Determination of cannabinoids in human cerumen samples by use of UPLC-MS/MS as a potential biomarker for drug use

A quantitative analytical procedure was developed and validated by the use of Ultra- Performance Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for the determination of Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN), Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), Cannabichromene (CBC), Cannabigerol (CBG) and 11-Nor- 9- Carboxy- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) in an unconventional biological matrix, cerumen. All the investigated calibration curves were characterized by high correlation values (R-2 >= 0.9965). The LODs and LOQs ranged from 0.004 to 0.009 mu g g(-1) and 0.012-0.029 mu g g(-1), respectively. Intra-assay and inter-assay precision were found to be 0.6-2.5%, and 0.8-2.2%, respectively. All recovery values of cannabinoids, with the use of the optimum cotton swab, at low (0.008 mu g g(-1) of cerumen), medium (0.037 mu g g(-1) of cerumen) and high (0.16 mu g g(-1) of cerumen) control levels, were estimated to be above 86%. The method developed here permitted the analysis of real cerumen samples obtained from fourteen cannabis users. In twelve out of fourteen cases, Delta(9)-THC was found to be positive, while in six cases, three major cannabinoids, CBN, CBG and Delta(9)-THC were quantified at concentrations 0.02-0.21 mu g g(-1), 0.01-0.24 mu g g(-1) and 0.01-4.86 mu g g(-1), respectively. Subject #8 has the highest amount of the detected substances in both left and right ear, with Delta(9)-THC at a concentration of 1.85 and 4.86 mu g g(-1), CBG 0.06 and 0.24 mu g g(-1), CBN 0.10 and 0.21 mu g g(-1), respectively. In addition, a detection window for the substances Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabinol and Cannabigerol, in cerumen, was defined with success. In this case, Delta(9)-THC reached a maximum detection frame of up to fifteen days after smoking 0.5 g of marijuana cigarette. ANOVA-one-way analysis also indicated that the average earwax production of non-cannabis users differs significantly from the one of cannabis users (p = 0.048, <0.05). On the other hand, no significant difference was noticed between male and female users as the p value exceeded 0.05. In addition, no significant effect was observed on earwax production in regard to age, frequency and the last time of use (p > 0.05). These last three factors proved to have a significant impact on cannabinoids concentrations, since p values were less than 0.05.

Automated summary

A quantitative analytical method using UPLC-MS/MS was developed and validated for the determination of CBD, CBN, Delta(9)-THC, CBC, CBG, and THC-COOH in cerumen. The method showed high correlation values and sensitivity. It allowed the analysis of real cerumen samples and the determination of a detection window for certain cannabinoids. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in earwax production between cannabis and non-cannabis users, as well as the impact of age, frequency, and last time of use on cannabinoid concentrations.