1
|
Tanaka R, Kawamura M, Mizutani S, Kikura-Hanajiri R. Characterization of the lysergic acid diethylamide analog, 1-(thiophene-2-carbonyl)-N,N-diethyllysergamide (1T-LSD) from a blotter product. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:482-488. [PMID: 37605503 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Recently, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogs have appeared worldwide as designer drugs. In this study, we identified a distributed LSD analog from a paper-sheet product. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-photodiode array-mass spectrometry (LC-PDA-MS), and liquid chromatography with hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) were used to analyze the sheet product. The sheet product claimed to contain 1-(1,2-dimethylcyclobutanoyl)-N,N-diethyllysergamide (1D-LSD). However, an unknown compound was detected in the product together with tryptamine and L-tryptophan methyl ester. This compound was isolated from the sheets and identified as 1-(thiophene-2-carbonyl)-N,N-diethyl-6-methyl-9,10-didehydroergoline-8β-carboxamide (1-thiophenoyl LSD; 1-(2-thienoyl)-LSD, 1T-LSD), using 1H, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and various two-dimensional NMR techniques. 1T-LSD was shown to have the thiophene-2-carbonyl group at the N1 position instead of the 1,2-dimethylcyclobutane-carbonyl group as claimed. The amount of 1T-LSD (free base) in three individual unit from one sheet was determined to be 87-100 μg per unit using a proton-specific quantitative NMR (1H-qNMR) method. Deacylation of 1T-LSD to LSD was also observed to occur in methanol-d4 during NMR analysis. The UV spectrum of 1T-LSD differed from that of other LSD analogs, and the fluorescence sensitivity was much lower. Because of concerns about the future distribution of products containing new LSD analogs, continued monitoring of newly detected compounds in sheet products is encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rie Tanaka
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Maiko Kawamura
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sakumi Mizutani
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ruri Kikura-Hanajiri
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
LoParco CR, Kong AY, Yockey RA, Sekhon V, Olsson S, Rossheim ME. Factors Associated with Delta-8 THC Retail Availability in Fort Worth, Texas, 2021-2022. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:840-846. [PMID: 38247162 PMCID: PMC11072389 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2305793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Background: Delta-8 THC is a federally unregulated psychoactive cannabis product rising in popularity. However, little is known regarding its retail availability. Method: We assessed Delta-8 THC retail by calling locations with alcohol, tobacco, and/or consumable hemp retail licenses in Fort Worth, Texas, before and after Texas announced ongoing litigation surrounding Delta-8 THC legality. We linked census block area deprivation index (ADI) scores (1-10; 10 = most disadvantaged) to locations. Logistic regression models examined associations between license type, ADI, ADI*license type interaction, and Delta-8 availability at each time. Results: Retail availability was 11% at Time 1 (n = 133/1,223) and 9% at Time 2 (n = 94/1,026). Alcohol (aORTime1 = 0.18, 95%CI = 0.12,0.28; aORTime2 = 0.14, 95%CI = 0.08,0.24), tobacco (aORTime1 = 15.13, 95%CI = 6.78,33.74; aORTime2 = 12.39, 95%CI = 4.97,30.91), and consumable hemp licenses (aORTime1 = 21.85, 95%CI = 7.91,60.39; aORTime2 = 22.93, 95%CI = 6.92,75.98) were associated with Delta-8 THC retail availability; ADI scores were borderline but not statistically significant. The multiplicative interaction at Time 2 indicated locations with both high ADI scores and alcohol retail licenses had higher odds of selling Delta-8 THC. Differential associations between ADI and Delta-8 THC availability were observed based on those with (b = 0.007) or without (b = -0.023) alcohol retail licenses. Conclusions: Both timepoints had similar proportions of Delta-8 THC retailers, indicating that despite the uncertain legal landscape in Texas, interest in Delta-8 did not appear to be declining. Geographic socioeconomic disparities were observed among locations with alcohol retail licenses. Future regulations may include minimum distances from specific locations (e.g., schools), particularly in more disadvantaged areas. Increasing the compliance of Texas Delta-8 THC retailers to have the required hemp license is important for surveillance and product safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. R. LoParco
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
- George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW #2, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - A. Y. Kong
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine, 800 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, 655 Research Pkwy #400, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - R. A. Yockey
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - V. Sekhon
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, 326 Market St, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, USA
| | - S. Olsson
- Texas Christian University, School of Medicine, 2800 South University Dr, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA
| | - M. E. Rossheim
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Park H, Lin M, Zhou J, Eubanks LM, Zhou B, Janda KD. Development of a vaccine against the synthetic opioid U-47700. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1219985. [PMID: 37492086 PMCID: PMC10363602 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1219985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorders and overdose have become a major public health concern in recent years. U-47700, a New psychoactive substances (NPS) opioid, also known as "pinky" or "pink" has been identified as a new threat in the drug supply because of its potency and abuse potential. Conjugate vaccines that can produce antibodies against target drug molecules have emerged as a promising tool to treat substance use disorders. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and in vivo characterization of a U-47700 vaccine. The vaccine demonstrated favorable results with rodents producing elevated levels of antibody titer and sub-micromolar affinity to U-47700. In addition, antibodies generated by the vaccine effectively mitigated drug-induced effects by preventing the drug from penetrating the blood-brain barrier, which was verified by antinociception and drug biodistribution studies. The development of a vaccine against U-47700 and other NPS opioids contributes to the continued advancement of non-conventional pharmacological treatments to address the global opioid epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeri Park
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute for Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mingliang Lin
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute for Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jian Zhou
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute for Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lisa M. Eubanks
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute for Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Bin Zhou
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute for Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Kim D. Janda
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute for Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Su YJ, Chen TH, Liao WH, Chang KS, Lai YC. Clinical characteristics in new psychoactive substance users: A single center study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34084. [PMID: 37352073 PMCID: PMC10289540 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are emerging illegal substances or synthetic drugs that pose public health threats worldwide. This study was aimed at reporting the clinical characteristics of NPS and classical illicit substances used by patients who presented to the emergency room. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients with suspected illicit substance use who visited the emergency department (ED) with the suspicion of illicit substance use. We divided the patients into 4 groups based on the NPS testing results: NPS positive, NPS negative, NPS combined with classical illicit drugs (INPS), and subjects with negative testing results. The majority of patients in all groups were male. The NPS users were significantly younger than those with negative results on toxic testing (26.4 vs 37.5, P = .005 < 0.05). The heart rate of NPS users was significantly faster than that of the group with negative results of toxic testing (111.1 vs 93.5 beats per minute, P = .046). The heartbeats of INPS group were also significantly faster than those with a negative result in toxicology screen (119.6 vs 93.5 beats per minute, P = .024). Those who used classical illicit drugs combined with NPS had significantly higher palpitation than those with negative results of toxic testing (27.3% vs 3.1%, P = .017). Patients who were highly suspicious of NPS use were younger, had tachycardia, felt palpitations, and had fair oxygen saturation compared to patients who were negative for urine toxicity screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jang Su
- Toxicology Division, Department of Emergency Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, HsinChu, Taiwan
| | - Tse-Hao Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsiang Liao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, TAMSUI BRANCH, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Song Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Disaster Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chun Lai
- Department of Anesthesiology. Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ameline A, Baudry M, Garnier D, Raul JS, Kintz P. Case report of a fatal 3-hydroxyphencyclidine (3-OH-PCP) intoxication, including blood and hair results. J Anal Toxicol 2023:7190897. [PMID: 37279962 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
3-hydroxyphencyclidine (3-OH-PCP) is a hydroxy derivative of phencyclidine, synthesized in 1978 to investigate the structure-activity relationship of phencyclidine derivates. In vitro studies have shown that 3-OH-PCP, like phencyclidine, acts on the NMDA receptor and has a higher affinity for this receptor than phencyclidine. The authors report the case of a 38-year-old man, known for drug addiction, found dead at home with two plastic bags of powders found near his body. Using LC-MS/MS, peripheral blood toxicological analysis revealed consumption of 3-OH-PCP with a concentration of 3-OH-PCP at 524 ng/mL. Blood also tested positive for nordiazepam, methylphenidate, amisulpride, methadone and benzoylecgonine, all at concentrations near those observed after recreational abuse. The blood concentration of 3-OH-PCP is the highest ever reported in the literature. Hair testing also revealed 3-OH-PCP, at 174 pg/mg, which may correspond to a chronic consumption of this molecule. A NMR analysis of the two powders highlighted 3-OH-PCP and 5-Meo-DMT, estimated at 85.4 % and 91.3 % of purity, respectively, using the Electronic Reference To access in vivo Concentrations (ERETIC) method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Ameline
- Institut de médecine légale, 11 rue Humann, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Morgane Baudry
- Institut de médecine légale, 11 rue Humann, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Delphine Garnier
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
- Plateforme d'Analyse Chimique de Strasbourg-Illkirch, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | | | - Pascal Kintz
- Institut de médecine légale, 11 rue Humann, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- X-Pertise Consulting, 42 rue Principale, 67206 Mittelhausbergen, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang HY, Wu J, Zhang Q, Min XF, Liu XY, Guo YL. Structural Analysis and Characterization of 4-F-α-PVP Analog 4-F-3-Methyl-α- PVP Hydrochloride. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2023; 39:144-150. [PMID: 37277377 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.311002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl) pentan-1-one (4-F-α-PVP) analog 1-(4-fluoro-3-methyl phenyl)-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl) pentan-1-one (4-F-3-Methyl-α-PVP) hydrochloride without reference substance. METHODS The direct-injection electron ionization-mass spectrometry (EI-MS), GC-MS, electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI-HRMS), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS/MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ion chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were integrated utilized to achieve the structural analysis and characterization of the unknown compound in the sample, and the cleavage mechanism of the fragment ions was deduced by EI-MS and UPLC-HRMS/MS. RESULTS By analyzing the direct-injection EI-MS, GC-MS, ESI-HRMS and UPLC-HRMS/MS of the compound in the samples, it was concluded that the unknown compound was a structural analog of 4-F-α-PVP, possibly with one more methyl group in the benzene ring. According to the analysis results of 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR, it was further proved that the methyl group is located at the 3-position of the benzene ring. Since the actual number of hydrogen in 1H-NMR analysis was one more than 4-F-3-Methyl-α-PVP neutral molecule, it was inferred that the compound existed in the form of salt. Ion chromatography analysis results showed that the compound contained chlorine anion (content 11.14%-11.16%), with the structural analysis of main functional group information by FTIR, the unknown compound was finally determined to be 4-F-3-Methyl-α-PVP hydrochloride. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive method using EI-MS, GC-MS, ESI-HRMS, UPLC-HRMS/MS, NMR, ion chromatography and FTIR to identify 4-F-3-Methyl-α-PVP hydrochloride in samples is established, which will be helpful for the forensic science laboratory to identify this compound or other analog compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Yang Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin-Feng Min
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiu-Yan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yin-Long Guo
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Syrjanen R, Greene SL, Castle JW, Di Rago M, Hodgson SE, Abouchedid R, Graudins A, Schumann JL. Non-fatal intoxications involving the novel benzodiazepine clonazolam: case series from the Emerging Drugs Network of Australia - Victoria project. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2023; 61:290-293. [PMID: 36988452 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2023.2183105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clonazolam is an unregistered novel benzodiazepine which emerged in global illicit drug markets in 2014. We describe the clinical features of four cases of non-fatal clonazolam mono-intoxications from patients presenting to emergency departments in Australia. CASES Four patients aged between 16 and 19 years presented to hospital with a sedative toxidrome (Glasgow Coma Scale range 8-13) and elevated heart rate (median heart rate 100 beats per minute, range 92-105) following reported benzodiazepine exposure. Three patients reported the use of a large quantity (7-20 tablets) of Xanax®, a brand of alprazolam not commercially available in Australia. Two patients required nasopharyngeal airway insertion following the development of airway obstruction. The median time to return of a normal conscious state (Glasgow Coma Scale 15) was 23 h (range 5-30 h). Clonazolam (range 0.2-2.1 µg/L) and its main metabolite 8-aminoclonazolam (range 5.9-19.1 µg/L) were the only substances detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in blood samples of all patients. CONCLUSION Clonazolam intoxication resulted in sedation with mild sinus tachycardia. Three patients who reported multiple tablet exposures experienced prolonged sedation, and two of these patients developed airway obstruction. In this series, clonazolam was unknowingly ingested through possible illicit substitution within an unregulated counterfeit benzodiazepine product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Syrjanen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
- Austin Health, Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shaun L Greene
- Austin Health, Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Austin Health, Emergency Department, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Critical Care, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jared W Castle
- Toxicology Department, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Di Rago
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
- Toxicology Department, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah E Hodgson
- Austin Health, Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Austin Health, Emergency Department, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachelle Abouchedid
- Austin Health, Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Bendigo Health, Emergency Department, Bendigo Hospital, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andis Graudins
- Monash Health, Emergency Department, Dandenong Hospital, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, FMNHS, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Schumann
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
- Toxicology Department, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Borden SA, Mercer SR, Saatchi A, Wong E, Stefan CM, Wiebe H, Hore DK, Wallace B, Gill CG. Carfentanil structural analogs found in street drugs by paper spray mass spectrometry and their characterization by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2023; 15:484-494. [PMID: 36605020 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Carfentanil is one of the most potent synthetic opioids ever developed, with an estimated analgesic potency approximately 20-100 times that of fentanyl and 10,000 times that of morphine. Carfentanil has been appearing in the illicit drug supply in many regions and has been linked to fatal overdose events. A subset of 59 street drug samples obtained in Victoria, B.C., that were confirmed to contain carfentanil were analyzed by mass spectrometry for this study. Carfentanil quantitation by paper spray mass spectrometry ranged from 0.05 to 2.95 w/w% (median = 0.32%) in the original drug sample. Paper spray mass spectrometry analysis also detected two unknown peaks at m/z 380.2 and 381.2 in 31 of these 59 samples (53%). Initial tandem mass spectrometry experiments revealed structural similarities between these unknown compounds and carfentanil, suggesting they were potential structural analogs, possibly arising from incomplete purification during synthesis. High-resolution mass spectrometry determined the chemical formulas of these compounds as C23 H29 N3 O2 (m/z 380.2333) and C23 H29 N2 O3 (m/z 381.2137). Literature and tandem mass spectrometry results were used to determine the identity of these potential new psychoactive substances, C23 H29 N3 O2 as desmethylcarfentanil amide and C23 H29 N2 O3 as desmethylcarfentanil acid. μ-Opioid receptor binding modeling determined that the binding poses of these analogs were nearly identical to that of carfentanil with relative binding energy calculations of 0.544 kJ/mol (desmethylcarfentanil amide) and -0.171 kJ/mol (desmethylcarfentanil acid); these data suggest they may share the toxic effects of carfentanil and have similar potencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Borden
- Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Savannah R Mercer
- Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Armin Saatchi
- Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Ernest Wong
- Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cristiana M Stefan
- Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Wiebe
- Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Dennis K Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Bruce Wallace
- School of Social Work, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Chris G Gill
- Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Deng QY, Sun WJ, He SY, Wang KD, Chen YS, Wang W, Liang C. Identification of the New Psychoactive Substance Eutylone. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2022; 38:473-477. [PMID: 36426690 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.310503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish a method to identify unknown sample based on the combined use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS) and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) technique. METHODS The unknown sample was directly analyzed by FTIR. The unknown sample was dissolved in methanol solution containing internal standard SKF525A and the supernatant was detected by GC-QTOF-MS and UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS. The unknown sample was dissolved in methanol-d4 solution for structural analysis of 1H-NMR. RESULTS The characteristic absorption peaks of FTIR spectra obtained from unknown sample were 1 682 (C=O bond), 1 503, 1 488, 1 436, 1 363, 1 256, 1 092, 1 035, 935, 840 and 800 cm-1, the characteristic fragment ions (m/z) of GC-QTOF-MS were 86.096 4 (base peak), 58.065 1, 149.023 5, 121.028 6 and 65.038 6, the accurate mass [M+H]+ detected by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS was 236.127 7. The sample was identified as synthetic cathinone new psychoactive substance Eutylone by 1H-NMR. CONCLUSIONS The method established in this study can be used for structural confirmation of Eutylone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Ya Deng
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Wen-Juan Sun
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Si-Yang He
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Kua-Dou Wang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Chen
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yeh HT, Chen HY, Liu SW, Weng TI, Fang CC, Yu JH, Chen YC, Su YJ, Gao SY, Lin CC. Clinical Presentations and Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality in Illicit Drug Users in the New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Endemic Era in Taiwan. Toxics 2022; 10:toxics10070386. [PMID: 35878292 PMCID: PMC9317329 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10070386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Predictors of mortality in illicit drug users involving Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and multiple substances have not been elucidated. We aimed to define predictors of mortality in the NPS endemic era’s illicit drug users to strengthen patient care in emergency treatment. This was a retrospective study. LC-MS/MS-confirmed positive illicit drug users who visited the emergency departments (ED) of six medical systems were enrolled. Demographic information, physical examinations, and laboratory data were abstracted for mortality analysis. There were 16 fatalities in 355 enrolled patients. The most frequently used illicit drugs were amphetamines, followed by opioids, cathinones, and ketamine. The most frequently detected cathinones among the 16 synthetic cathinones were eutylone, followed by mephedrone. The combined use of cathinones and ketamine was most commonly observed in our results. Univariate analysis revealed that the mortality patients were older, with deep coma, faster heart rate and respiratory rate, lower blood pressures and O2 room air saturation, more seizures, abnormal breath sounds, and had urine incontinence compared to the survivor patients. The mortality patients also had acute kidney injury, higher potassium, blood sugar, liver function test, and lactate level. The results of multiple logistic regression demonstrated that SBP < 90 mmHg, dyspnea, blood sugar > 140 mg/dl, and HCO3 < 20.6 mmHg were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Regardless of the pattern of the use of illicit drugs, the predictors allow for risk stratification and determining the optimal treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Tzu Yeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-T.Y.); (H.-Y.C.); (S.-Y.G.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Yi Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-T.Y.); (H.-Y.C.); (S.-Y.G.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Wei Liu
- Department of Emergency, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan;
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Te-I Weng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (T.-I.W.); (C.-C.F.)
- Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Fang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (T.-I.W.); (C.-C.F.)
- Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Center, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Hao Yu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan;
| | - Yen-Chia Chen
- Emergency Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jang Su
- Emergency Department, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan;
- Poison Center, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan
- MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Ying Gao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-T.Y.); (H.-Y.C.); (S.-Y.G.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-T.Y.); (H.-Y.C.); (S.-Y.G.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Han M, Liu S, Zhang D, Zhang R, Liu D, Xing H, Sun D, Gong L, Cai P, Tu W, Chen J, Hu QN. AddictedChem: A Data-Driven Integrated Platform for New Psychoactive Substance Identification. Molecules 2022; 27:3931. [PMID: 35745053 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying drug addiction remain nebulous. Furthermore, new psychoactive substances (NPS) are being developed to circumvent legal control; hence, rapid NPS identification is urgently needed. Here, we present the construction of the comprehensive database of controlled substances, AddictedChem. This database integrates the following information on controlled substances from the US Drug Enforcement Administration: physical and chemical characteristics; classified literature by Medical Subject Headings terms and target binding data; absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity; and related genes, pathways, and bioassays. We created 29 predictive models for NPS identification using five machine learning algorithms and seven molecular descriptors. The best performing models achieved a balanced accuracy (BA) of 0.940 with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.986 for the test set and a BA of 0.919 and an AUC of 0.968 for the external validation set, which were subsequently used to identify potential NPS with a consensus strategy. Concurrently, a chemical space that included the properties of vectorised addictive compounds was constructed and integrated with AddictedChem, illustrating the principle of diversely existing NPS from a macro perspective. Based on these potential applications, AddictedChem could be considered a highly promising tool for NPS identification and evaluation.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tanaka R, Kawamura M, Mizutani S, Hakamatsuka T, Kikura-Hanajiri R. [Identification of Three Arylcyclohexylamines (MXPr, MXiPr, and DMXE) in Illegal Products]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2022; 142:675-681. [PMID: 35650087 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.21-00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Arylcyclohexylamines are a category of substances to which the anesthetic ketamine belongs. The arylcyclohexylamines have been reported to act as antagonists of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. An analog of ketamine, 2-(ethylamino)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-cyclohexanone (methoxetamine; MXE), has been controlled as a narcotic in Japan and overdoses of MXE have been reported to cause health problems. In recent years, MXE derivatives have beendetected in illegal products in Japan. In this study, we describe the identification of three MXE derivatives, 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(propylamino)cyclohexan-1-one (methoxpropamine; MXPr), 2-(isopropylamino)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-one (methoxisopropamine; MXiPr) and 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(propylamino)cyclohexan-1-one (deoxymethoxetamine; DMXE), from illegal products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rie Tanaka
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Maiko Kawamura
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Sakumi Mizutani
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Takashi Hakamatsuka
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Ruri Kikura-Hanajiri
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rojkiewicz M, Kuś P, Książek M, Kusz J. Crystallographic characterization of three cathinone hydrochlorides new on the NPS market: 1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexan-1-one (4-MPHP), 4-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one (α-PiHP) and 2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)pentan-1-one (4-MPD). Acta Crystallogr C Struct Chem 2022; 78:56-62. [PMID: 34982049 DOI: 10.1107/s2053229621013401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathinones belong to a group of compounds of great interest in the new psychoactive substances (NPS) market. Constant changes to the chemical structure made by the producers of these compounds require a quick reaction from analytical laboratories in ascertaining their characteristics. In this article, three cathinone derivatives were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The investigated compounds were confirmed as: 1-[1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-oxohexan-2-yl]pyrrolidin-1-ium chloride (1, C17H26NO+·Cl-, the hydrochloride of 4-MPHP), 1-(4-methyl-1-oxo-1-phenylpentan-2-yl)pyrrolidin-1-ium chloride (2; C16H24NO+·Cl-, the hydrochloride of α-PiHP) and methyl[1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-oxopentan-2-yl]azanium chloride (3; C13H20NO+·Cl-, the hydrochloride of 4-MPD). All the salts crystallize in a monoclinic space group: 1 and 2 in P21/c, and 3 in P21/n. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first detailed and comprehensive crystallographic data on salts 1-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Rojkiewicz
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia, 9 Szkolna Street, Katowice 40-006, Poland
| | - Piotr Kuś
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia, 9 Szkolna Street, Katowice 40-006, Poland
| | - Maria Książek
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia, 1 75 Pułku Piechoty Street, Chorzów 41-500, Poland
| | - Joachim Kusz
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia, 1 75 Pułku Piechoty Street, Chorzów 41-500, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nadal-Gratacós N, Alberto-Silva AS, Rodríguez-Soler M, Urquizu E, Espinosa-Velasco M, Jäntsch K, Holy M, Batllori X, Berzosa X, Pubill D, Camarasa J, Sitte HH, Escubedo E, López-Arnau R. Structure-Activity Relationship of Novel Second-Generation Synthetic Cathinones: Mechanism of Action, Locomotion, Reward, and Immediate-Early Genes. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:749429. [PMID: 34764870 PMCID: PMC8576102 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.749429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several new synthetic cathinones, which mimic the effect of classical psychostimulants such as cocaine or MDMA, have appeared in the global illicit drug market in the last decades. In fact, the illicit drug market is continually evolving by constantly adding small modifications to the common chemical structure of synthetic cathinones. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo structure–activity relationship (SAR) of six novel synthetic cathinones currently popular as recreational drugs, pentedrone, pentylone, N-ethyl-pentedrone (NEPD), N-ethyl-pentylone (NEP), 4-methyl-pentedrone (4-MPD), and 4-methyl-ethylaminopentedrone (4-MeAP), which structurally differ in the absence or presence of different aromatic substituents and in their amino terminal group. Human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells expressing the human isoforms of SERT and DAT were used for the uptake inhibition and release assays. Moreover, Swiss CD-1 mice were used to investigate the psychostimulant effect, rewarding properties (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, i.p.), and the induction of immediate-early genes (IEGs), such as Arc and c-fos in the dorsal striatum (DS) and ventral striatum (VS) as well as bdnf in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), of the test compounds. Our results demonstrated that all tested synthetic cathinones are potent dopamine (DA) uptake inhibitors, especially the N-ethyl analogs, while the ring-substituted cathinones tested showed higher potency as SERT inhibitors than their no ring-substituted analogs. Moreover, unlike NEP, the remaining test compounds showed clear “hybrid” properties, acting as DAT blockers but SERT substrates. Regarding the locomotion, NEP and NEPD were more efficacious (10 mg/kg) than their N-methyl analogs, which correlates with their higher potency inhibiting the DAT and an overexpression of Arc levels in the DS and VS. Furthermore, all compounds tested induced an increase in c-fos expression in the DS, except for 4-MPD, the least effective compound in inducing hyperlocomotion. Moreover, NEP induced an up-regulation of bdnf in the mPFC that correlates with its 5-HTergic properties. Finally, the present study demonstrated for the first time that NEP, 4-MPD, and 4-MeAP induce reward in mice. Altogether, this study provides valuable information about the mechanism of action and psychostimulant and rewarding properties as well as changes in the expression of IEGs related to addiction induced by novel second-generation synthetic cathinones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Nadal-Gratacós
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Sofia Alberto-Silva
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Míriam Rodríguez-Soler
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edurne Urquizu
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Espinosa-Velasco
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kathrin Jäntsch
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Holy
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Xavier Batllori
- 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
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Center for Addiction Research and Science, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liu CM, Jia W, Meng X, Hua ZD. Identification and quantification of 10 indole/indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids in 36 herbal blends by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:2156-2166. [PMID: 34431514 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Herbal blends containing synthetic cannabinoids have become popular alternatives to marijuana. The number of synthetic cannabinoids and speed of their emergence enable this group of compounds particularly challenging in terms of detection, monitoring, and responding. In this work, both gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) methods were developed for the identification and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids in herbal blends. Ten types of indole/indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids, which showed different types of substitutions connected to nitrogen of the indole/indazole carboxamide, were detected in 36 herbal blends. The GC-MS fragmentation routes of indole/indazole carboxamide synthetic cannabinoids were discussed in detail for structure identification purpose. The concentration range of synthetic cannabinoid in 36 herbal blends was 1.9-50.6 mg/g using GC-MS method, while 1.5-49.0 mg/g by NMR method. Nicotine in herbal blends was quantified by NMR method without using reference material, and showed a variation of 5.3-44.7 mg/g. For quantitative analysis, NMR method showed great advantage in the absence of reference material, while GC-MS method showed great merit for multiple-compound analysis when reference material was available. Therefore, for the quantitative analysis of new emerged synthetic cannabinoid in herbal blends, different methods could be chosen by considering whether reference material is available, as well as the number and types of synthetic cannabinoids detected in a single sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Mei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, P.R.C, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jia
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, P.R.C, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Meng
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, P.R.C, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Dong Hua
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, P.R.C, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chen YC, Hong SW, Wu HH, Wang YL, Chen YF. Rapid Formation of Nanoclusters for Detection of Drugs in Urine Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:1789. [PMID: 34361175 PMCID: PMC8308440 DOI: 10.3390/nano11071789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We developed a method based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and a sample pretreatment process for rapid, sensitive, reproducible, multiplexed, and low-cost detection of illegal drugs in urine. The abuse of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has become an increasingly serious problem in many countries. However, immunoassay-based screening kits for NPS are usually not available because of the lack of corresponding antibodies. SERS has a great potential for rapid detection of NPS because it can simultaneously detect multiple kinds of drugs without the use of antibodies. To achieve highly sensitive SERS detection of drugs, sodium bromide was first employed to induce the rapid formation of Ag nanoclusters by aggregating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the extracted sample solution. SERS measurements were performed immediately after the sample pretreatment without incubation. The three-dimensional SERS hot spots were believed to form significantly within the nanoclusters, providing strong SERS enhancement effects. The displacement of citrate molecules on the surfaces of the AgNPs by bromide ions helped increase the adsorption of drug molecules, increasing their areal density. We demonstrated the simultaneous detection of two kinds of NPS, methcathinone and 4-methylmethcathinone, in urine at a concentration as low as 0.01 ppm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Chu Chen
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (S.-W.H.); (H.-H.W.)
| | - Shang-Wen Hong
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (S.-W.H.); (H.-H.W.)
| | - Huang-Hesin Wu
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (S.-W.H.); (H.-H.W.)
| | - Yuh-Lin Wang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 106, Taiwan;
| | - Yih-Fan Chen
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (S.-W.H.); (H.-H.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shao XT, Yu H, Lin JG, Kong XP, Wang Z, Wang DG. Presence of the ketamine analog of 2-fluorodeschloroketamine residues in wastewater. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1650-1657. [PMID: 34021972 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine (KET) analogs are increasingly emerging as new psychoactive substances (NPS). The present report describes the first detection of the KET analog, 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2F-DCK), in influent samples collected from nine wastewater treatment plants in seven major Chinese cities from 2018 to 2020 by wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). An analytical method based on solid-phase extraction and subsequent gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed for the detection of 2F-DCK and KET. The stability experiments showed that 2F-DCK and KET remained stable in wastewater for 15 days at room and frozen temperatures, and at two pH values (pH = 7 and pH = 2), with residue amounts between 90% and 110%. KET was detected in all samples, whereas 2F-DCK was detected in only four samples: from Guangzhou in 2018, Shenzhen in 2019, and Quanzhou and Nanning in 2020, indicating that 2F-DCK has been used as early as 2018 in China. The renal clearance of 2F-DCK was predicted based on the quantitative structure-pharmacokinetic relationship model, which was used to calculate an excretion factor of 3.7. The 2F-DCK consumption in four cities ranged from 3.71 ± 0.05 to 55 ± 0.09 mg/day/1000 inh, and KET ranged from 1.3 ± 0.04 to 76.5 ± 4.63 mg/day/1000 inh. This is the first study to investigate 2F-DCK by WBE, which provides relevant real-time data on the growth of NPS use, as well as useful information for the government to develop new policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ting Shao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Han Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Jian-Guo Lin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhuang Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gallardo E, Barroso M, Concheiro-Guisan M, de-Castro-Ríos A. Editorial: Current Analytical Trends in Drug Testing in Clinical and Forensic Toxicology. Front Chem 2021; 9:673397. [PMID: 34026734 PMCID: PMC8137848 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.673397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Gallardo
- Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mário Barroso
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses (INMLCF), Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Ana de-Castro-Ríos
- Institute of Forensic Sciences "Luis Concheiro", University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Romanek K, Fels H, Dame T, Skopp G, Musshoff F, Eiglmeier H, Eyer F. Return of the Quaaludes? Prolonged agitated delirium after intentional ingestion of the methaqualone analog SL-164 - a case report. Subst Abus 2021; 42:503-505. [PMID: 33760714 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1903648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: A 22-year-old male with a known history of drug abuse presented to our department with prolonged agitated delirium, myocloni, tachycardia and subfebrile temperature after the deliberate ingestion of opium poppy tea (Papaver somniferum L.) together with the methaqualone analog SL-164 (5-chloro-3-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-2-methyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone) which is sold online as a designer drug. Methods: SL-164 and its hydroxy metabolites were detected in serum and urine via liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Results: The pronounced delirium was treated with benzodiazepines and neuroleptics; temporary medical restraint had to be applied. Symptoms completely resolved over the next 72 h and the patient was discharged on day three able to give consent. Conclusions: Although methaqualone was a popular and widespread sedative in the 1950s and 60 s before its discontinuation in the USA in 1985, derivatives of the methaqualone class have not previously played a large role as drugs of abuse in the rapidly growing market of new psychoactive substances. To our knowledge, this is the first case of agitated delirium with detection of SL-164 and hydroxylated metabolites in a patient's serum and urine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Romanek
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Clinical Toxicology and Poison Control Centre Munich, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Helena Fels
- Forensic Toxicological Centre (FTC) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Torsten Dame
- Forensic Toxicological Centre (FTC) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Skopp
- Forensic Toxicological Centre (FTC) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Musshoff
- Forensic Toxicological Centre (FTC) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Eiglmeier
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Clinical Toxicology and Poison Control Centre Munich, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Eyer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Clinical Toxicology and Poison Control Centre Munich, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Goncalves R, Castaing N, Titier K, Dumestre-Toulet V. Hair Analysis of Methoxphenidine in a Forensic Chemsex Case. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:328-336. [PMID: 33523230 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methoxphenidine (MXP, 2-MeO-diphenidine) is a dissociative anaesthetic drug of the diarylethylamine type, recently introduced for recreational purposes through the online-based sale of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The concentration of MXP in hair has never been reported, either in cases of chemsex use or in fatal cases. A 55-year-old man was found dead at home the morning after a chemsex party. Toxicological analyses indicated high concentrations of MXP in femoral blood (606 µg/L), cardiac blood (254 µg/L), and hair (13 ng/mg). We also identified 3-MMC in femoral blood (traces) and urine (238 µg/L). The concentrations of all other drugs were consistent with living subjects. This case highlights the risk of methoxphenidine poisoning in the context of chemsex and emphasises the importance of including NPS in post-mortem toxicology examinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Goncalves
- CHU de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.,Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - N Castaing
- CHU de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - K Titier
- CHU de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tanaka R, Kawamura M, Hakamatsuka T, Kikura-Hanajiri R. [Identification of LSD Derivatives, 1cP-LSD, MIPLA and 1B-LSD in Illegal Products as Paper Sheet]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2020; 140:1405-1413. [PMID: 33132277 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.20-00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogen, synthesized from ergot alkaloid, and controlled as a narcotic in Japan. Recently, LSD derivatives have appeared as designer drugs, all over the world. In previous study, we reported identification and analysis of four LSD derivatives in four paper sheet products. In this study, we detected three additional LSD derivatives from three paper sheet products, which were obtained from September 2019 to March 2020 in Japan. We extracted the compounds from paper sheet products with methanol for LC-MS, high-resolution MS and GC-MS analyses. The compounds were identified as 4-cyclopropionyl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (1cP-LSD), N-methyl-N-isopropyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo-[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (MIPLA), 4-butyryl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (1B-LSD), by GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-Q-TOF-MS and NMR analyses. As well as other N1-acylated LSD derivatives, 1cP-LSD and 1B-LSD were easily deacylated to LSD during GC-MS analysis, we have to be careful to analyze these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rie Tanaka
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Maiko Kawamura
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Takashi Hakamatsuka
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Ruri Kikura-Hanajiri
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Tanaka R, Kawamura M, Hakamatsuka T, Kikura-Hanajiri R. [Identification and Analysis of LSD Derivatives in Illegal Products as Paper Sheet]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2020; 140:739-750. [PMID: 32378678 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.19-00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To prevent the abuse of new psychoactive substances (NPS), a total of 2372 substances and two plants are controlled as "Designated Substances" in Japan as of September 2019. Although the distribution of these substances has decreased for the past three years, newly-emerged NPS are still being found. In this study, we detected four lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) derivatives as designer drugs from four paper sheet products, which were obtained from 2014 to 2017 in Japan. The compounds were identified as 4-Acetyl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (ALD-52), N,N,7-triethyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (ETH-LAD), 7-Allyl-N,N-diethyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (AL-LAD), N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4-propionyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (1P-LSD), by GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-Q-TOF-MS and NMR analyses. Further, we studied the extraction methods of LSD derivatives from paper sheet, and the analytical conditions of GC-MS, LC-MS and LC-FL(fluorescence). Among LSD derivatives, 1P-LSD have been controlled as designated substances (Shitei Yakubutsu) under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act in Japan since April 2016. For the legislation of the other derivatives identified in this study, the evaluation of their pharmacological properties are now in progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rie Tanaka
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Maiko Kawamura
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Takashi Hakamatsuka
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| | - Ruri Kikura-Hanajiri
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Narcotics, National Institute of Health Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Papaseit E, Pérez-Mañá C, de Sousa Fernandes Perna EB, Olesti E, Mateus J, Kuypers KP, Theunissen EL, Fonseca F, Torrens M, Ramaekers JG, de la Torre R, Farré M. Mephedrone and Alcohol Interactions in Humans. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1588. [PMID: 32063845 PMCID: PMC6999687 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-MMC, mephedrone) is a synthetic cathinone derivative included in the class of new psychoactive substances. It is commonly used simultaneously with alcohol (ethanol). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interactions on subjective, cardiovascular and hormone effects and pharmacokinetics between mephedrone and alcohol in humans. Eleven male volunteers participated as outpatients in four experimental sessions in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants received a single oral dose of 200 mg of mephedrone plus 0.8 g/kg of alcohol (combination condition); 200 mg of mephedrone plus placebo alcohol (mephedrone condition); placebo mephedrone plus 0.8 g/kg of ethanol (alcohol condition); and placebo mephedrone plus placebo alcohol (placebo condition). Outcome variables included physiological (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and pupil diameter), psychomotor (Maddox wing), subjective (visual analogue scales, Addiction Research Center Inventory 49 item short form, and Valoración de los Efectos Subjetivos de Sustancias con Potencial de Abuso questionnaire), and pharmacokinetic parameters (mephedrone and ethanol concentrations). The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02294266. The mephedrone and alcohol combination produced an increase in the cardiovascular effects of mephedrone and induced a more intense feeling of euphoria and well-being in comparison to the two drugs alone. Mephedrone reduced the sedative effects produced by alcohol. These results are similar to those obtained when other psychostimulants such as amphetamines and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are combined simultaneously with alcohol. The abuse liability of mephedrone combined with alcohol is greater than that induced by mephedrone alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Papaseit
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Mañá
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | - Eulalia Olesti
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julian Mateus
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kim Pc Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Eef L Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Francina Fonseca
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions, Addiction Unit and IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions, Addiction Unit and IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jan G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), CIBEROBN, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
The number of persons arrested in Japan for drug-related offenses in 2016 increased from the previous year. Especially, cannabis offenses have increased since 2014, with more than 2000 persons arrested in 2015. As a feature of the year 2017, we analyzed many cannabis concentrates, called "Cannabis wax", in the process of analyzing cannabis in the Narcotics Control Department. "Cannabis wax" refers to concentrates of the hallucinogenic component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Increasingly, cannabis wax containing 50 times higher THC than general dry cannabis has been confiscated. More than 2300 compounds are currently regulated as new psychoactive substances in Japan. In a recent trend, there is an increasing number of cases in which a wide range of regulated substances have been seized and confiscated, ranging from those that have been abused for a long time, to those that are newly regulated. Many structural isomers are present among these, and we are constantly developing techniques for the rapid and accurate analysis of these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Akutsu
- Narcotics Control Department, Kanto-Shin'etsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kevin RC, Anderson L, McGregor IS, Boyd R, Manning JJ, Glass M, Connor M, Banister SD. CUMYL-4CN-BINACA Is an Efficacious and Potent Pro-Convulsant Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:595. [PMID: 31191320 PMCID: PMC6549035 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are the largest class of new psychoactive substances (NPS). New examples are detected constantly, and some are associated with a series of adverse effects, including seizures. CUMYL-4CN-BINACA (1-(4-cyanobutyl)-N-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)indazole-3-carboxamide) is structurally related to potent, cumylamine-derived SCRAs such as 5F-CUMYL-PINACA, but is unusual due to a terminal aliphatic nitrile group not frequently encountered in SCRAs or pharmaceuticals. We report here that CUMYL-4CN-BINACA is a potent CB1 receptor agonist (K i = 2.6 nM; EC50 = 0.58 nM) that produces pro-convulsant effects in mice at a lower dose than reported for any SCRA to date (0.3 mg/kg, i.p). Hypothermic and pro-convulsant effects in mice could be reduced or blocked, respectively, by pretreatment with CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716, pointing to at least partial involvement of CB1 receptors in vivo. Pretreatment with CB2 receptor antagonist AM-630 had no effect on pro-convulsant activity. The pro-convulsant properties and potency of CUMYL-4CN-BINACA may underpin the toxicity associated with this compound in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Kevin
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lyndsey Anderson
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jamie J. Manning
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Banister
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Funada D, Matsumoto T, Tanibuchi Y, Kawasoe Y, Sakakibara S, Naruse N, Ikeda S, Sunami T, Muto T, Cho T. Changes of clinical symptoms in patients with new psychoactive substance (NPS)-related disorders from fiscal year 2012 to 2014: A study in hospitals specializing in the treatment of addiction. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2019; 39:119-129. [PMID: 30968601 PMCID: PMC7292321 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has become increasingly widespread over the last decade, in Japan and internationally. NPS are associated with a range of increasingly serious clinical, public, and social issues. Political measures to ameliorate the effects of NPS in Japan have focused on tightening regulation rather than establishing treatment methods. The current study sought to compare the neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with NPS‐related disorders across several years. We examined patients who attended specialized hospitals for treating addiction, to elucidate the impacts of legal measures to control NPS. Methods Subjects (n = 864) were patients with NPS‐related disorders who received medical treatment at eight specialized hospitals for treating addiction in Japan between April 2012 and March 2015. Clinical information was collected retrospectively from medical records. Results Among psychiatric symptoms, the ratio of hallucinations/delusions decreased over time across 3 years of study (first year vs second year vs third year: 40.1% vs 30.9% vs 31.7%, P = 0.037). Among neurological symptoms, the ratio of coma/syncope increased over the 3‐year period (7.8% vs 11.0% vs 17.0%, P = 0.002), as did the ratio of convulsions (2.8% vs 4.3% vs 9.7%, P = 0.001). Conclusion The symptoms associated with NPS were primarily psychiatric in the first year, while the prevalence of neurological symptoms increased each year. The risk of death and the severity of symptoms were greater in the third year compared with the first year, as regulation of NPS increased. We collected information retrospectively based on medical records and compared with psychiatric and neurological symptoms of NPS users observed in the fiscal year of their first medical examination. We found that adverse health effects resulting from the use of NPS were changed from mainly psychiatric symptoms to neurological symptoms. These findings suggest the possibility that contained more dangerous and toxic compounds after drug‐related regulations had been tightened.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Funada
- National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Center Hospital, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Matsumoto
- National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yuko Tanibuchi
- National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, Kodaira, Japan.,Chiba Hospital, Funabashi, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Takeo Muto
- Hizen Psychiatric Center, Kanzaki-gun, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Cho
- Mie Prefectural Mental Medical Center, Tsu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Luethi D, Liechti ME. Monoamine Transporter and Receptor Interaction Profiles in Vitro Predict Reported Human Doses of Novel Psychoactive Stimulants and Psychedelics. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:926-931. [PMID: 29850881 PMCID: PMC6165951 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacological profiles of new psychoactive substances can be established rapidly in vitro and provide information on potential psychoactive effects in humans. The present study investigated whether specific in vitro monoamine transporter and receptor interactions can predict effective psychoactive doses in humans. METHODS We correlated previously assessed in vitro data of stimulants and psychedelics with human doses that are reported on the Internet and in books. RESULTS For stimulants, dopamine and norepinephrine transporter inhibition potency was positively correlated with human doses, whereas serotonin transporter inhibition potency was inversely correlated with human doses. Serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A) and 5-HT2C receptor affinity was significantly correlated with psychedelic doses, but 5-HT1A receptor affinity and 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptor activation potency were not. CONCLUSIONS The rapid assessment of in vitro pharmacological profiles of new psychoactive substances can help to predict psychoactive doses and effects in humans and facilitate the appropriate scheduling of new psychoactive substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dino Luethi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Correspondence: Matthias E. Liechti, ***, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland ()
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Clancy RV, Hodgson RC, Kendurkar A, Terry MA, Dadd L, Clancy DM, Ryan K, Hatzistylis M, Tinman BG. Synthetic cannabinoid use in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2018; 27:600-607. [PMID: 28503792 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we explored the prevalence of new psychoactive substance use by people admitted into an Australian acute public mental health facility specializing in comorbid mental health and substance use. These substances have since been banned from retail outlets, but the pattern of uptake and reasons people use them is informative in terms of motivations and the management of substance use more generally. A cross-sectional study to explore the use of synthetic cannabis by people admitted to an acute adult mental health unit was undertaken. Associations with diagnostic, service use, and demographic profiles were explored. Fifty-six percent of people reported having used at least one type of new psychoactive substance, including 53.5% who reported using synthetic cannabis alone, and 18.8% who reported using both synthetic cannabis and other new psychoactive substances. Synthetic cannabis use was not associated with any demographic or diagnostic groups. Legality and availability (43% combined) were common reasons for use, along with the feeling of intoxication (20%). The high prevalence of new psychoactive substance use adds weight to the recommendation that clinicians should routinely screen for substances from the time of admission. Accurate information about these substances is required in order to provide accurate guidance and appropriate interventions to people in their care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Vincent Clancy
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Mental Health and Substance Use Service, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Charles Hodgson
- Mental Health and Substance Use Service, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Arvind Kendurkar
- Mental Health and Substance Use Service, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margarett Ann Terry
- Mental Health and Substance Use Service, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lawrence Dadd
- Mental Health and Substance Use Service, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Donna Maria Clancy
- Mental Health and Substance Use Service, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Ryan
- Mental Health and Substance Use Service, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Hatzistylis
- Mental Health and Substance Use Service, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Graham Tinman
- Mental Health and Substance Use Service, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Philp M, Shimmon R, Tahtouh M, Fu S. Color Spot Test As a Presumptive Tool for the Rapid Detection of Synthetic Cathinones. J Vis Exp 2018:57045. [PMID: 29443096 PMCID: PMC5912360 DOI: 10.3791/57045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are a large class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) that are increasingly prevalent in drug seizures made by law enforcement and other border protection agencies globally. Color testing is a presumptive identification technique indicating the presence or absence of a particular drug class using rapid and uncomplicated chemical methods. Owing to their relatively recent emergence, a color test for the specific identification of synthetic cathinones is not currently available. In this study, we introduce a protocol for the presumptive identification of synthetic cathinones, employing three aqueous reagent solutions: copper(II) nitrate, 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (neocuproine) and sodium acetate. Small pin-head sized amounts (approximately 0.1-0.2 mg) of the suspected drugs are added to the wells of a porcelain spot plate, and each reagent is then added dropwise sequentially before heating on a hotplate. A color change from very light blue to yellow-orange after 10 min indicates the likely presence of synthetic cathinones. The highly stable and specific test reagent has the potential for use in the presumptive screening of unknown samples for synthetic cathinones in a forensic laboratory. However, the nuisance of an added heating step for the color change result limits the test to laboratory application and decreases the likelihood of an easy translation to field testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Philp
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
| | - Ronald Shimmon
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
| | | | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS);
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Shevyrin V, Shafran Y. Distinguishing of 2-MAPB and 6-MAPB: Solution of the problem. J Mass Spectrom 2017; 52:633-637. [PMID: 28708288 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of new psychoactive substance (NPS), 6-(2-methylaminopropyl)benzofuran (6-MAPB), and its positional isomer, 2-(2-methylaminopropyl)benzofuran (2-MAPB), by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with quadrupole detection is ambiguous. Reliable distinguishing of the two isomers could be achieved by MS/MS spectra recorded after collision-induced dissociation (CID) of precursor ions. Both electron ionization (EI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) methods could be used for these purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Shevyrin
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology, Ural Federal University, 19 Mira Str, 620002, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - Yuri Shafran
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology, Ural Federal University, 19 Mira Str, 620002, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liu C, Li T, Han Y, Hua Z, Jia W, Qian Z. The identification and analytical characterization of 2,2'-difluorofentanyl. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:774-780. [PMID: 28851108 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) have expanded their distribution and become widely available in the global market in recent years. The illicit use of fentanyl and its analogs has become an important worldwide concern linked to their high potency and risk of fatal overdose. This study describes the analytical characterization of a new fentanyl derivative N-(1-(2-fluorophenethyl)-4-piperidinyl)-N-(2-fluorophenyl)propionamide (2,2'-difluorofentanyl). Identification was based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report on analytical data for this compound. The most abundant fragment ion in the electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrum under collision-induced dissociation (CID) mode was formed by the cleavage between the piperidine ring and the N-phenyl-amide moiety of the protonated molecule. Two diagnostic ions in the electron ionization (EI) mass spectrum were formed by the loss of a tropylium ion (M-91), and by the degradation of the piperidine ring and dissociate of the COC2 H5 moiety altogether, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Han
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jia
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhua Qian
- Institute of Forensic Science of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ponté C, Pi C, Palmaro A, Jouanjus E, Lapeyre-Mestre M. Early signal of diverted use of tropicamide eye drops in France. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:1791-1800. [PMID: 28239898 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Tropicamide is a mydriatic drug used as eye-drops for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. From 2013, a diverted use by intravenous route has been suspected in Eastern Europe in opioids users. To date, no signal of misuse has been identified in France. The aims of this study were to investigate any early signals of a diverted use of tropicamide eye drops and to collect information regarding motives for the misuse and tropicamide-induced effects. METHODS Information was obtained at three levels: (1) at regional level (Midi-Pyrénées area), from reimbursement data and pharmacists' reports on suspicious requests; (2) at national level: from reimbursement data and prescriptions suggesting possible abuse from the OSIAP (Ordonnances Suspectes, Indicateur d'Abus Possible) survey; and (3) at international level: from VigiBase® reports and Web sources. Beta-blocker eye-drops were used as comparators. RESULTS In France, in 2014-2015, 17 (0.91%, 95% CI [0.53-1.46%]) falsified prescriptions involving tropicamide were identified in the OSIAP survey (compared with 0%, 95% CI [0-0.19%] for beta-blockers). Moreover, 37 other suspicious prescriptions were presented in 2015 (notified in 2016). In Midi-Pyrénées, seven patients aged 35-49 were reimbursed for 19-45 vials of 10 ml, in a year. Since September 2014, the regional Addictovigilance Centre has received 91 notifications of suspicious requests to obtain tropicamide. In VigiBase® , two cases were identified but none in France. An increased interest in tropicamide-related Internet searches was observed from Russia and Ukraine. CONCLUSIONS These results represent the first early warnings of a tropicamide diverted use in France. Tropicamide abusers would seek euphoria or hallucinations. The high doses involved in intravenous administration could lead to serious complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Ponté
- CEIP-Addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, UMR1027 Inserm-Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, 37 allées Jules Guesde, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Christian Pi
- Direction de la Santé Publique, Pôle Alertes, Risques et Vigilances, ARS Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées, 26-28 Parc club du Millénaire, 1 025, rue Henri Becquerel, CS, 30001, 34067, Montpellier Cedex 2, France
| | - Aurore Palmaro
- CEIP-Addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, UMR1027 Inserm-Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, 37 allées Jules Guesde, 31000, Toulouse, France.,Service de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Emilie Jouanjus
- CEIP-Addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, UMR1027 Inserm-Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, 37 allées Jules Guesde, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Maryse Lapeyre-Mestre
- CEIP-Addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, UMR1027 Inserm-Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, 37 allées Jules Guesde, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Matsumoto T, Tachimori H, Takano A, Tanibuchi Y, Funada D, Wada K. Recent changes in the clinical features of patients with new psychoactive-substances-related disorders in Japan: Comparison of the Nationwide Mental Hospital Surveys on Drug-related Psychiatric Disorders undertaken in 2012 and 2014. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2016; 70:560-566. [PMID: 27527499 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to examine changes in the psychosocial backgrounds and clinical features of patients with psychiatric disorders associated with new psychoactive substances (NPS) between 2012 and 2014 in Japan. METHODS Clinical features of patients with NPS-related disorders were compared using data from the Nationwide Mental Hospital Surveys on Drug-related Psychiatric Disorders undertaken in 2012 and 2014. NPS patients were compared with a control group comprising patients with methamphetamine-related disorders, using data from the same period. RESULTS In NPS patients, changes were observed in the following three areas between 2012 and 2014: (i) a decrease in the number of employed patients; (ii) an increase in the ratio of patients diagnosed with dependence syndrome; and (iii) a decrease in the ratio of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorder. In methamphetamine patients, only one change was observed: protective custody or arrest record relating to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the number of patients dependent upon NPS, and those exhibiting social dysfunction, increased between 2012 and 2014. There is a need to focus future measures against NPS dependence: not only on stopping the supply of drugs, but also on reducing the demand for them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Matsumoto
- Department of Drug Dependence Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisateru Tachimori
- Department of Mental Health Administration, National Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Takano
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Daisuke Funada
- Department of Psychiatry, Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Wada
- Department of Addiction Research and Treatment, Saitama Psychiatric Center, Saitama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Champion KE, Newton NC, Stapinski LA, Teesson M. Effectiveness of a universal internet-based prevention program for ecstasy and new psychoactive substances: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Addiction 2016; 111:1396-405. [PMID: 26880476 DOI: 10.1111/add.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of an online school-based prevention program for ecstasy (MDMA) and new psychoactive substances (NPS). DESIGN Cluster randomized controlled trial with two groups (intervention and control). SETTING Eleven secondary schools in Australia. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1126 students (mean age: 14.9 years). INTERVENTION The internet-based Climate Schools: Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs module uses cartoon storylines to convey information about harmful drug use. It was delivered once weekly, during a 4-week period, during health education classes. Control schools received health education as usual. MEASUREMENT Primary outcomes were self-reported intentions to use ecstasy and NPS at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were ecstasy and NPS knowledge and life-time use of ecstasy and NPS. Surveys were administered at baseline, post-intervention and 6 and 12 month post-baseline. FINDINGS At 12 months, the proportion of students likely to use NPS was significantly greater in the control group (1.8%) than the intervention group [0.5%; odds ratio (OR) = 10.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31-78.91]. However, students' intentions to use ecstasy did not differ significantly between groups (control = 2.1%, intervention = 1.6%; OR = 5.91, 95% CI = 1.01-34.73). There was a significant group difference in the change from baseline to post-test for NPS knowledge (β = -0.42, 95% CI = -0.62 to -0.21, Cohen's d = 0.77), with controls [mean = 2.78, standard deviation (SD = 1.48] scoring lower than intervention students (mean = 3.85, SD = 1.49). There was also evidence of a significant group difference in ecstasy knowledge at post-test (control: mean = 9.57, SD = 3.31; intervention: mean = 11.57, SD = 3.61; β = -0.54, 95% CI = -0.97 to -0.12, P = 0.01, d = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS The Climate Schools: Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs module, a universal online school-based prevention program, appeared to reduce students' intentions to use new psychoactive substances and increased knowledge about ecstasy and new psychoactive substances in the short term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina E Champion
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicola C Newton
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lexine A Stapinski
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Qian Z, Jia W, Li T, Liu C, Hua Z. Identification and analytical characterization of four synthetic cathinone derivatives iso-4-BMC, β-TH-naphyrone, mexedrone, and 4-MDMC. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:274-281. [PMID: 27352812 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) have gained much popularity on the global market over the last number of years. The synthetic cathinone family is one of the most prominent groups and this paper reports on the analytical properties of four synthetic cathinone derivatives: (1) 1-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(methylamino)propan-2-one (iso-4-BMC or iso-brephedrone), (2) 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pentan-1-one (β-TH-naphyrone), (3) 3-methoxy-2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one (mexedrone), and (4) 2-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one (4-MDMC). These identifications were based on liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To our knowledge, no chemical or pharmacological data about compounds 1-3 have appeared until now, making this the first report on these compounds. The Raman and GC-MS data of 4 have been reported, but this study added the LC-MS and NMR data for additional characterization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Qian
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jia
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotics Laboratory, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Umebachi R, Aoki H, Sugita M, Taira T, Wakai S, Saito T, Inokuchi S. Clinical characteristics of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2016; 54:563-7. [PMID: 27227375 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2016.1166508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) is a synthetic cathinone that has been abused in recent years. The clinical presentation of acute α-PVP poisoning has not been well characterized. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the clinical features of acute α-PVP poisoning. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective case series included eight subjects that visited our hospital emergency department (ED) between March 2012 and November 2014 and had analytically confirmed blood α-PVP levels. Data related to subject demographics, clinical history, laboratory findings, blood drug levels, and outcome were collected. RESULTS The median age of the eight study subjects was 27 (range; 21-63) years, and six were male. Drug preparations had been administered by rectal insertion (three subjects) or inhalation (five subjects). The time between drug exposure and presentation at the ED was 8.5 (1-24) h and blood α-PVP concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 52.5 ng/ml. Although psychiatric and neurological findings were reported before arrival at the ED in 5/8 and 7/8 subjects, respectively, these were only observed in 1/8 and 2/8 subjects, respectively, at the ED. Symptoms of high body temperature (3/8), tachycardia (5/8), hypertension (3/8), acid-base balance disorder (5/8), coagulopathy (4/6), blood creatinine phosphokinase >190 U/l (6/8), and a blood lactate level > 1.7 mmol/l (5/7) were observed. All subjects survived and were discharged. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective case series showed that after acute exposure to α-PVP, transient neuropsychiatric findings were accompanied by more persistent sympathomimetic physical findings, disorders of acid-base balance and blood coagulation, high blood creatinine phosphokinase, and hyperlactacidemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rimako Umebachi
- a Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine , Tokai University School of Medicine , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Hiromichi Aoki
- a Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine , Tokai University School of Medicine , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Mariko Sugita
- a Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine , Tokai University School of Medicine , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Takayuki Taira
- a Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine , Tokai University School of Medicine , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Shinjirou Wakai
- a Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine , Tokai University School of Medicine , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- a Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine , Tokai University School of Medicine , Kanagawa , Japan
| | - Sadaki Inokuchi
- a Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine , Tokai University School of Medicine , Kanagawa , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Giese C, Igoe D, Gibbons Z, Hurley C, Stokes S, McNamara S, Ennis O, O'Donnell K, Keenan E, De Gascun C, Lyons F, Ward M, Danis K, Glynn R, Waters A, Fitzgerald M. Injection of new psychoactive substance snow blow associated with recently acquired HIV infections among homeless people who inject drugs in Dublin, Ireland, 2015. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 20:30036. [PMID: 26537764 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2015.20.40.30036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In February 2015, an outbreak of recently acquired HIV infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) was identified in Dublin, following similar outbreaks in Greece and Romania in 2011. We compared drug and risk behaviours among 15 HIV cases and 39 controls. Injecting a synthetic cathinone, snow blow, was associated with recent HIV infection (AOR: 49; p=0.003). Prevention and control efforts are underway among PWID in Dublin, but may also be needed elsewhere in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Giese
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS In recent years there has been growing concern about new psychoactive substances (NPS) designed to mimic the effects of established illicit drugs. This paper explores the patterns and correlates of NPS use in a sample of Australian students. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Australia in 2014. Data were collected from 1126 students (mean age: 14.9 years) from 11 secondary schools. Students completed a self-report questionnaire assessing NPS use and knowledge, beliefs and intentions to use these substances. NPS users were compared with non-users and illicit drug users, who had not used NPS, in terms of gender, binge drinking, tobacco use, psychological distress and self-efficacy to resist peer pressure. RESULTS Of the 1126 students, 3% reported having ever tried NPS, 2.4% had used synthetic cannabis and 0.4% had used a synthetic stimulant. Analyses revealed that NPS users were more likely to have had an episode of binge drinking in the past 6 months, tried tobacco and had higher levels of psychological distress and lower perceived self-efficacy to resist peer pressure than non-users, but did not significantly differ from users of other illicit drugs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS NPS use appears to be uncommon among Australian school students. Although adolescents that do use these substances did not differ from students that had used traditional illicit drugs, both appear to be higher-risk groups of students than non-users. Our findings suggest that universal education about NPS be incorporated into existing drug prevention programmes, and that targeted NPS prevention may also be warranted among high-risk adolescents. [Champion KE, Teesson M, Newton NC. Patterns and correlates of new psychoactive substance use in a sample of Australian high school students. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:338-344].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina E Champion
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola C Newton
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Linsen F, Koning RPJ, van Laar M, Niesink RJM, Koeter MW, Brunt TM. 4-Fluoroamphetamine in the Netherlands: more than a one-night stand. Addiction 2015; 110:1138-43. [PMID: 25808511 DOI: 10.1111/add.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the temporal pattern of appearance of a new psychoactive substance (4-fluoroamphetamine) on the Dutch drug market, as well as its patterns of use and effects. DESIGN Data from the Drug Information and Monitoring System (DIMS) was used to investigate the emergence of 4-fluoroamphetamine on the Dutch drug market. An on-line questionnaire was used to study its patterns of use and effects. SETTING Dutch drug-related websites and social media. PARTICIPANTS A convenience sample of 249 life-time 4-fluoroamphetamine users was recruited through the internet. MEASUREMENTS Samples containing 4-fluoroamphetamine were extracted from the DIMS database for further investigation. Patterns of use, settings of use and the subjective effects of 4-fluoroamphetamine, amphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were investigated with the on-line questionnaire. FINDINGS 4-Fluoroamphetamine was first encountered on the Dutch drug market, sold mainly as amphetamine or ecstasy (MDMA), between 2007 and 2009. These misrepresented drug samples declined when the MDMA and amphetamine markets recovered after a period of shortage, whereas purposefully bought 4-fluoroamphetamine samples showed an increase. Survey results showed that 4-fluoroamphetamine is used predominantly [77.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 72.0-82.3] for its specific effects, rather than its legal status (17.7%, 95% CI = 10.7-22.1). The subjective effects of 4-fluoroamphetamine were compared with those of amphetamine and MDMA. Subjective effect scores of 4-fluoroamphetamine ranged between those of amphetamine and MDMA. CONCLUSIONS The stimulant 4-fluoroamphetamine is increasingly popular in the Netherlands, which might be due to its subjective effects profile, which lies intermediate between amphetamine and MDMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Linsen
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Drug Information and Monitoring System, Department of Drug Monitoring, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Raoul P J Koning
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Drug Information and Monitoring System, Department of Drug Monitoring, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Margriet van Laar
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Drug Information and Monitoring System, Department of Drug Monitoring, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Raymond J M Niesink
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Drug Information and Monitoring System, Department of Drug Monitoring, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten W Koeter
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tibor M Brunt
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Drug Information and Monitoring System, Department of Drug Monitoring, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kavanagh PV, Power JD. New psychoactive substances legislation in Ireland - Perspectives from academia. Drug Test Anal 2014; 6:884-91. [PMID: 24478277 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of 'legal highs' or 'new psychoactive substances' (NPS) on the Irish market is reflective of their appearance in many countries, with some notable exceptions. The official response to the situation is examined here by looking at Irish controlled drugs legislation and drug enforcement policies as enacted in recent years and their effects on academic research on NPS. The philosophy and practice of outright bans of scheduled substances has not been effective in delivering the stated aims of illicit drug control, namely harm reduction. With these legislative changes, we have witnessed the removal of the 'legitimate' sale and open marketing of a number of NPS to the general public in commercial retail premises. However, as legislation was enacted, suppliers and vendors rapidly changed the contents of their legal high products from now controlled to non-controlled substances. We have found that it is administratively challenging to perform scientific research on controlled substances at academic institutions. It is desirable to gather analytical, pharmacological, and toxicological data on these substances as they emerge on the market but due to the restrictive nature of licensing requirements, once a substance or generic class of substances is controlled, this becomes more difficult. The facts that any quantity of substance, no matter how small, is controlled, the nomenclature used to describe compounds is not consistent within the enacted legislation and the use of catch-all classes of compounds with the intention of controlling many similar molecular structures, all create problematic issues for academic researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierce V Kavanagh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin, 8, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|