The prevalence of new psychoactive substances in biological material – a three‐year review of casework in Poland

New psychoactive substances (NPS) pose a challenge for forensic and clinical toxicologists, as well as for legislators. We present our findings from cases where NPS have been detected in biological material. During the three‐year period 2012–2014 we found NPS in 112 cases (out of 1058 analyzed), with 75 cases in 2014 alone. The prevalence of all NPS (15.1–17.6%) was similar to amphetamine alone that was detected in 15.1–16.5% of cases. The new drugs found belonged to the following classes: cathinones (88%), synthetic cannabinoids (5%), phenethylamines (3%), piperazines and piperidines (3%), arylalkylamines (1%) and other (1%). The drugs detected were (in the order of decreased frequency): 3‐MMC (50), α‐pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α‐PVP) (23), pentedrone (16), 3',4'‐methylenedioxy‐α‐pyrrolidinobutyrophenone (MDPBP) (12), synthetic cannabinoid UR‐144 (7), ethcathinone (5), mephedrone (5), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) (4), 4‐methylethcathinone (4‐MEC) (3), buphedrone (3), desoxypipradrol (2‐DPMP) (3), methylone (2) and 2C‐B (2). In single cases, 2‐methylmethcathinone (2‐MMC), 2C‐P, eutylone, 25I‐NBOMe, meta‐chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), ephedrone, methiopropamine (MPA), and 5‐(2‐aminopropyl)benzofuran (5‐APB) were found. One NPS was the sole agent in 35% of all cases, and two or more NPS were present in 19% of cases. NPS (one or more) with other conventional drugs (like amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, and benzodiazepines) were detected in most (65%) of the cases. NPS were very often detected in the blood of drivers which was a challenge for toxicologists due to a lack of data on their influence on psychomotor performance. A review of concentrations showed a wide range of values in different types of cases, especially driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) and intoxication. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Return of the lysergamides. Part III: Analytical characterization of N6‐ethyl‐6‐norlysergic acid diethylamide (ETH‐LAD) and 1‐propionyl ETH‐LAD (1P–ETH‐LAD)

The psychoactive properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have fascinated scientists across disciplines and the exploration of other analogues and derivatives has been motivated by deepening the understanding of ligand‐receptor interactions at the molecular level as well as by the search for new therapeutics. Several LSD congeners have appeared on the new psychoactive substances (NPS) market in the form of blotters or powders. Examples include 1‐propionyl‐LSD (1P–LSD), AL‐LAD, and LSZ. The absence of analytical data for novel compounds is a frequent challenge encountered in clinical and toxicological investigations. Two newly emerging lysergamides, namely N⁶‐ethyl‐6‐norlysergic acid diethylamide (ETH‐LAD) and 1P–ETH‐LAD, were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), low and high mass accuracy electrospray MS(/MS), GC solid‐state infrared analysis, high performance liquid chromatography diode array detection as well as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Limited analytical data for ETH‐LAD were previously available, whereas information about 1P–ETH‐LAD has not previously been encountered in the scientific literature. This study extends the characterization of lysergamides distributed on the NPS market, which will help to make analytical data available to clinicians, toxicologists, and other stakeholders who are likely to encounter these substances. The analysis of a test incubation of 1P–ETH‐LAD with human serum at 37°C by LC single quadrupole MS at various time points (0–6 h, once per hour and one measurement after 24 h) revealed the formation of ETH‐LAD, suggesting that 1P–ETH‐LAD might serve as a pro‐drug. 1P–ETH‐LAD was still detectable in serum after 24 h. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Syntheses,analytical and pharmacological characterizations of the ‘legal high’ 4‐[1‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]morpholine (3‐MeO‐PCMo) and analogues

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are commonly referred to as ‘research chemicals’, ‘designer drugs’ or ‘legal highs’. One NPS class is represented by dissociative anesthetics, which include analogues of the arylcyclohexylamine phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine and diphenidine. A recent addition to the NPS market was 4‐[1‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]morpholine (3‐MeO‐PCMo), a morpholine analogue of 3‐MeO‐PCP. Although suspected to have dissociative effects in users, information about its pharmacological profile is not available. From clinical and forensic perspectives, detailed analytical data are needed for identification, especially when facing the presence of positional isomers, as these are frequently unavailable commercially. This study presents the analytical and pharmacological characterization of 3‐MeO‐PCMo along with five additional analogues, namely the 2‐ and 4‐MeO‐PCMo isomers, 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐PCMo (3,4‐MD‐PCMo), 3‐Me‐PCMo and PCMo. All six arylcyclohexylmorpholines were synthesized and characterized using chromatographic, mass spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques. The three positional isomers could be differentiated and the identity of 3‐MeO‐PCMo obtained from an internet vendor was verified. All six compounds were also evaluated for affinity at 46 central nervous system receptors including the N‐methyl‐d ‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR), an important target for dissociative anesthetics such as PCP and ketamine. In vitro binding studies using (+)‐[3‐³H]‐MK‐801 in rat forebrain preparations revealed moderate affinity for NMDAR in the rank order of 3‐Me >3‐MeO > PCMo >3,4‐MD > 2‐MeO > 4‐MeO‐PCMo. 3‐MeO‐PCMo was found to have moderate affinity for NMDAR comparable to that of ketamine, and had an approximate 12‐fold lower affinity than PCP. These results support the anecdotal reports of dissociative effects from 3‐MeO‐PCMo in humans.     

Mephedrone,Methylone and 3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) Induce Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

During the last decade, there has been a worldwide increase in popularity and abuse of synthetic cathinones. Common ingredients of the so‐called bath salts include mephedrone, methylone and 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Relatively little information about the pharmacology and addiction potential of these drugs is available. We used the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to explore the reinforcing effects of three different synthetic cathinones. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether mephedrone, methylone and MDPV induce CPP in mice. The secondary aims were to investigate a possible dose–response CPP and whether the synthetic cathinones induce higher CPP than amphetamine at equal dose. C57BL/6 mice were conditioned to mephedrone, methylone, MDPV and amphetamine at doses of 0.5, 2, 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg (i.p.). During the conditioning, the mice received two training sessions per day for 4 days. All four tested drugs showed a significant place preference compared with controls. Mice conditioned with MDPV (5 and 10 mg/kg) displayed a greater preference score compared to mice conditioned with amphetamine (5 and 10 mg/kg). Our findings show that mephedrone, methylone and MDPV produce CPP equal or higher than amphetamine strongly suggesting addictive properties. Given the public health concern of abuse, future pharmacological studies are necessary to fully understand the effects of these drugs.     

Synthesis,analytical characterization,and monoamine transporter activity of the new psychoactive substance 4‐methylphenmetrazine (4‐MPM), with differentiation from its ortho‐ and meta‐ positional isomers

The availability of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the recreational drug market continues to create challenges for scientists in the forensic, clinical and toxicology fields. Phenmetrazine (3‐methyl‐2‐phenylmorpholine) and an array of its analogs form a class of psychostimulants that are well documented in the patent and scientific literature. The present study reports on two phenmetrazine analogs that have been encountered on the NPS market following the introduction of 3‐fluorophenmetrazine (3‐FPM), namely 4‐methylphenmetrazine (4‐MPM), and 3‐methylphenmetrazine (3‐MPM). This study describes the syntheses, analytical characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of the positional isomers of MPM. Analytical characterizations employed various chromatographic, spectroscopic, and mass spectrometric platforms. Pharmacological studies were conducted to assess whether MPM isomers might display stimulant‐like effects similar to the parent compound phenmetrazine. The isomers were tested for their ability to inhibit uptake or stimulate release of tritiated substrates at dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin transporters using in vitro transporter assays in rat brain synaptosomes. The analytical characterization of three vendor samples revealed the presence of 4‐MPM in two of the samples and 3‐MPM in the third sample, which agreed with the product label. The pharmacological findings suggest that 2‐MPM and 3‐MPM will exhibit stimulant properties similar to the parent compound phenmetrazine, whereas 4‐MPM may display entactogen properties more similar to 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The combination of test purchases, analytical characterization, targeted organic synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of NPS and their isomers is an effective approach for the provision of data on these substances as they emerge in the marketplace.     

The chemistry and pharmacology of putative synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) new psychoactive substances (NPS) 5F‐PY‐PICA, 5F‐PY‐PINACA,and their analogs

5F‐PY‐PICA and 5F‐PY‐PINACA are pyrrolidinyl 1‐(5‐fluoropentyl)ind (az)ole‐3‐carboxamides identified in 2015 as putative synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) new psychoactive substances (NPS). 5F‐PY‐PICA, 5F‐PY‐PINACA, and analogs featuring variation of the 1‐alkyl substituent or contraction, expansion, or scission of the pyrrolidine ring were synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF–MS). In competitive binding experiments against HEK293 cells expressing human cannabinoid receptor type 1 (hCB₁) or type 2 (hCB₂), all analogs showed minimal affinity for CB₁ (pK_i < 5), although several demonstrated moderate CB₂ binding (pK_i 5.45–6.99). In fluorescence‐based membrane potential assays using AtT20‐hCB₁ or ‐hCB₂ cells, none of the compounds (at 10 μM) produced an effect >50% of the classical cannabinoid agonist CP55,940 (at 1 μM) at hCB₁, although several showed slightly higher relative efficacy at hCB₂. Expansion of the pyrrolidine ring of 5F‐PY‐PICA to an azepane ( 8 ) conferred the greatest hCB₂ affinity (pK_i 6.99) and activity (pEC₅₀ 7.54, E_max 72%) within the series. Unlike other SCRA NPS evaluated in vivo using radio biotelemetry, 5F‐PY‐PICA and 5F‐PY‐PINACA did not produce cannabimimetic effects (hypothermia, bradycardia) in mice at doses up to 10 mg/kg.     

UHPLC‐MS/MS and UHPLC‐HRMS identification of zolpidem and zopiclone main urinary metabolites and method development for their toxicological determination

Zolpidem and zopiclone (Z‐compounds) are non‐benzodiazepine hypnotics of new generation that can be used in drug‐facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). Their determination in biological fluids, mainly urine, is of primary importance; nevertheless, although they are excreted almost entirely as metabolites, available methods deal mainly with the determination of the unmetabolized drug. This paper describes a method for the determination in urine of Z‐compounds and their metabolites by ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) and UHPLC coupled with high resolution/high accuracy Orbitrap® mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HRMS). The metabolic profile was studied on real samples collected from subjects in therapy with zolpidem or zopiclone; the main urinary metabolites were identified and their MS behaviour studied by MS/MS and HRMS. Two carboxy‐ and three hydroxy‐ metabolites, that could be also detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) as trimethylsylyl derivatives, have been identified for zolpidem. Also, at least one dihydroxilated metabolite was detected. As for zopiclone, the two main metabolites detected were N‐demethyl and N‐oxide zopiclone. For both substances, the unmetabolized compounds were excreted in low amounts in urine. In consideration of these data, a UHPLC‐MS/MS method for the determination of Z‐compounds and their main metabolites after isotopic dilution with deuterated analogues of zolpidem and zopiclone and direct injection of urine samples was set up. The proposed UHPLC‐MS/MS method appears to be practically applicable for the analysis of urine samples in analytical and forensic toxicology cases, as well as in cases of suspected DFSA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Identification and analytical characterization of four synthetic cathinone derivatives iso‐4‐BMC, β‐TH‐naphyrone,mexedrone, and 4‐MDMC

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.     

Synthesis and pharmacology of new psychoactive substance 5F‐CUMYL‐P7AICA,a scaffold‐ hopping analog of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists 5F‐CUMYL‐PICA and 5F‐CUMYL‐PINACA

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a dynamic class of new psychoactive substances (NPS), with novel chemotypes emerging each year. Following the putative detection of 5F‐CUMYL‐P7AICA in Australia in 2016, the scaffold‐hopping SCRAs 5F‐CUMYL‐PICA, 5F‐CUMYL‐PINACA, and 5F‐CUMYL‐P7AICA were synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–MS (LC–QTOF–MS). Since little is known of the pharmacology of 7‐azaindole SCRAs like 5F‐CUMYL‐P7AICA, the binding affinities and functional activities of all compounds at cannabinoid type 1 and type 2 receptors (CB₁ and CB₂, respectively) were assessed using tritiated radioligand competition experiments and fluorescence‐based plate reader membrane potential assays. Despite CB₁ binding affinities differing by over two orders of magnitude (K_i = 2.95–174 nM), all compounds were potent and efficacious CB₁ agonists (EC₅₀ = 0.43–4.7 nM), with consistent rank order for binding and functional activity (5F‐CUMYL‐PINACA >5F‐CUMYL‐PICA >5F‐CUMYL‐P7AICA). Additionally, 5F‐CUMYL‐P7AICA was found to exert potent cannabimimetic effects in mice, inducing hypothermia (6°C, 3 mg/kg) through a CB₁‐dependent mechanism.     

Rapid screening of 35 new psychoactive substances by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (QTOF‐MS)

The recent propagation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has led to the development of new techniques for the rapid characterization of controlled substances in this category. A commercial bench‐top ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) with a ⁶³Ni ionization source and a direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTOF) were used for the rapid characterization of 35 NPS. The advantages of these techniques are fast response, ease of operation, and minimal sample preparation. The characteristic reduced mobilities of each substance are reported as are the mass spectra of the 35 compounds. The acquired product ion scan mass spectra were also compared to a library database constructed by QTOF with a electrospray ionization (ESI) source and showed a consistent relative abundance for each peak over time. A total of four seized drug samples provided by the local forensic laboratory were analyzed in order to demonstrate the utility of this approach. The results of this study suggest that both IMS and DART‐QTOF are promising alternatives for the rapid screening and characterization of these new psychoactive substances. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design and synthesis of 4′‐((5‐benzylidene‐2,4‐dioxothiazolidin‐3‐yl)methyl)biphenyl‐2‐carbonitrile analogs as bacterial peptide deformylase inhibitors

Herein, we report the synthesis and screening of 4′‐((5‐benzylidene‐2,4‐dioxothiazolidin‐3‐yl)methyl)biphenyl‐2‐carbonitrile analogs 11(a–j) as bacterial peptide deformylase (PDF) enzyme inhibitors. The compounds 11b (IC₅₀ value = 139.28 μm ), 11g (IC₅₀ value = 136.18 μm ), and 11h (IC₅₀ value = 131.65 μm ) had shown good PDF inhibition activity. The compounds 11b (MIC range = 103.36–167.26 μg/mL), 11g (MIC range = 93.75–145.67 μg/mL), and 11h (MIC range = 63.61–126.63 μg/mL) had also shown potent antibacterial activity when compared with standard ampicillin (MIC range = 100.00–250.00 μg/mL). Thus, the active derivatives were not only PDF inhibitors but also efficient antibacterial agents. To gain more insight on the binding mode of the compounds with PDF enzyme, the synthesized compounds 11(a–j) were docked against PDF enzyme of Escherichia coli and compounds exhibited good binding properties. The results suggest that this class of compounds has potential for development and use in future as antibacterial drugs.     

The Analgesic Concentration of Oxycodone with Co‐administration of Paracetamol – A Dose‐Finding Study in Adult Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

We have previously shown that paracetamol has an opioid‐sparing effect in tonsillectomy, and now, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of paracetamol i.v. in early post‐operative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCC). Twenty‐four patients with LCC were randomized to receive paracetamol i.v. 1 g (group 1) or 2 g (group 2) at the end of surgery. All patients were provided 0.1 mg/kg of oxycodone i.v. 15 min. before the end of surgery. At the recovery room when the wound pain at rest was ≥3/10 and/or ≥5/10 during the wound compression, plasma sample was taken for the determination of oxycodone (minimum effective concentration, MEC), its metabolites and paracetamol. After that the patients were titrated with further doses of oxycodone i.v. to wound pain < 3/10 at rest and < 5/10 during wound compression, plasma sample was taken for the determination of minimum effective analgesic concentration (MEAC) of oxycodone. The total oxycodone dose needed for pain relief was similar, about 0.3 mg/kg (range 0.2–0.5), in both groups (p = 0.80). At the onset of pain, P‐oxycodone (MEC) was similar in both groups, 25 ng/ml (19–32) in group 1 and 24 ng/ml (16–34) in group 2. The pain relief (MEAC) was achieved in group 1 with P‐oxycodone 70 ng/ml (30–131) and in group 2 with 62 ng/ml (36–100) (p = 0.48). In conclusion, in the early‐phase after LCC, there was no significant difference between the effect of paracetamol doses of 1 g and 2 g i.v. on the need of i.v. oxycodone.     

Return of the lysergamides. Part II: Analytical and behavioural characterization of N6‐allyl‐6‐norlysergic acid diethylamide (AL‐LAD) and (2’S,4’S)‐lysergic acid 2,4‐dimethylazetidide (LSZ)

Lysergic acid N ,N ‐diethylamide (LSD) is perhaps one of the most intriguing psychoactive substances known and numerous analogs have been explored to varying extents in previous decades. In 2013, N ⁶‐allyl‐6‐norlysergic acid diethylamide (AL‐LAD) and (2’S ,4’S )‐lysergic acid 2,4‐dimethylazetidide (LSZ) appeared on the ‘research chemicals’/new psychoactive substances (NPS) market in both powdered and blotter form. This study reports the analytical characterization of powdered AL‐LAD and LSZ tartrate samples and their semi‐quantitative determination on blotter paper. Included in this study was the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), low and high mass accuracy electrospray MS(/MS), high performance liquid chromatography diode array detection and GC solid‐state infrared analysis. One feature shared by serotonergic psychedelics, such as LSD, is the ability to mediate behavioural responses via activation of 5‐HT_2A receptors. Both AL‐LAD and LSZ displayed LSD‐like responses in male C57BL/6 J mice when employing the head‐twitch response (HTR) assay. AL‐LAD and LSZ produced nearly identical inverted‐U‐shaped dose‐dependent effects, with the maximal responses occurring at 200 µg/kg. Analysis of the dose responses by nonlinear regression confirmed that LSZ (ED₅₀ = 114.2 nmol/kg) was equipotent to LSD (ED₅₀ = 132.8 nmol/kg) in mice, whereas AL‐LAD was slightly less potent (ED₅₀ = 174.9 nmol/kg). The extent to which a comparison in potency can be translated directly to humans requires further investigation. Chemical and pharmacological data obtained from NPS may assist research communities that are interested in various aspects related to substance use and forensic identification. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Series of 2‐((1‐substituted‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methylthio)‐6‐(naphthalen‐1‐ylmethyl)pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one As Potential HIV‐1 Inhibitors

A series of novel S‐DABO derivatives with the substituted 1,2,3‐triazole moiety on the C‐2 side chain were synthesized using the simple and efficient CuAAC reaction, and biologically evaluated as inhibitors of HIV‐1. Among them, the most active HIV‐1 inhibitor was compound 4‐((4‐((4‐(2,6‐dichlorobenzyl)‐5‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐1,6‐dihydropyrimidin‐2‐ylthio)methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl)benzenesulfonamide ( B5b7) , which exhibited similar HIV‐1 inhibitory potency (EC₅₀ = 3.22 μm ) compared with 3TC (EC₅₀ = 2.24 μm ). None of these compounds demonstrated inhibition against HIV‐2 replication. The preliminary structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these new derivatives was discussed briefly.     

Liquid–air partition coefficients of 1,1‐difluoroethane (HFC152a), 1,1,1‐trifluoroethane (HFC143a), 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (HFC134a), 1,1,1,2,2‐pentafluoroethane (HFC125) and 1,1,1,3,3‐pentafluoropropane (HFC245fa)

Blood–air and tissue–blood coefficients (λ) are essential to characterize the uptake and disposition of volatile substances, e.g. by physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling. Highly volatile chemicals, including many hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) have low solubility in liquid media. These characteristics pose challenges for determining λ values. A modified head‐space vial equilibrium method was used to determine λ values for five widely used HFCs. The method is based on automated head‐space gas chromatography and injection of equal amount of chemical in two head‐space vials with identical air phase volumes but different volumes of the liquid phase. The liquids used were water (physiological saline), fresh human blood, and olive oil. The average λ values (n = 8) were as follows: 1,1‐difluoroethane (HFC152a) – 1.08 (blood–air), 1.11 (water–air) and 5.6 (oil–air); 1,1,1‐trifluoroethane (HFC143a) – 0.15, 0.15 and 1.90; 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (HFC134a) – 0.36, 0.35 and 3.5; 1,1,1,2,2‐pentafluoroethane (HFC125) – 0.083, 0.074 and 1.71; and 1,1,1,3,3‐pentafluoropropane (HFC245fa) – 0.62, 0.58 and 12.1. The λ values appeared to be concentration‐independent in the investigated range (2–200 ppm). In spite of the low λ values, the method errors were modest, with coefficients of variation of 9, 11 and 10% for water, blood and oil, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Early‐life exposure to Tris(1,3‐dichloroisopropyl) phosphate induces dose‐dependent suppression of sexual behavior in male rats

Exposure to endocrine‐disrupting chemicals may adversely affect animals, particularly during development. Tris(1,3‐dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is an organophosphate with anti‐androgen function in vitro that is present in indoor dust at relatively high concentrations. In male rats, androgens are necessary for the development of reproductive organs, as well as the endocrine and central nervous systems. However, we currently do not know the exact effects of TDCIPP exposure through suckling on subsequent reproductive behavior in males. Here, we show that TDCIPP exposure (25–250 mg kg^–1 via oral administration over 28 consecutive days post‐birth) suppressed male sexual behavior and reduced testes size. These changes were dose‐dependent and appeared first in adults rather than in juveniles. These results demonstrate that TDCIPP exposure led to normal body growth and appearance in juveniles, but disrupted the endocrine system and physiology in adults. Therefore, assays should be performed using adult animals to ensure accuracy, and to confirm the influence of chemical substances given during early mammalian life.     

Identification of pyrolysis products of the new psychoactive substance 2‐amino‐1‐(4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)ethanone hydrochloride (bk‐2C‐B) and its iodo analogue bk‐2C‐I

2‐Amino‐1‐(4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)ethanone hydrochloride (bk‐2C‐B) has recently emerged as a new psychoactive substance (NPS). It is most commonly consumed orally, although there are indications that it might also be ingested by inhalation or ‘smoking’. Information about the stability of bk‐2C‐B when exposed to heat is unavailable and the potential for pyrolytic degradation and formation of unknown substances available for inhalation prompted an investigation using a simulated ‘meth pipe’ scenario. Twelve products following pyrolysis of bk‐2C‐B were detected and verified by organic synthesis of the corresponding standards. In addition, 2‐amino‐1‐(4‐iodo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)ethanone hydrochloride (bk‐2C‐I) was characterized for the first time and subjected to pyrolysis as well. Similar products were formed, which indicated that the replacement of the bromo with the iodo substituent did not affect the pyrolysis pattern under the conditions used. Two additional products were detected in the bk‐2C‐I pyrolates, namely 1‐(2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐ethanone and 1‐iodo‐4‐ethenyl‐5‐methoxyphenol. The potential ingestion of pyrolysis products with unknown toxicity adds an element of concern. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Potential effect of new (E)‐4‐hydroxy ‐N’‐(1‐(7‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl) ethylidene) benzohydrazide against acute myocardial infarction: Haemodynamic,biochemical and histological studies

This study aimed to explore the cardioprotective effect of new synthesized coumarin (E)‐4‐hydroxy‐N’‐(1‐(7‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl) ethylidene) benzohydrazide denoted (Hyd.Cou) against myocardial infarction disorders. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups; Control, isoproterenol (ISO), ISO + Acenocoumarol (Ac) and ISO + Hyd.Cou. Results showed that the ISO group exhibited serious alteration in EGC pattern, significant heart hypertrophy (+33%), haemodynamic disturbance and increase in plasma rate of CK‐MB, LDH and troponin‐T by 44, 53, and 170%, respectively, as compared to Control. Moreover, isoproterenol induced a rise in plasma angiotensin‐converting enzyme activity (ACE) by 49%, dyslipidaemia, and increased thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) by 117% associated with decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) by 46% and 58%, respectively in myocardium. Interestingly, the molecular docking calculation demonstrated strong interactions of Hyd.Cou with the receptors of the protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) which could highlight the antithrombotic effect. Moreover, Hyd.Cou improved plasma cardiac dysfunction biomarkers, mitigated the ventricle remodelling process and alleviated heart oxidative stress damage. Overall, Hyd.Cou prevented the heart from the remodelling process through inhibition of ACE activity and oxidative stress improvement.     

Metabolic fate of the new synthetic cannabinoid 7’N‐5F‐ADB in rat,human, and pooled human S9 studied by means of hyphenated high‐resolution mass spectrometry

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are an important issue in clinical/forensic toxicology. 7’N‐5F‐ADB, a synthetic cannabinoid derived from 5F‐ADB, appeared recently on the market. Up to now, no data about its mass spectral fragmentation pattern, metabolism, and thus suitable targets for toxicological urine screenings have been available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the metabolic fate of 7’N‐5F‐ADB in rat, human, and pooled human S9 (pS9). The main human urinary excretion products, which can be used as targets for toxicological screening procedures, were identified by Orbitrap (OT)‐based liquid chromatography–high resolution‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS/MS). In addition, possible differentiation of 7’N‐5F‐ADB and 5F‐ADB via LC–HRMS/MS was studied. Using the in vivo and in vitro models for metabolism studies, 36 metabolites were tentatively identified. 7’N‐5F‐ABD was extensively metabolized in rat and human with minor species differences observed. The unchanged parent compound could be found in human urine but metabolites were far more abundant. The most abundant ones were the hydrolyzed ester (M5), the hydrolyzed ester in combination with hydroxylation of the tertiary butyl part (M11), and the hydrolyzed ester in addition to glucuronidation (M30). Besides the parent compound, these metabolites should be used as targets for urine‐based toxicological screening procedures. Two urine‐paired human plasma samples contained mainly the parent compound (c = 205 μg/L, 157 μg/L) and, at a higher abundance, the compound after ester hydrolysis (M5). In pS9 incubations, the parent compound, M5, and M30 were detectable among others. Furthermore, a differentiation of both compounds was possible due to different retention times and fragmentation patterns.     

The identification and analytical characterization of 2,2′‐difluorofentanyl

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 COC₂H₅ moiety altogether, respectively.