Source inference of exogenous gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) administered to humans by means of carbon isotopic ratio analysis: novel perspectives regarding forensic investigation and intelligence issues.

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_73D5CEFCC8A5
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Source inference of exogenous gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) administered to humans by means of carbon isotopic ratio analysis: novel perspectives regarding forensic investigation and intelligence issues.
Journal
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
Author(s)
Marclay F., Saudan C., Vienne J., Tafti M., Saugy M.
ISSN
1618-2642
1618-2650 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1618-2642
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2011
Volume
400
Number
4
Pages
1105-1112
Language
english
Abstract
γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is an endogenous short-chain fatty acid popular as a recreational drug due to sedative and euphoric effects, but also often implicated in drug-facilitated sexual assaults owing to disinhibition and amnesic properties. Whilst discrimination between endogenous and exogenous GHB as required in intoxication cases may be achieved by the determination of the carbon isotope content, such information has not yet been exploited to answer source inference questions of forensic investigation and intelligence interests. However, potential isotopic fractionation effects occurring through the whole metabolism of GHB may be a major concern in this regard. Thus, urine specimens from six healthy male volunteers who ingested prescription GHB sodium salt, marketed as Xyrem(®), were analysed by means of gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry to assess this particular topic. A very narrow range of δ(13)C values, spreading from -24.810/00 to -25.060/00, was observed, whilst mean δ(13)C value of Xyrem(®) corresponded to -24.990/00. Since urine samples and prescription drug could not be distinguished by means of statistical analysis, carbon isotopic effects and subsequent influence on δ(13)C values through GHB metabolism as a whole could be ruled out. Thus, a link between GHB as a raw matrix and found in a biological fluid may be established, bringing relevant information regarding source inference evaluation. Therefore, this study supports a diversified scope of exploitation for stable isotopes characterized in biological matrices from investigations on intoxication cases to drug intelligence programmes.
Keywords
Adult, Carbon Isotopes/analysis, Forensic Medicine/methods, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Humans, Hydroxybutyrates/administration & dosage, Hydroxybutyrates/pharmacokinetics, Male, Street Drugs, Substance Abuse Detection/methods
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
29/08/2011 7:40
Last modification date
14/02/2022 7:55
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