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Amir Hamzah K, Turner N, Nichols D, Ney LJ. Advances in targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods for endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamine quantification in biological matrices: A systematic review. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2024. [PMID: 38958096 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography paired with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the gold standard in measurement of endocannabinoid concentrations in biomatrices. We conducted a systematic review of literature to identify advances in targeted LC-MS/MS methods in the period 2017-2024. We found that LC-MS/MS methods for endocannabinoid quantification are relatively consistent both across time and across biomatrices. Recent advances have primarily been in three areas: (1) sample preparation techniques, specific to the chosen biomatrix; (2) the range of biomatrices tested, recently favoring blood matrices; and (3) the breadth of endocannabinoid and endocannabinoid-like analytes incorporated into assays. This review provides a summary of the recent literature and a guide for researchers looking to establish the best methods for quantifying endocannabinoids in a range of biomatrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalisa Amir Hamzah
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Department of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natalie Turner
- The Centre for Children's Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Nichols
- Central Science Laboratory, Science and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Luke J Ney
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Department of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
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O'Donohue MP, Amir Hamzah K, Nichols D, Ney LJ. Trauma film viewing and intrusive memories: Relationship between salivary alpha amylase, endocannabinoids, and cortisol. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 164:107007. [PMID: 38503195 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid (ECB) system is a small molecule lipid signalling system that is involved in stress response activation and is associated with PTSD, but it is unclear whether salivary ECBs are part of the sympathetic nervous system response to stress. We conducted an adapted trauma film paradigm, where participants completed a cold pressor test (or control) while watching a 10-minute trauma film. We also collected saliva and hair samples and tested them for ECBs, cortisol, and salivary alpha amylase (sAA). As hypothesised, there were significant positive correlations between sAA activity and salivary ECB levels, particularly 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), though ECBs were not correlated with sAA stress reactivity. Participants who had a significant cortisol response to the trauma film/stressor reported less intrusive memories, which were also less distressing and less vivid. This effect was moderated by arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), where decreases in AEA post-stress were associated with more intrusive memories in cortisol non-responders only. This study provides new evidence for the role of ECBs in the sympathetic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P O'Donohue
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | - Khalisa Amir Hamzah
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | - David Nichols
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Luke J Ney
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
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Gowatch LC, Evanski JM, Ely SL, Zundel CG, Bhogal A, Carpenter C, Shampine MM, O'Mara E, Mazurka R, Barcelona J, Mayo LM, Marusak HA. Endocannabinoids and Stress-Related Neurospsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Basal Concentrations and Response to Acute Psychosocial Stress. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38683635 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is implicated in various stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders (SRDs), including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our objectives were to characterize circulating anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) concentrations at rest and in response to acute laboratory-based psychosocial stress in individuals with SRDs and without (controls). Our primary aims were to assess the effects of acute psychosocial stress on eCB concentrations in controls (Aim 1), compare baseline (prestress) eCB concentrations between individuals with SRDs and controls (Aim 2), and explore differential eCB responses to acute psychosocial stress in individuals with SRDs compared with controls (Aim 3). Methods: On June 8, 2023, a comprehensive review of the MEDLINE (PubMed) database was conducted to identify original articles meeting inclusion criteria. A total of 1072, 1341, and 400 articles were screened for inclusion in Aims 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Results: Aim 1, comprised of seven studies in controls, revealed that most studies reported stress-related increases in AEA (86%, with 43% reporting statistical significance) and 2-AG (83%, though none were statistically significant except for one study in saliva). However, meta-analyses did not support these patterns (p's>0.05). Aim 2, with 20 studies, revealed that most studies reported higher baseline concentrations of both AEA (63%, with 16% reporting statistical significance) and 2-AG (60%, with 10% reporting statistical significance) in individuals with SRDs compared with controls. Meta-analyses confirmed these findings (p's<0.05). Aim 3, which included three studies, had only one study that reported statistically different stress-related changes in 2-AG (but not AEA) between individuals with PTSD (decrease) and controls (increase), which was supported by the meta-analysis (p<0.001). Meta-analyses showed heterogeneity across studies and aims (I2=14-97%). Conclusion: Despite substantial heterogeneity in study characteristics, samples, and methodologies, consistent patterns emerged, including elevated baseline AEA and 2-AG in individuals with SRDs compared with controls, as well as smaller stress-related increases in 2-AG in individuals with SRDs compared with controls. To consider eCBs as reliable biomarkers and potential intervention targets for SRDs, standardized research approaches are needed to clarify the complex relationships between eCBs, SRDs, and psychosocial stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah C Gowatch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Julia M Evanski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Samantha L Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Clara G Zundel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Amanpreet Bhogal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Carmen Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - MacKenna M Shampine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Emilie O'Mara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Raegan Mazurka
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jeanne Barcelona
- Center for Health and Community Impact, College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Leah M Mayo
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hilary A Marusak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Amir Hamzah K, Toms LM, Kucharski N, Orr J, Turner NP, Hobson P, Nichols DS, Ney LJ. Sex-dimorphism in human serum endocannabinoid and n-acyl ethanolamine concentrations across the lifespan. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23059. [PMID: 38155287 PMCID: PMC10754838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50426-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (ECB) system has recently been considered a potential treatment target for various clinical disorders. However, research around age- and sex-related changes within the ECB system is relatively limited. To improve our understanding of these changes, the current study measured arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), oleoylethanolamine (OEA), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), arachidonic acid (AA), cortisol, and progesterone in pooled serum samples stratified by sex (male and female) and age groups (5-15; 15-30; 30-45; 45-60; 60-75; 85+), using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Serum progesterone levels significantly increased in females of the 15-30 and 30-45 age groups, before declining. Significantly higher cortisol, AEA, 2-AG, OEA, and PEA were found in males and in older age, while significantly higher AA was found in females. Our results indicate that ECBs and related hormones exhibit sexual dimorphism in the age ranges that correspond with female pregnancy, menopause, and post menopause. Male testosterone levels most likely influences male ECB changes throughout the lifespan. Future research could capitalise on these findings by performing repeated measurements in individuals in a longitudinal style, to further refine the temporal profile of age-specific changes to the ECB system identified here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalisa Amir Hamzah
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, 4059, Australia.
| | - Leisa-Maree Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Nathaniel Kucharski
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Julia Orr
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Natalie P Turner
- The Centre for Children's Health Research (CCHR), Queensland University of Technology, 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Peter Hobson
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Sullivan and Nicolaides Pathology, 24 Hurworth Street, Bowen Hills, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - David S Nichols
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luke J Ney
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, 4059, Australia
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Nasretdinov A, Jappy D, Vazetdinova A, Valiullina-Rakhmatullina F, Rozov A. Acute stress modulates hippocampal to entorhinal cortex communication. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1327909. [PMID: 38145281 PMCID: PMC10740169 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1327909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Feed-forward inhibition is vital in the transfer and processing of synaptic information within the hippocampal-entorhinal loop by controlling the strength and direction of excitation flow between different neuronal populations and individual neurons. While the cellular targets in the hippocampus that receive excitatory inputs from the entorhinal cortex have been well studied, and the role of feedforward inhibitory neurons has been attributed to neurogliafom cells, the cortical interneurons providing feed-forward control over receiving layer V in the entorhinal cortex remain unknown. We used sharp-wave ripple oscillations as a natural excitatory stimulus of the entorhinal cortex, driven by the hippocampus, to study the function of synaptic interactions between neurons in the deep layers of the entorhinal cortex. We discovered that CB1R-expressing interneurons in the deep layers of the entorhinal cortex constitute the major relay station that translates hippocampal excitation into efficient inhibition of cortical pyramidal cells. The impact of inhibition provided by these interneurons is under strong endocannabinoid control and can be drastically reduced either by enhanced activity of postsynaptic targets or by stress-induced elevation of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azat Nasretdinov
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - David Jappy
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Alina Vazetdinova
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Fliza Valiullina-Rakhmatullina
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Rozov
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Barba SV, Kirschbaum C, Gao W. Endocannabinoid and perceived stress: Association analysis of endocannabinoid levels in hair versus levels in plasma and urine. Biol Psychol 2023; 178:108541. [PMID: 36918140 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is considered to play a role in a wide range of functions, including stress. Hair analysis of endocannabinoids presents a promising methodological advancement for the retrospective assessment of long-term cumulative endocannabinoid secretion. Despite promising pilot study results suggesting the usefulness of hair endocannabinoid assessments, it remains unclear whether hair endocannabinoid levels mirror systemic endocannabinoid levels accurately. Two independent studies were conducted to investigate to what extent hair endocannabinoid and N-Acylethanolamine levels reflect the systemic levels retrospectively. Endocannabinoid and N-Acylethanolamine levels were measured in 3 cm and 1 cm hair segments respectively, and compared with the averaged levels in multiple plasma samples collected during three months (Study I), and in multiple 24-hour urine samples collected over a month (Study II). In addition, the Perceived Stress Scale was used to assess the perceived stress throughout the studies. Against our hypothesis, no association was found between the endocannabinoid or N-Acylethanolamine levels in hair and plasma or urine. However, hair palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and stearoylethanolamide (SEA) levels were positively correlated with perceived stress in Study I. The current findings suggest that hair endocannabinoid or N-Acylethanolamine levels might not accurately reflect the levels of peripheral circulating endocannabinoid or N-Acylethanolamine. Nevertheless, hair N-Acylethanolamine levels might emerge as a useful strategy in the study of some psychological phenotypes, such as stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Valdivieso Barba
- Faculty of Psychology, Chair of Biological Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Faculty of Psychology, Chair of Biological Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Wei Gao
- Faculty of Psychology, Chair of Biological Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Bassir Nia A, Weleff J, Fogelman N, Nourbakhsh S, Sinha R. Regular cannabis use is associated with history of childhood and lifetime trauma in a non-clinical community sample. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 159:159-164. [PMID: 36736285 PMCID: PMC10024801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Higher rate of substance use, including cannabis, has been reported in individuals with a history of childhood trauma, but less is known about the association between cannabis use with lifetime history of trauma and chronic stress, and potential gender differences in this association. This study systematically examined this association in a cross-sectional study of 841 individuals recruited between 2007 and 2012 from the community in New Haven, Connecticut. The Cumulative Adversity Index (CAI) was used to measure cumulative lifetime major life events, life trauma, and recent life events and chronic stress. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used to measure childhood trauma. Current and regular use of drugs were assessed using self-report questionnaires and objectively verified with urine drug testing. Higher rates of childhood trauma as well as lifetime trauma, and major life events were found in cannabis users, compared to non-users. The association between cannabis use with childhood trauma (total CTQ scores) was significant after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity and regular use of alcohol or cocaine. In logistic regression analysis, cannabis use had a significant positive association with major life events and lifetime trauma, but not with chronic stress, controlling for confounding factors including age, gender, ethnicity, and regular use of alcohol and cocaine. When analyzed separately, only in women the association between cannabis use and childhood trauma was significant. These associations point to further assessment of the impact of these gender differences on neurobiology of stress and cannabis misuse risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Bassir Nia
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Jeremy Weleff
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Cleveland Clinic, United States.
| | - Nia Fogelman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Sormeh Nourbakhsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, United States
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Bradshaw HB, Johnson CT. Measuring the Content of Endocannabinoid-Like Compounds in Biological Fluids: A Critical Overview of Sample Preparation Methodologies. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2576:21-40. [PMID: 36152175 PMCID: PMC10845095 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2728-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Different mass spectrometric techniques have been used over the past decade to quantify endocannabinoids (eCBs) and related lipids. Even with the level of molecular fingerprinting accuracy of an instrument like the most advanced triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, if one is not getting the most optimized sample to the detector in a way that this improved technology can be of use, then advancements can be stymied. Here, our focus is on review and discussion of sample preparation methodologies used to isolate the eCB anandamide and its close congeners N-acyl ethanolamines and structural congeners (i.e., lipo amino acids, lipoamines, N-acyl amides) in biological fluids. Most of our focus will be on the analysis of these lipids in plasma/serum, but we will also discuss how the same techniques can be used for the analysis of saliva and breast milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Clare T Johnson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Behnke A, Gumpp AM, Rojas R, Sänger T, Lutz-Bonengel S, Moser D, Schelling G, Krumbholz A, Kolassa IT. Circulating inflammatory markers, cell-free mitochondrial DNA, cortisol, endocannabinoids, and N-acylethanolamines in female depressed outpatients. World J Biol Psychiatry 2023; 24:58-69. [PMID: 35532037 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2022.2070666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Major depressive disorder (MDD) involves peripheral low-grade pro-inflammatory activity. This multi-biomarker case-control study characterises the proinflammatory status in MDD beyond C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin (IL)-6 levels through investigating concomitant alterations of immunoregulatory biomolecules. METHODS In 20 female MDD patients and 24 non-depressed women, circulating levels of CRP, IL-6, cortisol, selected endocannabinoids (ECs; anandamide [AEA], 2-arachidonylglycerol [2-AG]), and N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), as well as circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) were measured. RESULTS We found higher serum CRP and plasma AEA levels in MDD and a positive association of CRP and AEA levels with current depressive symptoms. Blood levels of cortisol, ccf-mtDNA, 2-AG, and NAEs did depend on MDD diagnosis nor correlated with the severity of current depressive symptoms. CRP correlated positively with AEA, and AEA showed positive associations with 2-AG and NAE levels. CONCLUSIONS In this study, female MDD outpatients with mild to moderate disorder severity did not substantially differ from non-depressed controls in the resting levels of multiple immunoregulatory markers in peripheral blood. Instead of investigating resting levels, future research on the role of inflammatory activity in MDD should focus on investigating the reactivity of pathways modulating the immune system upon exposure to physical and psychosocial stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Behnke
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anja Maria Gumpp
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Roberto Rojas
- University Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Clinic, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Timo Sänger
- Forensic Molecular Biology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Centre-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Lutz-Bonengel
- Forensic Molecular Biology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Centre-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Moser
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Genetic Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Aniko Krumbholz
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry (IDAS) Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Gao W, Anna Valdimarsdóttir U, Hauksdóttir A, Eyrún Torfadóttir J, Kirschbaum C. The assessment of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in human hair: Associations with sociodemographic and psychological variables. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 537:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Haviv Y, Georgiev O, Gaver-Bracha T, Hamad S, Nemirovski A, Hadar R, Sharav Y, Aframian DJ, Brotman Y, Tam J. Reduced Endocannabinoid Tone in Saliva of Chronic Orofacial Pain Patients. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144662. [PMID: 35889535 PMCID: PMC9322033 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: the endocannabinoid system (ECS) participates in many physiological and pathological processes including pain generation, modulation, and sensation. Its involvement in chronic orofacial pain (OFP) in general, and the reflection of its involvement in OFP in salivary endocannabinoid (eCBs) levels in particular, has not been examined. Objectives: to evaluate the association between salivary (eCBs) levels and chronic OFP. Methods: salivary levels of 2 eCBs, anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), 2 endocannabinoid-like compoundsN-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), and their endogenous precursor and breakdown product, arachidonic acid (AA), were analyzed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 83 chronic OFP patients and 43 pain-free controls. The chronic OFP patients were divided according to diagnosis into musculoskeletal, neurovascular/migraine, and neuropathic pain types. Results: chronic OFP patients had lower levels of OEA (p = 0.02) and 2-AG (p = 0.01). Analyzing specific pain types revealed lower levels of AEA and OEA in the neurovascular group (p = 0.04, 0.02, respectively), and 2-AG in the neuropathic group compared to controls (p = 0.05). No significant differences were found between the musculoskeletal pain group and controls. Higher pain intensity was accompanied by lower levels of AA (p = 0.028), in neuropathic group. Conclusions: lower levels of eCBs were found in the saliva of chronic OFP patients compared to controls, specifically those with neurovascular/migraine, and neuropathic pain. The detection of changes in salivary endocannabinoids levels related to OFP adds a new dimension to our understanding of OFP mechanisms, and may have diagnostic as well as therapeutic implications for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Haviv
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-2-677-6140; Fax: +972-2-644-7919
| | - Olga Georgiev
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
- In Partial Fulfillment of DMD Requirements, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Tal Gaver-Bracha
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
- In Partial Fulfillment of DMD Requirements, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Sharleen Hamad
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (S.H.); (A.N.); (R.H.)
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (S.H.); (A.N.); (R.H.)
| | - Rivka Hadar
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (S.H.); (A.N.); (R.H.)
| | - Yair Sharav
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
| | - Doron J. Aframian
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
| | - Yariv Brotman
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba 8410501, Israel;
| | - Joseph Tam
- Department of Oral Medicine, Sedation and Maxillofacial Imaging, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (O.G.); (T.G.-B.); (Y.S.); (D.J.A.); (J.T.)
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Mayo LM, Rabinak CA, Hill MN, Heilig M. Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Promising Case of Preclinical-Clinical Translation? Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:262-272. [PMID: 34598785 PMCID: PMC11097652 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is one the most ubiquitous signaling systems of the brain and offers a rich pharmacology including multiple druggable targets. Preclinical research shows that eCB activity influences functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala and thereby influences an organism's ability to cope with threats and stressful experiences. Animal studies show that CB1 receptor activation within the amygdala is essential for extinction of fear memories. Failure to extinguish traumatic memories is a core symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder, suggesting that potentiating eCB signaling may have a therapeutic potential in this condition. However, it has been unknown whether animal findings in this domain translate to humans. Data to inform this critical question are now emerging and are the focus of this review. We first briefly summarize the biology of the eCB system and the animal studies that support its role in fear extinction and stress responding. We then discuss the pharmacological eCB-targeting strategies that may be exploited for therapeutic purposes: direct CB1 receptor activation, using Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or its synthetic analogs; or indirect potentiation, through inhibition of eCB-degrading enzymes, the anandamide-degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase; or the 2-AG (2-arachidonoyl glycerol)-degrading enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase. We then review recent human data on direct CB1 receptor activation via Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and anandamide potentiation through fatty acid amide hydrolase blockade. The available human data consistently support a translation of animal findings on fear memories and stress reactivity and suggest a potential therapeutic utility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Mayo
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Christine A Rabinak
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Translational Neuroscience Program, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Ney LJ, Matthews A, Hsu CMK, Zuj DV, Nicholson E, Steward T, Nichols D, Graham B, Harrison B, Bruno R, Felmingham K. Cannabinoid polymorphisms interact with plasma endocannabinoid levels to predict fear extinction learning. Depress Anxiety 2021; 38:1087-1099. [PMID: 34151472 DOI: 10.1002/da.23170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system is gaining increasing attention as a favorable target for improving posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments. Exposure therapy is the gold-standard treatment for PTSD, and fear extinction learning is a key concept underlying successful exposure. METHODS This study examined the role of genetic endocannabinoid polymorphisms in a fear extinction paradigm with PTSD compared to healthy participants (N = 220). Participants provided saliva for genotyping, completed a fear conditioning and extinction task, with blood samples taken before and after the task (n = 57). Skin conductance was the outcome and was analyzed using mixed models. RESULTS Results for cannabinoid receptor type 1 polymorphisms suggested that minor alleles of rs2180619 and rs1049353 were associated with poorer extinction learning in PTSD participants. The minor allele of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) polymorphism rs324420 was associated with worse extinction in PTSD participants. Subanalysis of healthy participants (n = 57) showed the FAAH rs324420 genotype effect was dependent on plasma arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA) level, but not oleoylethanolamide or 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. Specifically, higher but not lower AEA levels in conjunction with the minor allele of FAAH rs324420 were associated with better extinction learning. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide translational evidence that cannabinoid receptor 1 and AEA are involved in extinction learning in humans. FAAH rs324420's effect on fear extinction is moderated by AEA plasma level in healthy controls. These findings imply that FAAH inhibitors may be effective for targeting anxiety in PTSD, but this effect needs to be explored further in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Ney
- School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | | | | | - Daniel V Zuj
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Nicholson
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Trevor Steward
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Nichols
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Graham
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Ben Harrison
- Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Center, University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Kim Felmingham
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Glodosky NC, Cuttler C, McLaughlin RJ. A review of the effects of acute and chronic cannabinoid exposure on the stress response. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 63:100945. [PMID: 34461155 PMCID: PMC8605997 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
While cannabis has been used for centuries for its stress-alleviating properties, the effects of acute and chronic cannabinoid exposure on responses to stress remain poorly understood. This review provides an overview of studies that measured stress-related endpoints following acute or chronic cannabinoid exposure in humans and animals. Acute cannabinoid exposure increases basal concentrations of stress hormones in rodents and humans and has dose-dependent effects on stress reactivity in humans and anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Chronic cannabis exposure is associated with dampened stress reactivity, a blunted cortisol awakening response (CAR), and flattened diurnal cortisol slope in humans. Sex differences in these effects remain underexamined, with limited evidence for sex differences in effects of cannabinoids on stress reactivity in rodents. Future research is needed to better understand sex differences in the effects of cannabis on the stress response, as well as downstream impacts on mental health and stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carrie Cuttler
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Ryan J McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA; Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Piggott VM, Lloyd SC, Matchynski JI, Perrine SA, Conti AC. Traumatic Stress, Chronic Ethanol Exposure, or the Combination, Alter Cannabinoid System Components in Reward and Limbic Regions of the Mouse Brain. Molecules 2021; 26:2086. [PMID: 33917316 PMCID: PMC8038692 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26072086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid system is independently affected by stress and chronic ethanol exposure. However, the extent to which co-occurrence of traumatic stress and chronic ethanol exposure modulates the cannabinoid system remains unclear. We examined levels of cannabinoid system components, anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, fatty acid amide hydrolase, and monoacylglycerol lipase after mouse single-prolonged stress (mSPS) or non-mSPS (Control) exposure, with chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor or without CIE vapor (Air) across several brain regions using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry or immunoblotting. Compared to mSPS-Air mice, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels in the anterior striatum were increased in mSPS-CIE mice. In the dorsal hippocampus, anandamide content was increased in Control-CIE mice compared to Control-Air, mSPS-Air, or mSPS-CIE mice. Finally, amygdalar anandamide content was increased in Control-CIE mice compared to Control-Air, or mSPS-CIE mice, but the anandamide content was decreased in mSPS-CIE compared to mSPS-Air mice. Based on these data we conclude that the effects of combined traumatic stress and chronic ethanol exposure on the cannabinoid system in reward pathway regions are driven by CIE exposure and that traumatic stress affects the cannabinoid components in limbic regions, warranting future investigation of neurotherapeutic treatment to attenuate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica M. Piggott
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (V.M.P.); (S.C.L.); (J.I.M.); (S.A.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Scott C. Lloyd
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (V.M.P.); (S.C.L.); (J.I.M.); (S.A.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - James I. Matchynski
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (V.M.P.); (S.C.L.); (J.I.M.); (S.A.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Shane A. Perrine
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (V.M.P.); (S.C.L.); (J.I.M.); (S.A.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Alana C. Conti
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (V.M.P.); (S.C.L.); (J.I.M.); (S.A.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Oultram JMJ, Pegler JL, Bowser TA, Ney LJ, Eamens AL, Grof CPL. Cannabis sativa: Interdisciplinary Strategies and Avenues for Medical and Commercial Progression Outside of CBD and THC. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030234. [PMID: 33652704 PMCID: PMC7996784 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (Cannabis) is one of the world’s most well-known, yet maligned plant species. However, significant recent research is starting to unveil the potential of Cannabis to produce secondary compounds that may offer a suite of medical benefits, elevating this unique plant species from its illicit narcotic status into a genuine biopharmaceutical. This review summarises the lengthy history of Cannabis and details the molecular pathways that underpin the production of key secondary metabolites that may confer medical efficacy. We also provide an up-to-date summary of the molecular targets and potential of the relatively unknown minor compounds offered by the Cannabis plant. Furthermore, we detail the recent advances in plant science, as well as synthetic biology, and the pharmacology surrounding Cannabis. Given the relative infancy of Cannabis research, we go on to highlight the parallels to previous research conducted in another medically relevant and versatile plant, Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), as an indicator of the possible future direction of Cannabis plant biology. Overall, this review highlights the future directions of cannabis research outside of the medical biology aspects of its well-characterised constituents and explores additional avenues for the potential improvement of the medical potential of the Cannabis plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson M. J. Oultram
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Joseph L. Pegler
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Timothy A. Bowser
- CannaPacific Pty Ltd., 109 Ocean Street, Dudley, NSW 2290, Australia;
| | - Luke J. Ney
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia;
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Christopher P. L. Grof
- Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.M.J.O.); (J.L.P.); (A.L.E.)
- CannaPacific Pty Ltd., 109 Ocean Street, Dudley, NSW 2290, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +612-4921-5858
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