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

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 mu M 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.