1
|
Pintori N, Mostallino R, Spano E, Orrù V, Piras MG, Castelli MP, De Luca MA. Immune and glial cell alterations in the rat brain after repeated exposure to the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 389:578325. [PMID: 38432046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) poses major psychiatric risks. We previously showed that repeated exposure to the prototypical SCRA JWH-018 induces alterations in dopamine (DA) transmission, abnormalities in the emotional state, and glial cell activation in the mesocorticolimbic DA circuits of rats. Despite growing evidence suggesting the relationship between substance use disorders (SUD) and neuroinflammation, little is known about the impact of SCRAs on the neuroimmune system. Here, we investigated whether repeated JWH-018 exposure altered neuroimmune signaling, which could be linked with previously reported central effects. Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to JWH-018 (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) for fourteen consecutive days, and the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors was measured seven days after treatment discontinuation in the striatum, cortex, and hippocampus. Moreover, microglial (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, IBA-1) and astrocyte (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) activation markers were evaluated in the caudate-putamen (CPu). Repeated JWH-018 exposure induces a perturbation of neuroimmune signaling specifically in the striatum, as shown by increased levels of cytokines [interleukins (IL) -2, -4, -12p70, -13, interferon (IFN) γ], chemokines [macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) -1α, -3α], and growth factors [macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], together with increased IBA-1 and GFAP expression in the CPu. JWH-018 exposure induces persistant brain region-specific immune alterations up to seven days after drug discontinuation, which may contribute to the behavioral and neurochemical dysregulations in striatal areas that play a role in the reward-related processes that are frequently impaired in SUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrica Spano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Piras
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Padoan F, Colombrino C, Sciorio F, Piacentini G, Gaudino R, Pietrobelli A, Pecoraro L. Concerns Related to the Consequences of Pediatric Cannabis Use: A 360-Degree View. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1721. [PMID: 38002812 PMCID: PMC10670833 DOI: 10.3390/children10111721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis, a plant known for its recreational use, has gained global attention due to its widespread use and addiction potential. Derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, it contains a rich array of phytochemicals concentrated in resin-rich trichomes. The main cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, influencing various physiological processes. Particularly concerning is its prevalence among adolescents, often driven by the need for social connection and anxiety alleviation. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of cannabis use, its effects, and potential health risks, especially in adolescent consumption. It covers short-term and long-term effects on different body systems and mental health and highlights the need for informed decision making and public health initiatives, particularly regarding adolescent cannabis use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luca Pecoraro
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pintori N, Caria F, De Luca MA, Miliano C. THC and CBD: Villain versus Hero? Insights into Adolescent Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065251. [PMID: 36982327 PMCID: PMC10048857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used drug of abuse worldwide. It is well established that the most abundant phytocannabinoids in this plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two compounds have remarkably similar chemical structures yet vastly different effects in the brain. By binding to the same receptors, THC is psychoactive, while CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Lately, a variety of hemp-based products, including CBD and THC, have become widely available in the food and health industry, and medical and recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in many states/countries. As a result, people, including youths, are consuming CBD because it is considered “safe”. An extensive literature exists evaluating the harmful effects of THC in both adults and adolescents, but little is known about the long-term effects of CBD exposure, especially in adolescence. The aim of this review is to collect preclinical and clinical evidence about the effects of cannabidiol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758633
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vilotić A, Nacka-Aleksić M, Pirković A, Bojić-Trbojević Ž, Dekanski D, Jovanović Krivokuća M. IL-6 and IL-8: An Overview of Their Roles in Healthy and Pathological Pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314574. [PMID: 36498901 PMCID: PMC9738067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an acknowledged inflammatory cytokine with a pleiotropic action, mediating innate and adaptive immunity and multiple physiological processes, including protective and regenerative ones. IL-8 is a pro-inflammatory CXC chemokine with a primary function in attracting and activating neutrophils, but also implicated in a variety of other cellular processes. These two ILs are abundantly expressed at the feto-maternal interface over the course of a pregnancy and have been shown to participate in numerous pregnancy-related events. In this review, we summarize the literature data regarding their role in healthy and pathological pregnancies. The general information related to IL-6 and IL-8 functions is followed by an overview of their overall expression in cycling endometrium and at the feto-maternal interface. Further, we provide an overview of their involvement in pregnancy establishment and parturition. Finally, the implication of IL-6 and IL-8 in pregnancy-associated pathological conditions, such as pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and infection/inflammation is discussed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Smiley CE, Wood SK. Stress- and drug-induced neuroimmune signaling as a therapeutic target for comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108212. [PMID: 35580690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress and substance use disorders remain two of the most highly prevalent psychiatric conditions and are often comorbid. While individually these conditions have a debilitating impact on the patient and a high cost to society, the symptomology and treatment outcomes are further exacerbated when they occur together. As such, there are few effective treatment options for these patients, and recent investigation has sought to determine the neural processes underlying the co-occurrence of these disorders to identify novel treatment targets. One such mechanism that has been linked to stress- and addiction-related conditions is neuroimmune signaling. Increases in inflammatory factors across the brain have been heavily implicated in the etiology of these disorders, and this review seeks to determine the nature of this relationship. According to the "dual-hit" hypothesis, also referred to as neuroimmune priming, prior exposure to either stress or drugs of abuse can sensitize the neuroimmune system to be hyperresponsive when exposed to these insults in the future. This review completes an examination of the literature surrounding stress-induced increases in inflammation across clinical and preclinical studies along with a summarization of the evidence regarding drug-induced alterations in inflammatory factors. These changes in neuroimmune profiles are also discussed within the context of their impact on the neural circuitry responsible for stress responsiveness and addictive behaviors. Further, this review explores the connection between neuroimmune signaling and susceptibility to these conditions and highlights the anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapies that may be used for the treatment of stress and substance use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cora E Smiley
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America; WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America.
| | - Susan K Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America; WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Agarwal K, Manza P, Chapman M, Nawal N, Biesecker E, McPherson K, Dennis E, Johnson A, Volkow ND, Joseph PV. Inflammatory Markers in Substance Use and Mood Disorders: A Neuroimaging Perspective. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:863734. [PMID: 35558424 PMCID: PMC9086785 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.863734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to addictive drugs in substance use disorders and stressors in mood disorders render the brain more vulnerable to inflammation. Inflammation in the brain, or neuroinflammation, is characterized by gliosis, microglial activation, and sustained release of cytokines, chemokines, and pro-inflammatory factors compromising the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. There is increased curiosity in understanding how substance misuse and/or repeated stress exposure affect inflammation and contribute to abnormal neuronal activity, altered neuroplasticity, and impaired cognitive control, which eventually promote compulsive drug-use behaviors and worsen mood disorders. This review will emphasize human imaging studies to explore the link between brain function and peripheral markers of inflammation in substance use disorders and mood disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khushbu Agarwal
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism, Division of Intramural Research, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peter Manza
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Marquis Chapman
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nafisa Nawal
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Erin Biesecker
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Katherine McPherson
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Evan Dennis
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Allison Johnson
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nora D Volkow
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Paule V Joseph
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit, Division of Intramural Research, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism, Division of Intramural Research, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Klein KP, Guastaldi FPS, Pereira HSG, He Y, Lukas SE. Dronabinol inhibits alveolar bone remodeling in tooth movement of rats. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2021; 161:e215-e222. [PMID: 34924285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Orthodontic tooth movement is reliant on the process of bone remodeling, and a variety of medications impact the ability of teeth to move through bone. Marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the world, and early studies suggest the drug impacts bone remodeling as tetrahydrocannabinol binds to cannabinoid receptors which play a role in bone homeostasis. This study aimed to assess the impact of dronabinol on alveolar bone remodeling in rats with otherwise healthy tissue when subjected to orthodontic forces. METHODS Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were equally allocated into 2 groups. Orthodontic appliances were placed in all animals, which consisted of a nickel-titanium coil ligated from the maxillary first molar to the central incisor. The appliance was activated to deliver a force to move teeth together. Over 21 days, daily injections of either dronabinol or the control (solvent) were given to the rats. Cephalometric analysis, histology, and bone remodeling profiles of both groups were analyzed and compared. RESULTS Teeth moved in both the dronabinol and control groups (P <0.05). Tooth movement in the control group followed the typical process of orthodontic tooth movement: periodontal width narrowing and bone resorption on the compression side of the tooth, with an overall decrease in the height of the alveolar bone. In contrast, the dronabinol group showed an abnormal response to tooth movement: no bone resorption on the compression side of the tooth, increased bone formation on the tension side, and the maintenance of the height of the alveolar crest. In the dronabinol group, there were also significantly more osteoclasts and osteoblasts in the alveolar bone than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that dronabinol attenuates orthodontic tooth movement by decreasing bone resorption, which could have implications for other bone-related recovery processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine P Klein
- Director of Orthodontics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass.
| | - Fernando P S Guastaldi
- Skeletal Biology Research Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | - Halissa S G Pereira
- Skeletal Biology Research Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | - Yan He
- Skeletal Biology Research Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | - Scott E Lukas
- Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Hospital, and McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Morcuende A, Navarrete F, Nieto E, Manzanares J, Femenía T. Inflammatory Biomarkers in Addictive Disorders. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121824. [PMID: 34944470 PMCID: PMC8699452 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders are a group of diseases that are associated with social, professional, and family impairment and that represent a high socio-economic impact on the health systems of countries around the world. These disorders present a very complex diagnosis and treatment regimen due to the lack of suitable biomarkers supporting the correct diagnosis and classification and the difficulty of selecting effective therapies. Over the last few years, several studies have pointed out that these addictive disorders are associated with systemic and central nervous system inflammation, which could play a relevant role in the onset and progression of these diseases. Therefore, identifying different immune system components as biomarkers of such addictive disorders could be a crucial step to promote appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Thus, this work aims to provide an overview of the immune system alterations that may be biomarkers of various addictive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Morcuende
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (A.M.); (F.N.); (E.N.); (J.M.)
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (A.M.); (F.N.); (E.N.); (J.M.)
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Nieto
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (A.M.); (F.N.); (E.N.); (J.M.)
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (A.M.); (F.N.); (E.N.); (J.M.)
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Femenía
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (A.M.); (F.N.); (E.N.); (J.M.)
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-919-553
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vore AS, Deak T. Alcohol, inflammation, and blood-brain barrier function in health and disease across development. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 161:209-249. [PMID: 34801170 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug of abuse in the world and binge drinking is especially harmful to the brain, though the mechanisms by which alcohol compromises overall brain health remain somewhat elusive. A number of brain diseases and pathological states are accompanied by perturbations in Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) function, ultimately exacerbating disease progression. The BBB is critical for coordinating activity between the peripheral immune system and the brain. Importantly, BBB integrity is responsive to circulating cytokines and other immune-related signaling molecules, which are powerfully modulated by alcohol exposure. This review will highlight key cellular components of the BBB; discuss mechanisms by which permeability is achieved; offer insight into methodological approaches for assessing BBB integrity; and forecast how alcohol-induced changes in the peripheral and central immune systems might influence BBB function in individuals with a history of binge drinking and ultimately Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Vore
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - T Deak
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lins B. Maternal immune activation as a risk factor for psychiatric illness in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100297. [PMID: 34308388 PMCID: PMC8279925 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, due to infectious pathogens or other non-infectious stimuli, during pregnancy is associated with elevated risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism in the offspring. Although historically identified through retrospective epidemiologic studies, the relationship between maternal immune activation and offspring neurodevelopmental disease risk is now well established because of clinical studies which utilized prospective birth cohorts, serologically confirmed infection records, and subsequent long-term offspring follow-up. These efforts have been corroborated by preclinical research which demonstrates anatomical, biochemical, and behavioural alterations that resemble the clinical features of psychiatric illnesses. Intervention studies further demonstrate causal roles of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, in these long-lasting changes in behaviour and brain. This review summarizes a selection of maternal immune activation literature that explores the relationship between these inflammatory mediators and the neuropsychiatric-like effects later observed in the offspring. This literature is presented alongside emerging information regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy, with discussion of how these data may inform future research regarding the effects of the present coronavirus pandemic on emerging birth cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittney Lins
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
D'Souza DC, Radhakrishnan R, Naganawa M, Ganesh S, Nabulsi N, Najafzadeh S, Ropchan J, Ranganathan M, Cortes-Briones J, Huang Y, Carson RE, Skosnik P. Preliminary in vivo evidence of lower hippocampal synaptic density in cannabis use disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3192-3200. [PMID: 32973170 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00891-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most commonly and widely used psychoactive drugs. The rates of cannabis misuse have been increasing. Therefore, understanding the effects of cannabis use on the brain is important. Adolescent and adult rodents exposed to repeated administration of cannabinoids show persistent microstructural changes in the hippocampus both pre- and post-synaptically. Whether similar alterations exist in human cannabis users, has not yet been demonstrated in vivo. Positron emission tomography (PET) and [11C]UCB-J, a radioligand for the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), were used to study hippocampal synaptic integrity in vivo in an equal number (n = 12) of subjects with DSM-5 cannabis use disorder (CUD) and matched healthy controls (HC). Arterial sampling was used to measure plasma input function. [11C]UCB-J binding potential (BPND) was estimated using a one-tissue (1T) compartment model with centrum semiovale as the reference region. Hippocampal function was assessed using a verbal memory task. Relative to HCs, CUDs showed significantly lower [11C]UCB-J BPND in the hippocampus (~10%, p = 0.008, effect size 1.2) and also performed worse on the verbal memory task. These group differences in hippocampal BPND persisted after correction for volume differences (p = 0.013), and correction for both age and volume (p = 0.03). We demonstrate, for the first time, in vivo evidence of lower hippocampal synaptic density in cannabis use disorder. These results are consistent with the microstructural findings from experimental studies with cannabinoids in animals, and studies of hippocampal macrostructure in human with CUD. Whether the lower hippocampal synaptic density resolves with abstinence warrants further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA. .,Schizophrenia Neuropharmacology Research Group at Yale (SNRGY), New Haven, CT, USA. .,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Rajiv Radhakrishnan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Schizophrenia Neuropharmacology Research Group at Yale (SNRGY), New Haven, CT, USA.,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mika Naganawa
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Suhas Ganesh
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nabeel Nabulsi
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Soheila Najafzadeh
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jim Ropchan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Schizophrenia Neuropharmacology Research Group at Yale (SNRGY), New Haven, CT, USA.,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jose Cortes-Briones
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Schizophrenia Neuropharmacology Research Group at Yale (SNRGY), New Haven, CT, USA.,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard E Carson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Patrick Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Schizophrenia Neuropharmacology Research Group at Yale (SNRGY), New Haven, CT, USA.,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bhatt HK, Song D, Musgrave G, Rao PSS. Cannabinoid-induced changes in the immune system: The role of microRNAs. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 98:107832. [PMID: 34107381 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring cannabinoids have been used by humans for their medicinal benefits for over several millennia. While the use of cannabinoids has been strictly regulated in the past century, easing of state regulations has been associated with an increase in use of cannabinoids in the United States. The potential therapeutic applications of cannabinoids have been explored and the anti-inflammatory effect of cannabis-derived cannabinoids has been well-documented. The pharmacological effects of cannabinoids are governed by the modulation of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, expressed in the central and peripheral tissues. Moreover, growing scientific evidence suggests that the cannabinoid-mediated changes in the immune system involves change in expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are short non-coding, single-stranded RNA which have the ability to affect post-translational regulation of gene expression. Studies over the past decade have investigated the changes in expression of miRNAs following treatment of various components of the immune system with different chemical modulators of the cannabinoid receptors. Such studies have highlighted the key role played by various miRNAs in driving the observed immunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids. The aim of this review article, therefore, is to summarize the role of miRNAs behind the observed effects of cannabinoids on the overall immune system, rather than focusing on a single disease state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirva K Bhatt
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Findlay, Findlay, OH 45840, United States
| | - Dana Song
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Findlay, Findlay, OH 45840, United States
| | - Gyen Musgrave
- Greenleaf Apothecaries, LLC, 15335 Madison Road, Middlefield, OH 44062, United States
| | - P S S Rao
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Findlay, Findlay, OH 45840, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vore AS, Barney TM, Gano A, Varlinskaya EI, Deak T. Adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) produces sex specific alterations in adult neuroimmune gene expression and ethanol sensitivity that are independent of ethanol metabolism. Neuropharmacology 2021; 195:108635. [PMID: 34097948 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The goal of the present studies was to determine long-lasting effects of adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE), a rodent model of binge patterns of ethanol consumption, on (i) behavioral sensitivity to ethanol challenge in adulthood using the Loss of Righting Reflex (LORR) test; (ii) ethanol pharmacokinetics and ethanol-metabolizing enzyme expression when re-challenged with ethanol as adults; and (iii) induction of neuroimmune gene expression during an adult binge-like ethanol challenge. To evaluate the impact of AIE on ethanol sensitivity in adulthood, adult rats received a sedative ethanol dose of 3.5 g/kg and were tested for the LORR. Sexually dimorphic effects were observed, with AIE males showing more rapid recovery than vehicle exposed controls, an effect that was completely absent in females. Rats exposed to the same AIE procedure were challenged with 0.75, 1.5, or 3.0 g/kg i.p. ethanol in adulthood. Female rats with a history of AIE displayed a small increase in ethanol clearance rate when challenged with 0.75 g/kg, however no other significant differences in ethanol pharmacokinetics were noted. To assess persistent AIE-associated changes in neuroimmune gene expression, rats were challenged with 0 or 2.5 g/kg ethanol. Both male and female adult rats with a history of AIE displayed sensitized hippocampal IL-6 and IκBα gene expression in response to ethanol challenge. Changes in cytokine gene expression as well as ethanol sensitivity assessed by LORR were not shown to be the result of changes in ethanol pharmacokinetics and point to AIE altering other mechanisms capable of significantly altering the neuroimmune and behavioral response to ethanol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Vore
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA.
| | - Thaddeus M Barney
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Anny Gano
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Elena I Varlinskaya
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Terrence Deak
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zádor F, Joca S, Nagy-Grócz G, Dvorácskó S, Szűcs E, Tömböly C, Benyhe S, Vécsei L. Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Potential Links between the Endocannabinoid System and the Kynurenine Pathway in Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115903. [PMID: 34072767 PMCID: PMC8199129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use/abuse is one of the main causes of depressive symptoms. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids in particular gained significant popularity in the past years. There is an increasing amount of clinical data associating such compounds with the inflammatory component of depression, indicated by the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are also well-known to regulate the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway (KP), which is responsible for metabolizing tryptophan, a precursor in serotonin synthesis. Enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels may over-activate the KP, leading to tryptophan depletion and reduced serotonin levels, which can subsequently precipitate depressive symptoms. Therefore, such mechanism might represent a possible link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the KP in depression, via the inflammatory and dysregulated serotonergic component of the disorder. This review will summarize the data regarding those natural and synthetic cannabinoids that increase pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the data on such cytokines associated with KP activation will be further reviewed accordingly. The interaction of the ECS and the KP has been postulated and demonstrated in some studies previously. This review will further contribute to this yet less explored connection and propose the KP to be the missing link between cannabinoid-induced inflammation and depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Gábor Nagy-Grócz
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-351
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cannabis use and posttraumatic stress disorder comorbidity: Epidemiology, biology and the potential for novel treatment approaches. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 157:143-193. [PMID: 33648669 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is increasing among some demographics in the United States and is tightly linked to anxiety, trauma, and stress reactivity at the epidemiological and biological level. Stress-coping motives are highly cited reasons for cannabis use. However, with increased cannabis use comes the increased susceptibility for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Indeed, CUD is highly comorbid with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Importantly, endogenous cannabinoid signaling systems play a key role in the regulation of stress reactivity and anxiety regulation, and preclinical data suggest deficiencies in this signaling system could contribute to the development of stress-related psychopathology. Furthermore, endocannabinoid deficiency states, either pre-existing or induced by trauma exposure, could provide explanatory insights into the high rates of comorbid cannabis use in patients with PTSD. Here we review clinical and preclinical literature related to the cannabis use-PTSD comorbidity, the role of endocannabinoids in the regulation of stress reactivity, and potential therapeutic implications of recent work in this area.
Collapse
|
16
|
Da Silva T, Hafizi S, Watts JJ, Weickert CS, Meyer JH, Houle S, Rusjan P, Mizrahi R. In Vivo Imaging of Translocator Protein in Long-term Cannabis Users. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:1305-1313. [PMID: 31532458 PMCID: PMC6751758 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. Cannabinoids have been shown to modulate immune responses; however, the association of cannabis with neuroimmune function has never been investigated in vivo in the human brain. OBJECTIVE To investigate neuroimmune activation or 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) levels in long-term cannabis users, and to evaluate the association of brain TSPO levels with behavioral measures and inflammatory blood biomarkers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study based in Toronto, Ontario, recruited individuals from January 1, 2015, to October 30, 2018. Participants included long-term cannabis users (n = 24) and non-cannabis-using controls (n = 27). Cannabis users were included if they had a positive urine drug screen for only cannabis and if they used cannabis at least 4 times per week for the past 12 months and/or met the criteria for cannabis use disorder. All participants underwent a positron emission tomography scan with [18F]FEPPA, or fluorine F 18-labeled N-(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)benzyl)-N-(4-phenoxypyridin-3-yl)acetamide. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Total distribution volume was quantified across regions of interest. Stress and anxiety as well as peripheral measures of inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein levels were also measured. RESULTS In total, 24 long-term cannabis users (mean [SD] age, 23.1 [3.8] years; 15 men [63%]) and 27 non-cannabis-using controls (mean [SD] age, 23.6 [4.2] years; 18 women [67%]) were included and completed all study procedures. Compared with the controls, cannabis users had higher [18F]FEPPA total distribution volume (main group effect: F1,48 = 6.5 [P = .01]; ROI effect: F1,200 = 28.4 [P < .001]; Cohen d = 0.6; 23.3% higher), with a more prominent implication for the cannabis use disorder subgroup (n = 15; main group effect: F1,39 = 8.5 [P = .006]; ROI effect: F1,164 = 19.3 [P < .001]; Cohen d = 0.8; 31.5% higher). Greater TSPO levels in the brain were associated with stress and anxiety and with higher circulating C-reactive protein levels in cannabis users. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The results of this study suggest that TSPO levels in cannabis users, particularly in those with cannabis use disorder, are higher than those in non-cannabis-using controls. The findings emphasize the need for more complementary preclinical systems for a better understanding of the role of cannabinoids and TSPO in neuroimmune signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Da Silva
- Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sina Hafizi
- Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy J. Watts
- Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia,School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Jeffrey H. Meyer
- Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvain Houle
- Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pablo Rusjan
- Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Romina Mizrahi
- Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Meyer U. Neurodevelopmental Resilience and Susceptibility to Maternal Immune Activation. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:793-806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
18
|
Mooney-Leber SM, Gould TJ. The long-term cognitive consequences of adolescent exposure to recreational drugs of abuse. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:481-491. [PMID: 30115770 PMCID: PMC6097759 DOI: 10.1101/lm.046672.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
During adolescence, the brain continues to undergo vital developmental processes. In turn, complex behavioral and cognitive skills emerge. Unfortunately, neurobiological development during adolescence can be influenced by environmental factors such as drug exposure. Engaging in drug use during adolescence has been a long-standing health concern, especially how it predicts or relates to drug using behavior later in life. However, recent findings suggest that other behavioral domains, such as learning and memory, are also vulnerable to adolescent drug use. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly apparent that deficits in learning and memory following adolescent drug use endure into adulthood, well after drug exposure has subsided. Although persistent effects suggest an interaction between drug exposure and ongoing development during adolescence, the exact acute and long-term consequences of adolescent drug exposure on substrates of learning and memory are not fully understood. Thus, this review will summarize human and animal findings on the enduring cognitive deficits due to adolescent drug exposure. Moreover, due to the fact that adolescents are more likely to consume drugs of abuse legally available to adults, this review will focus on alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana. Further, given the critical role of the frontal cortex and hippocampus in various learning and memory domains, the impact adolescent use of the previous listed drugs on the neurobiology within these regions will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Mooney-Leber
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Thomas J Gould
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Oláh A, Szekanecz Z, Bíró T. Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System: "High"-ly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, and Challenges. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1487. [PMID: 29176975 PMCID: PMC5686045 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that certain active ingredients of the plants of Cannabis genus, i.e., the "phytocannabinoids" [pCBs; e.g., (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), (-)-cannabidiol, etc.] can influence a wide array of biological processes, and the human body is able to produce endogenous analogs of these substances ["endocannabinoids" (eCB), e.g., arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), etc.]. These ligands, together with multiple receptors (e.g., CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, etc.), and a complex enzyme and transporter apparatus involved in the synthesis and degradation of the ligands constitute the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a recently emerging regulator of several physiological processes. The ECS is widely expressed in the human body, including several members of the innate and adaptive immune system, where eCBs, as well as several pCBs were shown to deeply influence immune functions thereby regulating inflammation, autoimmunity, antitumor, as well as antipathogen immune responses, etc. Based on this knowledge, many in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at exploiting the putative therapeutic potential of cannabinoid signaling in inflammation-accompanied diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis) or in organ transplantation, and to dissect the complex immunological effects of medical and "recreational" marijuana consumption. Thus, the objective of the current article is (i) to summarize the most recent findings of the field; (ii) to highlight the putative therapeutic potential of targeting cannabinoid signaling; (iii) to identify open questions and key challenges; and (iv) to suggest promising future directions for cannabinoid-based drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bíró
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kasten CR, Zhang Y, Boehm SL. Acute and long-term effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on object recognition and anxiety-like activity are age- and strain-dependent in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 163:9-19. [PMID: 29107728 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Use of exogenous cannabinoids disrupts the fine-tuned endocannabinoid receptor system, possibly leading to alterations in cognition, memory, and emotional processes that endure long after cannabinoid use has stopped. Long-term adolescent use may uniquely disrupt these behaviors when compared to adult use. The current study explored the acute and long-term behavioral effects of six 10mg/kg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) injections across the adolescent or early adult period in male inbred C57Bl/6J and DBA/2J mice. The acute and prolonged effects of THC on object memory using the novel object recognition task, unconditioned anxiety in the elevated plus maze and open field, and sedative effects in the open field were examined. Acute THC treatment resulted in anxiogenic activity in both strains, but only caused sedation in B6 mice. Repeated THC treatment resulted in a protracted effect on object recognition, but not unconditioned anxiety, assessed 4weeks later. In both strains, an adolescent history of THC treatment disrupted later object recognition. Interestingly, in B6 mice an adult history of THC exposure appeared to rescue a deficit in object recognition observed in vehicle-treated adults. Repeated THC administration also produced a protracted effected on CB1R protein expression. Animals treated with THC in adolescence maintained increased levels of CB1R protein expression compared to their adult THC-treated counterparts at five weeks following the last injection. These results indicate that THC use may have long-lasting effects with adolescence being a unique period of susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R Kasten
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis, 402 N Blackford St, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis, 402 N Blackford St, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - S L Boehm
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis, 402 N Blackford St, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States; Indiana Alcohol Research Center, 545 Barnhill Drive EH 317, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chesworth R, Karl T. Molecular Basis of Cannabis-Induced Schizophrenia-Relevant Behaviours: Insights from Animal Models. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-017-0120-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
22
|
French JA, Koepp M, Naegelin Y, Vigevano F, Auvin S, Rho JM, Rosenberg E, Devinsky O, Olofsson PS, Dichter MA. Clinical studies and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of treatments. Epilepsia 2017; 58 Suppl 3:69-82. [PMID: 28675558 PMCID: PMC5679081 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this exciting era, we are coming closer and closer to bringing an anti-inflammatory therapy to the clinic for the purpose of seizure prevention, modification, and/or suppression. At present, it is unclear what this approach might entail, and what form it will take. Irrespective of the therapy that ultimately reaches the clinic, there will be some commonalities with regard to clinical trials. A number of animal models have now been used to identify inflammation as a major underlying mechanism of both chronic seizures and the epileptogenic process. These models have demonstrated that specific anti-inflammatory treatments can be effective at both suppressing chronic seizures and interfering with the process of epileptogenesis. Some of these have already been evaluated in early phase clinical trials. It can be expected that there will soon be more clinical trials of both "conventional, broad spectrum" anti-inflammatory agents and novel new approaches to utilizing specific anti-inflammatory therapies with drugs or other therapeutic interventions. A summary of some of those approaches appears below, as well as a discussion of the issues facing clinical trials in this new domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A. French
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York City, New York, U.S.A
| | - Matthias Koepp
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne Naegelin
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Pediatric Neurology, Robert Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jong M. Rho
- Alberta Children’s Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Evan Rosenberg
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York City, New York, U.S.A
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York City, New York, U.S.A
| | - Peder S. Olofsson
- Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marc A. Dichter
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cabral GA, Rogers TJ, Lichtman AH. Turning Over a New Leaf: Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Modulation of Immune Function. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2015; 10:193-203. [PMID: 26054900 PMCID: PMC4469415 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-015-9615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is a complex substance that harbors terpenoid-like compounds referred to as phytocannabinoids. The major psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in cannabis ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces the majority of its pharmacological effects through two cannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2. The discovery of these receptors as linked functionally to distinct biological effects of THC, and the subsequent development of synthetic cannabinoids, precipitated discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid (or endocannabinoid) system. This system consists of the endogenous lipid ligands N- arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the CB1 and CB2 receptors that they activate. Endocannabinoids have been identified in immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, basophils, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells and are believed to be enzymatically produced and released "on demand" in a similar fashion as the eicosanoids. It is now recognized that other phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) can alter the functional activities of the immune system. This special edition of the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology (JNIP) presents a collection of cutting edge original research and review articles on the medical implications of phytocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. The goal of this special edition is to provide an unbiased assessment of the state of research related to this topic from leading researchers in the field. The potential untoward effects as well as beneficial uses of marijuana, its phytocannabinoid composition, and synthesized cannabinoid analogs are discussed. In addition, the role of the endocannabinoid system and approaches to its manipulation to treat select human disease processes are addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy A Cabral
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|