem toxicity. Moreover, studies on the adverse effects of polydrug use are scarce. CONCLUSIONS More in-depth information about the main threats involving NPS use are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio H P Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
- INCT Forense - Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Lívia S Mariotto
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
- INCT Forense - Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Jade S Castro
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
- INCT Forense - Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Paulo H Peruquetti
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Newton C Silva-Junior
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
- INCT Forense - Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Aline T Bruni
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil.
- INCT Forense - Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil.
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Herian M, Świt P. 25X-NBOMe compounds - chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. A comprehensive review. Crit Rev Toxicol 2023; 53:15-33. [PMID: 37115704 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2194907] [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: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Recently, a growing number of reports have indicated a positive effect of hallucinogenic-based therapies in different neuropsychiatric disorders. However, hallucinogens belonging to the group of new psychoactive substances (NPS) may produce high toxicity. NPS, due to their multi-receptors affinity, are extremely dangerous for the human body and mental health. An example of hallucinogens that have been lately responsible for many severe intoxications and deaths are 25X-NBOMes - N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-substituted phenethylamines, synthetic compounds with strong hallucinogenic properties. 25X-NBOMes exhibit a high binding affinity to serotonin receptors but also to dopamine, adrenergic and histamine receptors. Apart from their influence on perception, many case reports point out systemic and neurological poisoning with these compounds. In humans, the most frequent side effects are tachycardia, anxiety, hypertension and seizures. Moreover, preclinical studies confirm that 25X-NBOMes cause developmental impairments, cytotoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity and changes in behavior of animals. Metabolism of NBOMes seems to be very complex and involves many metabolic pathways. This fact may explain the observed high toxicity. In addition, many analytical methods have been applied in order to identify these compounds and their metabolites. The presented review summarized the current knowledge about 25X-NBOMes, especially in the context of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Herian
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paweł Świt
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Gerostamoulos D, Glowacki L, Pricone M, Crump K, Di Rago M, Joubert S, Lynch MJ, Woodford NW, Drummer OH. Fatal Intoxications from a Combination of 4-Fluoroamphetamine and 25C-NBOMe. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:191-196. [PMID: 35975553 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Six fatalities have occurred from the ingestion of a combination of new psychoactive substances (NPSs), 4-fluoroamphetamine (4FA) and 2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine (25C-NBOMe) over a 9-month period. Four of these fatalities (one older female and three young males) were from direct adverse effects of drugs, and one each from a fall while being intoxicated and during restraint. All cases were subject to full postmortem examinations that included collection of femoral blood. The four drug-caused fatalities had postmortem blood concentrations for 4FA and 25C-NBOMe of 330-682 ng/L (median 417) and 1.4-12 ng/mL (median 4.3), respectively. The other two cases (both young males) where death was considered to have been caused indirectly by drug intoxication had 4FA and 25C-NBOMe postmortem concentrations of 21 and 123 ng/mL, and 1.8 and 4.5 ng/mL, respectively. None of these cases showed concentrations of drugs that suggested use of high recreational doses. In one drug-caused death, capsules and a brown powder obtained from the scene were found to contain a mixture of these two NPSs. With the exception of one drug-caused death, other drugs were detected; however, the effects of the two NPSs together were regarded as the primary triggers for the deaths. There were no consistent symptoms or pathology in these cases; however, agitation/aggression was observed in two cases prior to their collapse, with seizures in possibly three cases. Pulmonary and/or cerebral edema was noted in three cases. Potentially significant natural disease (a mildly enlarged heart) was only observed in one drug-caused case. These cases illustrate a possible increased risk of sudden death with this combination of drugs, both of which can elevate serotonin concentrations as well as act as strong stimulants. These cases also illustrate the difficulty in detecting NPS in cases where no prior information is available that might suggest their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Gerostamoulos
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Linda Glowacki
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Maria Pricone
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Kerryn Crump
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Matthew Di Rago
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Samantha Joubert
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Matthew J Lynch
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Noel W Woodford
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Olaf H Drummer
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
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5
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Jo C, Joo H, Youn DH, Kim JM, Hong YK, Lim NY, Kim KS, Park SJ, Choi SO. Rewarding and Reinforcing Effects of 25H-NBOMe in Rodents. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1490. [PMID: 36358416 PMCID: PMC9688077 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The drug 25H-NBOMe is a new psychoactive substance (NPS). The use of these substances is likely to pose a threat to public health because they elicit effects similar to those of known psychoactive substances with similar chemical structures. However, data regarding the abuse potential of 25H-NBOMe are lacking. Here, we evaluated the abuse liability of 25H-NBOMe in rodents. The rewarding and reinforcing effects were evaluated through conditioned place preference (CPP) and self-administration (SA) tests after administration of 25H-NBOMe. To investigate the effects of 25H-NBOMe on the central nervous system, we determined the changes in dopamine levels by in vivo microdialysis. In the locomotor activity test, 25H-NBOme significantly increased locomotor activity in mice. In the place conditioning test, the 25H-NBOMe (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg) groups showed a significantly increase in CPP in mice. In the SA test, the 25H-NBOMe (0.01 mg/kg) administered group showed a significant increased number of infusions and active lever presses. In microdialysis, the 25H-NBOMe (10 mg/kg) administered group was significantly increased in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sun Ok Choi
- Pharmacological Research Division, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Chungju 28159, Korea
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Mohr ALA, Logan BK, Fogarty MF, Krotulski AJ, Papsun DM, Kacinko SL, Huestis MA, Ropero-Miller JD. Reports of Adverse Events Associated with Use of Novel Psychoactive Substances, 2017-2020: A Review. J Anal Toxicol 2022; 46:e116-e185. [PMID: 35445267 PMCID: PMC9282356 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An important role of modern forensic and clinical toxicologists is to monitor the adverse events of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Following a prior review from 2013 to 2016, this critical literature review analyzes and evaluates published case reports for NPS from January 2017 through December 2020. The primary objective of this study is to assist in the assessment and interpretation of these cases as well as provide references for confirmation methods. Chemistry, pharmacology, adverse events and user profiles (e.g., polypharmacy) for NPS are provided including case history, clinical symptoms, autopsy findings and analytical results. Literature reviews were performed in PubMed and Google Scholar for publications using search terms such as NPS specific names, general terms (e.g., 'designer drugs' and 'novel psychoactive substances'), drug classes (e.g., 'designer stimulants') and outcome-based terms (e.g., 'overdose' and 'death'). Government and website drug surveillance databases and abstracts published by professional forensic science organizations were also searched. Toxicological data and detailed case information were extracted, tabulated, analyzed and organized by drug category. Case reports included overdose fatalities (378 cases), clinical treatment and hospitalization (771 cases) and driving under the influence of drugs (170 cases) for a total of 1,319 cases providing details of adverse events associated with NPS. Confirmed adverse events with associated toxidromes of more than 60 NPS were reported including synthetic cannabinoid, NPS stimulant, NPS hallucinogen, NPS benzodiazepine and NPS opioid cases. Fifty of these NPS were reported for the first time in January 2017 through December 2020 as compared to the previous 4 years surveyed. This study provides insight and context of case findings described in the literature and in digital government surveillance databases and websites during a recent 4-year period. This review will increase the awareness of adverse events associated with NPS use to better characterize international emerging drug threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L A Mohr
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
- NMS Labs, 200 Welsh Rd, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
| | - Melissa F Fogarty
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | | | | | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Jeri D Ropero-Miller
- RTI International, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 East Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Gampfer TM, Wagmann L, Pulver B, Westphal F, Flockerzi V, Meyer MR. A simplified strategy to assess the cytotoxicity of new psychoactive substances in HepG2 cells using a high content screening assay - Exemplified for nine compounds. Toxicology 2022; 476:153258. [PMID: 35842060 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153258] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are an issue of global concern posing a serious threat to the healthcare systems. Consumption of some NPS has been associated with toxic effects on the liver amongst others. However, data concerning their (cyto-)toxicity are usually not available. For a straightforward assessment of their cytotoxic potential, a simplified strategy measuring six different cytotoxicity indicating parameters simultaneously by a high content screening assay (HCSA) was developed. Its applicability was further investigated using nine NPS from heterogeneous chemical classes. HepG2 cells were incubated with NPS for 48 h at a low and high concentration (7.81 and 125 µM), respectively. To study metabolism-mediated effects on their cytotoxicity, cells were additionally incubated with the unspecific cytochrome (CYP) P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole. Four fluorescence dyes were used to monitor cell count, nuclear size, and nuclear intensity (all Hoechst33342), mitochondrial membrane potential (TMRM), cytoplasmic calcium levels (CAL-520), and plasma membrane integrity (TOTO-3). Amongst the investigated NPS, ephylone, CUMYL-CBMICA, and dibutylone showed a strong cytotoxic potential, affecting two parameters at 7.81 µM. 5-MeO-MiPT showed moderate effects by impairing one parameter at 7.81 and one at 125 µM. Furthermore, at the high concentration of 5-MeO-MiPT, an effect of metabolism on cytotoxicity was observed. The HCSA confirmed the cytotoxic potential of ephylone and 5-MeO-MiPT, as the investigated concentrations were in the range of their published blood concentrations which induced liver damages after intake. The mitochondrial membrane potential was the parameter with the highest sensitivity and thus considered as suitable "cytobiomarker". In turn, parameters showing a high variability or unexpected effects such as cytosolic calcium levels and plasma membrane integrity might be omitted in the future. Even though 5-MeO-MiPT showed metabolism-based effects, HepG2 are known to have limited metabolic activity compared to cell lines such as HepaRG. Therefore, in further experiments cell lines with higher CYP-expression needs to be included and findings compared. Nevertheless, the simplified HCSA-based strategy allowed to screen NPS from diverse chemical groups for a first assessment of the cytotoxic properties of the parent compound. This information is crucial for a thorough risk assessment of NPS not only for public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja M Gampfer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 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, Homburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Pulver
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Herrmann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Folker Westphal
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany
| | - Veit Flockerzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, 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, Homburg, Germany.
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de Barros WA, Nunes CDS, Souza JADCR, Nascimento IJDS, Figueiredo IM, de Aquino TM, Vieira L, Farias D, Santos JCC, de Fátima Â. The new psychoactive substances 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH induce abnormal development in the zebrafish embryo and interact in the DNA major groove. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:386-398. [PMID: 34888530 PMCID: PMC8637007 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH recreational drugs induces abnormal formation in zebrafish embryos. Biophysical and theoretical studies indicate that these drugs have affinity for the DNA major groove. The toxicity observed in the zebrafish embryos and DNA interaction may be correlated.
Toxicological effects of 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH recreational drugs on zebrafish embryos and larvae at the end of 96 h exposure period were demonstrated. 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe caused high embryo mortality at 80 and 100 µg mL−1, respectively. According to the decrease in the concentration tested, lethality decreased while non-lethal effects were predominant up to 10 and 50 µg mL−1 of 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe, respectively, including spine malformation, egg hatching delay, body malformation, otolith malformation, pericardial edema, and blood clotting. We can disclose that these drugs have an affinity for DNA in vitro using biophysical spectroscopic assays and molecular modeling methods. The experiments demonstrated that 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe bind to the unclassical major groove of ctDNA with a binding constant of 27.00 × 104 M−1 and 5.27 × 104 M−1, respectively. Furthermore, these interactions lead to conformational changes in the DNA structure. Therefore, the results observed in the zebrafish embryos and DNA may be correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wellington Alves de Barros
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila da Silva Nunes
- Instituto de Química e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Leonardo Vieira
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Davi Farias
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | | | - Ângelo de Fátima
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Scheid C, Eller S, Oenning AL, Carasek E, Merib J, de Oliveira TF. Application of Homogeneous Liquid-Liquid Microextraction with Switchable Hydrophilicity Solvents to the Determination of MDMA, MDA and NBOMes in Postmortem Blood Samples. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:776-782. [PMID: 34518876 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic drugs for recreational purposes are in constant evolution and their consumption promote a significant increase in intoxication cases, resulting in damaging public health. The development of analytical methodologies to confirm the consumption of illicit drugs in biological matrices are required for control of these substances. This work exploited the development of an extraction method based on homogenous liquid-liquid microextraction with switchable hydrophilicity solvent as extraction phase (SHS-HLLME) for the determination of the synthetic drugs MDMA, MDA and NBOMes (25B, 25C and 25I) in postmortem blood, followed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in tandem (LC-MS/MS). The optimized sample preparation conditions consisted of using 250 µL of ZnSO4 10% and 50 µL of NaOH 1 mol/L in the protein precipitation step; N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA) was used as switchable hydrophilicity solvent (SHS), 650 μL of a mixture of SHS:HCl 6 mol/L (1:1 v/v), 500 μL of whole blood, 500 μL of NaOH 10 mol/L and 1 min of extraction time. The proposed method was validated, providing determination coefficients higher than 0.99 for all analytes; LOD and LOQ ranged from 0.1 to 10 ng/mL; intra-run precision from 2.16 to 9.19%; inter-run precision from 2.39 to 9.59%; bias from 93.57 to 115.71%; and matrix effects from 28.94 to 51.54%. The developed method was successfully applied to four authentic postmortem blood samples from synthetic drugs users, and it was found to be reliable with good selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Scheid
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Sarah Eller
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Anderson Luiz Oenning
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Carasek
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Josias Merib
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Tiago Franco de Oliveira
- Pharmacosciences Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
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Psychonauts' psychedelics: A systematic, multilingual, web-crawling exercise. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 49:69-92. [PMID: 33857740 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics alter the perception of reality through agonist or partial agonist interaction with the 2A serotoninergic receptor. They are classified as phenethylamines, tryptamines and lysergamides. These classes, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), account for an important percentage of the new psychoactive substances (NPS) current scenario.The paper aimed at: a) identifying and categorising psychedelic molecules from a list of psychonaut websites and NPS online resources; and b) comparing the NPSfinderⓇ results with those from the European and United Nations databases. A crawling software (i.e. 'NPSfinderⓇ') was created to automatically scan, 24/7, a list of URLs and to extract a range of information (chemical/street names, chemical formulae, etc.) to facilitate NPS identification. Data collected were manually analysed and compared with the EMCDDA and UNODC databases.The overall number of psychedelic NPS detected by NPSfinderⓇ (November 2017-February 2020) was 1344, almost ten-times higher than that reported by the UNODC and EMCDDA combined. Of these, 994 previously unknown molecules were identified as (potential) novel psychedelics, suggesting a strong discrepancy between online and real-world NPS scenarios. The results show the interest of psychonauts, and maybe of the much larger community of 'recreational' drug users, towards psychedelics. Moreover, examining online scenario may help in assessing the availability in the real world of psychedelic NPS; understanding drug trends; and in possibly predicting future drug scenarios.
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11
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Papa P, Valli A, Di Tuccio M, Buscaglia E, Brambilla E, Scaravaggi G, Gallo M, Locatelli CA. Prevalence of Stimulant, Hallucinogen, and Dissociative Substances Detected in Biological Samples of NPS-Intoxicated Patients in Italy. J Psychoactive Drugs 2021; 53:247-255. [PMID: 33470904 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1862370] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been released in the last decade, and the list of NPS continues to grow. This paper reports a retrospective evaluation of the toxicological analyses in 1,445 suspected intoxication cases by psychostimulant, hallucinogen, and dissociative NPS occurring in hospitals across Italy from 2011 to 2019. The objectives of the study were to contribute to the monitoring of the NPS diffusion based on analytically confirmed intoxications, and to evaluate the importance of the clinical toxicological laboratory in the diagnosis of NPS intoxication. For at least one NPS of the considered classes, 246 patients (17.0%) tested positive. Forty-four different NPS were detected and a consistent turnover was observed during the nine-year period, especially regarding cathinones. Among the positive cases, 47.2% tested positive for dissociative NPS, with particular regard to ketamine. Hallucinogens (30.9%) was the second most frequent NPS involved. Stimulants were found in 20% of the positive cases with a considerable presence of cathinones. Findings confirm the dynamism of the NPS phenomenon, underline the importance of awareness of this new public health threat among health care professionals, and highlight the need for analytical confirmation for the identification of the drugs in forensic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Papa
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Analisi Chimico-cliniche. Laboratorio Di Tossicologia Analitica, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonella Valli
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Analisi Chimico-cliniche. Laboratorio Di Tossicologia Analitica, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Buscaglia
- IRCCS Ospedale Di Pavia, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA. Servizio Tossicologia, Centro Antiveleni. Centro Nazionale Informazione Tossicologica, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Brambilla
- IRCCS Ospedale Di Pavia, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA. Servizio Tossicologia, Centro Antiveleni. Centro Nazionale Informazione Tossicologica, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Scaravaggi
- IRCCS Ospedale Di Pavia, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA. Servizio Tossicologia, Centro Antiveleni. Centro Nazionale Informazione Tossicologica, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapina Gallo
- ASST Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Centro Antiveleni e Tossicologia, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carlo Alessandro Locatelli
- IRCCS Ospedale Di Pavia, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA. Servizio Tossicologia, Centro Antiveleni. Centro Nazionale Informazione Tossicologica, Pavia, Italy
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12
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de Barros WA, Silva MDM, Dantas MDDA, Santos JCC, Figueiredo IM, Chaves OA, Sant’Anna CMR, de Fátima Â. Recreational drugs 25I-NBOH and 25I-NBOMe bind to both Sudlow's sites I and II of human serum albumin (HSA): biophysical and molecular modeling studies. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj00806d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
25I-NBOH and 25I-NBOMe simultaneously bind to sites I and II of HSA, which may affect their distribution and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wellington Alves de Barros
- Departamento de Química
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
- Belo Horizonte
- Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Otávio Augusto Chaves
- Departamento de Química Fundamental
- Instituto de Química
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro
- Seropédica
- Brazil
| | - Carlos Mauricio R. Sant’Anna
- Departamento de Química Fundamental
- Instituto de Química
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro
- Seropédica
- Brazil
| | - Ângelo de Fátima
- Departamento de Química
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
- Belo Horizonte
- Brazil
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13
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Kupriyanova OV, Shevyrin VA, Shafran YM, Lebedev AT, Milyukov VA, Rusinov VL. Synthesis and determination of analytical characteristics and differentiation of positional isomers in the series of
N
‐(2‐methoxybenzyl)‐2‐(dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine using chromatography–mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1154-1170. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olga V. Kupriyanova
- A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry FRC Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan Scientific Center Kazan Russian Federation
- Kazan State Medical University Kazan Russian Federation
| | - Vadim A. Shevyrin
- Ural Federal University Institute of Chemistry and Technology Ekaterinburg Russian Federation
| | - Yuri M. Shafran
- Ural Federal University Institute of Chemistry and Technology Ekaterinburg Russian Federation
| | - Albert T. Lebedev
- Organic Chemistry Department Lomonosov Moscow State University Moscow Russian Federation
| | - Vasili A. Milyukov
- A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry FRC Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan Scientific Center Kazan Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir L. Rusinov
- Ural Federal University Institute of Chemistry and Technology Ekaterinburg Russian Federation
- Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yekaterinburg Russian Federation
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14
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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15
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Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
N-Methoxybenzyls, a group of toxic phenylethylamine derivatives of the 2C family compounds, are a new class of potent serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist hallucinogens with potential harmful effects. This study summarizes current state of knowledge of one of the most dangerous representative of this group—N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-chlorophenethylamine (25C-NBOMe). Due to hallucinogenic properties similar to those observe after lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) usage (altered thoughts, feelings, and awareness of one’s surroundings), this compound is very attractive to hallucinogenic substances users.
Methods
An exhaustive literature search was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar and other biomedical data bases without limiting period, to identify relevant articles.
Results
Despite frequent recreational use, knowledge about the 25C-NBOMe action and toxic and fatal consequences is still very limited. Most data on this drug come from clinical reports, from cases of acute fatal and non-fatal intoxications. Some animal and in vitro studies indicated a route of metabolism of the drug in the body. The drug and its metabolites were also detected in human blood and urine using combinations of chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry detection.
Conclusions
Overall, findings show that 25C-NBOMe is a powerful hallucinogen. Easy online availability, low prize and the lack of knowledge of 25C-NBOMe makes this substance potentially very dangerous to its users. Thus, further investigation on the mechanism of action, chemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties is needed to evaluate 25C-NBOMe potential harmful effects.
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16
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Zawilska JB, Kacela M, Adamowicz P. NBOMes-Highly Potent and Toxic Alternatives of LSD. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:78. [PMID: 32174803 PMCID: PMC7054380 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a new class of psychedelic compounds named NBOMe (or 25X-NBOMe) has appeared on the illegal drug market. NBOMes are analogs of the 2C family of phenethylamine drugs, originally synthesized by Alexander Shulgin, that contain a N-(2-methoxy)benzyl substituent. The most frequently reported drugs from this group are 25I-NBOMe, 25B-NBOMe, and 25C-NBOMe. NBOMe compounds are ultrapotent and highly efficacious agonists of serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors (Ki values in low nanomolar range) with more than 1000-fold selectivity for 5-HT2A compared with 5-HT1A. They display higher affinity for 5-HT2A receptors than their 2C counterparts and have markedly lower affinity, potency, and efficacy at the 5-HT2B receptor compared to 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C. The drugs are sold as blotter papers, or in powder, liquid, or tablet form, and they are administered sublingually/buccally, intravenously, via nasal insufflations, or by smoking. Since their introduction in the early 2010s, numerous reports have been published on clinical intoxications and fatalities resulting from the consumption of NBOMe compounds. Commonly observed adverse effects include visual and auditory hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, panic and fear, agitation, uncontrollable violent behavior, seizures, excited delirium, and sympathomimetic signs such mydriasis, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, and diaphoresis. Rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and multiorgan failure were also reported. This survey provides an updated overview of the pharmacological properties, pattern of use, metabolism, and desired effects associated with NBOMe use. Special emphasis is given to cases of non-fatal and lethal intoxication involving these compounds. As the analysis of NBOMes in biological materials can be challenging even for laboratories applying modern sensitive techniques, this paper also presents the analytical methods most commonly used for detection and identification of NBOMes and their metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta B Zawilska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Monika Kacela
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Piotr Adamowicz
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland
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17
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Vignali C, Freni F, Magnani C, Moretti M, Siodambro C, Groppi A, Osculati AMM, Morini L. Distribution of quetiapine and metabolites in biological fluids and tissues. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 307:110108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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18
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Miliano C, Marti M, Pintori N, Castelli MP, Tirri M, Arfè R, De Luca MA. Neurochemical and Behavioral Profiling in Male and Female Rats of the Psychedelic Agent 25I-NBOMe. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1406. [PMID: 31915427 PMCID: PMC6921684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe), commonly called “N-Bomb,” is a synthetic phenethylamine with psychedelic and entactogenic effects; it was available on the Internet both as a legal alternative to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and as a surrogate of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), but now it has been scheduled among controlled substances. 25I-NBOMe acts as full agonist on serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Users are often unaware of ingesting fake LSD, and several cases of intoxication and fatalities have been reported. In humans, overdoses of “N-Bomb” can cause tachycardia, hypertension, seizures, and agitation. Preclinical studies have not yet widely investigated the rewarding properties and behavioral effects of this compound in both sexes. Therefore, by in vivo microdialysis, we evaluated the effects of 25I-NBOMe on dopaminergic (DA) and serotonergic (5-HT) transmissions in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core, and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male and female rats. Moreover, we investigated the effect of 25I-NBOMe on sensorimotor modifications as well as body temperature, nociception, and startle/prepulse inhibition (PPI). We showed that administration of 25I-NBOMe affects DA transmission in the NAc shell in both sexes, although showing different patterns; moreover, this compound causes impaired visual responses in both sexes, whereas core temperature is heavily affected in females, and the highest dose tested exerts an analgesic effect prominent in male rats. Indeed, this drug is able to impair the startle amplitude with the same extent in both sexes and inhibits the PPI in male and female rats. Our study fills the gap of knowledge on the behavioral effects of 25I-NBOMe and the risks associated with its ingestion; it focuses the attention on sex differences that might be useful to understand the trend of consumption as well as to recognize and treat intoxication and overdose symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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19
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Pottie E, Cannaert A, Van Uytfanghe K, Stove CP. Setup of a Serotonin 2A Receptor (5-HT2AR) Bioassay: Demonstration of Its Applicability To Functionally Characterize Hallucinogenic New Psychoactive Substances and an Explanation Why 5-HT2AR Bioassays Are Not Suited for Universal Activity-Based Screening of Biofluids for New Psychoactive Substances. Anal Chem 2019; 91:15444-15452. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eline Pottie
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Cannaert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katleen Van Uytfanghe
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Mendoza-Valencia CY, Mariño Gaviria DJ, Patiño Reyes N, Lopez-Vallejo F, Sarmiento Gutiérrez ÁE, Trespalacios Rodríguez D. Mix of new substances psychoactive, NPS, found in blotters sold in two Colombian cities. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 304:109969. [PMID: 31593907 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The new psychoactive substances (NPS) in Colombia are detected by national authorities, in blotters strip, in different circumstances and places: airports, music concerts, discos and parks. Blotters are marketed as LSD and cause several cases of intoxication and death in some consumers: due to acute intoxication or when mixed with other drugs and may have different effects on the central nervous system (CNS). This study was conducted to research into and identify the chemical composition of the drugs impregnated in the blotters sold in two Colombian cities. This research provides the analysis of 70 doses coming from forensic cases of the Colombian Attorney General's Office in Bogota and from the Laboratory of Narcotics of the Colombian National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (North Headquarter) in Barranquilla. Mixtures of drugs, such as DOB, 25I-NBOMe, MDMA and 25I-NBOMe imine were found within the blotters through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (CGMS); these drugs are classified by international authorities as NPS belonging to the phenylethylamines group. The results clearly warn about a growing public health problem in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Jazmín Mariño Gaviria
- Toxicology Laboratory Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses Regional Bogotá. Calle 7 A # 12 A - 51 Bogotá, 110321, Colombia.
| | - Nancy Patiño Reyes
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45 # 26 - 85 Edif. Uriel Gutiérrez, 111321 Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Fabian Lopez-Vallejo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45 # 26 - 85 Edif. Uriel Gutiérrez, 111321 Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Álvaro Emilio Sarmiento Gutiérrez
- Forensic Sciences Regional Group of the Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses (Regional Norte), Carrera 23 # 53 - 56 Barranquilla, 080012, Colombia.
| | - Daniel Trespalacios Rodríguez
- Toxicology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses (Regional Norte). Carrera 23 # 53 - 56 Barranquilla, 080012, Colombia.
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21
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Darke S, Duflou J, Peacock A, Farrell M, Lappin J. Characteristics and circumstances of death related to new psychoactive stimulants and hallucinogens in Australia. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 204:107556. [PMID: 31546120 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New psychoactive stimulants and hallucinogens comprise a range of "designer drugs" that have risen to prominence in the 21st century. The study aimed to: 1. Determine the characteristics, and circumstances of death, of all recorded cases of new psychoactive stimulant and hallucinogen-related death in Australia; 2. Determine the toxicology of such deaths; and 3. Determine the major organ pathology of cases. METHODS All cases in which new psychoactive stimulants were a mechanism contributory to death were retrieved from the National Coronial Information System (2000-2017). Information was collected on cause of death, demographics, drug use history, circumstances of death, toxicology and major organ pathology. RESULTS 82 cases were identified. The mean age was 30.7yrs and 86.6% were male. Circumstances of death were: accidental drug toxicity (59.8%), traumatic accident (15.9%), suicide (12.2%) and natural disease (2.4%). The most common clinical presentation observed proximal to death was delirium (26.8%). Delirium was mostly frequently observed after phenethylamine consumption (72.2%). The most common cardiovascular diagnosis at autopsy was replacement fibrosis, indicative of previous ischemia (10.5%). New psychoactive stimulants and hallucinogens detected in toxicology were: cathinones (75.7%), phenethylamines (22.0%) and piperazines (6.1%). Other substances were present in 83.5% of cases, most commonly established controlled psychostimulants (58.2%). CONCLUSIONS Acute toxicity was the most common cause of death, but more than a third of deaths were due to trauma. Cathinones were the most commonly detected of the new psychoactive stimulants and hallucinogens. Delirium was the most frequently reported clinical sign proximal to death and was strongly associated with the phenethylamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
| | - Johan Duflou
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Julia Lappin
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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22
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de Souza Boff B, Silveira Filho J, Nonemacher K, Driessen Schroeder S, Dutra Arbo M, Rezin KZ. New psychoactive substances (NPS) prevalence over LSD in blotter seized in State of Santa Catarina, Brazil: A six-year retrospective study. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 306:110002. [PMID: 31864775 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110002] [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: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Designer drugs or new psychoactive substances (NPS) are a heterogeneous group of substances obtained through the modification of chemical structure of some natural products or drugs. NPS illegally commercialized in blotter papers mimicking the most common form of LSD consumption, with a great variability of colours and symbols, have largely increased worldwide, including in Brazil, becoming an important emerging public health issue. In this study, we have evaluated the presence and profile of NPS in blotters seized in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, over the period of 2011 to 2017. The state government criminal forensics staff has performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analyses in order to determine the chemical composition of the blotters. During the evaluated period, there was a considerable increase in the seizing of blotters events, from 87 in 2011, to 301 in 2016 and reaching 277 in 2017. There was also an increase in the number of blotters seized per event. Interestingly, while in 2011, 100% of blotters contained LSD, this number decreased to 0,1% in 2014, and achieved 17,6% in 2017, when up to 25 different substances were detected in blotters seized. Drugs such as DOx, NBOMe, fentanyl, mescaline derivatives, triptamines, cathinones, and synthetic cannabinoids were detected and became the major substances found in blotters. In some cases, more than one substance was found in the same blotter, characterizing a new mixture scenario. The presence of several new psychoactive substances in blotters is a reality in forensic toxicology. In Brazil, it might be related to the fact that most of these substances were not considered illegal by Brazilian legislation by the time they emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna de Souza Boff
- Instituto Geral de Perícias (IGP-SC), Rua Pastor Willian Richard Schisler Filho, 590 - Itacorubi - Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Jair Silveira Filho
- Instituto Geral de Perícias (IGP-SC), Rua Pastor Willian Richard Schisler Filho, 590 - Itacorubi - Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Karina Nonemacher
- Instituto Geral de Perícias (IGP-SC), Rua Pastor Willian Richard Schisler Filho, 590 - Itacorubi - Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Samilla Driessen Schroeder
- Instituto Geral de Perícias (IGP-SC), Rua Pastor Willian Richard Schisler Filho, 590 - Itacorubi - Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Dutra Arbo
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, (LATOX), Departamento de Análises, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga 2752/605B 90610-000 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Kéttulin Zomer Rezin
- Instituto Geral de Perícias (IGP-SC), Rua Pastor Willian Richard Schisler Filho, 590 - Itacorubi - Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Moretti M, Freni F, Valentini B, Vignali C, Groppi A, Visonà SD, Osculati AMM, Morini L. Determination of Antidepressants and Antipsychotics in Dried Blood Spots (DBSs) Collected from Post-Mortem Samples and Evaluation of the Stability over a Three-Month Period. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24203636. [PMID: 31600953 PMCID: PMC6832719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
An LC-MS/MS method for the identification and quantification of antidepressants and antipsychotics was developed on dried blood spots (DBSs). Moreover, analyte stability on DBSs within a 3-month period was monitored. Aliquots of 85 µL of blood from autopsy cases were pipetted onto DBS cards, which were dried and stored at room temperature. DBSs were analyzed in triplicate immediately, within the following 3 weeks, and after 3 months. For each analysis, a whole blood stain was extracted in phosphate buffer and purified using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges in order to avoid matrix effects and injected in the LC-MS/MS system. Thirty-nine molecules were screened. Limits of detection (LODs) ranged between 0.1 and 3.2 ng/mL (g) and 0.1 and 5.2 ng/mL (g) for antidepressants and antipsychotics, respectively. Limits of quantification (LOQs) varied from 5 to 10.0 ng/mL for both. Sixteen cases among the 60 analyzed resulted positive for 17 different analytes; for 14 of these the method was fully validated. A general good agreement between the concentrations on DBSs and those measured in conventional blood samples (collected concurrently and stored at -20 °C) was observed. The degradation/enhancement percentage for most of the substances was lower than 20% within the 3-month period. Our results, obtained from real post-mortem cases, suggest that DBSs can be used for routine sample storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Francesca Freni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Valentini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Claudia Vignali
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Angelo Groppi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Damiana Visonà
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Antonio Marco Maria Osculati
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Luca Morini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Elbardisy H, Foster CW, Marron J, Mewis RE, Sutcliffe OB, Belal TS, Talaat W, Daabees HG, Banks CE. Quick Test for Determination of N-Bombs (Phenethylamine Derivatives, NBOMe) Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: A Comparison between Photodiode Array and Amperometric Detection. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:14439-14450. [PMID: 31528797 PMCID: PMC6740171 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of a new class of novel psychoactive substances, N-benzyl-substituted phenethylamine derivatives so-called "NBOMes" or "Smiles", in the recreational drug market has forced the development of new sensitive analytical methodologies for their detection and quantitation. NBOMes' hallucinogenic effects mimic those of the illegal psychedelic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and are typically sold as LSD on blotter papers, resulting in a remarkable number of fatalities worldwide. In this article, four halide derivatives of NBOMe, namely, 2-(4-fluoro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine, 2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine, 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine, and 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine, were detected and quantified simultaneously using a high-performance liquid chromatographic method, and two detection systems were compared: photodiode array detection (detection system I) and amperometric detection via a commercially available impinging jet flow-cell system incorporating embedded graphite screen-printed macroelectrodes (detection system II). Under optimized experimental conditions, linear calibration plots were obtained in the concentration range of 10-300 and 20-300 μg mL-1, for detection systems I and II, respectively. Detection limit (limit of detection) values were between 4.6-6.7 and 9.7-18 μg mL-1, for detection systems I and II, respectively. Both detectors were employed for the analysis of the four NBOMe derivatives in the bulk form, in the presence of LSD and adulterants commonly found in street samples (e.g. paracetamol, caffeine, and benzocaine). Furthermore, the method was applied for the analysis of simulated blotter papers, and the obtained percentage recoveries were satisfactory, emphasizing its advantageous applicability for the routine analysis of NBOMes in forensic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadil
M. Elbardisy
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Christopher W. Foster
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
| | - Jack Marron
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
| | - Ryan E. Mewis
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
| | - Tarek S. Belal
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Wael Talaat
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Hoda G. Daabees
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Craig E. Banks
- Faculty
of Science and Engineering and MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge
Exchange (MANDRAKE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K.
- E-mail: . Tel: ++(0)1612471196. Website: www.craigbanksresearch.com
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25
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Freni F, Pezzella S, Vignali C, Moretti M, Cisini S, Rossetti C, Ravizza R, Motta M, Groppi A, Morini L. A case report on potential postmortem redistribution of furanyl fentanyl and 4-ANPP. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 304:109915. [PMID: 31416646 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fatal intoxications due to accidental or voluntary intake of synthetic opioids represent an actual emerging issue. We report a case where we have analyzed furanyl fentanyl and its metabolite 4-anilino-N-phenetyl-piperidine (4-ANPP) in blood, urine, gastric content, bile and cerebrospinal fluid. In this case, a 53-year-old man was found dead at home with a needle still inserted in a vein; a plastic bag containing a white powder (later identified as a furanyl fentanyl-based product) was discovered in the room. Biological samples were collected during autopsy and extracted/purified onto a SPE cartridge before instrumental analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by LC-MS/MS on peripheral and cardiac blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), bile and gastric content. Furanyl fentanyl was identified and quantified in all the biological fluids collected. Interestingly, gastric content revealed an unexpected high amount of furanyl fentanyl; yet, cardiac blood and femoral blood provided significantly different concentrations (11.8 and 2.7 ng/g respectively). The concentration of furanyl fentanyl in CSF was similar to that measured in femoral blood (2.6 ng/mL), thus confirming that CSF could be a good alternative biological fluid whenever a postmortem redistribution is suspected. Concentrations of 93.5, 50.4, 171.7, 41.9, 10.2 ng/mL(g) were measured for 4-ANPP in cardiac blood, femoral blood, urine, bile and cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. The outcomes from the presented case report suggest that the two substances have been not only injected intravenously, but probably also ingested by the man. Fentanyl derivative and its precursor seemed to undergo an extensive postmortem redistribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Freni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via C. Forlanini, 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Pezzella
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via C. Forlanini, 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Vignali
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via C. Forlanini, 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via C. Forlanini, 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Cisini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J-H Dunant, 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Chiara Rossetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J-H Dunant, 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Rossana Ravizza
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J-H Dunant, 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Motta
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J-H Dunant, 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Angelo Groppi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via C. Forlanini, 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Morini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via C. Forlanini, 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Chan S, Wu J, Lee B. Fatalities related to new psychoactive substances in Singapore-A case series. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 304:109892. [PMID: 31395407 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) has become a serious global issue with increasing number of reports of their toxicities and fatalities. Likewise, in Singapore, the number of exhibits containing NPS detected had increased 80% from 2011 to 2014. This is a case series of the first four autopsy cases of fatalities due to or related to the use of NPS in Singapore. In one case, we present the first reported case of death due directly to ADB-FUBINACA toxicity (post-mortem blood concentration of 56ng/ml). Another case was due to 25B-NBOMe toxicity (post-mortem blood concentration of 10ng/ml) while the last two cases were deaths related to 5-Fluoro ADB, where the metabolites of the drug were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijia Chan
- Forensic Medicine Division, Health Sciences Authority, 11 Outram Rd, Singapore 169078, Singapore.
| | - Jiahao Wu
- Forensic Medicine Division, Health Sciences Authority, 11 Outram Rd, Singapore 169078, Singapore.
| | - Belinda Lee
- Forensic Medicine Division, Health Sciences Authority, 11 Outram Rd, Singapore 169078, Singapore.
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27
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Moretti M, Freni F, Tomaciello I, Vignali C, Groppi A, Visonà SD, Tajana L, Osculati AMM, Morini L. Determination of benzodiazepines in blood and in dried blood spots collected from post-mortem samples and evaluation of the stability over a three-month period. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1403-1411. [PMID: 31125516 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We successfully developed and validated an LC-MS/MS method for the identification of 27 and quantification of 9 benzodiazepines and metabolites in whole blood and DBSs. The results provided a good qualitative and quantitative correlation between DBSs stored at room temperature and whole blood stored at -20°C. A good stability for a three-month period was observed for most of the compounds detected in real post-mortem samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Freni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Tomaciello
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Vignali
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelo Groppi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Damiana Visonà
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Tajana
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Luca Morini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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28
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Freni F, Bianco S, Vignali C, Groppi A, Moretti M, Osculati AMM, Morini L. A multi-analyte LC–MS/MS method for screening and quantification of 16 synthetic cathinones in hair: Application to postmortem cases. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:115-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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29
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25C-NBOMe, a Novel Designer Psychedelic, Induces Neurotoxicity 50 Times More Potent Than Methamphetamine In Vitro. Neurotox Res 2019; 35:993-998. [PMID: 30806983 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-0012-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
25C-NBOMe is a designer substituted phenethylamine and a high-potency psychedelic that acts on the 5-HT2A receptor. Although 25C-NBOMe overdoses have been related to several deaths in the USA and Europe, very limited data exists on the in vitro neurotoxicity of 25C-NBOMe. In this study, we found that 25C-NBOMe potently reduced cell viability of SH-SY5Y, PC12, and SN4741 cells, with IC50 values of 89, 78, and 62 μM, respectively. Methamphetamine decreased the cell viability of these cells with IC50 values at millimolar range in the same tests, indicating that 25C-NBOMe is > 50 times more potent than methamphetamine in its ability to reduce viability of SH-SY5Y cells. The neurotoxicity of 25C-NBOMe on SH-SY5Y cells was further confirmed by using fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide double staining. 25C-NBOMe elevated the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK), but decreased the expression of phosphorylated Akt and phosphorylated Ser9- glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) in time- and concentration-dependent manners. Interestingly, either specific GSK3β inhibitors or specific mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors significantly prevented 25C-NBOMe-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest that 25C-NBOMe unexpectedly produced more potent neurotoxicity than methamphetamine and that the inhibition of the Akt pathway and activation of the ERK cascade might be involved in 25C-NBOMe-induced neurotoxicity. Most importantly, these findings further inform the toxicity of 25C-NBOMe abuse to the central nervous system for public health.
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Eshleman AJ, Wolfrum KM, Reed JF, Kim SO, Johnson RA, Janowsky A. Neurochemical pharmacology of psychoactive substituted N-benzylphenethylamines: High potency agonists at 5-HT 2A receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 158:27-34. [PMID: 30261175 PMCID: PMC6298744 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of new psychoactive substituted 2,5-dimethoxy-N-benzylphenethylamines is associated with abuse and toxicity in the United States and elsewhere and their pharmacology is not well known. This study compares the mechanisms of action of 2-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25D-NBOMe), 2-(4-ethyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25E-NBOMe), 2-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25H-NBOMe), 2-(((4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenol (25I-NBOH); and 2-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine) (25N-NBOMe) with hallucinogens and stimulants. Mammalian cells heterologously expressing 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B or 5-HT2C receptors, or dopamine, serotonin or norepinephrine transporters (DAT, SERT and NET, respectively) were used to assess drug affinities at radioligand binding sites. Potencies and efficacies were determined using [35S]GTPγS binding assays (5-HT1A), inositol-phosphate accumulation assays (5-HT2A, 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C), and uptake and release assays (transporters). The substituted phenethylamines were very low potency and low efficacy agonists at the 5-HT1A receptor. 25D-NBOMe, 25E-NBOMe, 25H-NBOMe, 25I-NBOH and 25N-NBOMe had very high affinity for, and full efficacy at, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. In the 5-HT2A receptor functional assay, 25D-NBOMe, 25E-NBOMe, 25I-NBOH and 25N-NBOMe had subnanomolar to low nanomolar potencies similar to (+)lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) while 25H-NBOMe had lower potency, similar to serotonin. At the 5-HT2C receptor, four had very high potencies, similar to LSD and serotonin, while 25H-NBOMe had lower potency. At the 5-HT2B receptor, the compounds had lower affinity, potency and efficacy compared to 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C. The phenethylamines had low to mid micromolar affinities and potencies at the transporters. These results demonstrate that these -NBOMe and -NBOH substituted phenethylamines have a biochemical pharmacology consistent with hallucinogenic activity, with little psychostimulant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Eshleman
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
| | - Katherine M Wolfrum
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - John F Reed
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Sunyoung O Kim
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Robert A Johnson
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Aaron Janowsky
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States; The Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States
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