Hundertmark M, Besch L, Röhrich J
… +2 more, Germerott T, Wunder C
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40108681
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In May 2022, semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSC) appeared on the European drug market, claiming to offer a legal alternative with cannabimimetic effects. Since then, the use of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has quickly become...In May 2022, semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSC) appeared on the European drug market, claiming to offer a legal alternative with cannabimimetic effects. Since then, the use of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has quickly become very popular and derivatives, among them heptyl-analogs with prolonged alkyl-sidechains and acetylated forms, have appeared. First HHC-bans were introduced in some EU countries in early 2023. As only limited data is available on this dynamic consumption trend, this study aims to analyse a seizure collective comprehensively. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was validated for quantification of (R,S)-HHC, Δ-THC, Δ-THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, (R,S)-HHC-O and CBN-O and applied to a collective of 80 SSC-containing products including flowers, resins, edibles, vape liquids and papers. Further derivatives, among them (R,S)-HHCP, Δ-THCP, Δ-THCP, (R,S)-HHCP-O, (R,S)-H4CBD, THC-O and THCP-O were qualitatively evaluated. HHC-content was characterised by extreme fluctuations from <LOQ up to 70.9 wt-%. Δ-THC was detected in most seizures, with around a quarter of samples exceeding the EU-legal limit for hemp (< 0.3 wt-% Δ-THC). Δ-THC was rarely found in elevated levels which might indicate residues of HHC-synthesis. H4CBD was the most frequently detected SSC-derivative, followed by heptyl-analogs. Acetates played a minor role and were usually only detected in traces, while elevated levels occurred rarely. Unusual cannabinoid compositions were detected in cannabis carrier material, including extreme CBD-concentrations (up to 67.3 wt-%) and CBG-dominant cultivars. Systematic investigation of seizures provides information for assessing the risk to consumers and is a valuable basis for the interpretation of findings in biological material.
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40075559
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Since 2021, products claiming to contain Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC) analogs have been distributed online and in physical stores, including liquid cartridges for electronic cigarettes, herbal products, and gummy produ...Since 2021, products claiming to contain Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC) analogs have been distributed online and in physical stores, including liquid cartridges for electronic cigarettes, herbal products, and gummy products. This study identified the ingredients in products claiming to contain THC analogs distributed online. Seven oil products and one herbal product were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-photodiode array-mass spectrometry (LC-PDA-MS). After isolating and purifying the unknown components from the products, structural analysis was performed by measuring H and C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and various two-dimensional NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY). The analysis revealed the presence of Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol acetate (Δ-THC-O), Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol acetate (Δ-THC-O), Δ-iso-THC-O-acetate, Δ-tetrahydrocannabihexol acetate (Δ-THCH-O), Δ-tetrahydrocannabiphorol acetate (Δ-THCP-O), Δ-THC-O-propionate, Δ-THC-O-propionate, Δ-iso-THC-O-propionate, Δ-THCB-O-butanoate, and Δ-THCP-O-butanoate in these products.
Vogel M, Escher SE, Weiler E
… +3 more, Londenberg A, Deppenmeier U, Whomsley R
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40075515
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The presence of nitrosamines in numerous human medicinal products (HMP) has recently emerged as a cause for concern. Following the initial discovery of carcinogenic low molecular weight nitrosamines such as nitrosodimeth...The presence of nitrosamines in numerous human medicinal products (HMP) has recently emerged as a cause for concern. Following the initial discovery of carcinogenic low molecular weight nitrosamines such as nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in HMP, regulatory authorities worldwide requested marketing authorization holders to perform risk assessments for the presence of nitrosamines in their products. The initially observed contaminations-mainly low molecular weight nitrosamines-were generated by organic solvent impurities or by-products from synthesis and nitrite carried over to finished products (FP). More recently, complex nitrosamine drug substance-related impurities (NDSRIs) have been reported arising from direct nitrosation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at secondary amine groups in the presence of nitrite derived from excipients. In addition, an alternative route of API nitrosation is conceivable due to interaction with gastric acid and physiological nitrite after drug intake. Within this study, 13 secondary amine bearing APIs were selected to individually identify susceptibilities for nitrosation by using high physiological limit values in terms of pH and nitrite. Therefore, artificial gastric media were fortified with 200 μM sodium nitrite and increasing concentrations of APIs at pH 3.15 and 37°C for 2 h. All NDSRI concentrations were quantitatively determined via validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodology. Additionally, time-dependent nitrosations of selected APIs were monitored to kinetically assess the proportion of NDSRIs after the gastric passage. All results and observations were further processed by means of structure activity relationship (SAR) predictions to identify highly susceptible compounds in the group of concern.
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40075191
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2-Hydroxyethyl salicylate (2HES), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is a medication to treat musculoskeletal injuries and inflammation swelling of humans and horses. Its misuse could affect the performance o...2-Hydroxyethyl salicylate (2HES), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is a medication to treat musculoskeletal injuries and inflammation swelling of humans and horses. Its misuse could affect the performance of horses and mask injuries, which could pose significant health risks. In horseracing, it is reported as an adverse finding once detected in competition. The metabolism of 2HES in either human or horse has not been reported, and therefore, little is known about its metabolic fate. This paper describes the in vivo metabolism of 2HES in horse with an objective to identify the most appropriate target(s) for detecting 2HES administration. To study the elimination and biotransformation of 2HES, topical administrations were performed by giving three castrated horses (geldings) each a total of 100-g Tensolvet gel (equivalent to 5 g of 2HES). The postulated in vivo metabolites included glucuronide-conjugated 2HES (2HES-Glu) and sulphate-conjugated 2HES (2HES-SO) from Phase II conjugation possibly at hydroxyethyl moiety and salicylic acid (SA) from hydrolysis of 2HES. To control the misuse of 2HES in horses effectively, 2HES was found to be the most suitable target. Total 2HES could be detected for up to 10 days in urine, whereas free 2HES could be detected for 16 h in plasma. As the maximum concentration of SA in postadministration urine and plasma sample did not exceed its corresponding international thresholds, monitoring the amount of SA could not be used as an indicator for possible 2HES exposure.
Dine G, Lamzouri A, Guibert E
… +1 more, Alvarez JC
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40068857
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We present a case report of an adverse analytical finding (AAF) with suspected doping in an athlete following consumption of a supplement contaminated with Roxadustat, an oral inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl...We present a case report of an adverse analytical finding (AAF) with suspected doping in an athlete following consumption of a supplement contaminated with Roxadustat, an oral inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIP-PH), which increases erythropoietin production under normoxic conditions. Simultaneously, the athlete biological passport (ABP) profile was reviewed by experts of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ABP review panel and considered to be atypical and suspect of blood doping. A particular genetic testing was performed, which determined that this athlete had various reasons for fluctuations in her hematological parameters, such as the C677T and 1298C MTHFR mutations leading to chronic folate deficiency which can participate in the development of multiple hormonal and metabolic disturbances, heterozygous missense variant EPAS1 c.1292T>C, p. (Ile431Thr) and a heterozygous missense variant PIEZO1 c.7478T>G, p. (Leu2493Arg), both of which are variants of uncertain significance. This example illustrates the caution required when interpreting an ABP.
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40059546
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The use of transdermal patches, primarily for pain relief, has grown significantly in recent years. This increase in legitimate use has been accompanied by a rise in their illegal use. Consequently, forensic laboratories...The use of transdermal patches, primarily for pain relief, has grown significantly in recent years. This increase in legitimate use has been accompanied by a rise in their illegal use. Consequently, forensic laboratories are facing a growing number of these complex samples requiring analysis. These systems often involve complex sample matrices, demanding analytical techniques that are both efficient and highly sensitive. This study introduces the application of QuickProbe GC-MS for the rapid identification of fentanyl and buprenorphine in transdermal patches. Utilizing in situ extraction, the method eliminates the need for time-consuming sample preparation, achieving a full analysis cycle time of under 2 min. QP GC-MS successfully detected fentanyl and buprenorphine at concentrations as low as 4.125 and 5 mg, respectively, while adhering to the highest selectivity guidelines. This rapid and streamlined approach has broader implications for forensic investigations, enabling high-throughput screening of seized drug samples and potentially extending to the analysis of emerging drugs of abuse. The speed and efficiency of QP GC-MS make it a valuable tool for law enforcement, public health agencies, and toxicology labs facing the challenge of keeping pace with evolving drug trends.
Flores-Monroy J, Ramírez-Hernández D, Lezama-Martínez D
… +1 more, Velasco-Bejarano B
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40049629
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Several studies have described the sedative effects of dimenhydrinate (DMH), although others report a stimulant effect on psychomotor functions. Because the first generation of antihistamines was shown to seriously impai...Several studies have described the sedative effects of dimenhydrinate (DMH), although others report a stimulant effect on psychomotor functions. Because the first generation of antihistamines was shown to seriously impair cognitive psychomotor and driving performance in healthy volunteers, the aim of our research was to determine the effect of DMH by testing physical activity and cognitive and cardiovascular functions using an animal model to identify a possible stimulatory effect. The study protocol consisted of two phases. The first was designed to analyze the stimulating motor effect of DMH. Four study groups were formed: (1) vehicle (Veh), (2) modafinil (MOD), (3) DMH at 50 mg/kg (DMH-50), and (4) DMH at 200 mg/kg (DMH-200). Motor coordination and balance, physical activity, hemodynamics, and nitrous oxide (NO) quantification were performed. In the second phase, we sought to discriminate the compound in DMH that generates the stimulating effect. In this case, the study groups were (1) Veh, (2) MOD, (3) DMH, (4) diphenhydramine (DPH), (5) 8-chlorotheophylline (8-Cl-T), and (6) theophylline (TEO). In this phase, we quantified glucose and insulin levels, behavior, physical activity, blood pressure, and vascular reactivity to phenylephrine and acetylcholine. Findings showed that DMH might improve a motor and physical stimulating effect but also increased NO levels in the lungs. DPH promoted a compulsive-like behavior that diminished with 8-Cl-T. Regarding cardiovascular effects, DMH decreased vascular reactivity to phenylephrine and acetylcholine. Finally, in the DMH formulation, 8-Cl-T was identified as the compound responsible for increasing blood pressure and heart rate.
Derwand D, Zierau O, Wolf CA
… +2 more, Wolber G, Keiler AM
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40038867
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Full text
Dietary supplements used by recreational and elite athletes for performance enhancement might contain undeclared, unlawfully added ingredients. One of those ingredients is 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin, which is sold in dietary s...Dietary supplements used by recreational and elite athletes for performance enhancement might contain undeclared, unlawfully added ingredients. One of those ingredients is 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin, which is sold in dietary supplements marketed as a natural compound with anabolic effects. It has been shown that 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin is not naturally occurring, but rather of synthetic origin. Previously, we observed that 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin can bind to and activate the androgen receptor in a cell-based bioassay. To investigate its androgenic potential in vivo, we treated orchiectomized rats with three different dosages of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin for 2 weeks. Effects were neither observed on the wet weights of the androgen target tissues prostate, seminal vesicle or penis nor on the wet weights of the anabolic target tissue musculus levator ani or on skeletal hindlimb muscles. Au contraire, significantly higher atrophy was seen for some of the target tissues in the animals treated with the highest 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin dosage (36 mg/kg bw). While in silico docking supports the androgen receptor binding previously observed in vitro, we observed neither androgenic nor anabolic effects of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin in vivo in castrated male rats.
Bouten J, Garcia J, Carin R
… +5 more, Nader E, Pichon A, Robach P, Connes P, Brocherie F
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40033169
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Carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing is frequently used to determine hemoglobin mass (Hb) during hypoxic or heat training and high-altitude research. Accurate and reliable carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) determination is crucial fo...Carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing is frequently used to determine hemoglobin mass (Hb) during hypoxic or heat training and high-altitude research. Accurate and reliable carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) determination is crucial for reliable Hb measurements. The aim was therefore to explore the stability of HbCO and interchangeability of two Radiometer analyzers in the determination of Hb. Twelve subjects performed a CO rebreathing test. Five capillary blood samples were taken before and after the CO rebreathing test and either analyzed immediately on site (three capillary tubes, Day 1, ABL 90) or stored at room temperature and sent to another laboratory for analysis 4-8 days later (two capillary tubes, ABL 825). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and relative typical error (TE) were calculated to compare both measurements. A paired sample t test was performed to detect potential differences between Day 1 (ABL 90) and Days 4-8 (ABL 825). A trivial mean difference was observed between the two measurements for ΔHbCO (0.05%, p = 0.01, d = -0.12) and Hb (7.7 g, p = 0.01, d = 0.10). High reliability (ICC > 0.98) and low TE (< 0.91%) were found for ΔHbCO and Hb. Immediate analysis with the same analyzer remains recommended despite trivial differences between measurements. However, when logistical issues (analyzer breakdown, extreme, and/or remote locations) do not allow optimal procedures, delayed analysis, potentially with a different analyzer, might be used as a viable alternative.
Cheung HW, Wong KS, Choi YC
… +6 more, Kwok WH, So YM, Farrington AF, Bond AJ, Wan TSM, Ho ENM
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40033065
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An increasing number of novel Fc-fusion proteins and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are being developed as therapeutic agents for treating various diseases. Among these, there are inhibitors of the activin Type II receptor...An increasing number of novel Fc-fusion proteins and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are being developed as therapeutic agents for treating various diseases. Among these, there are inhibitors of the activin Type II receptor (ActRIIA and ActRIIB) signaling pathways and mAbs against nerve growth factor (NGF), which may be misused for performance enhancement in horseracing and equestrian sports. This study is aimed at developing a generic detection method for doping control analysis of nine targeted proteins, each containing the Fc domain of human IgG or IgG from other species in equine plasma, namely, three recombinant Fc-fusion proteins (sotatercept, follistatin-Fc (FST-Fc), and erythropoietin-Fc (EPO-Fc)) and six mAbs (bimagrumab, domagrozumab, garetosmab, landogrozumab, bedinvetmab (Librela), and frunevetmab (Solensia)). A generic workflow has been developed, involving affinity purification with commercially available Protein A magnetic beads followed by tryptic digestion and detection of 20 targeted peptides (with 2-3 diagnostic peptides for each targeted protein) using capillary flow high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS). The method identified all nine targeted proteins in spiked equine plasma with adequate sensitivity and precision, and for the first time, bedinvetmab (Librela) was detected and identified in plasma for at least 34 days after a single subcutaneous administration (0.5 mg/kg) to a Thoroughbred horse. The results have demonstrated the method's applicability to equine doping control. This generic method involving affinity purification by Protein A has provided a pragmatic and effective approach to cope with the doping control of novel Fc domain-containing proteins.
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40015957
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The physical advantages in elite power sports that allow men to surpass women are derived from the experience of male puberty. By creating testicular testosterone production 20-30-fold over women at any age, sustained ex...The physical advantages in elite power sports that allow men to surpass women are derived from the experience of male puberty. By creating testicular testosterone production 20-30-fold over women at any age, sustained exposure over years to adult male testosterone concentrations produces larger and stronger muscles, bones, and the cardiorespiratory system with a higher blood hemoglobin explaining those advantages. While genetic advantages in exercise performance unrelated to sex are accepted in elite sports, adults who have experienced male puberty but have female gender identity, such as male-to-female transgender or intersex (XY Disorders of Sexual Development, DSD), create a category-defeating conflict if they compete in female power sports. Transgender women seek feminization using estrogen treatment, which can suppress postpubertal endogenous testosterone but even sustained complete testosterone suppression leaves an unfair legacy of physical advantages. By contrast, XY DSDs do not seek hormonal feminization and recognize that testosterone suppression impedes their performance. Hence, understanding the biology of male-bodied athletes with female gender identity is crucial to effective management, which is geared toward maintaining fairness and safety for typical women competing in elite female events. Such sex-based restrictions are not required in recreational, junior, or nonprofessional sports or where physical advantages are not operative. After the IOC's controversial 2021 Framework document, a growing consensus among major international sports federations is establishing a working definition of male and female sports sex to facilitate fairness and safety in elite sports, which depend on power, strength, speed, or endurance.
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 39985189
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Recent data indicate that the use of controlled substances is increasing in working life, which can negatively affect work environment, performance, and safety. Many employers have an alcohol and drug policy that describ...Recent data indicate that the use of controlled substances is increasing in working life, which can negatively affect work environment, performance, and safety. Many employers have an alcohol and drug policy that describes routines for preventive measures and early detection of illicit drug use. This often includes drug tests that provide objective information about recent use, and can be done routinely, randomly, and on suspicion. For some substances, however, a positive drug test may also result from prescription as medicine. Controlled substances that are abused and prescribed include amphetamines (ADHD medication), benzodiazepines and opiates. In a 2023 study of 23,900 urine and oral fluid drug test results from Swedish workplaces, 4.6% tested positive for one or more controlled substances. Most samples were collected in connection with random testing (40%) and new employment (36%), whereas the highest proportions of drug-positive samples were observed in cases related to accidents or incidents, or on suspicion of drug use. The highest percentage of positive random drug tests was recorded in the construction sector. The most common substances were cannabis (> 40% of cases), amphetamine (> 20%), and cocaine and benzodiazepines (> 10% each). However, many samples containing opiates (71% of cases), amphetamine (63%) and benzodiazepines (44%) were verified by a specialist trained Medical Review Officer (MRO) to be due to medical prescription, while those containing cannabis or cocaine were almost entirely due to illicit drug use. Considering the potentially negative consequences of a positive drug test in working life, an MRO should verify the results before they become final.
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 39981602
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Hexahydrocannabiphorol (HHCP) is an emerging semisynthetic cannabinoid, which has been known since 1942 from research of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) analogs and homologs. After the ban of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) in many...Hexahydrocannabiphorol (HHCP) is an emerging semisynthetic cannabinoid, which has been known since 1942 from research of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) analogs and homologs. After the ban of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) in many European Countries HHCP emerged as a replacement among other similar compounds. First countries already placed HHCP under their narcotic substance law. The aim of this research was to identify human Phase I and II metabolites in urine after oral HHCP consumption. Enzymatic immunoassays of urine samples were tested negative for cannabinoids after a single oral consumption of 4-mg HHCP from a Δ-THC abstinent volunteer. The HHCP sample consumed in the self-experiment was purchased from an online store and analyzed beforehand using GC-MS. LC-HR-MS/MS and GC-MS after derivatization were used for the identification of metabolites. Hydroxylated metabolites were found with hydroxylation on the side chain or on the alicyclic part of the molecule. Bishydroxylated HHCP metabolites were found in similar abundance as the monohydroxy metabolites. All of the bishydroxylated metabolites besides a minor metabolite had a hydroxyl group on the side chain and another hydroxyl group on the alicyclic part of the molecule. In addition, the corresponding glucuronides were identified by LC-HR-MS/MS. The exact positions and stereochemistry of the hydroxylation sites could not be determined. Due to the extensive metabolism of HHCP and the lacking cross-reactivity of urine samples after consumption in Δ-THC specific immunoassays, it is recommended to include HHCP metabolites in routine screening methods. Monohydroxylated and bishydroxylated metabolites of HHCP and their respective glucuronides are suggested as forensic targets.
Tang Y, Xu L, Zhao J
… +4 more, Qian X, Qiang H, Xiang P, Yan H
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 39980124
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Etomidate is a short-acting non-barbiturate imidazole used as an intravenous anesthetic agent in humans, while metomidate and propoxate are common anesthetic drug for fishes. Today, etomidate, and its analogs, including...Etomidate is a short-acting non-barbiturate imidazole used as an intravenous anesthetic agent in humans, while metomidate and propoxate are common anesthetic drug for fishes. Today, etomidate, and its analogs, including isopropoxate, are increasingly abused, leading to many public malignant events. The goal of this work was to use liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to study the in vivo and in vitro metabolism of etomidate and its analogs in zebrafish, human liver microsomes (HLMs), human urine and hair samples. Eight metabolites of metomidate, 11 metabolites of etomidate, six metabolites of propoxate, and 10 metabolites of isopropoxate were detected in our study. The main metabolic pathways included hydroxylation, dealkylation, dehydrogenation, and glucuronidation. Etomidate acid and metomidate were detected in samples after metabolism of all four substances. Our results support the use of the monohydroxylated metabolites as metabolic biomarkers for etomidate and its analogs. Among the tested human samples, 38 samples showed one type of our targeted substances, and 20 samples showed two or more drugs. Thus, polydrug use in etomidate and its analogs was a phenomenon worth noting. This study is the first to identify target metabolic compounds for monitoring the abuse of etomidate and its analogs in human, and to provide insights into the in vivo and in vitro biotransformation of them.
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 39976085
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Publisher ↗
Erythropoietin (EPO) abuse in sports has been a major challenge in doping analysis for decades. Although the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) serves as an indirect method for EPO detection, it requires continual improve...Erythropoietin (EPO) abuse in sports has been a major challenge in doping analysis for decades. Although the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) serves as an indirect method for EPO detection, it requires continual improvement to increase its sensitivity and reliability. Biomarkers related to iron metabolism and erythropoiesis as complementary parameters to enhance the ABP hematology module have the potential to improve its ability to detect EPO indirectly. In this study, RNA was extracted from dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected over 28 days (days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 21, and 28) following the administration of therapeutic doses of recombinant human EPO (Yibiao, 50 IU/kg per dose, administered subcutaneously twice). The expression of four genes, namely, mitoferrin 1 (MFRN1), ferrochelatase (FECH), ferroportin (FPN), and ferritin heavy chain (FTH), was analyzed. The results revealed significant expression changes, with MFRN1 demonstrating peak increases of 2.43-fold, and presented detection windows extending beyond Day 9, providing greater sensitivity and longer detection windows than traditional ABP parameters do. The integration of MFRN1 into the ABP framework has the potential to increase the detection of EPO misuse in athletes.
AlQahtani AD, Abushareeda W, Vonaparti A
… +10 more, Kraiem S, ElSaftawy W, Saad K, Al-Wahaibi A, Hilal N, Dbes N, Nimker V, Weber A, Beotra A, Al Maadheed M
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 39967240
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The 22nd FIFA World Cup, the world championship for national football teams, was held in Qatar from November 20th to December 18th, 2022. The doping control analysis was successfully conducted by the Anti-Doping Laborato...The 22nd FIFA World Cup, the world championship for national football teams, was held in Qatar from November 20th to December 18th, 2022. The doping control analysis was successfully conducted by the Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar (ADLQ) using its state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation. To meet the short reporting timeline of 24-72 h, additional staff was recruited, trained, and incorporated into the routine activities during the event period. Furthermore, six scientific experts from other World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratories were also invited to ensure adequate staffing throughout the event. In total, 57 scientific and non-scientific staff of ADLQ participated in the FIFA testing. A total of 1612 samples (623 urine, 622 serum, and 367 whole blood samples) were collected and analyzed. The number of serum samples that were tested for hGH using the isoform method had been the highest compared to any other sport event in the past. The results of all the analyzed urine and blood samples were negative, with two cases each being reported to contain the monitoring substance codeine and the confounding factor carboxy finasteride.
Deventer MH, Emanuele MC, Stang BN
… +11 more, Van Uytfanghe K, Masson J, Bouvot X, Lamoureux C, Proposito A, Reniero F, Holland MV, Krotulski AJ, Mannina L, Stove CP, Guillou C
Drug Test Anal
· 2025 Sep · PMID 39943794
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CH-FUBBMPDORA (CHO-4'Me-5'Br-FUBOXPYRA), a recent addition to the recreational drug market, bypasses the Chinese generic ban (2021) on synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) due to its new 5-bromo-4-methylpyridi...CH-FUBBMPDORA (CHO-4'Me-5'Br-FUBOXPYRA), a recent addition to the recreational drug market, bypasses the Chinese generic ban (2021) on synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) due to its new 5-bromo-4-methylpyridin-2(1H)-one core. Its pharmacological properties are currently undefined, and it is yet to be found in biological samples. However, it is unclear whether this is due to low prevalence or hampered detection. The aim of this study was twofold. First, we used a powder seized by customs as a case study to evaluate the utility of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) to unequivocally identify CH-FUBBMPDORA. This demonstrated the potential of this technique, which is increasingly used by customs and forensic laboratories for substance identification. High-field nuclear magnetic resonance (HF-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), and Raman spectroscopy were used as complementary techniques for identification and characterization. Second, we investigated the potential to activate CB and CB and the metabolism of CH-FUBBMPDORA. Potencies and efficacies were assessed using βarr2 recruitment assays. Metabolite studies were conducted via human liver microsome (HLM) incubation followed by LC-QTOF-MS. CH-FUBBMPDORA showed a limited activation potential at both cannabinoid receptors. The seized powder exhibited a pronouncedly higher activity, suggesting the potential presence of contaminants with higher cannabinoid activity. Although analytical characterization revealed minor impurities, it is uncertain whether these explain the bioassay findings. Four metabolites were identified, which were all the result of hydroxylation of either the cyclohexyl head group or of the methyl group on the core.