Metabolomics of novel psychoactive substances: study involving designer opioids and fentanyl analogues using human liver microsomes and biological samples

• Grant number: 16/19063-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: January 01, 2017
• End date: July 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Bruno Spinosa de Martinis
• Grantee: Bruno Spinosa de Martinis
• Host Investigator: Barry K. Logan
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, United States

Abstract

In the past few years, the emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) such as Fentanyl analogues into the recreational drug market has introduced various challenges in forensic analytical toxicology in regards to adequate and timely detection of these compounds. This is especially true in samples from individuals who have experienced severe and fatal intoxications. There are no in vitro studies about metabolomics of Fentanyl analogues such as butyryl fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, and acrylfentanyl. The aim of this research is to identify the major Phase I metabolites of selected Fentanyl analogs compounds to generate a predicted human metabolic pathway of these substances. An in vitro incubation method of pooled human liver microsomes with three Fentanyl analogs will be used to identify major metabolites. These metabolic products, after extraction procedure, will be identified and confirmed from accurate mass findings of samples analyzed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (UPLC/QToF) Mass Spectrometry. (AU)