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Development of a simultaneous analytical method for selected anorectics, methamphetamine, MDMA, and their metabolites in hair using LC-MS/MS to prove anorectics abuse

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Abstract

Owing to the tight control of methamphetamine, it is presumed that phentermine, an amphetamine-type anorectic, has recently been considered a supplement for methamphetamine abusers in Korea. In addition, the abuse of other anorectics obtained by inappropriate means has become a social issue. Hair is a useful specimen to prove chronic drug use. Therefore, an analytical method for the simultaneous detection of phentermine, phendimetrazine, amfepramone, fenfluramine, mazindol, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), as well as their metabolites, which covers the major amphetamines and anorectic agents in Korea, in hair was established and validated using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The drugs and their metabolites in hair were extracted using 1 % HCl in methanol and then filtered and analyzed by LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization in positive mode. The validation results for selectivity, linearity, matrix effect, recovery, process efficiency, intra- and interassay precision and accuracy, and processed sample stability were satisfactory. The limits of detection ranged from 0.025 to 1 ng/10 mg hair and the limits of quantification were 0.25 ng/10 mg hair for every analyte except mazindol and phentermine, for which they were 10 ng/10 mg hair. The method was successfully applied for the segmental determination of selected anorectics, methamphetamine, MDMA, and their metabolites in hair from 39 drug suspects. Among the anorectics, phentermine and/or phendimetrazine were identified with or without methamphetamine in the hair samples. Closer supervision of the inappropriate use of anorectics is necessary. Also, hair analysis is useful for monitoring the abuse potential of unnoticed drugs.

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Acknowledgments

This research was partly supported by grants from the Korea Food and Drug Administration (11182-612) and the National Forensic Service (2011-05) in 2011.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, 704-701, Republic of Korea

    Sooyeun Lee

  2. National Forensic Service, 331-1 Sinwol-7-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, 158-707, Republic of Korea

    Jihyun Kim, Sanghwan In & Hwakyung Choi

  3. Hoseo Toxicology Research Center, Hoseo University, 165 Sechul-ri, Baebang-myun, Asan, Chungcheongnam-do, 336-795, Republic of Korea

    Seung Min Oh

  4. School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 300 Cheoncheon-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 440-746, Republic of Korea

    Choon-Gon Jang & Kyu Hyuck Chung

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  1. Sooyeun Lee
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  2. Jihyun Kim
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  3. Sanghwan In
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  4. Hwakyung Choi
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  5. Seung Min Oh
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  7. Kyu Hyuck Chung
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Correspondence to Kyu Hyuck Chung.

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Lee, S., Kim, J., In, S. et al. Development of a simultaneous analytical method for selected anorectics, methamphetamine, MDMA, and their metabolites in hair using LC-MS/MS to prove anorectics abuse. Anal Bioanal Chem 403, 1385–1394 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-012-5950-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-012-5950-6

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