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Forensic Toxicology
Published in: Forensic Toxicology 2/2018

01-07-2018 | Original Article

Metabolism of the new synthetic cannabinoid EG-018 in human hepatocytes by high-resolution mass spectrometry

Authors: Xingxing Diao, Jeremy Carlier, Mingshe Zhu, Marilyn A. Huestis

Published in: Forensic Toxicology | Issue 2/2018

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Abstract

Purpose

The present study aims to recommend appropriate urinary marker metabolites for documenting EG-018 consumption by investigating its metabolism in human hepatocytes.

Methods

For metabolite profiling, 10 µM EG-018 was incubated in human hepatocytes for 3 h. Metabolite identification in hepatocyte samples was accomplished with high-resolution mass spectrometry via information-dependent data acquisition.

Results

EG-018 was highly metabolized in human hepatocytes. A total of eight metabolites were characterized, mainly generated from hydroxylation and carbonylation on the pentyl chain. Dihydrodiol formation, N-dealkylation, and glucuronidation of hydroxylated metabolites were the other major pathways.

Conclusions

The primary metabolites of EG-018 in human hepatocyte incubation were pentyl hydroxylated EG-018 (M6) and pentyl carbonylated EG-018 (M8). These two metabolites are proposed as the best urinary markers for confirming EG-018 intake.
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Metadata
Title
Metabolism of the new synthetic cannabinoid EG-018 in human hepatocytes by high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors
Xingxing Diao
Jeremy Carlier
Mingshe Zhu
Marilyn A. Huestis
Publication date
01-07-2018
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
Forensic Toxicology / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1860-8965
Electronic ISSN: 1860-8973
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-018-0404-2

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