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Boer OD, El Marroun H, Muetzel RL. Adolescent substance use initiation and long-term neurobiological outcomes: insights, challenges and opportunities. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02471-2. [PMID: 38409597 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02471-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The increased frequency of risk taking behavior combined with marked neuromaturation has positioned adolescence as a focal point of research into the neural causes and consequences of substance use. However, little work has provided a summary of the links between adolescent initiated substance use and longer-term brain outcomes. Here we review studies exploring the long-term effects of adolescent-initiated substance use with structural and microstructural neuroimaging. A quarter of all studies reviewed conducted repeated neuroimaging assessments. Long-term alcohol use, as well as tobacco use were consistently associated with smaller frontal cortices and altered white matter microstructure. This association was mostly observed in the ACC, insula and subcortical regions in alcohol users, and for the OFC in tobacco users. Long-term cannabis use was mostly related to altered frontal cortices and hippocampal volumes. Interestingly, cannabis users scanned more years after use initiation tended to show smaller measures of these regions, whereas those with fewer years since initiation showed larger measures. Long-term stimulant use tended to show a similar trend as cannabis in terms of years since initiation in measures of the putamen, insula and frontal cortex. Long-term opioid use was mostly associated with smaller subcortical and insular volumes. Of note, null findings were reported in all substance use categories, most often in cannabis use studies. In the context of the large variety in study designs, substance use assessment, methods, and sample characteristics, we provide recommendations on how to interpret these findings, and considerations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga D Boer
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies - Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanan El Marroun
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies - Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ryan L Muetzel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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2
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Scott JC. Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Neurocognitive and Brain Development. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:655-676. [PMID: 37879830 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.03.012] [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] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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3
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Soleimani G, Towhidkhah F, Saviz M, Ekhtiari H. Cortical Morphology in Cannabis Use Disorder: Implications for Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment. Basic Clin Neurosci 2023; 14:647-662. [PMID: 38628838 PMCID: PMC11016884 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.2021.3400.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been studied as an adjunctive treatment option for substance use disorders (SUDs). Alterations in brain structure following SUD may change tDCS-induced electric field (EF) and subsequent responses; however, group-level differences between healthy controls (HC) and participants with SUDs in terms of EF and its association with cortical architecture have not yet been modeled quantitatively. This study provides a methodology for group-level analysis of computational head models to investigate the influence of cortical morphology metrics on EFs. Methods Whole-brain surface-based morphology was conducted, and cortical thickness, volume, and surface area were compared between participants with cannabis use disorders (CUD) (n=20) and age-matched HC (n=22). Meanwhile, EFs were simulated for bilateral tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The effects of structural alterations on EF distribution were investigated based on individualized computational head models. Results Regarding EF, no significant difference was found within the prefrontal cortex; however, EFs were significantly different in left-postcentral and right-superior temporal gyrus (P<0.05) with higher levels of variance in CUD compared to HC [F(39, 43)=5.31, P<0.0001, C=0.95]. Significant differences were observed in cortical area (caudal anterior cingulate and rostral middle frontal), thickness (lateral orbitofrontal), and volume (paracentral and fusiform) between the two groups. Conclusion Brain morphology and tDCS-induced EFs may be changed following CUD; however, differences between CUD and HCs in EFs do not always overlap with brain areas that show structural alterations. To sufficiently modulate stimulation targets, whether individuals with CUD need different stimulation doses based on tDCS target location should be checked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Soleimani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Towhidkhah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Saviz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Ekhtiari
- Laureate Institute of Brain Research, Tulsa, United States of America
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Harper J, Wilson S, Bair JL, Hunt RH, Thomas KM, Malone SM, Iacono WG. Testing the consequences of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use on hippocampal volume: a quasi-experimental cotwin control analysis of young adult twins. Psychol Med 2023; 53:2671-2681. [PMID: 37310301 PMCID: PMC10123841 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004682] [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: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use are highly comorbid and alarmingly prevalent in young adults. The hippocampus may be particularly sensitive to substance exposure. This remains largely untested in humans and familial risk may confound exposure effects. We extend prior work on alcohol and hippocampal volume in women by testing common and unique substance use effects and the potential moderating role of sex on hippocampal volume during emerging adulthood. A quasi-experimental cotwin control (CTC) design was used to separate familial risk from exposure consequences. METHODS In a population-based sample of 435 24-year-old same-sex twins (58% women), dimensional measures (e.g. frequency, amount) of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use across emerging adulthood were assessed. Hippocampal volume was assessed using MRI. RESULTS Greater substance use was significantly associated with lower hippocampal volume for women but not men. The same pattern was observed for alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine. CTC analyses provided evidence that hippocampal effects likely reflected familial risk and the consequence of substance use in general and alcohol and nicotine in particular; cannabis effects were in the expected direction but not significant. Within-pair mediation analyses suggested that the effect of alcohol use on the hippocampus may reflect, in part, comorbid nicotine use. CONCLUSIONS The observed hippocampal volume deviations in women likely reflected substance-related premorbid familial risk and the consequences of smoking and, to a lesser degree, drinking. Findings contribute to a growing body of work suggesting heightened risk among women toward experiencing deleterious effects of substance exposure on the still-developing young adult hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Harper
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
| | - Sylia Wilson
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
| | - Jessica L. Bair
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Ruskin H. Hunt
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Thomas
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
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5
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Scott JC. Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Neurocognitive and Brain Development. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2023; 32:21-42. [PMID: 36410904 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.06.002] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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6
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Ghosh A, Kaur S, Shah R, Oomer F, Avasthi A, Ahuja CK, Basu D, Nehra R, Khandelwal N. Surface-based brain morphometry in schizophrenia vs. cannabis-induced psychosis: A controlled comparison. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 155:286-294. [PMID: 36170756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM We examined group differences in cortical thickness and surface-parameters among age and handedness--matched persons with cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP), schizophrenia with heavy cannabis use (SZC), and healthy controls (HC). METHODS We recruited 31 men with SZC, 28 with CIP, and 30 with HC. We used the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders to differentiate between CIP and SZC. We processed and analyzed T1 MR images using the Surface-based Brain Morphometry (SBM) pipeline of the CAT-12 toolbox within the statistical parametric mapping. After pre-processing, volumes were segmented using surface and thickness estimation for the analysis of the region of interest. We used the projection-based thickness method to assess the cortical thickness and Desikan-Killiany atlas for cortical parcellation. RESULTS We observed the lowest cortical thickness, depth, and gyrification in the SZC, followed by CIP and the control groups. The differences were predominantly seen in frontal cortices, with limited parietal and temporal regions involvement. After False Discovery Rate (FDR) corrections and post-hoc analysis, SZC had reduced cortical thickness than HC in the middle and inferior frontal, right entorhinal, and left postcentral regions. Cortical thickness of SZC was also significantly lower than CIP in bilateral postcentral and right middle frontal regions. We found negative correlations (after FDR corrections) between the duration of cannabis use and cortical thickness in loci of parietal and occipital cortices. CONCLUSION Our study suggested cortical structural abnormalities in schizophrenia, in reference to healthy controls and cannabis-induced psychosis, indicating different pathophysiology of SZC and CIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Ghosh
- Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Simranjit Kaur
- Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Punjab, India
| | - Raghav Shah
- Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Fareed Oomer
- Chasefarm Hospital, Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Mental Health Trust, Enfield, UK
| | - Ajit Avasthi
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Chirag K Ahuja
- Department of Radio-diagnosis and Imaging, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Debasish Basu
- Chasefarm Hospital, Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Mental Health Trust, Enfield, UK
| | - Ritu Nehra
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Niranjan Khandelwal
- Department of Radio-diagnosis and Imaging, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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7
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Benoit LJ, Canetta S, Kellendonk C. Thalamocortical Development: A Neurodevelopmental Framework for Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:491-500. [PMID: 35550792 PMCID: PMC9999366 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of increased vulnerability for the development of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) undergoes substantial maturation during this period, and PFC dysfunction is central to cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. As a result, impaired adolescent maturation of the PFC has been proposed as a mechanism in the etiology of the disorder and its cognitive symptoms. In adulthood, PFC function is tightly linked to its reciprocal connections with the thalamus, and acutely inhibiting thalamic inputs to the PFC produces impairments in PFC function and cognitive deficits. Here, we propose that thalamic activity is equally important during adolescence because it is required for proper PFC circuit development. Because thalamic abnormalities have been observed early in the progression of schizophrenia, we further postulate that adolescent thalamic dysfunction can have long-lasting consequences for PFC function and cognition in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Benoit
- Graduate Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sarah Canetta
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Christoph Kellendonk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.
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8
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Prenatal exposure to Cannabis smoke induces early and lasting damage to the brain. Neurochem Int 2022; 160:105406. [PMID: 35970295 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105406] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug during pregnancy, however, the effects of gestational exposure to Cannabis smoke (CS) on the central nervous system development remain uncharacterised. This study investigates the effects of maternal CS inhalation on brain function in the offspring. Pregnant mice were exposed daily to 5 min of CS during gestational days (GD) 5.5-17.5. On GD 18.5 half of the dams were euthanized for foetus removal. The offspring from the remaining dams were euthanized on postnatal days (PND) 20 and 60 for evaluation. Brain volume, cortex cell number, SOX2, histone-H3, parvalbumin, NeuN, and BDNF immunoreactivity were assessed in all groups. In addition, levels of NeuN, CB1 receptor, and BDNF expression were assessed and cortical primary neurons from rats were treated with Cannabis smoke extract (CSE) for assessment of cell viability. We found that male foetuses from the CS exposed group had decreased brain volume, whereas mice at PND 60 from the exposed group presented with increased brain volume. Olfactory bulb and diencephalon volume were found lower in foetuses exposed to CS. Mice at PND 60 from the exposed group had a smaller volume in the thalamus and hypothalamus while the cerebellum presented with a greater volume. Also, there was an increase in cortical BDNF immunoreactivity in CS exposed mice at PND 60. Protein expression analysis showed an increase in pro-BDNF in foetus brains exposed to CS. Mice at PND 60 presented an increase in mature BDNF in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the exposed group and a higher CB1 receptor expression in the PFC. Moreover, hippocampal NeuN expression was higher in adult animals from the exposed group. Lastly, treatment of cortical primary neurons with doses of CSE resulted in decreased cell viability. These findings highlight the potential negative neurodevelopmental outcomes induced by gestational CS exposure.
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9
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Rafei P, Rezapour T, Batouli SAH, Verdejo-García A, Lorenzetti V, Hatami J. How do cannabis users mentally travel in time? Evidence from an fMRI study of episodic future thinking. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1441-1457. [PMID: 34694424 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06002-7] [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: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Episodic future thinking (EFT) is a cognitive function that allows individuals to imagine novel experiences that may happen in the future. Prior studies show that EFT is impaired in different groups of substance users. However, there is no evidence regarding the neurobiological mechanisms of EFT in cannabis users. OBJECTIVES We aimed to compare brain activations of regular cannabis users and non-using controls during an EFT fMRI task. Exploratory analyses were also conducted to investigate the association between EFT and cannabis use variables (e.g., duration of use, age onset, frequency of use). METHODS Twenty current cannabis users and 22 drug-naïve controls underwent an fMRI scanning session while completing a task involving envisioning future-related events and retrieval of past memories as a control condition. The EFT fMRI task was adapted from the autobiographical interview and composed of 20 auditory cue sentences (10 cues for past and 10 cues for future events). Participants were asked to recall a past or generate a future event, in response to the cues, and then rate their vividness after each response. RESULTS We found that cannabis users compared to non-user controls had lower activation within the cerebellum, medial and superior temporal gyrus, lateral occipital cortex, and occipital fusiform gyrus while envisioning future events. Cannabis users rated the vividness of past events significantly lower than non-users (P < 0.005). There were marginal group differences for rating the vividness of future events (P = 0.052). Significant correlations were also found between the medial and superior temporal gyrus activities and behavioral measures of EFT and episodic memory. CONCLUSIONS Cannabis users, compared to drug-naïve controls, have lower brain activation in EFT relevant regions. Thus, any attempts to improve aberrant EFT performance in cannabis users may benefit from EFT training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parnian Rafei
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tara Rezapour
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Sciences Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Amir Hossein Batouli
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Medical Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Antonio Verdejo-García
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioral & Health Sciences, Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Australian Catholic University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Javad Hatami
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Lichenstein SD, Manco N, Cope LM, Egbo L, Garrison KA, Hardee J, Hillmer AT, Reeder K, Stern EF, Worhunsky P, Yip SW. Systematic review of structural and functional neuroimaging studies of cannabis use in adolescence and emerging adulthood: evidence from 90 studies and 9441 participants. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1000-1028. [PMID: 34839363 PMCID: PMC8938408 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use peaks in adolescence, and adolescents may be more vulnerable to the neural effects of cannabis and cannabis-related harms due to ongoing brain development during this period. In light of ongoing cannabis policy changes, increased availability, reduced perceptions of harm, heightened interest in medicinal applications of cannabis, and drastic increases in cannabis potency, it is essential to establish an understanding of cannabis effects on the developing adolescent brain. This systematic review aims to: (1) synthesize extant literature on functional and structural neural alterations associated with cannabis use during adolescence and emerging adulthood; (2) identify gaps in the literature that critically impede our ability to accurately assess the effect of cannabis on adolescent brain function and development; and (3) provide recommendations for future research to bridge these gaps and elucidate the mechanisms underlying cannabis-related harms in adolescence and emerging adulthood, with the long-term goal of facilitating the development of improved prevention, early intervention, and treatment approaches targeting adolescent cannabis users (CU). Based on a systematic search of Medline and PsycInfo and other non-systematic sources, we identified 90 studies including 9441 adolescents and emerging adults (n = 3924 CU, n = 5517 non-CU), which provide preliminary evidence for functional and structural alterations in frontoparietal, frontolimbic, frontostriatal, and cerebellar regions among adolescent cannabis users. Larger, more rigorous studies are essential to reconcile divergent results, assess potential moderators of cannabis effects on the developing brain, disentangle risk factors for use from consequences of exposure, and elucidate the extent to which cannabis effects are reversible with abstinence. Guidelines for conducting this work are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nick Manco
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lora M Cope
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Leslie Egbo
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, USA
| | | | - Jillian Hardee
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ansel T Hillmer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kristen Reeder
- Department of Internal Medicine, East Carolina University/Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Elisa F Stern
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Patrick Worhunsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah W Yip
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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11
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Sanjari Moghaddam H, Mobarak Abadi M, Dolatshahi M, Bayani Ershadi S, Abbasi-Feijani F, Rezaei S, Cattarinussi G, Aarabi MH. Effects of Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure on the Developing Human Brain: A Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Studies. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2729-2748. [PMID: 34297546 PMCID: PMC8763371 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
Methamphetamine
(MA) can cross the placenta in pregnant women and
cause placental abruption and developmental alterations in offspring.
Previous studies have found prenatal MA exposure effects on the social
and cognitive performance of children. Recent studies reported some
alterations in structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) of prenatal MA-exposed offspring. In this study, we aimed to
investigate the effect of prenatal MA exposure on brain development
using recently published structural, metabolic, and functional MRI
studies. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched PubMed
and SCOPUS databases for articles that used each brain imaging modality
in prenatal MA-exposed children. Seventeen studies were included in
this study. We investigated brain imaging alterations using 17 articles
with four different modalities, including structural MRI, diffusion
tensor imaging (DTI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and functional
MRI (fMRI). The participants’ age range was from infancy to
15 years. Our findings demonstrated that prenatal MA exposure is associated
with macrostructural, microstructural, metabolic, and functional deficits
in both cortical and subcortical areas. However, the most affected
regions were the striatum, frontal lobe, thalamus and the limbic system,
and white matter (WM) fibers connecting these regions. The findings
from our study might have valuable implications for targeted treatment
of neurocognitive and behavioral deficits in children with prenatal
MA exposure. Even so, our results should be interpreted cautiously
due to the heterogeneity of the included studies in terms of study
populations and methods of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahsa Dolatshahi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Sahar Rezaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Giulia Cattarinussi
- Department of Neuroscience and Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Mohammad Hadi Aarabi
- Department of Neuroscience and Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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12
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Ruiz-Saez B, García MMB, de Aragon AM, Gil-Correa M, Melero H, Malpica NA, de Ory SJ, Zamora B, Guillen S, Rojo P, Falcon-Neyra L, Alvarez A, Fernandez P, Lorente-Jareño ML, Ramos JT, Sainz T, Velo C, Navarro ML, Gonzalez-Tomé MI. Effects of perinatal HIV-infection on the cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter volumes in young adulthood. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25403. [PMID: 33847637 PMCID: PMC8051971 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Brain atrophy has been observed in perinatally HIV-infected patients (PHIV) despite initiation on combined antiretroviral treatment (cART), but neuroimaging studies are limited. We aimed to evaluate cortical thickness (CT) and subcortical gray matter (GM) volumes of PHIV youths with stable immunovirological situation and with a normal daily performance.A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 25 PHIV patients on cART and 25 HIV-negative (HIV-) controls matched by age, sex, level of education, and socioeconomic status underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan. CAT12 toolbox was used to extract CT values from T1w images using parcellations from Desikan-Killiany atlas (DK40). To measure regional brain volumes, native segmented images were parceled in regions of interest according to the Neuromorphometrics Atlas. Neuropsychological assessment and psychopathological symptoms were documented.Fifty participants were included (60% females, median age 20 years [interquartile range, IQR 19-23], 64% Whites). No differences regarding neuropsychological tests or psychopathological symptoms were found between groups (all P > .05). All participants presented an average performance in the Fluid Intelligence (FI) test (PHIV mean: -0.12, HIV- mean: 0.24), When comparing CT, PHIV-infected patients showed thinner cortices compared with their peers in fusiform gyrus (P = .000, P = .009), lateral-orbitofrontal gyrus (P = .006, P = .0024), and right parsobitalis gyrus (P = .047). Regarding subcortical GM volumes, PHIV patients showed lower right amygdala (P = .014) and left putamen (P = .016) volumes when compared with HIV- controls. Within the PHIV group, higher CD4 count was associated with higher volumes in right putamen (B = 0.00000038, P = .045). Moreover, increased age at cART initiation and lower nadir CD4 count was associated with larger volumes in left accumbens (B = 0.0000046, P = .033; B = -0.00000008, P = .045, respectively).PHIV patients showed thinner cortices of areas in temporal, orbito-frontal and occipital lobes and lower volumes of subcortical GM volumes when compared with the HIV- control group, suggesting cortical and subcortical brain alterations in otherwise neuroasymptomatic patients. Nevertheless, larger and longitudinal studies are required to determine the impact of HIV on brain structure in PHIV patients and to further identify risk and protective factors that could be implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ruiz-Saez
- Immunobiology Department, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IisGM)
| | - Manuela Martín-Bejarano García
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12)
| | | | - Mario Gil-Correa
- Laboratorio de Análisis de Imagen Médica y Biometría (LAIMBIO), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
| | - Helena Melero
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología en Ciencias del Comportamiento - Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain, y Laboratorio de Análisis de Imagen Médica y Biometría (LAIMBIO), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
| | | | - Santiago Jimenez de Ory
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IisGM)
| | - Berta Zamora
- Paediatric Neuropsychology Department. Hospital Universitario 12 De Octubre, Madrid
| | - Sara Guillen
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Translational Research Network in Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP)
| | - Pablo Rojo
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Department. Hospital Universitario 12 De Octubre, Madrid, 28041, Spain. Translational Research Network in Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP), Madrid
| | - Lola Falcon-Neyra
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla
| | | | - Pilar Fernandez
- Radiology Department. Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón
| | | | - Jose Tomas Ramos
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, 28040, Spain, Translational Research Network in Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP)
| | - Talía Sainz
- Paediatric Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz. Hospital La Paz Institute For Health Research (Idipaz), Translational Research Network in Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP)
| | - Carlos Velo
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12)
| | - Maria Luisa Navarro
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Department. Hospital Gregorio Marañon, Translational Research Network in Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP)
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Hawke LD, Henderson J. Legalization of cannabis use in Canada: Impacts on the cannabis use profiles of youth seeking services for substance use. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 126:108340. [PMID: 34116825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is a highly used substance among youth, but has the potential to negatively impact the developing brain. Recreational cannabis use was legalized in Canada in October 2018. This exploratory study examines cannabis use profiles of high-risk youth before and after the national legalization of recreational cannabis use. METHOD This cross-sectional cohort study examines the cannabis use profiles of two cohorts of youth, one recruited prior to legalization (N = 101) and one recruited after legalization (N = 168). RESULTS This study found few changes in cannabis use patterns after legalization. The rate of high-frequency cannabis use, polysubstance use, social circles of use, and mental health and substance use challenges showed no change, and the study found no associations with age. Exceptions were that youth were more likely to report purchasing cannabis from a legal source after legalization. Concealment of cannabis use from legal authorities declined after legalization among youth over the age of majority (19+ years), but not among younger youth (<19 years). CONCLUSIONS Minimal changes have occurred in the cannabis use patterns of service-seeking youth in the short term following legalization. This holds true both for youth who have reached the age of majority and those who have not. Nevertheless, this population has overlapping substantial mental health and substance use challenges. Integrated services should address cannabis use and other concurrent challenges and be sensitive to the postlegalization social climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Hawke
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joanna Henderson
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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14
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Hernandez Mejia M, Wade NE, Baca R, Diaz VG, Jacobus J. The Influence of Cannabis and Nicotine Co-use on Neuromaturation: A Systematic Review of Adolescent and Young Adult Studies. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:162-171. [PMID: 33334432 PMCID: PMC7749265 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the use of cannabis and nicotine and tobacco-related products (NTPs) during the adolescent years has harmful effects on the developing brain. Yet, few studies have focused on the developing brain as it relates to the co-administration of cannabis and NTPs, despite the high prevalence rates of co-use in adolescence. This review aims to synthesize the existing literature on neurocognitive, structural neuroimaging, and functional neuroimaging outcomes associated with cannabis and NTP co-use. A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles resulted in a pool of 1107 articles. Inclusion criteria were 1) data-based study; 2) age range of 13 to 35 years or, for preclinical studies, nonadult subjects; 3) cannabis and NTP group jointly considered; and 4) neurocognitive, structural neuroimaging, or functional neuroimaging as an outcome measure. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Consistent with the literature, cannabis and nicotine were found to have independent effects on cognition. The available research on the co-use of cannabis and NTPs demonstrates a potential nicotine-related masking effect on cognitive deficits associated with cannabis use, yet there is little research on co-use and associations with neuroimaging indices. In neuroimaging studies, there is preliminary evidence for hippocampal volume differences in co-users and a lack of evidence for co-use differences related to nucleus accumbens activity during reward processing. Notably, no structural neuroimaging studies were found to examine the combined effects of nicotine and cannabis in adolescent-only populations. Further research, including longitudinal studies, is warranted to investigate the influence of cannabis and NTP co-use on maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margie Hernandez Mejia
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, San Diego, California; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Natasha E Wade
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Rachel Baca
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Vanessa G Diaz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Joanna Jacobus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California.
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15
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Kwan Cheung KA, Mitchell MD, Heussler HS. Cannabidiol and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:643442. [PMID: 34093265 PMCID: PMC8175856 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643442] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder) have broad health implications for children, with no definitive cure for the vast majority of them. However, recently medicinal cannabis has been successfully trialled as a treatment to manage many of the patients' symptoms and improve quality of life. The cannabinoid cannabidiol, in particular, has been reported to be safe and well-tolerated with a plethora of anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lately, the current consensus is that the endocannabinoid system is a crucial factor in neural development and health; research has found evidence that there are a multitude of signalling pathways involving neurotransmitters and the endocannabinoid system by which cannabinoids could potentially exert their therapeutic effects. A better understanding of the cannabinoids' mechanisms of action should lead to improved treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Kwan Cheung
- Centre for Children's Health Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Murray D Mitchell
- Centre for Children's Health Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Helen S Heussler
- Centre for Clinical Trials in Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Development Program, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Children's Health Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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16
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Wittemann M, Brielmaier J, Rubly M, Kennel J, Werler F, Schmitgen MM, Kubera KM, Hirjak D, Wolf ND, Reith W, Wolf RC. Cognition and Cortical Thickness in Heavy Cannabis Users. Eur Addict Res 2021; 27:115-122. [PMID: 33080597 DOI: 10.1159/000509987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute and long-term adverse effects of heavy cannabis use (HCU) on neurocognitive function have been suggested, as much as regional changes of brain volume. However, little is known about the relationship between impaired cognition and brain structure in individuals with HCU. OBJECTIVE Here, we investigated associations between cognition and cortical thickness (CT) in males with HCU and male controls. METHODS Twenty-six individuals with HCU and 20 controls were examined using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and high-resolution structural MRI at 3T. CT was calculated using the Computational Anatomy Toolbox (CAT12). RESULTS Individuals with HCU differed from controls with respect to verbal learning performance and verbal working memory only. Individuals with HCU showed reduced CT in medial temporal, orbitofrontal, and cingulate regions, as well as in areas of the middle temporal and fusiform cortex (peak voxel family-wise error-corrected p < 0.001, followed by empirically determined correction for spatial extent) compared to HC. Verbal learning performance was associated with right entorhinal and left orbitofrontal CT reductions. Entorhinal CT was also significantly associated with amount and frequency of current weekly cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS The data support the notion of domain-specific cognitive impairment in individuals with HCU and provide a neuromechanistic understanding of such deficits, particularly with respect to abnormal CT in brain areas associated with long-term memory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Wittemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jule Brielmaier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RKH Clinic Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Rubly
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jennifer Kennel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SHG-Kliniken Saarbrücken, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Florian Werler
- Department of General Psychiatry at the Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mike M Schmitgen
- Department of General Psychiatry at the Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina M Kubera
- Department of General Psychiatry at the Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dusan Hirjak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nadine D Wolf
- Department of General Psychiatry at the Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Reith
- Department of Neuroradiology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Robert Christian Wolf
- Department of General Psychiatry at the Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,
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17
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Sastre-Garriga J, Pareto D, Battaglini M, Rocca MA, Ciccarelli O, Enzinger C, Wuerfel J, Sormani MP, Barkhof F, Yousry TA, De Stefano N, Tintoré M, Filippi M, Gasperini C, Kappos L, Río J, Frederiksen J, Palace J, Vrenken H, Montalban X, Rovira À. MAGNIMS consensus recommendations on the use of brain and spinal cord atrophy measures in clinical practice. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:171-182. [PMID: 32094485 PMCID: PMC7054210 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Early evaluation of treatment response and prediction of disease evolution are key issues in the management of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In the past 20 years, MRI has become the most useful paraclinical tool in both situations and is used clinically to assess the inflammatory component of the disease, particularly the presence and evolution of focal lesions - the pathological hallmark of MS. However, diffuse neurodegenerative processes that are at least partly independent of inflammatory mechanisms can develop early in people with MS and are closely related to disability. The effects of these neurodegenerative processes at a macroscopic level can be quantified by estimation of brain and spinal cord atrophy with MRI. MRI measurements of atrophy in MS have also been proposed as a complementary approach to lesion assessment to facilitate the prediction of clinical outcomes and to assess treatment responses. In this Consensus statement, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging in MS (MAGNIMS) study group critically review the application of brain and spinal cord atrophy in clinical practice in the management of MS, considering the role of atrophy measures in prognosis and treatment monitoring and the barriers to clinical use of these measures. On the basis of this review, the group makes consensus statements and recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Sastre-Garriga
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Department of Neurology/Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Deborah Pareto
- Section of Neuroradiology and Magnetic Resonance Unit, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Battaglini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- NMR Research Unit, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Christian Enzinger
- Department of Neurology and Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jens Wuerfel
- Medical Image Analysis Center (MIAC AG) and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria P Sormani
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Institutes of Neurology and Healthcare Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tarek A Yousry
- NMR Research Unit, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, University College London Hospitals National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Mar Tintoré
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Department of Neurology/Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Río
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Department of Neurology/Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jette Frederiksen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup and University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jackie Palace
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hugo Vrenken
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Xavier Montalban
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Department of Neurology/Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Division of Neurology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Àlex Rovira
- Section of Neuroradiology and Magnetic Resonance Unit, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Denoising scanner effects from multimodal MRI data using linked independent component analysis. Neuroimage 2020; 208:116388. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Sullivan RM, Wallace AL, Wade NE, Swartz AM, Lisdahl KM. Assessing the Role of Cannabis Use on Cortical Surface Structure in Adolescents and Young Adults: Exploring Gender and Aerobic Fitness as Potential Moderators. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E117. [PMID: 32098300 PMCID: PMC7071505 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use in adolescents and young adults is linked with aberrant brain structure, although findings to date are inconsistent. We examined whether aerobic fitness moderated the effects of cannabis on cortical surface structure and whether gender may play a moderating role. Seventy-four adolescents and young adults completed three-weeks of monitored abstinence, aerobic fitness testing, and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). Whole-sample linear regressions examined the effects of gender, VO2 max, cannabis use, and their interactions on the surface area (SA) and local gyrification index (LGI). Cannabis use was associated with greater cuneus SA. Gender-by-cannabis predicted precuneus and frontal SA, and precentral, supramarginal, and frontal LGI; female cannabis users demonstrated greater LGI, whereas male cannabis users demonstrated decreased LGI compared to non-users. Aerobic fitness was positively associated with various SA and LGI regions. Cannabis-by-aerobic fitness predicted cuneus SA and occipital LGI. These findings demonstrate that aerobic fitness moderates the impact of cannabis on cortical surface structure, and gender differences are evident. These moderating factors may help explain inconsistencies in the literature and warrant further investigation. Present findings and aerobic fitness literature jointly suggest aerobic intervention may be a low-cost avenue for improving cortical surface structure, although the impact may be gender-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA; (R.M.S.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Alexander L. Wallace
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA; (R.M.S.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Natasha E. Wade
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Ann M. Swartz
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA;
| | - Krista M. Lisdahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA; (R.M.S.); (A.L.W.)
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A Systematic Review of Human Neuroimaging Evidence of Memory-Related Functional Alterations Associated with Cannabis Use Complemented with Preclinical and Human Evidence of Memory Performance Alterations. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10020102. [PMID: 32069958 PMCID: PMC7071506 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been associated with deficits in memory performance. However, the neural correlates that may underpin impairments remain unclear. We carried out a systematic review of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies investigating brain functional alterations in cannabis users (CU) compared to nonusing controls while performing memory tasks, complemented with focused narrative reviews of relevant preclinical and human studies. Twelve studies employing fMRI were identified finding functional brain activation during memory tasks altered in CU. Memory performance studies showed CU performed worse particularly during verbal memory tasks. Longitudinal studies suggest that cannabis use may have a causal role in memory deficits. Preclinical studies have not provided conclusive evidence of memory deficits following cannabinoid exposure, although they have shown evidence of cannabinoid-induced structural and histological alteration. Memory performance deficits may be related to cannabis use, with lower performance possibly underpinned by altered functional activation. Memory impairments may be associated with the level of cannabis exposure and use of cannabis during developmentally sensitive periods, with possible improvement following cessation of cannabis use.
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21
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Manza P, Yuan K, Shokri-Kojori E, Tomasi D, Volkow ND. Brain structural changes in cannabis dependence: association with MAGL. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:3256-3266. [PMID: 31695165 PMCID: PMC7200265 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0577-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is rising, yet there is poor understanding of biological processes that might link chronic cannabis use to brain structural abnormalities. To lend insight into this topic, we examined white matter microstructural integrity and gray matter cortical thickness/density differences between 89 individuals with cannabis dependence (CD) and 89 matched controls (64 males, 25 females in each group) from the Human Connectome Project. We tested whether cortical patterns for expression of genes relevant for cannabinoid signaling (from Allen Human Brain Atlas postmortem tissue) were associated with spatial patterns of cortical thickness/density differences in CD. CD had lower fractional anisotropy than controls in white matter bundles innervating posterior cingulate and parietal cortex, basal ganglia, and temporal cortex. The CD group also had significantly less gray matter thickness and density in precuneus, relative to controls. Sibling-pair analysis found support for causal and graded liability effects of cannabis on precuneus structure. Spatial patterns of gray matter differences in CD were significantly associated with regional differences in monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) expression in postmortem brain tissue, such that regions with higher MAGL expression (but not fatty-acid amide hydrolase or FAAH) were more vulnerable to cortical thinning. In sum, chronic cannabis use is associated with structural differences in white and gray matter, which was most prominent in precuneus and associated white matter tracts. Regions with high MAGL expression, and therefore with potentially physiologically restricted endogenous cannabinoid signaling, may be more vulnerable to the effects of chronic cannabis use on cortical thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Manza
- National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Kai Yuan
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA ,grid.440736.20000 0001 0707 115XSchool of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, 710071 Xi’an, Shaanxi PR China
| | - Ehsan Shokri-Kojori
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Dardo Tomasi
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Nora D. Volkow
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA ,grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
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22
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Kwan Cheung KA, Peiris H, Wallace G, Holland OJ, Mitchell MD. The Interplay between the Endocannabinoid System, Epilepsy and Cannabinoids. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E6079. [PMID: 31810321 PMCID: PMC6929011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects approximately 50 million people worldwide. There is currently no definitive epilepsy cure. However, in recent years, medicinal cannabis has been successfully trialed as an effective treatment for managing epileptic symptoms, but whose mechanisms of action are largely unknown. Lately, there has been a focus on neuroinflammation as an important factor in the pathology of many epileptic disorders. In this literature review, we consider the links that have been identified between epilepsy, neuroinflammation, the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and how cannabinoids may be potent alternatives to more conventional pharmacological therapies. We review the research that demonstrates how the ECS can contribute to neuroinflammation, and could therefore be modulated by cannabinoids to potentially reduce the incidence and severity of seizures. In particular, the cannabinoid cannabidiol has been reported to have anti-convulsant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it shows promise for epilepsy treatment. There are a multitude of signaling pathways that involve endocannabinoids, eicosanoids, and associated receptors by which cannabinoids could potentially exert their therapeutic effects. Further research is needed to better characterize these pathways, and consequently improve the application and regulation of medicinal cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A. Kwan Cheung
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Children’s Health Research (CCHR), 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia; (K.A.K.C.); (H.P.); (O.J.H.)
| | - Hassendrini Peiris
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Children’s Health Research (CCHR), 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia; (K.A.K.C.); (H.P.); (O.J.H.)
| | - Geoffrey Wallace
- Children’s Health Queensland (CHQ) and University of Queensland (UQ), Centre for Children’s Health Research, 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia;
| | - Olivia J. Holland
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Children’s Health Research (CCHR), 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia; (K.A.K.C.); (H.P.); (O.J.H.)
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, 1 Parklands Dr, Southport, Queensland 4215, Australia
| | - Murray D. Mitchell
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Centre for Children’s Health Research (CCHR), 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia; (K.A.K.C.); (H.P.); (O.J.H.)
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Chye Y, Suo C, Lorenzetti V, Batalla A, Cousijn J, Goudriaan AE, Martin-Santos R, Whittle S, Solowij N, Yücel M. Cortical surface morphology in long-term cannabis users: A multi-site MRI study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:257-265. [PMID: 30558823 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.11.1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis exerts its psychoactive effect through cannabinoid receptors that are widely distributed across the cortical surface of the human brain. It is suggested that cannabis use may contribute to structural alterations across the cortical surface. In a large, multisite dataset of 120 controls and 141 cannabis users, we examined whether differences in key characteristics of the cortical surface - including cortical thickness, surface area, and gyrification index were related to cannabis use characteristics, including (i) cannabis use vs. non-use, (ii) cannabis dependence vs. non-dependence vs. non-use, and (iii) early adolescent vs. late adolescent onset of cannabis use vs. non-use. Our results revealed that cortical morphology was not associated with cannabis use, dependence, or onset age. The lack of effect of regular cannabis use, including problematic use, on cortical structure in our study is contrary to previous evidence of cortical morphological alterations (particularly in relation to cannabis dependence and cannabis onset age) in cannabis users. Careful reevaluation of the evidence on cannabis-related harm will be necessary to address concerns surrounding the long-term effects of cannabis use and inform policies in a changing cannabis regulation climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Chye
- Brain and Mental Health Research Hub, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chao Suo
- Brain and Mental Health Research Hub, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- Brain and Mental Health Research Hub, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Australia; School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University
| | - Albert Batalla
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Janna Cousijn
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rocio Martin-Santos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; The Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- Brain and Mental Health Research Hub, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Abstract
As an increasing number of states legalize cannabis use for recreational and/or medical purposes, it is increasingly important to understand the neural and cognitive consequences of recreational cannabis use in adolescent consumers. Adolescence is marked by ongoing neuromaturational processes, making this a particularly vulnerable period, particularly regarding exposure to drugs, including cannabis. This review highlights evidence from studies documenting the neural impact of cannabis use in adolescence and explores mediating factors related to cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Mashhoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 2 West, Room 305, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Imaging Center, Mclean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Kelly A Sagar
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 2 West, Room 305, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Hospital, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery, McLean Hospital, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Staci A Gruber
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 2 West, Room 305, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Hospital, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery, McLean Hospital, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
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Çolak Ç, Çelik ZÇ, Zorlu N, Kitiı Ö, Yüncü Z. Cortical Thickness and Subcortical Volumes in Adolescent Synthetic Cannabinoid Users with or Without ADHD: a Preliminary Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 56:167-172. [PMID: 31523140 DOI: 10.29399/npa.23495] [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: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have become increasingly popular in the last few years, especially among adolescents. Given Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is over represented in patients with substance use across adolescents compared to the general population, the current study aims were two-fold: i) examine cortical thickness, surface area and subcortical volumes in SC users compared to controls, ii) examine the influence of ADHD on cortical thickness, surface area and subcortical volumes in SC users. Methods Structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired from 28 SC users (15 without ADHD and 13 with ADHD combined type) and 13 controls. Results We found that SC users both with and without ADHD groups have significantly reduced cortical thickness compared to controls in areas of the left caudal middle frontal and left superior frontal. In addition, SC users with ADHD also showed reduced cortical thickness in the right precentral and postcentral gyruses. We also found increased right nucleus accumbens volume in SC users without ADHD, but not with ADHD, compared to controls. Conclusion These results suggest that similar to cannabis use, SC use has also negative effects on brain morphology and comorbidity of ADHD and substance dependence may show different cortical thickness and subcortical volume alterations than substance use alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Çiğdem Çolak
- Department of Psychiatry, Çiğli Regional Education Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Zehra Çakmak Çelik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cizre State Hospital, Şırnak, Turkey
| | - Nabi Zorlu
- Department of Psychiatry, Atatürk Education and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ömer Kitiı
- Department of Radiology, Ege University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Zeki Yüncü
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ege University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
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Wade NE, Bagot KS, Cota CI, Fotros A, Squeglia LM, Meredith LR, Jacobus J. Orbitofrontal cortex volume prospectively predicts cannabis and other substance use onset in adolescents. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1124-1131. [PMID: 31215833 PMCID: PMC6864237 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119855971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying neural characteristics that predict cannabis initiation is important for prevention efforts. The orbitofrontal cortex is critical for reward response and may be vulnerable to substance-induced alterations. AIMS We measured orbitofrontal cortex thickness, surface area, and volume prior to the onset of use to predict cannabis involvement during an average nine-year follow-up. METHODS Adolescents (n=118) aged 12-15 years completed baseline behavioral assessment and magnetic resonance imaging scans, then were followed up to 13 years with annual substance use interviews. Logistic regression examined baseline (pre-substance use) bilateral medial and lateral orbitofrontal cortex characteristics (volume, surface area, or cortex thickness) as predictors of regular cannabis use by follow-up. Post-hoc multinomial logistic regression assessed whether orbitofrontal cortex characteristics significantly predicted either alcohol use alone or cannabis+alcohol co-use. Brain-behavior relationships were assessed through follow-up correlations of baseline relationships between orbitofrontal cortex and executive functioning, reward responsiveness, and behavioral approach traits. RESULTS Larger left lateral orbitofrontal cortex volume predicted classification as cannabis user by follow-up (p=0.025, odds ratio=1.808). Lateral orbitofrontal cortex volume also predicted cannabis+alcohol co-user status (p=0.008, odds ratio=2.588), but not alcohol only status. Larger lateral orbitofrontal cortex volume positively correlated with greater baseline reward responsiveness (p=0.030, r=0.348). There were no significant results by surface area or cortex thickness (ps>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Larger left lateral orbitofrontal cortex measured from ages 12-15 years and prior to initiation of substance use was related to greater reward responsiveness at baseline and predicted classification as a cannabis user and cannabis+alcohol co-user by final follow-up. Larger lateral orbitofrontal cortex volume may represent aberrant orbitofrontal cortex maturation and increasing vulnerability for later substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha E. Wade
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Kara S. Bagot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Claudia I. Cota
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Aryandokht Fotros
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Squeglia
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lindsay R. Meredith
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joanna Jacobus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego,Correspondence and reprint requests to: Joanna Jacobus, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0405, La Jolla, CA 92093, Office: 858.534.3479,
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Chye Y, Lorenzetti V, Suo C, Batalla A, Cousijn J, Goudriaan AE, Jenkinson M, Martin‐Santos R, Whittle S, Yücel M, Solowij N. Alteration to hippocampal volume and shape confined to cannabis dependence: a multi-site study. Addict Biol 2019; 24:822-834. [PMID: 30022573 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is highly prevalent and often considered to be relatively harmless. Nonetheless, a subset of regular cannabis users may develop dependence, experiencing poorer quality of life and greater mental health problems relative to non-dependent users. The neuroanatomy characterizing cannabis use versus dependence is poorly understood. We aimed to delineate the contributing role of cannabis use and dependence on morphology of the hippocampus, one of the most consistently altered brain regions in cannabis users, in a large multi-site dataset aggregated across four research sites. We compared hippocampal volume and vertex-level hippocampal shape differences (1) between 121 non-using controls and 140 cannabis users; (2) between 106 controls, 50 non-dependent users and 70 dependent users; and (3) between a subset of 41 controls, 41 non-dependent users and 41 dependent users, matched on sample characteristics and cannabis use pattern (onset age and dosage). Cannabis users did not differ from controls in hippocampal volume or shape. However, cannabis-dependent users had significantly smaller right and left hippocampi relative to controls and non-dependent users, irrespective of cannabis dosage. Shape analysis indicated localized deflations in the superior-medial body of the hippocampus. Our findings support neuroscientific theories postulating dependence-specific neuroadaptations in cannabis users. Future efforts should uncover the neurobiological risk and liabilities separating dependent and non-dependent use of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Chye
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological SciencesMonash University Australia
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological SciencesMonash University Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre with School of PsychologyFaculty of Health, Australian Catholic University Australia
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Health and SocietyThe University of Liverpool UK
| | - Chao Suo
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological SciencesMonash University Australia
| | - Albert Batalla
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Medical Centre The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM and Institute of NeuroscienceUniversity of Barcelona Spain
| | - Janna Cousijn
- Department of Developmental PsychologyUniversity of Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Anna E. Goudriaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Academic Medical CentreUniversity of Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Arkin Mental Health Care The Netherlands
| | - Mark Jenkinson
- FMRIB Centre, John Radcliffe HospitalUniversity of Oxford UK
| | - Rocio Martin‐Santos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM and Institute of NeuroscienceUniversity of Barcelona Spain
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Melbourne Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological SciencesMonash University Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteUniversity of Wollongong Australia
- The Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE) Australia
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Cannabis use in youth is associated with limited alterations in brain structure. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1362-1369. [PMID: 30780151 PMCID: PMC6784999 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0347-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Frequent cannabis use during adolescence has been associated with alterations in brain structure. However, studies have featured relatively inconsistent results, predominantly from small samples, and few studies have examined less frequent users to shed light on potential brain structure differences across levels of cannabis use. In this study, high-resolution T1-weighted MRIs were obtained from 781 youth aged 14-22 years who were studied as part of the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort. This sample included 147 cannabis users (109 occasional [≤1-2 times per week] and 38 frequent [≥3 times per week] users) and 634 cannabis non-users. Several structural neuroimaging measures were examined in whole brain analyses, including gray and white matter volumes, cortical thickness, and gray matter density. Established procedures for stringent quality control were conducted, and two automated neuroimaging software processing packages were used to ensure robustness of results. There were no significant differences by cannabis group in global or regional brain volumes, cortical thickness, or gray matter density, and no significant group by age interactions were found. Follow-up analyses indicated that values of structural neuroimaging measures by cannabis group were similar across regions, and any differences among groups were likely of a small magnitude. In sum, structural brain metrics were largely similar among adolescent and young adult cannabis users and non-users. Our data converge with prior large-scale studies suggesting small or limited associations between cannabis use and structural brain measures in youth. Detailed studies of vulnerability to structural brain alterations and longitudinal studies examining long-term risk are clearly indicated.
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Maple KE, Thomas AM, Kangiser MM, Lisdahl KM. Anterior cingulate volume reductions in abstinent adolescent and young adult cannabis users: Association with affective processing deficits. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2019; 288:51-59. [PMID: 31079000 PMCID: PMC6548454 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E Maple
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Alicia M Thomas
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Megan M Kangiser
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Krista M Lisdahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI, United States.
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Lorenzetti V, Chye Y, Silva P, Solowij N, Roberts CA. Does regular cannabis use affect neuroanatomy? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of structural neuroimaging studies. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 269:59-71. [PMID: 30706169 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-019-00979-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Regular cannabis use is associated with adverse cognitive and mental health outcomes that have been ascribed to aberrant neuroanatomy in brain regions densely innervated with cannabinoid receptors. Neuroanatomical differences between cannabis users and controls have been assessed in multiple structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) studies. However, there is heterogeneity in the results leading to cautious interpretation of the data so far. We examined the sMRI evidence to date in human cannabis users, to establish more definitely whether neuroanatomical alterations are associated with regular cannabis use. The regional specificity and association with cannabis use indices (i.e. cumulative dosage, duration) were also explored. We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed published sMRI studies investigating regional brain volumes (cortical, subcortical and global) in cannabis users and non-user controls. Three electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO). A total of 17 meta-analyses were conducted (one for each cortical, subcortical and global volume) using the generic inverse variance method, whereby standardised mean difference in volume was calculated between users and non-users. Exploratory meta-regressions were conducted to investigate the association between cannabis use indices and regional brain volumes. A total of 30 articles were eligible for inclusion, contributing 106 effect sizes across 17 meta-analyses. Regular cannabis users had significantly smaller volumes of the hippocampus (SMD = 0.14, 95% CIs [0.02, 0.27]; Z = 2.29, p = 0.02, I2 = 74%) and orbitofrontal cortex {medial (SMD = 0.30, 95% CIs [0.15, 0.45]; Z = 3.89, p = 0.0001, I2 = 51%), lateral (SMD = 0.19, 95% CIs [0.07, 0.32]; Z = 3.10, p = 0.002, I2 = 26%)} relative to controls. The volumes of the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex were not significantly associated with cannabis duration and dosage. Our findings are consistent with evidence of aberrance in brain regions involved in reward, learning and memory, and motivation circuits in the regular use of substances other than cannabis, pointing to commonality in neurobiological abnormalities between regular users of cannabis and of other substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lorenzetti
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Daniel Mannix building, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
| | - Yann Chye
- Brain and Mental Health Research Hub, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pedro Silva
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Carl A Roberts
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Huang AS, Mitchell JA, Haber SN, Alia-Klein N, Goldstein RZ. The thalamus in drug addiction: from rodents to humans. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2017.0028. [PMID: 29352027 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairments in response inhibition and salience attribution (iRISA) have been proposed to underlie the clinical symptoms of drug addiction as mediated by cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical networks. The bulk of evidence supporting the iRISA model comes from neuroimaging research that has focused on cortical and striatal influences with less emphasis on the role of the thalamus. Here, we highlight the importance of the thalamus in drug addiction, focusing on animal literature findings on thalamic nuclei in the context of drug-seeking, structural and functional changes of the thalamus as measured by imaging studies in human drug addiction, particularly during drug cue and non-drug reward processing, and response inhibition tasks. Findings from the animal literature suggest that the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, the lateral habenula and the mediodorsal nucleus may be involved in the reinstatement, extinction and expression of drug-seeking behaviours. In support of the iRISA model, the human addiction imaging literature demonstrates enhanced thalamus activation when reacting to drug cues and reduced thalamus activation during response inhibition. This pattern of response was further associated with the severity of, and relapse in, drug addiction. Future animal studies could widen their field of focus by investigating the specific role(s) of different thalamic nuclei in different phases of the addiction cycle. Similarly, future human imaging studies should aim to specifically delineate the structure and function of different thalamic nuclei, for example, through the application of advanced imaging protocols at higher magnetic fields (7 Tesla).This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Of mice and mental health: facilitating dialogue between basic and clinical neuroscientists'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Suzanne N Haber
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Nelly Alia-Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA .,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Cancilliere MK, Yusufov M, Weyandt L. Effects of Co-occurring marijuana use and anxiety on brain structure and functioning: A systematic review of adolescent studies. J Adolesc 2018; 65:177-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Thayer RE, YorkWilliams S, Karoly HC, Sabbineni A, Ewing SF, Bryan AD, Hutchison KE. Structural neuroimaging correlates of alcohol and cannabis use in adolescents and adults. Addiction 2017. [PMID: 28646566 PMCID: PMC5673530 DOI: 10.1111/add.13923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic alcohol use is associated with lower gray matter volume, and we reported recently that alcohol use showed negative associations with widespread gray matter (GM) volume even among young adults. The current study aimed to test the strength of association between (1) alcohol use and GM volume; (2) alcohol use and white matter (WM) integrity; (3) cannabis use and GM volume; and (4) cannabis use and WM integrity among adults and adolescents. DESIGN AND SETTING General linear models within large pooled cross-sectional samples of adolescents and adults who had participated in studies collecting substance use and neuroimaging data in the southwestern United States. PARTICIPANTS The current analysis included adults aged 18-55 years (n = 853) and adolescents aged 14-18 years (n = 439) with a range of alcohol and cannabis use. MEASUREMENTS The dependent variable was GM volume or WM integrity, with key predictors of alcohol use [Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score] and cannabis use (past 30-day use). FINDINGS Alcohol use showed large clusters of negative associations (ηp2 = 0.028-0.145, P < 0.001) with GM volume among adults and to a lesser extent (one cluster; ηp2 = 0.070, P < 0.05) among adolescents. Large clusters showed significant associations (ηp2 = 0.050-0.124, P < 0.001) of higher alcohol use with poorer WM integrity, whereas adolescents showed no significant associations between alcohol use and WM. No associations were observed between structural measures and past 30-day cannabis use in adults or adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use severity is associated with widespread lower gray matter volume and white matter integrity in adults, and with lower gray matter volume in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Thayer
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | - Sophie YorkWilliams
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | - Hollis C. Karoly
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | - Amithrupa Sabbineni
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | | | - Angela D. Bryan
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | - Kent E. Hutchison
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
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Minnes S, Min MO, Kim JY, Francis MW, Lang A, Wu M, Singer LT. The association of prenatal cocaine exposure, externalizing behavior and adolescent substance use. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 176:33-43. [PMID: 28514694 PMCID: PMC5637277 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) may increase adolescent substance use through alterations of neurotransmitter systems affecting fetal brain development. The relationship between PCE and substance use at 15 and 17 years was examined. Subjects (365: 186 PCE; 179 non-cocaine exposed (NCE)) supplied biologic and self-report data using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (C-DISC 4) at ages 15 and 17. The relationship between PCE and substance use was assessed using General Estimating Equation (GEE) analyses controlling for confounding factors including violence exposure and preschool lead level. Teens with PCE vs. NCE teens were 2 times more likely to use tobacco (OR=2.1; 95% CI 1.21-3.63; p<.001) and marijuana (OR=1.85; CI 1.18-2.91; p<.001) and have a substance use disorder at age 17 (OR=2.51; CI 1.00-6.28; p<.05). Evaluation of PCE status by gender revealed an association between PCE and marijuana use that was more pronounced for boys than girls at 17 years. Violence exposure was also a significant predictor of alcohol (p<.001), tobacco (p<.05), and marijuana (p<.0006) use and substance abuse/dependence (p<.01). Externalizing behavior at age 12 fully mediated the effects of PCE on substance use disorder at age 17 and partially mediated effects of PCE on tobacco use, but did not mediate effects on marijuana use. The percentage of substance use reported increased between 15 and 17 years, with no differences between the PCE and NCE groups. Data suggest specialized drug use prevention measures for children with PCE may benefit this high risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Minnes
- The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States.
| | - Meeyoung O Min
- The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - June-Yung Kim
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Meredith W Francis
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Adelaide Lang
- The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Miaoping Wu
- The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Lynn T Singer
- School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Cannabis-related hippocampal volumetric abnormalities specific to subregions in dependent users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:2149-2157. [PMID: 28424833 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4620-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabis use is associated with neuroanatomical alterations in the hippocampus. While the hippocampus is composed of multiple subregions, their differential vulnerability to cannabis dependence remains unknown. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study is to investigate gray matter alteration in each of the hippocampal subregions (presubiculum, subiculum, cornu ammonis (CA) subfields CA1-4, and dentate gyrus (DG)) as associated with cannabis use and dependence. METHODS A total of 35 healthy controls (HC), 22 non-dependent (CB-nondep), and 39 dependent (CB-dep) cannabis users were recruited. We investigated group differences in hippocampal subregion volumes between HC, CB-nondep, and CB-dep users. We further explored the association between CB use variables (age of onset of regular use, monthly use, lifetime use) and hippocampal subregions in CB-nondep and CB-dep users separately. RESULTS The CA1, CA2/3, CA4/DG, as well as total hippocampal gray matter were reduced in volume in CB-dep but not in CB-nondep users, relative to HC. The right CA2/3 and CA4/DG volumes were also negatively associated with lifetime cannabis use in CB-dep users. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a regionally and dependence-specific influence of cannabis use on the hippocampus. Hippocampal alteration in cannabis users was specific to the CA and DG regions and confined to dependent users.
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Chye Y, Solowij N, Suo C, Batalla A, Cousijn J, Goudriaan AE, Martin-Santos R, Whittle S, Lorenzetti V, Yücel M. Orbitofrontal and caudate volumes in cannabis users: a multi-site mega-analysis comparing dependent versus non-dependent users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1985-1995. [PMID: 28364340 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4606-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabis (CB) use and dependence are associated with regionally specific alterations to brain circuitry and substantial psychosocial impairment. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to investigate the association between CB use and dependence, and the volumes of brain regions critically involved in goal-directed learning and behaviour-the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and caudate. METHODS In the largest multi-site structural imaging study of CB users vs healthy controls (HC), 140 CB users and 121 HC were recruited from four research sites. Group differences in OFC and caudate volumes were investigated between HC and CB users and between 70 dependent (CB-dep) and 50 non-dependent (CB-nondep) users. The relationship between quantity of CB use and age of onset of use and caudate and OFC volumes was explored. RESULTS CB users (consisting of CB-dep and CB-nondep) did not significantly differ from HC in OFC or caudate volume. CB-dep compared to CB-nondep users exhibited significantly smaller volume in the medial and the lateral OFC. Lateral OFC volume was particularly smaller in CB-dep females, and reduced volume in the CB-dep group was associated with higher monthly cannabis dosage. CONCLUSIONS Smaller medial OFC volume may be driven by CB dependence-related mechanisms, while smaller lateral OFC volume may be due to ongoing exposure to cannabinoid compounds. The results highlight a distinction between cannabis use and dependence and warrant examination of gender-specific effects in studies of CB dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Chye
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Chao Suo
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Albert Batalla
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM and Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Janna Cousijn
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rocio Martin-Santos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM and Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Australia.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Murat Yücel
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Nader DA, Sanchez ZM. Effects of regular cannabis use on neurocognition, brain structure, and function: a systematic review of findings in adults. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2017; 44:4-18. [DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2017.1306746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo A. Nader
- Departmento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zila M. Sanchez
- Departmento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ide JS, Zhornitsky S, Hu S, Zhang S, Krystal JH, Li CSR. Sex differences in the interacting roles of impulsivity and positive alcohol expectancy in problem drinking: A structural brain imaging study. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 14:750-759. [PMID: 28413777 PMCID: PMC5385596 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol expectancy and impulsivity are implicated in alcohol misuse. However, how these two risk factors interact to determine problem drinking and whether men and women differ in these risk processes remain unclear. In 158 social drinkers (86 women) assessed for Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), positive alcohol expectancy, and Barratt impulsivity, we examined sex differences in these risk processes. Further, with structural brain imaging, we examined the neural bases underlying the relationship between these risk factors and problem drinking. The results of general linear modeling showed that alcohol expectancy best predicted problem drinking in women, whereas in men as well as in the combined group alcohol expectancy and impulsivity interacted to best predict problem drinking. Alcohol expectancy was associated with decreased gray matter volume (GMV) of the right posterior insula in women and the interaction of alcohol expectancy and impulsivity was associated with decreased GMV of the left thalamus in women and men combined and in men alone, albeit less significantly. These risk factors mediated the correlation between GMV and problem drinking. Conversely, models where GMV resulted from problem drinking were not supported. These new findings reveal distinct psychological factors that dispose men and women to problem drinking. Although mediation analyses did not determine a causal link, GMV reduction in the insula and thalamus may represent neural phenotype of these risk processes rather than the consequence of alcohol consumption in non-dependent social drinkers. The results add to the alcohol imaging literature which has largely focused on dependent individuals and help elucidate alterations in brain structures that may contribute to the transition from social to habitual drinking. Alcohol expectancy (AE) and impulsivity are risk factors for problem drinking. AE mediates the correlation between right insula GMV and problem drinking in women. AE and impulsivity interacts to mediate left thalamus GMV and problem drinking in all. Models where changes in GMV as a result of problem drinking are not supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime S Ide
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
| | - Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
| | - Sien Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, United States.,Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY 13126, United States
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
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McKetin R, Parasu P, Cherbuin N, Eramudugolla R, Anstey KJ. A longitudinal examination of the relationship between cannabis use and cognitive function in mid-life adults. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 169:134-140. [PMID: 27810656 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between cannabis use and cognitive function in mid-life has rarely been examined despite verbal learning deficits in young adults. METHOD A longitudinal cohort study of 1,897 Australians recruited at 40-46 years of age and followed up 4 years (94%) and 8 years (87%) later. Random effects regression was used to assess within- and between-person associations between cannabis use and cognitive function across waves of data, and examine whether age-related changes in cognitive performance were modified by cannabis use. The first list of the California Verbal Learning Test (immediate and delayed recall), Symbol Digit Modality Test, Digit Backwards, simple and choice reaction time tasks, were administered at each wave. The Spot-the-Word test was used to assess premorbid verbal ability. Self-reported cannabis use in the past year (no use, < weekly use,≥weekly use) was assessed at each wave. FINDINGS Participants who used cannabis≥weekly had worse immediate recall (b=-0.68, p=0.014) and showed a trend toward worse delayed recall (b=-0.55, p=0.062) compared to non-users after adjusting for correlates of cannabis use and premorbid verbal ability. These effects were due to between-person differences. There were no significant within-person associations between cannabis use and recall, nor was there evidence of greater cognitive decline in cannabis users with age. CONCLUSIONS Mid-life cannabis users had poorer verbal recall than non-users, but this was not related to their current level of cannabis use, and cannabis use was not associated with accelerated cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca McKetin
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Praneeth Parasu
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Ranmalee Eramudugolla
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Kaarin J Anstey
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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Jacobus J, Castro N, Squeglia LM, Meloy M, Brumback T, Huestis MA, Tapert SF. Reprint of “Adolescent cortical thickness pre- and post marijuana and alcohol initiation”. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 58:78-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Jacobus J, Castro N, Squeglia LM, Meloy MJ, Brumback T, Huestis MA, Tapert SF. Adolescent cortical thickness pre- and post marijuana and alcohol initiation. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 57:20-29. [PMID: 27687470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cortical thickness abnormalities have been identified in youth using both alcohol and marijuana. However, limited studies have followed individuals pre- and post initiation of alcohol and marijuana use to help identify to what extent discrepancies in structural brain integrity are pre-existing or substance-related. Adolescents (N=69) were followed from ages 13 (pre-initiation of substance use, baseline) to ages 19 (post-initiation, follow-up). Three subgroups were identified, participants that initiated alcohol use (ALC, n=23, >20 alcohol use episodes), those that initiated both alcohol and marijuana use (ALC+MJ, n=23, >50 marijuana use episodes) and individuals that did not initiate either substance regularly by follow-up (CON, n=23, <3 alcohol use episodes, no marijuana use episodes). All adolescents underwent neurocognitive testing, neuroimaging, and substance use and mental health interviews. Significant group by time interactions and main effects on cortical thickness estimates were identified for 18 cortical regions spanning the left and right hemisphere (ps<0.05). The vast majority of findings suggest a more substantial decrease, or within-subjects effect, in cortical thickness by follow-up for individuals who have not initiated regular substance use or alcohol use only by age 19; modest between-group differences were identified at baseline in several cortical regions (ALC and CON>ALC+MJ). Minimal neurocognitive differences were observed in this sample. Findings suggest pre-existing neural differences prior to marijuana use may contribute to initiation of use and observed neural outcomes. Marijuana use may also interfere with thinning trajectories that contribute to morphological differences in young adulthood that are often observed in cross-sectional studies of heavy marijuana users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Jacobus
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA; University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Norma Castro
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lindsay M Squeglia
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - M J Meloy
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ty Brumback
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Susan F Tapert
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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