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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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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 δ13C values, spreading from −24.81‰ to −25.06‰, was observed, whilst mean δ13C value of Xyrem® corresponded to −24.99‰. Since urine samples and prescription drug could not be distinguished by means of statistical analysis, carbon isotopic effects and subsequent influence on δ13C 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.

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Acknowledgements

The original study on Xyrem® effects on sleep was supported by an unrestricted research grant from UCB Pharma (Belgium).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medecine, Geneva and Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Ch. des Croisettes 22, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland

    François Marclay, Christophe Saudan & Martial Saugy

  2. Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Génopode Building, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Julie Vienne & Mehdi Tafti

Authors
  1. François Marclay
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  2. Christophe Saudan
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  3. Julie Vienne
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  4. Mehdi Tafti
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  5. Martial Saugy
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Correspondence to François Marclay.

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Marclay, F., Saudan, C., Vienne, J. et al. 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. Anal Bioanal Chem 400, 1105–1112 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-4891-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-4891-9

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