Toxicity of Bromo-DragonFLY as a New Psychoactive Substance: Application of In Silico Methods for the Prediction of Key Toxicological Parameters Important to Clinical and Forensic Toxicology

Chem Res Toxicol. 2024 Nov 18;37(11):1821-1842. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00105. Epub 2024 Aug 9.

Abstract

Bromo-DragonFLY is a synthetic new psychoactive substance (NPS) that has gained attention due to its powerful and long-lasting hallucinogenic effects, legal status, and widespread availability. This study aimed to use various in silico toxicology methods to predict key toxicological parameters for Bromo-DragonFLY, including acute toxicity (LD50), genotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, health effects, and the potential for endocrine disruption. The results indicate significant acute toxicity with noticeable variations across different species, a low likelihood of genotoxic potential suggesting potential DNA damage, and a notable risk of cardiotoxicity associated with inhibition of the hERG channel. Evaluation of endocrine disruption suggests a low probability of Bromo-DragonFLY interacting with the estrogen receptor α (ER-α), indicating minimal estrogenic activity. These insights from in silico investigations are important for advancing our understanding of this NPS in forensic and clinical toxicology. These initial toxicological examinations establish a foundation for future research efforts and contribute to developing risk assessment and management strategies for using and misusing NPS.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Computer Simulation*
  • DNA Damage / drug effects
  • Endocrine Disruptors / chemistry
  • Endocrine Disruptors / toxicity
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / metabolism
  • Forensic Toxicology / methods
  • Humans
  • Psychotropic Drugs* / chemistry
  • Psychotropic Drugs* / toxicity

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha