1
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Yen YT, Zhou SL, Huang DY, Tseng SH, Wang CF, Chyueh SC. 2-Methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone: A commercial photoinitiator being used as a new psychoactive substance. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 360:112074. [PMID: 38823217 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112074] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, which are novel psychoactive substances, have caused major social problems worldwide. A substance called 2-methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone (MMMP), which is employed as a commercial industrial photoinitiator for triggering polymerization, has a basic cathinone backbone; however, few reports regarding MMMP have been published. In the current study, three potential metabolites of MMMP-namely hydroxy-MMMP (HO-MMMP), HO-MMMP-sulfoxide (HO-MMMP-SO), and HO-MMMP-sulfone (HO-MMMP-SO2)-were successfully synthesized, and MMMP and these three potential metabolites were used as standards to establish an analytic method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the quantitative analysis of urine. This analytic method and related parameters-including dynamic range, limit of quantification, selectivity, precision, accuracy, carryover effect, matrix effect, interference, and dilution integrity-were optimized and validated. Forty urine samples from 1,691 individuals who abused drugs were determined to contain MMMP, HO-MMMP, HO-MMMP-SO, or HO-MMMP-SO2; the results of this study indicate that approximately 2.37 % of drug abusers in Taiwan consumed MMMP in 2023. These 40 urine samples were analyzed to investigate the metabolism of MMMP in humans. The results indicate that HO-MMMP-SO is the main metabolite in human urine. This study recommends HO-MMMP-SO with a concentration of 2 ng/mL as a target and cutoff value, respectively, for identifying individuals who have consumed MMMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Te Yen
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan.
| | - Song-Lin Zhou
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan
| | - Deng-Ying Huang
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hao Tseng
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan
| | - San-Chong Chyueh
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 231209, Taiwan
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2
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Berardinelli D, Taoussi O, Daziani G, Tavoletta F, Ricci G, Tronconi LP, Adamowicz P, Busardò FP, Carlier J. 3-CMC, 4-CMC, and 4-BMC Human Metabolic Profiling: New Major Pathways to Document Consumption of Methcathinone Analogues? AAPS J 2024; 26:70. [PMID: 38862871 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00940-8] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones represent one of the largest and most abused new psychoactive substance classes, and have been involved in numerous intoxications and fatalities worldwide. Methcathinone analogues like 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), 3-chloromethcathinone (3-CMC), and 4-CMC currently constitute most of synthetic cathinone seizures in Europe. Documenting their consumption in clinical/forensic casework is therefore essential to tackle this trend. Targeting metabolite markers is a go-to to document consumption in analytical toxicology, and metabolite profiling is crucial to support investigations. We sought to identify 3-CMC, 4-CMC, and 4-bromomethcathinone (4-BMC) human metabolites. The substances were incubated with human hepatocytes; incubates were screened by liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and data were mined with Compound Discoverer (Themo Scientific). 3-CMC-positive blood, urine, and oral fluid and 4-CMC-positive urine and saliva from clinical/forensic casework were analyzed. Analyses were supported by metabolite predictions with GLORYx freeware. Twelve, ten, and ten metabolites were identified for 3-CMC, 4-CMC, and 4-BMC, respectively, with similar transformations occurring for the three cathinones. Major reactions included ketoreduction and N-demethylation. Surprisingly, predominant metabolites were produced by combination of N-demethylation and ω-carboxylation (main metabolite in 3-CMC-positive urine), and combination of β-ketoreduction, oxidative deamination, and O-glucuronidation (main metabolite in 4-CMC-positive urine). These latter metabolites were detected in negative-ionization mode only and their non-conjugated form was not detected after glucuronide hydrolysis; this metabolic pathway was never reported for any methcathinone analogue susceptible to undergo the same transformations. These results support the need for comprehensive screening strategies in metabolite identification studies, to avoid overlooking significant metabolites and major markers of consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Berardinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Omayema Taoussi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gloria Daziani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Tavoletta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanna Ricci
- School of Law, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Livio P Tronconi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, Cotignola, Italy
| | | | - Francesco P Busardò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Jeremy Carlier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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3
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Chen S, Zhou W, Lai M. Synthetic Cathinones: Epidemiology, Toxicity, Potential for Abuse, and Current Public Health Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:334. [PMID: 38671986 PMCID: PMC11048581 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040334] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, derived from cathinone found in the plant Catha edulis, represent the second largest and most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are considered as β-keto analogs of amphetamine, sharing pharmacological effects with amphetamine and cocaine. This review describes the neurotoxic properties of synthetic cathinones, encompassing their capacity to induce neuroinflammation, dysregulate neurotransmitter systems, and alter monoamine transporters and receptors. Additionally, it discusses the rewarding and abuse potential of synthetic cathinones drawing from findings obtained through various preclinical animal models, contextualized with other classical psychostimulants. The review also offers an overview of current abuse trends of synthetic cathinones on the illicit drug market, specifying the aspects covered, and underscores the risks they pose to public health. Finally, the review discusses public health initiatives and efforts to reduce the hazards of synthetic cathinones, including harm reduction methods, education, and current clinical management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
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4
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Lin YC, Chien WC, Wang YX, Wang YH, Yang FS, Tseng LP, Hung JH. PS 2MS: A Deep Learning-Based Prediction System for Identifying New Psychoactive Substances Using Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2024; 96:4835-4844. [PMID: 38488022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) poses significant challenges to conventional mass-spectrometry-based identification methods due to the absence of reference spectra for these emerging substances. This paper introduces PS2MS, an AI-powered predictive system designed specifically to address the limitations of identifying the emergence of unidentified novel illicit drugs. PS2MS builds a synthetic NPS database by enumerating feasible derivatives of known substances and uses deep learning to generate mass spectra and chemical fingerprints. When the mass spectrum of an analyte does not match any known reference, PS2MS simultaneously examines the chemical fingerprint and mass spectrum against the putative NPS database using integrated metrics to deduce possible identities. Experimental results affirm the effectiveness of PS2MS in identifying cathinone derivatives within real evidence specimens, signifying its potential for practical use in identifying emerging drugs of abuse for researchers and forensic experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ching Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Doctoral Degree Program of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Chien
- Department of Computer Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, HsinChu 300, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Xuan Wang
- Department of Computer Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, HsinChu 300, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hau Wang
- Department of Computer Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, HsinChu 300, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Shuo Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ping Tseng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hung Hung
- Department of Computer Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, HsinChu 300, Taiwan
- Program in Biomedical Artificial Intelligence, National Tsing Hua University, HsinChu 300, Taiwan
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5
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Lima CD, Magalhães de Almeida Melo L, Arantes LC, Conceição NDS, de França Schaffel I, Machado LL, de Queiroz Ferreira R, Pio Dos Santos WT. Simple and selective screening method for the synthetic cathinone MDPT in forensic samples using carbon nanofiber screen-printed electrodes. Talanta 2024; 269:125375. [PMID: 37977086 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
3',4'-Methylenedioxy-N-tert-butylcathinone (MDPT), also known as tBuONE or D-Tertylone, is a synthetic cathinone (SC) frequently abused for recreational purposes due to its potent stimulant effects and similarity to illegal substances like methamphetamine and ecstasy. The structural diversity and rapid introduction of new SC analogs to the market poses significant challenges for law enforcement and analytical methods for preliminary screening of illicit drugs. In this work, we present, for the first time, the electrochemical detection of MDPT using screen-printed electrodes modified with carbon nanofibers (SPE-CNF). MDPT exhibited three electrochemical processes (two oxidations and one reduction) on SPE-CNF. The proposed method for MDPT detection was optimized in 0.2 mol L-1 Britton-Robinson buffer solution at pH 10.0 using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The SPE-CNF showed a high stability for electrochemical responses of all redox processes of MDPT using the same or different electrodes, with relative standard deviations less than 4.7% and 1.5% (N = 3) for peak currents and peak potentials, respectively. Moreover, the proposed method provided a wide linear range for MDPT determination (0.90-112 μmol L-1) with low LOD (0.26 μmol L-1). Interference studies for two common adulterants, caffeine and paracetamol, and ten other illicit drugs, including amphetamine-like compounds and different SCs, showed that the proposed sensor is highly selective for the preliminarily identification of MDPT in seized forensic samples. Therefore, SPE-CNF with DPV can be successfully applied as a fast and simple screening method for MDPT identification in forensic analysis, addressing the significant challenges posed by the structural diversity of SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Diana Lima
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, 39100000, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Larissa Magalhães de Almeida Melo
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, 39100000, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciano Chaves Arantes
- Laboratório de Química e Física Forense, Instituto de Criminalística, Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal, 70610-907, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Nathália Dos Santos Conceição
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Campus Goiabeiras, 29075910, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Izabela de França Schaffel
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Campus Goiabeiras, 29075910, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Lara Lima Machado
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, 39100000, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael de Queiroz Ferreira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Campus Goiabeiras, 29075910, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Wallans Torres Pio Dos Santos
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, 39100000, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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6
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Schwelm HM, Persson M, Pulver B, Huß MV, Gréen H, Auwärter V. Pharmacological profile, phase I metabolism, and excretion time profile of the new synthetic cathinone 3,4-Pr-PipVP. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:277-288. [PMID: 37431186 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3538] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
1-(2,3-Dihydro-1H-inden-5-yl)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one (3,4-Pr-PipVP), a novel synthetic cathinone (SCat), was first identified in 2022 in Germany. The product was marketed as 1-(bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-3-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one (3,4-EtPV), a substance not covered by the German New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG). Although originally intended to be an exploratory new synthetic cathinone containing the novel bicyclo[4.2.0]octatrienyl function, the compound was subsequently confirmed to contain an indanyl ring system scheduled under generic legislation like the NpSG. However, it is one of only a few marketed SCats carrying a piperidine ring. Inhibition experiments involving norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin transporters showed that 3,4-Pr-PipVP was a low potency blocker at all three monoamine transporters compared to related substances such as MDPV. Additionally, pharmacokinetic data were collected from pooled human liver microsomes incubations and from the analysis of authentic urine samples received after oral administration of 5 mg 3,4-Pr-PipVP hydrochloride. Phase I metabolites were tentatively identified in vitro and in vivo using liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Main metabolites were formed by metabolic reduction of the carbonyl function with and without additional hydroxylations at the propylene bridge of the molecule. Keto-reduced H2 -3,4-Pr-PipVP and H2 -piperidine-OH-3,4-Pr-PipVP as well as aryl-OH-3,4-Pr-PipVP, and indanyl-OH-piperidine-OH-3,4-Pr-PipVP are suggested as most suitable biomarkers for the detection of 3,4-Pr-PipVP since they were detected for much longer than the parent compound. 3,4-Pr-PipVP could be detected for up to 21 h whereas its metabolites were detectable for up to about 4 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Max Schwelm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mattias Persson
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Benedikt Pulver
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Hermann Staudinger Graduate School, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Schleswig-Holstein, Forensic Science Institute, Kiel, Germany
| | - Max Vincent Huß
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Gréen
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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7
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Paškan M, Dobšíková K, Kuchař M, Setnička V, Kohout M. Synthesis and absolute configuration of cyclic synthetic cathinones derived from α-tetralone. Chirality 2024; 36:e23646. [PMID: 38353318 DOI: 10.1002/chir.23646] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of new synthetic cathinones continues to be a matter of public health concern. In fact, already known products (drugs) are being rapidly replaced by new structurally related alternatives, whereby modifications in the basic cathinone structure are used by manufacturers to circumvent the legislation. On the other hand, some derivatives of synthetic cathinones represent important pharmaceuticals with antidepressant properties. In the search for pharmaceutically relevant analogs, the main goal of the present study was to design and characterize novel cyclic α-tetralone-based derivatives of synthetic cathinones. We synthesized a series of derivatives and verified their chemical structure. Subsequently, chiral separation has been accomplished by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a circular dichroism (CD) detector, which directly provided CD spectra of the enantiomers of the analyzed substances at 252 nm. Using density functional theory calculations, we have obtained stable conformers of selected enantiomers in solution and their relative abundances, which we used to simulate their spectra. The experimental and calculated data have been used to assign the absolute configuration of six as-yet unknown synthetic cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Paškan
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Dobšíková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchař
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Setnička
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kohout
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 6, Czech Republic
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8
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Drevin G, Baudriller A, Ferec S, Beloncle F, Briet M, Abbara C. 3-Methylmethcathinone Intoxication: Discrepancies Between Blood Concentrations and Clinical Outcomes-A Short Communication. Ther Drug Monit 2023; 45:837-839. [PMID: 37684715 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000001134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The absence of a correlation between the blood concentration of 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) and clinical outcomes in intoxication cases has been attributed to stability issues. Indeed, a loss of more than 50%, 70%, and even 95% of 3-MMC in whole blood after 2 weeks of storage at 20°C, 4°C, and room temperature, respectively, has been reported in the past. Here, the authors report the case of a 43-year-old man who was hospitalized with generalized convulsive status epilepticus related to 3-MMC use with a plasma concentration of 9600 ng/mL (delay between sampling and analysis <72 hours). The stability of 3-MMC was evaluated in several biological specimens. METHODS Three quality control samples (human plasma, whole blood, and postmortem blood) spiked with 3-MMC were stored at -20°C and 4°C for 14 days. The initial analysis was performed on day 1 to establish the initial concentration of 3-MMC in each specimen type, and the samples were divided into 2 aliquots for storage under both conditions. Further analyses were performed on days 7 and 14 for each specimen, and the results were compared with those obtained on day 1. RESULTS 3-MMC appeared relatively stable in whole and postmortem blood when stored at -20°C for 1 week, with losses of <3% in both matrices (0% and 2.5%, respectively). At +4°C, 3-MMC losses ranged from 25% to 53%. CONCLUSIONS These results differ from others reported in the literature. Hence, it may be hypothesized that other elements should be considered to explain the discrepancy between the concentration and toxicity pointed out by the Toxicology community, especially the development of tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Drevin
- Service de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie et Pharmacovigilance, CHU Angers, Angers, France
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Antoine Baudriller
- Service de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie et Pharmacovigilance, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Severine Ferec
- Service de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie et Pharmacovigilance, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - François Beloncle
- Service de Médecine intensive-Réanimation et Médecine hyperbare, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Marie Briet
- Service de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie et Pharmacovigilance, CHU Angers, Angers, France
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France
- Laboratoire MitoVasc, Angers, France; and
| | - Chadi Abbara
- Service de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie et Pharmacovigilance, CHU Angers, Angers, France
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9
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Roda E, De Luca F, Priori EC, Ratto D, Pinelli S, Corradini E, Mozzoni P, Poli D, Mazzini G, Bottone MG, Gatti AM, Marti M, Locatelli CA, Rossi P, Bottai D. The Designer Drug αPHP Affected Cell Proliferation and Triggered Deathly Mechanisms in Murine Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1225. [PMID: 37759624 PMCID: PMC10525791 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Increasing reports of neurological and psychiatric outcomes due to psychostimulant synthetic cathinones (SCs) have recently raised public concern. However, the understanding of neurotoxic mechanisms is still lacking, particularly for the under-investigated αPHP, one of the major MDPV derivatives. In particular, its effects on neural stem/progenitor cell cultures (NSPCs) are still unexplored. Therefore, in the current in vitro study, the effects of increasing αPHP concentrations (25-2000 μM), on cell viability/proliferation, morphology/ultrastructure, genotoxicity and cell death pathways, have been evaluated after exposure in murine NSPCs, using a battery of complementary techniques, i.e., MTT and clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, TEM, and patch clamp. We revealed that αPHP was able to induce a dose-dependent significant decrease of the viability, proliferation and clonal capability of the NSPCs, paralleled by the resting membrane potential depolarization and apoptotic/autophagic/necroptotic pathway activation. Moreover, ultrastructural alterations were clearly observed. Overall, our current findings demonstrate that αPHP, damaging NSPCs and the morpho-functional fundamental units of adult neurogenic niches may affect neurogenesis, possibly triggering long-lasting, irreversible CNS damage. The present investigation could pave the way for a broadened understanding of SCs toxicology, needed to establish an appropriate treatment for NPS and the potential consequences for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Roda
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy (C.A.L.)
| | - Fabrizio De Luca
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Erica Cecilia Priori
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Daniela Ratto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Silvana Pinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Emilia Corradini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Mozzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Diana Poli
- INAIL Research, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Via Fontana Candida, 1, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
| | - Giuliano Mazzini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
- Institute of Molecular Genetics—CNR (National Research Council), 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bottone
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Anna Maria Gatti
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy (C.A.L.)
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Collaborative Centre for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Alessandro Locatelli
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy (C.A.L.)
| | - Paola Rossi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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10
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Haller J, Rompos É, Szabó Í, Humli V, Christián L. Drug regulations and trafficking: Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones in Hungary. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 349:111778. [PMID: 37437415 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111778] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
In principle, new psychoactive substances (NPSs) are produced to circumvent drug regulations. However, the mixed success of regulatory efforts suggests that the dynamics of marketing is incompletely understood. To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive study on the marketing of all synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones present in Hungary over ten years. Market evaluation was based on drug seizure data and chemical analyses provided by the Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences. Over ten years, 18 synthetic cannabinoids and 11 cathinones were identified. Total seizure counts were 22,906 and 10,273, respectively. When new synthetic cannabinoids emerged, seizures increased exponentially, but rapidly declined after their banning. In parallel, new synthetic cannabinoids emerged on the market. The systematic monitoring of local legislation allowed large sales between market introduction and legal control. Cathinones were also marketed in successive waves, but trading intensity was not associated with local regulations. Sales remained low throughout, likely because the risks involved by the temporal mismatch between marketing and legal control. One can hypothesize that marketing was driven by general trends in EU regulations or by measures taken by large countries. Our findings imply the existence of two different strategies for NPS marketing. The choice between the two may depend on multiple factors from the availability of skills required by rapid marketing adjustments to cost/benefit evaluations for various market segments. Studying NPS market strategies in neighboring and distant EU countries may help analyzing and predicting market events.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Haller
- Drug Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary; University of Public Service, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Éva Rompos
- Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - László Christián
- Drug Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary; University of Public Service, Budapest, Hungary
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11
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Yang FS, Lee HH, Tseng LP, Lee YH, Lan YS, Lee YC, Chou YC, Lin YC. Simultaneous Determination and Stability Analysis of Ten New Psychoactive Substances including Synthetic Cathinones, Phenethylamines, and Ketamine Substitutes in Urine Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Int J Anal Chem 2023; 2023:9895595. [PMID: 37492520 PMCID: PMC10365918 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9895595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowing the stability of drugs is important to ensure accurate and reliable results of drug concentrations. This study evaluated the stability of ten new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in urine and methanol/water at different storage temperatures. Quantitative analyses were performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Three replicates of each storage condition were analyzed at day 0 and after 7, 14-, 30-, 60-, and 90 days with storage at +25°C, +4°C, and -20°C. For each analyte, the percent difference at each time interval from day 0 was calculated for each storage condition. Para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA), deschloroketamine (DCK), and 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) were stable in urine, even when stored for 90-day periods at various temperatures. For synthetic cathinones, the concentrations declined over time at room temperature (+25°C) in urine but were relatively stable in methanol solvent with 0.1% formic acid. The significant degradation was found at +25°C, and the most excellent stability was shown by samples stored at -20°C. Phenethylamines (PMA and PMMA) and ketamine substitutes (DCK and 2-FDCK) were relatively more stable than synthetic cathinones (mephedrone, butylone, pentylone, ephylone, 4-MEAPP, and eutylone).
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Shuo Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hei-Hwa Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ping Tseng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hung Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Sheng Lan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Chou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Doctoral Degree Program of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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12
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Unterwald EM, Rawls SM. Bath Salts to Therapies: Can Separation of Adverse and Therapeutic Effects of Substituted Cathinones Lead to a Medication for Psychostimulant Use Disorder? J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 385:159-161. [PMID: 37197988 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Unterwald
- Department of Neural Sciences and Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Department of Neural Sciences and Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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13
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Chojnacki MR, Thorndike EB, Partilla JS, Rice KC, Schindler CW, Baumann MH. Neurochemical and Cardiovascular Effects of 4-Chloro Ring-Substituted Synthetic Cathinones in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 385:162-170. [PMID: 36669877 PMCID: PMC10201577 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are a class of new psychoactive substances that display psychomotor stimulant properties, and novel cathinone analogs continue to emerge in illicit drug markets worldwide. The aim of the present study was to characterize the pharmacology of 4-chloro ring-substituted cathinones that are appearing in illicit drug markets compared with the effects of 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone). Synaptosomes were prepared from rat caudate for dopamine transporter (DAT) assays or from whole brain minus caudate and cerebellum for norepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter (SERT) assays. Findings from transporter uptake inhibition and release assays showed that mephedrone and 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) function as substrates at DAT, NET, and SERT, with similar potency at all three transporters. In contrast, 4-chloro-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-CαPPP) was an uptake inhibitor at DAT and NET, with similar potency at each site, but had little activity at SERT. 4-Chloroethcathinone (4-CEC) was a low-potency uptake inhibitor at DAT and NET but a substrate at SERT. In rats implanted with telemetry transmitters, mephedrone and 4-CMC increased blood pressure, heart rate, and locomotor activity to a similar extent. 4-CEC and 4-CαPPP were less potent at increasing blood pressure and had modest stimulatory effects on heart rate and activity. 4-CMC also transiently decreased temperature at the highest dose tested. All three 4-chloro ring-substituted cathinones are biologically active, but only 4-CMC has potency comparable to mephedrone. Collectively, our findings suggest that 4-CMC and other 4-chloro cathinones may have abuse potential and adverse effects in humans that are analogous to those associated with mephedrone. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The 4-chloro ring-substituted cathinones all produced significant cardiovascular stimulation, with 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) showing potency similar to mephedrone. All of the drugs are likely to be abused given their effects at the dopamine transporter, particularly 4-CMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Chojnacki
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Eric B Thorndike
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Charles W Schindler
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
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14
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Nuñez-Montero M, Lombroni C, Maida NL, Rotolo MC, Pichini S, Papaseit E, Hladun O, Ventura M, Poyatos L, Pérez-Mañá C, Farré M, Marchei E. GC-MS/MS Determination of Synthetic Cathinones: 4-chloromethcathinone, N-ethyl Pentedrone, and N-ethyl Hexedrone in Oral Fluid and Sweat of Consumers under Controlled Administration: Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119387. [PMID: 37298339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study presents a validated GC-MS/MS method for the detection and quantification of 4-chloromethcathinone or clephedrone (4-CMC), N-ethyl Pentedrone (NEP), and N-ethyl Hexedrone (NEH, also named HEXEN) in oral fluid and sweat and verifies its feasibility in determining human oral fluid concentrations and pharmacokinetics following the administration of 100 mg of 4-CMC orally and 30 mg of NEP and NEH intranasally. A total of 48 oral fluid and 12 sweat samples were collected from six consumers. After the addition of 5 μL of methylone-d3 and 200 μL of 0.5 M ammonium hydrogen carbonate, an L/L extraction was carried out using ethyl acetate. The samples, dried under a nitrogen flow, were then derivatized with pentafluoropropionic anhydride and dried again. One microliter of the sample reconstituted in 50 μL of ethyl acetate was injected into GC-MS/MS. The method was fully validated according to international guidelines. Our results showed how, in oral fluid, the two cathinones taken intranasally were absorbed very rapidly, within the first hour, when compared with the 4-CMC which reached its maximum concentration peak in the first three hours. We observed that these cathinones were excreted in sweat in an amount equivalent to approximately 0.3% of the administered dose for 4-CMC and NEP. The total NEH excreted in sweat 4 h after administration was approximately 0.2% of the administered dose. Our results provide, for the first time, preliminary information about the disposition of these synthetic cathinones in the consumers' oral fluid and sweat after controlled administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melani Nuñez-Montero
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Claudia Lombroni
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Univesità degli Studi di Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 5, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Nunzia La Maida
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Rotolo
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Esther Papaseit
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Olga Hladun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Mireia Ventura
- Energy Control, Associació Benestar i Desenvolupament, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lourdes Poyatos
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Mañá
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Emilia Marchei
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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15
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Daziani G, Lo Faro AF, Montana V, Goteri G, Pesaresi M, Bambagiotti G, Montanari E, Giorgetti R, Montana A. Synthetic Cathinones and Neurotoxicity Risks: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076230. [PMID: 37047201 PMCID: PMC10093970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the EU Early Warning System (EWS), synthetic cathinones (SCs) are the second largest new psychoactive substances (NPS) class, with 162 synthetic cathinones monitored by the EU EWS. They have a similar structure to cathinone, principally found in Catha Edulis; they have a phenethylamine related structure but also exhibit amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Illegal laboratories regularly develop new substances and place them on the market. For this reason, during the last decade this class of substances has presented a great challenge for public health and forensic toxicologists. Acting on different systems and with various mechanisms of action, the spectrum of side effects caused by the intake of these drugs of abuse is very broad. To date, most studies have focused on the substances’ cardiac effects, and very few on their associated neurotoxicity. Specifically, synthetic cathinones appear to be involved in different neurological events, including increased alertness, mild agitation, severe psychosis, hyperthermia and death. A systematic literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases according to PRISMA guidelines was performed. A total of 515 studies published from 2005 to 2022 (350 articles from PubMed and 165 from Scopus) were initially screened for eligibility. The papers excluded, according to the criteria described in the Method Section (n = 401) and after full text analyses (n = 82), were 483 in total. The remaining 76 were included in the present review, as they met fully the inclusion criteria. The present work provides a comprehensive review on neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones highlighting intoxication cases and fatalities in humans, as well as the toxic effects on animals (in particular rats, mice and zebrafish larvae). The reviewed studies showed brain-related adverse effects, including encephalopathy, coma and convulsions, and sympathomimetic and hallucinogenic toxidromes, together with the risk of developing excited/agitated delirium syndrome and serotonin syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Daziani
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Vincenzo Montana
- Dipartimento di Anestesia, Rianimazione e Emergenza-Urgenza, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gaia Goteri
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Mauro Pesaresi
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Giulia Bambagiotti
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Eva Montanari
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Angelo Montana
- Department of Excellence Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (G.D.); (A.F.L.F.); (G.G.); (M.P.); (G.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Kuropka P, Zawadzki M, Szpot P. A narrative review of the neuropharmacology of synthetic cathinones-Popular alternatives to classical drugs of abuse. Hum Psychopharmacol 2023; 38:e2866. [PMID: 36866677 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature on the neuropharmacology of synthetic cathinones. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out across multiple databases (mainly PubMed, World Wide Web, and Google Scholar) using relevant keywords. RESULTS Cathinones exhibit a broad toxicological profile, mimicking the effects of a wide variety of 'classic drugs' such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methamphetamine and cocaine. Even small structural changes affect their interactions with key proteins. This article reviews existing knowledge of the mechanisms of action of cathinones at the molecular level, and key findings from research on their structure-activity relationship. The cathinones are also classified according to their chemical structure and neuropharmacological profiles. CONCLUSIONS Synthetic cathinones represent one of the most numerous and widespread groups among new psychoactive substances. Initially developed for therapeutic purposes, they quickly started to be used recreationally. With a rapidly increasing number of new agents entering the market, structure-activity relationship studies are valuable for assessing and predicting the addictive potential and toxicity of new and potential future substances. The neuropharmacological properties of synthetic cathinones are still not fully understood. A full elucidation of the role of some key proteins, including organic cation transporters, requires detailed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcin Zawadzki
- Institute of Toxicology Research, Borowa, Poland.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Szpot
- Institute of Toxicology Research, Borowa, Poland.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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17
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Pelletier R, Le Daré B, Ferron PJ, Le Bouëdec D, Kernalléguen A, Morel I, Gicquel T. Use of innovative, cross-disciplinary in vitro, in silico and in vivo approaches to characterize the metabolism of chloro-alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (4-Cl-PVP). Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:671-683. [PMID: 36469093 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones constitute a family of new psychoactive substances, the consumption of which is increasingly worldwide. A lack of metabolic knowledge limits the detection of these compounds in cases of intoxication. Here, we used an innovative cross-disciplinary approach to study the metabolism of the newly emerging cathinone chloro-alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (4-Cl-PVP). Three complementary approaches (in silico, in vitro, and in vivo) were used to identify putative 4-Cl-PVP metabolites that could be used as additional consumption markers. The in silico approach used predictive software packages. Molecular networking was used as an innovative bioinformatics approach for re-processing high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry data acquired with both in vitro and in vivo samples. In vitro experiments were performed by incubating 4-Cl-PVP (20 µM) for four different durations with a metabolically competent human hepatic cell model (differentiated HepaRG cells). In vivo samples (blood and urine) were obtained from a patient known to have consumed 4-Cl-PVP. The in silico software predicted 17 putative metabolites, and molecular networking identified 10 metabolites in vitro. On admission to the intensive care unit, the patient's plasma and urine 4-Cl-PVP concentrations were, respectively, 34.4 and 1018.6 µg/L. An in vivo analysis identified the presence of five additional glucuronoconjugated 4-Cl-PVP derivatives in the urine. Our combination of a cross-disciplinary approach with molecular networking enabled the detection of 15 4-Cl-PVP metabolites, 10 of them had not previously been reported in the literature. Two metabolites appeared to be particular relevant candidate as 4-Cl-PVP consumption markers in cases of intoxication: hydroxy-4-Cl-PVP (m/z 282.1254) and dihydroxy-4-Cl-PVP (m/z 298.1204).
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Pelletier
- INSERM, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1241, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France.
- Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France.
| | - Brendan Le Daré
- Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France
- Pharmacy, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France
| | - Pierre-Jean Ferron
- INSERM, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1241, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Diane Le Bouëdec
- Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France
| | - Angéline Kernalléguen
- INSERM, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1241, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Isabelle Morel
- INSERM, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1241, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
- Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France
| | - Thomas Gicquel
- INSERM, INRAE, Institut NUMECAN (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer) UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1241, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
- Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France
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18
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New Psychoactive Substances Intoxications and Fatalities during the COVID-19 Epidemic. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020273. [PMID: 36829550 PMCID: PMC9953068 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, declaring the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic in March 2020. Stringent measures decreased consumption of some drugs, moving the illicit market to alternative substances, such as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A systematic literature search was performed, using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and institutional and government websites, to identify reported intoxications and fatalities from NPS during the COVID-19 pandemic. The search terms were: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, coronavirus disease 2019, intox*, fatal*, new psychoactive substance, novel psychoactive substance, smart drugs, new psychoactive substance, novel synthetic opioid, synthetic opioid, synthetic cathinone, bath salts, legal highs, nitazene, bath salt, legal high, synthetic cannabinoid, phenethylamine, phencyclidine, piperazine, novel benzodiazepine, benzodiazepine analogue, designer benzodiazepines, tryptamine and psychostimulant. From January 2020 to March 2022, 215 NPS exposures were reported in Europe, UK, Japan and USA. Single NPS class intoxications accounted for 25, while mixed NPS class intoxications represented only 3 cases. A total of 130 NPS single class fatalities and 56 fatalities involving mixed NPS classes were published during the pandemic. Synthetic opioids were the NPS class most abused, followed by synthetic cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids. Notably, designer benzodiazepines were frequently found in combination with fentalogues. Considering the stress to communities and healthcare systems generated by the pandemic, NPS-related information may be underestimated. However, we could not define the exact impacts of COVID-19 on processing of toxicological data, autopsy and death investigations.
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Nadal-Gratacós N, Ríos-Rodríguez E, Pubill D, Batllori X, Camarasa J, Escubedo E, Berzosa X, López-Arnau R. Structure-Activity Relationship of N-Ethyl-Hexedrone Analogues: Role of the α-Carbon Side-Chain Length in the Mechanism of Action, Cytotoxicity, and Behavioral Effects in Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:787-799. [PMID: 36734852 PMCID: PMC9936538 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00772] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are β-keto amphetamine derivatives whose appearance has increased dramatically in the past decades. N-Ethyl substituted cathinones have been proven to potently inhibit dopamine (DA) uptake and induce psychostimulant and rewarding effects in mice. However, little is known about the influence of the alpha-carbon side-chain length of N-ethyl cathinones on their pharmacological and toxicological effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to synthesize and investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of five N-ethyl substituted cathinones: N-ethyl-cathinone (NEC), N-ethyl-buphedrone (NEB), N-ethyl-pentedrone, N-ethyl-hexedrone (NEH), and N-ethyl-heptedrone. HEK293 cells expressing the human DA or serotonin transporter (hDAT and hSERT) were used for uptake inhibition and binding assays. PC12 cells were used for the cytotoxicity assays. Swiss CD-1 mice were used to study the in vivo psychostimulant, anxiogenic, and rewarding properties. Our results show that all tested cathinones are able to inhibit DA uptake and are DAT-selective. The potency of DA uptake inhibitors increases with the elongation of the aliphatic side chain from methyl to propyl and decreases when increasing from butyl to pentyl, which correlates with an inverted U-shape psychostimulant response in mice at the medium dose tested. On the other hand, an increase in the α-carbon side-chain length correlates with an increase in the cytotoxic properties in PC12 cells, probably due to better membrane penetration. Moreover, all the cathinones tested have shown higher cytotoxicity than methamphetamine. Finally, our study not only demonstrated the rewarding properties of NEC and NEB but also the anxiety-like behavior induced at high doses by all the cathinones tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Nadal-Gratacós
- Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain,Department
of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology
Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edwin Ríos-Rodríguez
- Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department
of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology
Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Batllori
- Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Camarasa
- Department
of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology
Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department
of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology
Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Berzosa
- Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain,
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department
of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology
Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain,
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20
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Development and validation of a chiral LC-MS/MS method for the separation and quantification of four synthetic cathinones in human whole blood and its application in stability analysis. Talanta 2023; 253:123986. [PMID: 36228559 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123986] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, a subclass of new psychoactive substances, have gained high popularity on the recreational drugs market over the past years. These drugs typically have a chiral center, so they may exist as two stereoisomers. Therefore the pharmacological, pharmacokinetic or metabolic properties of their enantiomers are expected to differ. However, these drugs are often synthesized and sold as a racemic mixture, and as a consequence, differentiation of their (R)- and (S)- enantiomers is relevant in clinical and forensic toxicology. Information about single enantiomers of synthetic cathinones is relatively scarce due to challenges of their chiral analysis. Hence, a sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the chiral separation and quantification of four synthetic cathinones in human whole blood samples. The method was fully validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, bias, precision, carryover, interferences, matrix effects, recovery and processed sample stability and successfully applied to evaluate the stability as well as enantioselective degradation of synthetic cathinones enantiomers under various storage conditions. For most of the analytes, significant enantioselective degradation was observed when stored at room temperature or refrigerated, with the E2-enantiomers observed to more rapidly degrade under both conditions. This is the first report concerning the stability and enantioselective degradation of synthetic cathinone enantiomers in whole blood. Moreover, the inversion study demonstrated enantiomeric inversion of R-(-)- and S-(+)-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in human whole blood and methanolic solution.
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Chen JY, Chen GY, Ong HN, Lai ML, Ho YJ, Kuo CH, Weng TI. Defective determination of synthetic cathinones in blood for forensic investigation. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 539:122-129. [PMID: 36502922 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antemortem specimens are sometimes the sole sources available for forensic investigation, and samples collected in nonideal ways are inevitably employed to achieve toxicological analysis. It is essential to assess the effects of blood collection tubes on the recoveries of emerging synthetic cathinones (SC) to estimate actual drug concentrations, and no such systematic investigations have been previously carried out. Seventy-one SC with various LogP values were employed to examine commonly used blood collection tubes, including plasma tubes, serum tubes and gel-containing tubes in recoveries which determined by a reliable LC-MS/MS method. Significantly poor recoveries for hydrophobic SC were obtained using serum separating tubes (SST). Notably, the suppressed recoveries in SST can be reversed by adding anticoagulants. Adding a procoagulant to a plasma separating tube (PST) considerably reduced recoveries, which indicated that clotting processes in the presence of polymeric gels contributed to poor recoveries of these hydrophobic drugs. In this study, we find that clotting formation in the presence of polymeric gels could significantly affect the determination of hydrophobic drugs. However, in real-world scenarios, nonideal collection methods are inevitably employed for antemortem specimens. Thus, it is important to rigorously interpret forensic toxicological results, especially for susceptible species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yu Chen
- Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Yuan Chen
- Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Hooi-Nee Ong
- Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ling Lai
- Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Ho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hua Kuo
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Te-I Weng
- Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan.
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22
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Kuropka P, Zawadzki M, Szpot P. A review of synthetic cathinones emerging in recent years (2019-2022). Forensic Toxicol 2023; 41:25-46. [PMID: 36124107 PMCID: PMC9476408 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-022-00639-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been being a continuous and evolving problem for more than a decade. Every year, dozens of new, previously unknown drugs appear on the illegal market, posing a significant threat to the health and lives of their users. Synthetic cathinones are one of the most numerous and widespread groups among NPS. The purpose of this work was to identify and summarize available data on newly emerging cathinones in very recent years. Methods Various online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, but also databases of government agencies including those involved in early warning systems, were used in search of reports on the identification of newly emerging synthetic cathinones. In addition, threads on various forums created by users of these drugs were searched for reports on the effects of these new substances. Results We have identified 29 synthetic cathinones that have been detected for the first time from early 2019 to mid-2022. We described their structures, known intoxication symptoms, detected concentrations in biological material in poisoning cases, as well as the countries and dates of their first appearance. Due to the lack of studies on the properties of the novel compounds, we compared data on the pharmacological profiles of the better-known synthetic cathinones with available information on the newly emerged ones. Some of these new agents already posed a threat, as the first cases of poisonings, including fatal ones, have been reported. Conclusions Most of the newly developed synthetic cathinones can be seen as analogs and replacements for once-popular compounds that have been declining in popularity as a result of legislative efforts. Although it appears that some of the newly emerging cathinones are not widely used, they may become more popular in the future and could become a significant threat to health and life. Therefore, it is important to continue developing early warning systems and identifying new compounds so that their widespread can be prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patryk Kuropka
- Institute of Toxicology Research, 45 Kasztanowa Street, Lower Silesia Province, 55093 Borowa, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawadzki
- grid.4495.c0000 0001 1090 049XDepartment of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 4 J. Mikulicza‑Radeckiego Street, 50345 Wroclaw, Poland ,Institute of Toxicology Research, 45 Kasztanowa Street, Lower Silesia Province, 55093 Borowa, Poland
| | - Paweł Szpot
- grid.4495.c0000 0001 1090 049XDepartment of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 4 J. Mikulicza‑Radeckiego Street, 50345 Wroclaw, Poland ,Institute of Toxicology Research, 45 Kasztanowa Street, Lower Silesia Province, 55093 Borowa, Poland
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Lopes RP, Ferro RA, Milhazes M, Figueira M, Caldeira MJ, Antunes AMM, Gaspar H. Metabolic stability and metabolite profiling of emerging synthetic cathinones. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1145140. [PMID: 37033613 PMCID: PMC10080127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1145140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones constitute the second largest groups of new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are especially popular among adolescents and young adults. Due to their potential toxicity, the recreational use of these NPS constitute a serious worldwide public health problem. However, their fast appearance in the market renders the continuous updating of NPS information highly challenging for forensic authorities. The unavailability of pharmacokinetic data for emerging NPS is critical for forensic and clinical verifications. With the ultimate goal of having a proactive approach towards the NPS issue, high resolution mass spectrometry was used in the current work to assess preliminary pharmacokinetic data for 8 selected cathinones: 4 reported substances (4-CIC, 3-CMC, 4-CMC and 4-MEAP) and 4 previously unreported ones (3-CIC, 4-MDMB, 4-MNEB and 4-MDMP) for which the emergence on the NSP market is expected to be eminent, were also included in this study. Based on the calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters, half-life and intrinsic clearance, 4-CMC and 4-MDMB are low and high clearance compounds, respectively, and all the remaining cathinones included in this study are intermediate clearance compounds. This fact anticipates the key role of metabolites as suitable biomarkers to extend detection windows beyond those provided by the parent cathinones. Reduction of the keto group and hydroxylation on the alkyl chains were the common metabolic pathways identified for all cathinones. However, the relative importance of these metabolic transformations is dependent on the cathinone substituents. The glucuronic acid conjugation to metabolites stemming for keto group reduction constituted the sole Phase II transformation identified. To our knowledge, this study constitutes the first metabolite profiling of the already reported synthetic cathinones 4-CIC, 3-CMC and 4-CMC. Noteworthy is the fact that 3-CMC accounts for almost a quarter of the quantity of powders seized during 2020. The analytical methods developed, and the metabolites characterized, are now available to be included in routine screening methods to attest the consumption of the 8 cathinones studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita P. Lopes
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel A. Ferro
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório de Polícia Científica da Polícia Judiciária (LPC/PJ), Novo edifício Sede da Polícia Judiciária, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Milhazes
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Figueira
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Caldeira
- Laboratório de Polícia Científica da Polícia Judiciária (LPC/PJ), Novo edifício Sede da Polícia Judiciária, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. M. Antunes
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Alexandra M. M. Antunes, ; Helena Gaspar,
| | - Helena Gaspar
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre—Polytechnic of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Alexandra M. M. Antunes, ; Helena Gaspar,
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Cheng JYK, Hui JWS, Chan WS, So MH, Hong YH, Leung WT, Ku KW, Yeung HS, Lo KM, Fung KM, Ip CY, Dao KL, Cheung BKK. Interpol review of toxicology 2019-2022. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2022; 6:100303. [PMID: 36597440 PMCID: PMC9799715 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bobbie Kwok-keung Cheung
- Corresponding author. Government Laboratory, 7/F, Homantin Government Offices, 88 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, SAR, Hong Kong, China. http://www.govtlab.gov.hk/
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Espinosa-Velasco M, Reguilón MD, Bellot M, Nadal-Gratacós N, Berzosa X, Gómez-Canela C, Rodríguez-Arias M, Camarasa J, Escubedo E, Pubill D, López-Arnau R. Repeated administration of N-ethyl-pentedrone induces increased aggression and impairs social exploration after withdrawal in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110562. [PMID: 35500841 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
N-ethyl-pentedrone (NEPD, 2-(ethylamino)-1-phenyl-1-pentanone) is one of the latest synthetic cathinone derivatives that emerged into the illicit drug market. This drug has psychostimulant properties and has been related with several intoxications and even fatalities. However, information about the consequences of its acute and repeated consumption is lacking. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the behavioral effects after both acute and repeated NEPD exposure as well as the neurochemical changes. Male OF1 mice were treated with an acute dose (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or received repeated injections of these doses (twice/day, 5 days) of NEPD. Shortly after drug-exposure or during drug-withdrawal, anxiety-like behavior, aggressiveness, social interaction, depressive-like symptoms, body weight and temperature were assessed. Also, monoamine synthesis enzymes, levels of neurotransmitters and their precursors and main metabolites, as well as ΔFosB, were determined in striatum and prefrontal cortex from post-mortem tissue. Acute administration of NEPD induced anxiolytic effects and reduced social exploration whereas during withdrawal after repeated administration the anxiolytic effect had vanished, and the reduced social exploration was still present and accompanied with increased aggressive behavior. Moreover, NEPD (10 mg/kg) induced slight hyperthermia and reduced weight gain during the repeated administration, whereas increased locomotor activity and lack of depressive symptoms were found during withdrawal. This was accompanied by increased plasma corticosterone and decrease in striatal dopamine. Finally, the long-lasting and robust increase in ΔFosB levels found in striatum after NEPD chronic exposure suggests a high risk of dependence. The increased aggressivity and locomotor activity, together with this potential of inducing dependence justify a warning about the risks of consumption of NEPD if translated to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Espinosa-Velasco
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain
| | - Marina D Reguilón
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Bellot
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography Section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià - Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Nadal-Gratacós
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Berzosa
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Gómez-Canela
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography Section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià - Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain.
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain
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A Quantitative LC–MS/MS Method for the Detection of 16 Synthetic Cathinones and 10 Metabolites and Its Application to Suspicious Clinical and Forensic Urine Samples. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050510. [PMID: 35631341 PMCID: PMC9145040 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Synthetic cathinones currently represent one of the most predominant (sub)-classes of new psychoactive substance (NPS) in illicit drug markets. Despite the increased concerns caused by the constant introduction of new analogues, these drugs are not commonly assayed in routine drug testing procedures and may not be detected in standard screening procedures. This study presents a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the detection and quantification of 16 synthetic cathinones and 10 metabolites in human urine. Methods: The method was validated for all analytes using published guidelines. The evaluated parameters achieved acceptable values according to the set criteria. Potential abuse of synthetic cathinones was investigated in suspicious urine samples from Saudi Arabia originating from workplace drug testing, pre-employment and Accident & Emergency (A&E). Such samples generated a presumptive positive immunoassay for amphetamine; however, they yielded a negative LC–MS/MS confirmation for this analyte, following the recommended cutoff values of Substance of Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines. Results: 5.8% of the analyzed samples were found to contain at least one target analyte, namely mephedrone and N-ethylpentylone, as well as their dihydro-metabolites. The results also revealed polydrug use with the synthetic cathinones being present together with other classical stimulant drugs. Conclusions: This is the first report of NPS use in Saudi Arabia with respect to designer stimulant drugs. Confirmatory urine analyses for suspicious stimulant use should extend beyond classical stimulants to cover a broad range of NPSs and their metabolites in order to report any otherwise potentially undetected/new analyte.
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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] [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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Weng TI, Chen HY, Chin LW, Chou HH, Wu MH, Chen GY, Chen JY, Shih CP, Lin CC, Fang CC. Comparison of clinical characteristics between meth/amphetamine and synthetic cathinone users presented to the emergency department. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022; 60:926-932. [PMID: 35438590 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2062376] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cathinones (SC) are popular new psychoactive substances that produce sympathomimetic toxicity. Meth/amphetamine and SC have similar chemical structures and pharmacological effects. We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics between meth/amphetamine and SC users presenting to the emergency department (ED). METHODS This retrospective observational cohort study included patients who presented to six EDs from May 2017 to April 2021 with symptoms that related to recreational drug use and whose urine toxicology tests were positive only for meth/amphetamine or SC through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS There were 379 patients who tested positive only for meth/amphetamine (MA group), and 87 patients tested positive only for SC (SC groups). Patients in the MA group were older than those in the SC group (median (IQR); MA: 37.0 (30-43.7), SC: 25.0 (21.0-32.7), p < 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in the sex distribution and initial chief complaints. Compared with the MA group, the SC group had more cases of tachycardia (≥ 135/min; MA: 29 (8.2%), SC:16 (19.0%), p = 0.0031) and hyperthermia (≥ 38 °C; MA: 31 (8.2%), SC:18 (20.7%), p = 0.001). Besides, the SC group had significantly higher levels of creatinine kinase (CK, IU/L; MA: 263 (115-601), SC: 497 (206-9216), p = 0.008) as well as a higher risk of rhabdomyolysis (CK > 1000; MA:32 (8.4%), SC: 16 (18.4%), p = 0.006) and severe rhabdomyolysis (CK > 10,000; MA:10 (2.6%), SC:10 (11.5%), p = 001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated SC group in comparison with the MA group (adjusted odds ratio: 2.732, 95% confidence interval: 1. 250-5.972, p = 0.012) was an association with the risk of rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that tachycardia, hyperthermia, and rhabdomyolysis were more common among cathinone users than among meth/amphetamine users presented to EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-I Weng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Yi Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lengsu W Chin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Da Chien General Hospital, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hui Chou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Huan Wu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Yuan Chen
- Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Yu Chen
- Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Pang Shih
- Department of Nursing, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Fang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Busardò FP, Pichini S. Molecular Insights on New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063282. [PMID: 35328703 PMCID: PMC8948614 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Analytical Pharmacotoxicology Unit, National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità V.Le Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0712206274
| | - Simona Pichini
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, “Politecnica delle Marche” University of Ancona, Via Tronto 10/a, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
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30
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Nadal-Gratacós N, Lleixà E, Gibert-Serramià M, Estrada-Tejedor R, Berzosa X, Batllori X, Pubill D, Camarasa J, Escubedo E, López-Arnau R. Neuropsychopharmacology of Emerging Drugs of Abuse: meta- and para-Halogen-Ring-Substituted α-PVP (“flakka”) Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042226. [PMID: 35216339 PMCID: PMC8876800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the molecular structure of synthetic cathinones has led to an increase in the number of novel emerging drugs in the illicit drug market at an unprecedented rate. Unfortunately, little is known about the neuropsychopharmacology of recently emerged halogen-substituted α-PVP derivatives. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of para- and meta-halogen (F-, Cl-, and Br-) substitutions on the in vitro, in silico, and in vivo effects of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) derivatives. HEK293 cells expressing the human dopamine or serotonin transporter (hDAT and hSERT) were used for the uptake inhibition and transporter affinity assays. Molecular docking was used to model the interaction mechanism against DAT. Swiss CD-1 mice were used for the horizontal locomotor activity, open field test, and conditioned place preference paradigm. All compounds demonstrated potent DA uptake inhibition and higher DAT selectivity than cocaine. Meta-substituted cathinones showed higher DAT/SERT ratios than their para- analogs, which correlates with an increased psychostimulant effect in vivo and with different meta- and para-in silico interactions at DAT. Moreover, all compounds induced rewarding and acute anxiogenic effects in mice. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the role of meta- and para-halogen substitutions in the mechanism of action and provides the first evidence of the rewarding and anxiety-like properties of halogenated α-PVP derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Nadal-Gratacós
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (N.N.-G.); (E.L.); (M.G.-S.); (D.P.); (J.C.)
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (R.E.-T.); (X.B.); (X.B.)
| | - Esther Lleixà
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (N.N.-G.); (E.L.); (M.G.-S.); (D.P.); (J.C.)
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (R.E.-T.); (X.B.); (X.B.)
| | - Mónica Gibert-Serramià
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (N.N.-G.); (E.L.); (M.G.-S.); (D.P.); (J.C.)
| | - Roger Estrada-Tejedor
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (R.E.-T.); (X.B.); (X.B.)
| | - Xavier Berzosa
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (R.E.-T.); (X.B.); (X.B.)
| | - Xavier Batllori
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain; (R.E.-T.); (X.B.); (X.B.)
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (N.N.-G.); (E.L.); (M.G.-S.); (D.P.); (J.C.)
| | - Jordi Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (N.N.-G.); (E.L.); (M.G.-S.); (D.P.); (J.C.)
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (N.N.-G.); (E.L.); (M.G.-S.); (D.P.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence: (E.E.); (R.L.-A.); Tel.: +34-9-3402-4531 (E.E.)
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (N.N.-G.); (E.L.); (M.G.-S.); (D.P.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence: (E.E.); (R.L.-A.); Tel.: +34-9-3402-4531 (E.E.)
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Poyatos L, Torres A, Papaseit E, Pérez-Mañá C, Hladun O, Núñez-Montero M, de la Rosa G, Torrens M, Fuster D, Muga R, Farré M. Abuse Potential of Cathinones in Humans: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041004. [PMID: 35207278 PMCID: PMC8878365 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and objective: Assessing the abuse potential of new substances with central nervous system activity is essential for preventing possible risks of misuse and addiction. The same methodology is recommended for the evaluation of the abuse potential of recreational drugs. This systematic review aims to assess the pharmacological effects related to the abuse potential and pharmacokinetics of cathinones, which are evaluated in both experimental and prospective observational studies in humans. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of the published literature was conducted to retrieve studies that had administered cathinone, mephedrone, methylone, and diethylpropion to evaluate their acute pharmacological effects related to abuse potential. Results: The search yielded 583 results, 18 of which were included to assess the abuse potential of cathinone (n = 5), mephedrone (n = 7), methylone (n = 1), and diethylpropion (n = 5). All four substances induce stimulant and euphorigenic effects that resemble those of amphetamines and MDMA, and their different intensities may be associated with varying levels of abuse potential. Conclusions: Cathinone, mephedrone, methylone, and diethylpropion induce a range of desirable and reinforcing effects that may, to some extent, result in abuse potential. Further investigation is needed to minimize and prevent their impact on society and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Poyatos
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (C.P.-M.); (O.H.); (M.N.-M.); (G.d.l.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain;
| | - Adrián Torres
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain;
| | - Esther Papaseit
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (C.P.-M.); (O.H.); (M.N.-M.); (G.d.l.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain;
- Correspondence: (E.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Clara Pérez-Mañá
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (C.P.-M.); (O.H.); (M.N.-M.); (G.d.l.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain;
| | - Olga Hladun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (C.P.-M.); (O.H.); (M.N.-M.); (G.d.l.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain;
| | - Melani Núñez-Montero
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (C.P.-M.); (O.H.); (M.N.-M.); (G.d.l.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain;
| | - Georgina de la Rosa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (C.P.-M.); (O.H.); (M.N.-M.); (G.d.l.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain;
| | - Marta Torrens
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Daniel Fuster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (D.F.); (R.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Robert Muga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (D.F.); (R.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.P.); (C.P.-M.); (O.H.); (M.N.-M.); (G.d.l.R.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08913 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain;
- Correspondence: (E.P.); (M.F.)
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32
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Lethal case of myocardial ischemia following overdose of the synthetic cannabinoid ADB-FUBINACA. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2022; 54:102004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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33
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Di Trana A, Pichini S, Pacifici R, Giorgetti R, Busardò FP. Synthetic Benzimidazole Opioids: The Emerging Health Challenge for European Drug Users. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:858234. [PMID: 35401256 PMCID: PMC8990956 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.858234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Annagiulia Di Trana
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Pacifici
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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34
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Simple Analytical Strategy for Screening Three Synthetic Cathinones (α-PVT, α-PVP, and MDPV) in Oral Fluids. ANALYTICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/analytica3010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are analogue compounds of the plant based stimulant cathinone. Its use, abuse, and related consumption complications have steadily increased in the last years. For this reason, there is a need for innovative analytical approaches that enable its rapid screening in biological matrices (e.g., oral fluids). The present work proposes a new analytical methodology by combining bar adsorptive microextraction followed by microliquid desorption and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (BAµE-µLD/GC-MS) for screening three synthetic cathinones (α-PVP, α-PVT, and MDPV) in oral fluids. The optimization of the BAµE-µLD/GC-MS methodology was successfully applied for the analysis of the target compounds in oral fluids. The results show average recoveries between 43.1 and 52.3% for the three synthetic cathinones. Good selectivity was also noticed. The developed methodology presents itself as an alternative tool to screen these compounds in oral fluids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that combines a microextraction sorption-based technique followed by GC-MS analysis for the screening of synthetic cathinones in oral fluids.
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Espinosa-Velasco M, Reguilón MD, Bellot M, Nadal-Gratacós N, Berzosa X, Puigseslloses P, Gómez-Canela C, Rodríguez-Arias M, Pubill D, Camarasa J, Escubedo E, López-Arnau R. Behavioural and neurochemical effects after repeated administration of N-ethylpentylone (ephylone) in mice. J Neurochem 2021; 160:218-233. [PMID: 34816436 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15542] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
N-ethyl-pentylone (NEP), also known as 'ephylone' and N-ethylnorpentylone, has been identified as one of the most recent novel psychostimulants to emerge into the illicit drug market and it has been associated with some intoxications and even fatalities. However, little is known about the consequences of its repeated consumption as well as the role of the monoaminergic system in such consequences. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the neurochemical profile and the behavioural effects after both acute and repeated NEP exposure. Male OF1 mice were acutely (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or repeatedly (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p., 5 days, twice/day) exposed to NEP, and anxiety-like behaviour, aggressiveness, social interaction, depressive-like symptoms, body temperature, changes in monoaminergic enzymes and neurotransmitters levels as well as ΔFosB in striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC) from post-mortem tissue were analysed short after drug-exposure or during drug-withdrawal. Acute administration of NEP induced anxiolytic effects but also an aggressive behaviour and social exploration deficits in mice, which persist during NEP-withdrawal. Moreover, NEP induced hyperthermia as well as depressive-like symptoms after repeated administrations that may be related to the decrease in serotonin and noradrenaline levels observed in striatum and PFC. Finally, the long-term increase in ΔFosB levels in striatum after NEP chronic exposure points to a high risk of dependence. Altogether indicates that NEP consumption induces different neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders accompanied by changes in the monoaminergic system, posing a threat to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Espinosa-Velasco
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina D Reguilón
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Bellot
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography Section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià - Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Nadal-Gratacós
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Berzosa
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Puigseslloses
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Gómez-Canela
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography Section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià - Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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36
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Lenzi M, Cocchi V, Gasperini S, Arfè R, Marti M, Hrelia P. Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Mutagenic Effects of the Synthetic Cathinones Mexedrone, α-PVP and α-PHP. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126320. [PMID: 34204826 PMCID: PMC8231654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mexedrone, α-PVP and α-PHP are synthetic cathinones. They can be considered amphetamine-like substances with a stimulating effect. Actually, studies showing their impact on DNA are totally absent. Therefore, in order to fill this gap, aim of the present work was to evaluate their mutagenicity on TK6 cells. On the basis of cytotoxicity and cytostasis results, we selected the concentrations (35–100 µM) to be used in the further analysis. We used the micronucleus (MN) as indicator of genetic damage and analyzed the MNi frequency fold increase by flow cytometry. Mexedrone demonstrated its mutagenic potential contrary to the other two compounds; we then proceeded by repeating the analyzes in the presence of extrinsic metabolic activation in order to check if it was possible to totally exclude the mutagenic capacity for α-PVP and α-PHP. The results demonstrated instead the mutagenicity of their metabolites. We then evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction as a possible mechanism at the basis of the highlighted effects but the results did not show a statistically significant increase in ROS levels for any of the tested substances. Anyway, our outcomes emphasize the importance of mutagenicity evaluation for a complete assessment of the risk associated with synthetic cathinones exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monia Lenzi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.); (V.C.); (S.G.); (P.H.)
| | - Veronica Cocchi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.); (V.C.); (S.G.); (P.H.)
| | - Sofia Gasperini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.); (V.C.); (S.G.); (P.H.)
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Matteo Marti
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.); (V.C.); (S.G.); (P.H.)
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Palazzoli F, Santunione AL, Verri P, Vandelli D, Silingardi E. Post-mortem distribution of mephedrone and its metabolites in body fluids and organ tissues of an intoxication case. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 201:114093. [PMID: 33957364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are substances that continue to appear on the drug market to bypass controlled substance legislation. Mephedrone or 4-methylmethcathinone is becoming the most popular new psychoactive substance among youth as a recreational drug. The present study describes the optimization and validation of a sensitive method that combined clean up procedure and LC-MS/MS technique designed to simultaneously determine the presence of Mephedrone and its two metabolites (normephedrone as active metabolite and dyhidromephedrone) in post-mortem specimens (body fluids and organ tissues). To date, this is the first determination of Mephedrone metabolites in post-mortem specimens. The validated method was applied to a fatal Mephedrone intoxication case. The distribution of the three analytes in different post-mortem matrices was presented. The toxicological results of the studied case are discussed, along with autopsy, histopathological evidence and crime-scene information. The toxicological results presented in the study provide new data relative to mephedrone and the distribution of its metabolites in post-mortem specimens. In our opinion, the metabolite concentration database must be developed because the metabolites may be linked to toxicity. The pattern of parent drug and its metabolites can be helpful in the interpretation of fatal cases involving mephedrone, which will contribute to the currently limited knowledge about mephedrone and metabolites concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Palazzoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - A L Santunione
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - P Verri
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - D Vandelli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - E Silingardi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Acute Pharmacological Effects of Oral and Intranasal Mephedrone: An Observational Study in Humans. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020100. [PMID: 33525579 PMCID: PMC7912650 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is a synthetic cathinone with psychostimulant properties which remains one of the most popular new psychoactive substances (NPS). It is frequently used orally and/or intranasally. To date, no studies have evaluated the acute effects and pharmacokinetics after self-administration of mephedrone orally (ingestion) and intranasally (insufflation) in naturalistic conditions. An observational study was conducted to assess and compare the acute pharmacological effects, as well as the oral fluid (saliva) concentrations of mephedrone self-administered orally and intranasally. Ten healthy experienced drug users (4 females and 6 males) self-administered a single dose of mephedrone, orally (n = 5, 100–200 mg; mean 150 mg) or intranasally (n = 5, 50–100 mg, mean 70 mg). Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and cutaneous temperature) were measured at baseline (0), 1, 2, and 4 h after self-administration. Each participant completed subjective effects questionnaires: A set of Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), the 49-item Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI), and Evaluation of the Subjective Effects of Substances with Abuse Potential (VESSPA-SSE) at baseline, 1, 2, and 4 h after self-administration. Oral fluid and urine were collected during 4 h. Both routes of mephedrone self-administration enhanced ratings of euphoria and well-being effects and increased cardiovascular effects in humans. Although it was at times assessed that the oral route produced greater and larger effects than the intranasal one, concentrations of mephedrone in oral fluid and also the total amount of mephedrone and metabolites in urine showed that concentrations of mephedrone are considerably higher when self-administered intranasally in comparison to orally. Controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm our observational results.
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Pyrrolidinyl Synthetic Cathinones α-PHP and 4F-α-PVP Metabolite Profiling Using Human Hepatocyte Incubations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010230. [PMID: 33379373 PMCID: PMC7796222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/1970] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
For more than ten years, new synthetic cathinones (SCs) mimicking the effects of controlled cocaine-like stimulants have flooded the illegal drug market, causing numerous intoxications and fatalities. There are often no data on the pharmacokinetics of these substances when they first emerge onto the market. However, the detection of SC metabolites is often critical in order to prove consumption in clinical and forensic settings. In this research, the metabolite profile of two pyrrolidinyl SCs, α-pyrrolidinohexaphenone (α-PHP) and 4''-fluoro-α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (4F-α-PVP), were characterized to identify optimal intake markers. Experiments were conducted using pooled human hepatocyte incubations followed by liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and data-mining software. We suggest α-PHP dihydroxy-pyrrolidinyl, α-PHP hexanol, α-PHP 2'-keto-pyrrolidinyl-hexanol, and α-PHP 2'-keto-pyrrolidinyl as markers of α-PHP use, and 4F-α-PVP dihydroxy-pyrrolidinyl, 4F-α-PVP hexanol, 4F-α-PVP 2'-keto-pyrrolidinyl-hexanol, and 4F-α-PVP 2'-keto-pyrrolidinyl as markers of 4F-α-PVP use. These results represent the first data available on 4F-α-PVP metabolism. The metabolic fate of α-PHP was previously studied using human liver microsomes and urine samples from α-PHP users. We identified an additional major metabolite (α-PHP dihydroxy-pyrrolidinyl) that might be crucial for documenting exposure to α-PHP. Further experiments with suitable analytical standards, which are yet to be synthesized, and authentic specimens should be conducted to confirm these results.
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Determination of the Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-122, JWH-210, UR-144 in Oral Fluid of Consumers by GC-MS and Quantification of Parent Compounds and Metabolites by UHPLC-MS/MS. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249414. [PMID: 33321929 PMCID: PMC7764284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The consumption of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) has significantly increased in the last decade and the analysis of SCs and their metabolites in human specimens is gaining interest in clinical and forensic toxicology. A pilot study has been carried out using a combination of an initial last generation gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) screening method for the determination of JWH-122, JWH-210, UR-144) in oral fluid (OF) of consumers and an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) confirmatory method for the quantification of the parent compounds and their metabolites in the same biological matrix. OF samples were simply liquid-liquid extracted before injecting in both chromatographic systems. The developed methods have been successfully validated and were linear from limit of quantification (LOQ) to 50 ng/mL OF. Recovery of analytes was always higher than 70% and matrix effect always lower than 15% whereas intra-assay and inter-assay precision and accuracy were always better than 16%. After smoking 1 mg JWH-122 or UR-144 and 3 mg JWH-210, maximum concentration of 4.00-3.14 ng/mL JWH-122, 8.10-7.30 ng/mL JWH-210 ng/mL and 7.40 and 6.81 ng/mL UR-144 were measured by GC-MS and UHPLC-HRMS respectively at 20 min after inhalation. Metabolites of JWH 122 and 210 were quantified in OF by UHPLC-HRMS, while that of UR144 was only detectable in traces. Our results provide for the first time information about disposition of these SCs and their metabolites in consumers OF. Last generation GC-MS has proven useful tool to identify and quantify parent SCs whereas UHPLC-HRMS also confirmed the presence of SCs metabolites in the OF of SCs consumers.
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