[Synthetic cannabinoids: A new addiction matrix]

[Addictions]

INTRODUCTION

The addictive disorder is a multifactorial pathology variable in its manifestations, environmental, developmental, inheritable, neurobiological, and behavioral.

METHODS

Synthesis of recent data from the literature.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

Addiction is a pathology affecting decision-making, the emotional balance, the voluntary control of behaviour, not only in cases of psychoactive products use but also in behavioural dependencies. The social environment, developmental stages, and genetic factors are closely related to the vulnerability to addiction. In this article, after reviewing risk factors and neurobiology data, we will use cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids and cocaine as an example of substance use disorder.

Receptor Binding Affinities of Synthetic Cannabinoids Determined by Non-Isotopic Receptor Binding Assay

A major predictor of the efficacy of natural or synthetic cannabinoids is their binding affinity to the cannabinoid type I receptor (CB1) in the central nervous system, as the main psychological effects of cannabinoids are achieved via binding to this receptor. Conventionally, receptor binding assays have been performed using isotopes, which are inconvenient owing to the effects of radioactivity. In the present study, the binding affinities of five cannabinoids for purified CB1 were measured using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique as a putative non-isotopic receptor binding assay. Results were compared with those of a radio-isotope-labeled receptor binding assay. The representative natural cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and four synthetic cannabinoids, JWH-015, JWH-210, RCS-4, and JWH-250, were assessed using both the SPR biosensor assay and the conventional isotopic receptor binding assay. The binding affinities of the test substances to CB1 were determined to be (from highest to lowest) 9.52 × 10-13 M (JWH-210), 6.54 × 10-12 M (JWH-250), 1.56 × 10-11 M (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol), 2.75 × 10-11 M (RCS-4), and 6.80 ×10-11 M (JWH-015) using the non-isotopic method. Using the conventional isotopic receptor binding assay, the same order of affinities was observed. In conclusion, our results support the use of kinetic analysis via SPR in place of the isotopic receptor binding assay. To replace the receptor binding affinity assay with SPR techniques in routine assays, further studies for method validation will be needed in the future.

Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health

Cannabis (also known as marijuana) is the most frequently used illicit psychoactive substance in the world. Though it was long considered to be a "soft" drug, studies have proven the harmful psychiatric and addictive effects associated with its use. A number of elements are responsible for the increased complications of cannabis use, including the increase in the potency of cannabis and an evolution in the ratio between the two primary components, Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) and cannabidiol (toward a higher proportion of Δ⁹-THC), Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use has rapidly progressed over the last few years, primarily among frequent cannabis users, because SCs provide similar psychoactive effects to cannabis. However, their composition and pharmacological properties make them dangerous substances. Cannabis does have therapeutic properties for certain indications. These therapeutic applications pertain only to certain cannabinoids and their synthetic derivatives. The objective of this article is to summarize current developments concerning cannabis and the spread of SCs. Future studies must further explore the benefit-risk profile of medical cannabis use.

MDPV and α-PVP use in humans: The twisted sisters

The new psychoactive substances phenomenon continues to represent a considerable public health challenge. Synthetic cathinones are β-keto amphetamine analogues, also known as legal highs, research chemicals, bath salts. These drugs have surfaced as a popular alternative to other illicit drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine, due to their potent psychostimulant and empathogenic effects. Pyrovalerone cathinones (a-pyrrolidinophenones) form a distinct group of designer cathinones, such as MDPV. After being listed as an illegal product, "second generation" compounds such as α-PVP, sharing a very similar chemical structure with MDPV, were developed. Clinical effects of these compounds are individual, dose- and route of administration-dependent. Both of them have been involved in an increased number of, not only acute intoxications but also fatalities over the past few years, raising concerns in the medical field. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of MDPV and α-PVP in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. Health actors and general population need to be clearly informed of potential risks and consequences of these 2 novel psychoactive substances spread and use. The literature search conducted led to the identification of potentially 83 relevant articles. All articles were screened from their abstracts to determine their relevance in the framework of the current review. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.'