Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Pia Johansson Heinsvig, Carolina Noble, Petur Weihe Dalsgaard, Marie Mardal
Summary: Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) is widely used for screening small organic molecules in complex samples, allowing for broad-scope screening of thousands of analytes. However, its implementation in high-throughput laboratories with multiple users analyzing large amounts of data per week has been complicated by the complexity of the acquired data. This critical review provides a comprehensive overview of the analytical process of LC-HRMS-based forensic drug screening, highlighting interesting solutions and discussing emerging trends.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rossella Barone, Arianna Giorgetti, Rachele Cardella, Francesca Rossi, Marco Garagnani, Jennifer Paola Pascali, Susan Mohamed, Paolo Fais, Guido Pelletti
Summary: We developed a LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous detection of various antidepressants, benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, and metabolites in whole blood. The method was validated using commercial calibrators and showed good precision and accuracy. It can be a reliable screening tool for psychotropic drugs in postmortem samples.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
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
Toxicology
Liesl K. Janssens, Simon Hudson, David M. Wood, Caitlin Wolfe, Paul I. Dargan, Christophe P. Stove
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical features, serum concentrations of 5F-MDMB-PICA, and the relationship with cannabinoid activity in individuals experiencing recreational drug toxicity. The findings suggest that the contribution of 5F-MDMB-PICA metabolites to overall cannabinoid activity in serum is negligible. Additionally, in vitro pharmacological characterization allows for the prediction of an individual's ex vivo CB1 activity, which is related to the level of consciousness.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Abdulaziz A. Aldubayyan, Erika Castrignano, Simon Elliott, Vincenzo Abbate
Summary: This study presents a validated LC-MS/MS method for detecting and quantifying synthetic cathinones and their metabolites in human urine. Analysis of suspicious urine samples from Saudi Arabia revealed the presence of synthetic cathinones, specifically mephedrone and N-ethylpentylone, as well as their dihydro-metabolites, along with other classical stimulant drugs. This is the first report of new psychoactive substance use in Saudi Arabia involving designer stimulant drugs. The findings highlight the need for broader urine analysis to detect and report otherwise undetected or new analytes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Heon-Jun Lee, Jeong-Eun Oh
Summary: This study aimed to develop a target and suspect screening method using LC-HRMS to identify new psychoactive substances (NPS) in wastewater samples. A database of 95 traditional and NPS was built, and an analytical method was developed. Analysis of wastewater samples from 29 treatment plants identified 14 substances, including 3 NPS and 11 traditional psychoactive substances. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring of NPS in South Korea.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
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.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Alex J. Krotulski, Donna M. Papsun, Sara E. Walton, Barry K. Logan
Summary: Metonitazene is a new synthetic opioid that emerged in recreational drug supply in 2020 and has been confirmed in several postmortem cases. It is often found in combination with other drugs, with fentanyl being the most common. Medical examiners include metonitazene as a contributing factor to deaths, with the manner of death usually ruled as accidental. Toxicology laboratories and investigators are urged to include metonitazene in testing protocols and remain vigilant for new synthetic opioids.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sara Odoardi, Serena Mestria, Giulia Biosa, Raffaella Arfe, Micaela Tirri, Matteo Marti, Sabina Strano Rossi
Summary: This study successfully identified the main metabolites of mephtetramine (MTTA) through a combination of in silico metabolic pathway prediction and in vivo metabolism experiments. This approach enabled the development of analytical methods for the detection of MTTA and its main metabolites in biological samples.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Toxicology
Jadwiga Musial, Jolanta Powierska-Czarny, Jakub Czarny, Michal Raczkowski, Natalia Galant, Boguslaw Buszewski, Renata Gadzala-Kopciuch
Summary: The emergence of new psychoactive substances on the market is a significant global problem, with negative consequences such as accidents and deaths. Analyzing these substances in biological samples is crucial for legal action and saving lives. Laboratories face challenges in optimizing methods to identify and determine these substances accurately.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Peipei Liu, Wenjuan Liu, Hongwei Qiao, Shan Jiang, Youmei Wang, Jie Chen, Mengxiang Su, Bin Di
Summary: This study proposes a high-throughput nail sample preparation method and a quantitative analytical method for drug intake detection in forensic toxicology investigations. The method involves cryogenic grinding and high-speed grinding to improve extraction recovery. It serves as a useful tool for large-scale surveillance of illicit drugs abuse.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Thomas Gicquel, Romain Pelletier, Camille Richeval, Alexandr Gish, Florian Hakim, Pierre-Jean Ferron, Vadim Mesli, Delphine Allorge, Isabelle Morel, Jean-michel Gaulier
Summary: This study investigated the metabolites of 2-fluoro-deschloroketamine (2F-DCK) using in vitro experimental approaches and molecular networking to compare results. Thirteen metabolites were produced in vitro with additional seven metabolites found in post-mortem samples. The HLMs and HepaRG cell models were complementary in identifying specific 2F-DCK metabolites, with nor-2F-DCK and a hydrogenated metabolite proposed as reliable markers for detection in HRMS libraries.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Bartlomiej Feigel, Piotr Adamowicz, Slawomir Wybraniec
Summary: This article reviews the multi-component methods of detection and identification of NPS using low-resolution tandem mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography. It collects and organizes existing information on NPS screening analysis methods, which will be helpful to forensic scientists working in this field.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alexandr Gish, Veronique Dumestre-Toulet, Camille Richeval, Jean-Francois Wiart, Florian Hakim, Delphine Allorge, Jean-Michel Gaulier
Summary: This study reports the pharmaceutical design of new psychoactive substances (NPS) detected in oral fluid from drivers during a music festival in 2019. The results show an increase in the proportion of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinone derivatives, and a decrease in cyclohexanones.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meiru Pan, Brian Schou Rasmussen, Petur Weihe Dalsgaard, Christian Brinch Mollerup, Marie Katrine Klose Nielsen, Michael Nedahl, Kristian Linnet, Marie Mardal
Summary: The expanding and dynamic market of new psychoactive substances poses challenges for laboratories worldwide. In this study, an efficient and scalable retrospective data analysis workflow was developed to investigate analytes missed in previously analyzed samples. The method allows for fast and accurate analysis of previously acquired data files in less than 1 minute, representing a major technological advancement in monitoring NPS abuse.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Sara Odoardi, Serena Mestria, Giulia Biosa, Valeria Valentini, Sofia Federici, Sabina Strano Rossi
Summary: The illegal market of counterfeit and falsified medicines and supplements containing unlabeled pharmaceuticals is expanding worldwide, posing a threat to public health. The main risks are related to the intrinsic toxicity of the substances found, especially when taken without a therapeutic indication.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Serena Mestria, Sara Odoardi, Sofia Federici, Sabrine Bilel, Micaela Tirri, Matteo Marti, Sabina Strano Rossi
Summary: The study conducted in silico and in vivo on the metabolism of N-methyl-2-aminoindane (NM2AI) identified main metabolites in different biological samples, using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The findings led to the development of an LC-HRMS method for screening NM2AI and its metabolites in urine, blood and hair samples, which can effectively uncover abuse and intoxications related to NM2AI.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sara Odoardi, Giulia Biosa, Serena Mestria, Valeria Valentini, Nadia De Giovanni, Francesca Cittadini, Sabina Strano Rossi
Summary: This study focuses on the association between road accidents and the presence of drug abuse markers in drivers' biological fluids. The results indicate that alcohol, cannabinoids, and cocaine are the most frequently detected substances. The concentrations of drugs in urine are generally higher than in blood. The presence of cannabis or cocaine markers in drivers' urine is strongly associated with a higher risk of being involved in a road accident, even if they are no longer under the influence of these drugs at the time of the accident.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Serena Mestria, Sara Odoardi, Giulia Biosa, Sabina Strano Rossi
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Giorgia Corli, Micaela Tirri, Raffaella Arfe, Beatrice Marchetti, Tatiana Bernardi, Martina Borsari, Sara Odoardi, Serena Mestria, Sabina Strano-Rossi, Margherita Neri, Rosa Maria Gaudio, Sabrine Bilel, Matteo Marti
Summary: Synthetic cathinones, including MTTA, are becoming increasingly popular in the illicit drug market, particularly among young adults, due to their ability to replicate the effects of traditional psychostimulant drugs. However, there is limited data available on the in vivo pharmaco-toxicology of these substances. This study examined the effects of repeated administration of MTTA in mice and found that it caused sensory and physiological changes, as well as histological alterations in the heart, kidney, and liver, suggesting potential toxicity.
Letter
Biochemical Research Methods
Serena Mestria, Sara Odoardi, Sabina Strano Rossi
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sara Odoardi, Serena Mestria, Giulia Biosa, Francesca Cittadini, Massimo Senati, Sabina Strano Rossi
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Serena Mestria, Sara Odoardi, Giulia Biosa, Valeria Valentini, Sabina Strano Rossi
Summary: Hair is commonly used to investigate a person's drug history due to its difficulty to be tampered with. However, online sources offer treatments to lower drug concentrations in hair for passing drug tests. In this study, three treatments were tested, with Treatment 1 being the most effective in reducing drug concentrations. The treatments did not cause noticeable damage to the hair strands, making it difficult to detect if the hair was treated.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Heitor S. D. Correa, Ivano Alessandri, Andrea Verzeletti
Summary: This research assessed the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in analyzing bones. The techniques were found to be useful in molecular taphonomy studies and forensic genetics.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2024)