Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Weberson P. Silva, Raquel G. Rocha, Luciano C. Arantes, Camila D. Lima, Larissa M. A. Melo, Rodrigo A. A. Munoz, Wallans T. P. dos Santos, Eduardo M. Richter
Summary: The study presents a portable electrochemical method for the rapid and simple detection of mCPP in seized samples, showing a linear correlation with low detection limit, with potential to be a screening tool for mCPP in forensic samples.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Felix Zapata, Jose Manuel Matey, Gemma Montalvo, Carmen Garcia-Ruiz
Summary: This work reviews fundamental concepts about drugs, focusing on new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their classifications. A revised classification based on chemical composition is proposed to merge recent chemical groupings of NPS from various institutions, aiming to be useful for forensic practitioners/researchers.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Caitlyn Norman, Marie H. Deventer, Olivia Dremann, Robert Reid, Katleen Van Uytfanghe, Claude Guillou, Inge M. J. Vinckier, Niamh Nic Daeid, Alex Krotulski, Christophe P. Stove
Summary: The rapidly evolving synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) market poses significant challenges for forensic scientists. A new SCRA compound, CH-PIATA, with new structural features, has emerged. This study describes the detection of CH-PIATA in the United States, Belgium, and Scottish prisons in 2022. Metabolites of CH-PIATA were identified, and the harm potential of this substance was evaluated.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eun Yong Chung, Hye Jin Cha, Hyun Kyu Min, Jaesuk Yun
Summary: New psychoactive substances (NPS), including synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) among others, have been a focus of international attention in the past decade. These substances are sold as legal highs and research chemicals, with most commonly abused SCRAs associated with severe toxicities. Systematic studies on the adverse effects of NPS are lacking, highlighting the need for more research and understanding of these substances to address associated health issues.
ARCHIVES OF PHARMACAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Mariane O. B. Arrieiro, Luciano C. Arantes, Debora A. R. Moreira, Dilton M. Pimentel, Camila D. Lima, Livia M. F. Costa, Rodrigo M. Verly, Wallans T. P. dos Santos
Summary: This study presents the electrochemical detection of the synthetic cathinone eutylone for the first time. The electrochemical behavior of eutylone was investigated using glassy carbon and carbon graphite electrodes. The proposed method exhibited good stability and selectivity for eutylone detection in seized samples.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aniela Golub, Michal Ordak, Tadeusz Nasierowski, Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrozny
Summary: The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in patients abusing new psychoactive substances (NPSs) is enhanced by proper liver function. However, current articles on NPS hepatotoxicity only focus on non-specific liver parameters. This study reviews three advanced markers of hepatotoxicity, osteopontin (OPN), high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), and glutathione dehydrogenase (GDH/ GLDH), to identify recommendations for future studies on NPS abusers. Determining the hepatotoxic effects of NPSs and distinguishing them from other factors such as additional substances and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is crucial, particularly due to the heightened risk of HCV infection in NPS abusers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eline Pottie, Olga Kupriyanova, Vadim A. Shevyrin, Christophe P. Stove
Summary: Selective serotonergic psychedelics, such as N-benzyl derived phenethylamines, have shown to be a significant fraction of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). This study aimed to synthesize positional isomers of 25H-NBF and functionally characterize them in vitro, providing insights into the optimal substitution pattern of the phenyl group of N-benzyl derived substances. The results showed that methoxy groups at specific positions of the phenethylamine moiety play a crucial role in the functionality of NBF substances.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Marie H. Deventer, Katleen Van Uytfanghe, Inge M. J. Vinckier, Fabiano Reniero, Claude Guillou, Christophe P. Stove
Summary: After the ban of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in China, new SCRAs carrying new core and linker structures are being introduced to avoid the recent generic legislation. This study evaluated the activity and selectivity of the previously unknown substance ADB-FUBIATA, which has been found in seized materials in multiple countries. The bioassays confirmed the potency and selectivity of ADB-FUBIATA, which differs from the previously known ADB-FUBICA.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Graeme Cochrane, Jennifer K. Field, Matthew C. Hulme, Nicolas Gilbert, Ryan E. Mewis, Melvin R. Euerby, Oliver B. Sutcliffe
Summary: In this study, Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC-UV) was used to rapidly analyze 31 novel, regioisomeric diphenidine-derived psychoactive substances. The polarity of the stationary phases had a significant impact on the retention time and elution order of the compounds. SFC demonstrated good retention for hydrophilic compounds that were poorly retained on a C18 reverse phase column.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Raul A. Salazar-Gonzalez, Mark A. Doll, David W. Hein
Summary: The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) as drugs of abuse, especially among youth and neglected communities, is common and increasingly popular. Genetic differences, particularly in Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) capacity, are likely to affect the long-term toxicity of these substances. This study investigates the gene-environment interaction between NAT2 polymorphism and toxicity after exposure to NPS, finding that N-acetylation and induction of genotoxic and oxidative damage are allele-dependent.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
D. Martins, E. M. P. J. Garrido, F. Borges, J. M. P. J. Garrido
Summary: The emergence of a large number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) poses a significant risk to public health and a challenge to drug control systems. The development of electrochemical sensing technology has provided fast, portable, sensitive, and low-cost detection alternatives for illicit drugs. The study found that the presence of aromatic amines plays a crucial role in the oxidative profile of certain piperazine designer drugs, while benzylamine in others causes different reaction behaviors.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Yao-Te Yen, Yi-Shiuan Tsai, Wen-Liang Su, Deng-Ying Huang, Hsin-Hui Wu, Shih-Hao Tseng, Hsiao-Hui Wang, Chu -Yin Chiu, Chung-Feng Wang, Chun-Yi Liu, San-Chong Chyueh
Summary: Identifying new psychoactive substances (NPSs) and their metabolites is crucial for law enforcement and forensic purposes. This case study reports the identification of a new ketamine analog, 2-fluorodeschloro-Nethyl-ketamine (2-FDCNEK), and investigates its metabolites using various analytical techniques. The findings provide valuable information for the detection of this new NPS and its metabolites.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jiajia Li, Yong Wang, Anran Liu, Songqin Liu
Summary: A highly sensitive, rapid and highly selective method for the detection of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) in human serum was developed. Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanocomposites were prepared through self-polymerization of dopamine and template molecules. With these magnetic MIP nanoparticles, six SCs could be rapidly and effectively extracted from human blood and their concentrations accurately determined by HPLC-MS analysis. The proposed method is characterized by high sensitivity and selectivity, and has great potential for application in practical sample analysis.
Review
Biology
Arianna Giorgetti, Jennifer P. Pascali, Paolo Fais, Guido Pelletti, Andrea Gabbin, Giorgia Franchetti, Giovanni Cecchetto, Guido Viel
Summary: The molecular mechanisms of NPS involve both receptor-mediated and non-receptor mediated cellular modulation with multiple neurotransmitter interactions, showing a wide range of overlap among activated receptors and neurotransmitter systems. The unique action profile of individual compounds may not necessarily reflect that of their structural class, leading to possible unexpected toxic reactions.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yuqing Yang, Dongping Liu, Zhendong Hua, Peng Xu, Youmei Wang, Bin Di, Jun Liao, Mengxiang Su
Summary: New psychoactive substances (NPS) have become a global problem due to their diversity, legal ambiguity, and ability to adapt to legal restrictions. We propose using supervised machine learning models to rapidly screen NPS using mass spectrometry data. These models achieved F1 scores of 0.35-0.97 and successfully detected synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, and fentanyl in drug trafficking cases.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce V. Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Alexander Stratford, Anna U. Odland, Adam K. Klein, Geraldine Dowling, Nicola M. Dempster, Jason Wallach, Torsten Passie, Adam L. Halberstadt
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2020)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce V. Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Wolfgang Dreiseitel, Geraldine Dowling, Matthew J. Bowden, James P. B. Williamson
Summary: Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a diverse group of molecules considered new psychoactive substances (NPS) designed to explore the cannabinoid receptor system. This study extensively characterized a group of SCRAs with sulfamoyl benzoate, sulfamoyl benzamide, and N-benzoylpiperidine based structures, providing useful analytical profiles for researchers and scientists. The research performed by Stargate International set the stage for the development of these compounds, potentially leading to the emergence of new SCRAs with the quinolin-8-yl head group.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Torsten Passie, Hans-Anton Adams, Frank Logemann, Simon D. Brandt, Birgitt Wiese, Matthias Karst
Summary: Ketamine and its enantiomers, particularly the (S)-enantiomer, have distinct psychological effects which can impact psychopathology and neurocognitive function. While (R)-ketamine appears to have fewer dissociative and psychotomimetic effects at subanesthetic doses, (S)-ketamine may induce more negative psychopathology experiences. The study suggests that the ideal composition of ketamine for treating depression should include (R)-ketamine, as it may offer protective effects against negative psychotomimetic effects compared to (S)-ketamine.
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce V. Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Alexander Stratford, Peter Blanckaert, Geraldine Dowling, Matthias Grill, Hannes M. Schwelm, Volker Auwaerter, Stephen J. Chapman
Summary: LSD analogs like MIPLA are being sold on the street market, making it crucial to develop techniques to differentiate them from LSD. This study presents methods using gas chromatography-solid phase infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to distinguish between MIPLA and LAMPA.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthias J. Richter, Lea Wagmann, Tanja M. Gampfer, Simon D. Brandt, Markus R. Meyer
Summary: The study identified the in vitro phase I/II metabolites of QMPSB and QMPCB and demonstrated the involvement of various monooxygenases and human carboxylesterases in their metabolism. Ester hydrolysis, hydroxylation, and formation of glucuronides and sulfates were observed. Including these metabolites in toxicological screening procedures is recommended based on the results of the in vitro experiments.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce V. Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Benedikt Pulver, Kathleen Morton, Alexander Stratford, Geraldine Dowling, Adam L. Halberstadt
Summary: The research on the novel LSD derivative 1V-LSD suggests that it has hallucinogenic effects similar to LSD but at lower doses. Further studies on its biotransformation and receptor pharmacology are needed to fully elucidate its mechanism of action.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Michael Collins
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas J. F. Angenoorth, Stevan Stankovic, Marco Niello, Marion Holy, Simon D. Brandt, Harald H. Sitte, Julian Maier
Summary: The study highlights the interactions between psychoactive substances and SLC6 monoamine transporters, as well as the potential interactions with human OCTs and hPMAT. The findings suggest the importance of investigating these interactions for regulating monoamine concentrations and drug clearance in the body.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Benedikt Pulver, Hannes M. Schwelm, Kyla Whitelock, Alexander Stratford, Volker Auwaerter, Adam L. Halberstadt
Summary: This study characterized a novel lysergamide N,N-diethyl-1-propanoyl-6-(prop-2-en-1-yl)-9,10-didehydroergoline-8 beta-carboxamide (1P-AL-LAD) using various analytical methods. In vitro metabolism studies confirmed that 1P-AL-LAD acted as a prodrug and converted to AL-LAD as the most abundant metabolite. 1P-AL-LAD induced dose-dependent head twitch response (HTR) in mice, similar to other hallucinogenic substances.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Pierce Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Benedikt Pulver, Hannes M. Schwelm, Alexander Stratford, Volker Auwaerter, Stephen J. Chapman, Adam L. Halberstadt, Simon D. Brandt
Summary: This study describes the analysis of a novel lysergamides compound, 1cP-AL-LAD, using various chromatographic, mass spectrometric, and spectroscopic methods. The compound was found in both purchased samples and blotters sold online for recreational use. The findings provide valuable information for those interested in the chemistry of lysergamides.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Matthias J. Richter, Lea Wagmann, Simon D. Brandt, Markus R. Meyer
Summary: The study identified in vitro metabolites of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists 2F-QMPSB and SGT-233, and found suitable targets for toxicological screenings. Different enzymes and human carboxylesterases were involved in their metabolism. Various CYP isoforms played important roles in the metabolism of these compounds.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Adam L. Halberstadt, Dino Luethi, Marius C. Hoener, Daniel Trachsel, Simon D. Brandt, Matthias E. Liechti
Summary: This study investigated the structure-activity relationships of 4-thio-substituted phenylalkylamines and found that these compounds have psychedelic effects, supporting their classification as psychedelics.
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce V. Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Benedikt Pulver, Hannes M. Schwelm, Alexander Stratford, Volker Auwaerter, Adam L. Halberstadt
Summary: Preclinical investigations have shown that EIPLA exhibits LSD-like properties and can mimic the effects of known psychedelic drugs, making it important for forensic and clinical research.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Verena Angerer, Yasmin Schmid, Florian Franz, Heike Gnann, Jan Manuel Speer, Anke Gnann, Stephan Helmecke, Armin Buchwald, Simon D. Brandt, Torsten Passie, Matthias E. Liechti, Volker Auwaerter
Summary: Administration of the new psychoactive substance 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI) to six volunteers revealed that acute subjective effects were qualitatively comparable with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) based on psychometric measures. Physiological and endocrine measures were also included. In serum and urine, MDAI could be detected for at least 4 and 6 days.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Adam K. Klein, Muhammad Chatha, Lauren J. Laskowski, Emilie Anderson, Simon D. Brandt, Stephen J. Chapman, John D. McCorvy, Adam L. Halberstadt
Summary: This study investigated the pharmacological properties of tryptamine derivatives containing N,N-dialkyl substituents and a 4-hydroxy or 4-acetoxy group, revealing their similar potencies at 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors. The compounds acted as full or partial agonists at 5-HT2 subtypes and induced LSD-like head twitches in mice. O-acetylation reduced the in vitro potency of the compounds but had little effect on their in vivo head twitch response potency, suggesting a prodrug mechanism.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2021)