Quantification of Cathinone Analogues without Reference Standard Using 1H Quantitative NMR

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Effects of Chloro-Cathinones: Toxicity and Potential Neurological Impact

Cathinones, a class of synthetic new psychoactive substances (NPSs), continue to emerge and pose public threats. Government control efforts often lead to the emergence of new isomers, which have adverse repercussions on NPSs identification and risk prediction. This work reports on the synthesis and structural characterization of twenty chloro-cathinones, including different isomers, to create analytical data to facilitate their identification in forensic and clinical contexts. Additionally, the potential of these cathinones to cause neuronal damage was evaluated. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using a differentiated human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) as a dopaminergic neuronal model. The tested cathinones showed LC50 values from 0.6 to 2.5 mM, with 4-CBC being the most cytotoxic. The most toxic cathinones increase reactive oxygen species levels and/or cause mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization. Furthermore, this study explored, for the first time, the effect of cathinones on the cholinergic system through acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. All tested cathinones inhibited AChE with IC50 values between 0.1 and 2 mM. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the most inhibitory cathinones interacted with the CASs and PASs in AChE's active gorge. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of cathinones, highlighting potential health risks and structural features that may influence their toxicity towards the cholinergic system and neuronal damage.

Pharmaceutical process-omics for quality control of traditional Chinese medicine preparations: A 1H-qNMR assisted case study of Guanxinning injection

Guanxinning injection (GXNI) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation derived from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma. It is produced through a series of processes involving water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and other techniques. GXNI is primarily used for treating angina pectoris in coronary heart disease, and it has shown remarkable efficacy in clinical practice. One of the key components responsible for its pharmacological effects is salvianolic acids. However, these components are known for their poor stability and susceptibility to pH and temperature variations. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on ensuring the quality and stability of salvianolic acids in GXNI. In this study, we employed Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) to analyze the intermediate products formed during the manufacturing of GXNI. We thoroughly examined the spectra of these intermediates and developed a precise 1H-qNMR method for the accurate quantification of various classes of chemical components present in GXNI. Additionally, we applied this method to investigate how the composition of GXNI evolves and transfers throughout the entire production process. To further enhance our understanding, we employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) to identify critical steps in the production process and to identify potential quality markers (Q-markers) associated with these processes. Our study sheds light on the dynamic changes in composition that occur during the production of GXNI. This research serves as a foundation for establishing a comprehensive quality evaluation system for GXNI, ensuring its efficacy and safety in clinical applications.

Investigation of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry to screen metabolic syndrome and diabetes

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the abilities of ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) transverse relaxation constant time (T₂) and longitudinal relaxation constant time (T₁) to screen people at the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Human blood samples were collected for NMR detection and biochemical examinations. Bivariate correlations, categorical analyses were performed to explore the relationship between NMR relaxation time and metabolic biomarkers. Results show that NMR relaxation time of human serum correlated well with some biomarkers associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Statistically significant differences in NMR relaxation time between subjects with normal and poor metabolic health were observed. NMR relaxation time, especially T₂, can be used to screen people at risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.