High-Resolution LC-MS Approach for In Vitro Metabolite Characterisation of Etonitazene in Camels for Enhanced Doping...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Veterinary Science

Background:

• Synthetic opioids, like etonitazene, present doping control challenges in camel racing.
• Ensuring fair competition and animal welfare necessitates robust detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro metabolism of etonitazene in camels.
• To identify potential biomarkers for etonitazene detection in doping control.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using camel liver homogenates.
• Analysis via Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris 120 LC-HRMS for high-resolution mass detection.
• Data processing and metabolite characterization using Compound Discoverer software.

Main Results:

• Six Phase I metabolites of etonitazene were identified in camel liver homogenates.
• Metabolic pathways primarily involved dealkylation and nitro reduction.
• These metabolites show potential as long-term biomarkers for etonitazene detection.

Conclusions:

• Advanced LC-MS techniques effectively identified etonitazene metabolites in camels.
• Identified metabolites are foundational for effective doping control in camel racing.
• Findings support improved regulatory frameworks for animal welfare and sport integrity.