1
|
Huang J, Huang H, Liu M, Yang W, Wang H. Involvement of the TRPV1 receptor and the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia. Brain Res Bull 2024; 215:111007. [PMID: 38852650 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111007] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental disorder, but its pathogenesis is still unknown, and its clinical treatment effect is very limited. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)have been confirmed to be involved in the pathogenesis of SCZ, although their actions have not been fully clarified yet. The objective is to examine TRPV1 and ECS expression in the blood of schizophrenia patients and investigate their correlation with disease severity. METHODS This is a cross-sectional investigation. Peripheral blood samples were gathered from normal controls (NC, n=37), as well as individuals with schizophrenia, including first episode (n=30) and recurrent (n=30) cases. We employed western blot and ELISA techniques to quantify TRPV1, cannabinoid receptors 1(CB1), anandamide (AEA), and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and assess the severity of the patient's symptoms by means of the PANSS scale. RESULTS Compared to NC, TRPV1 levels showed a noticeable decrease in both first episode schizophrenia (f-SCZ group) and recurrent schizophrenia (r-SCZ group) subjects. Additionally, CB1 levels appeared increased in f-SCZ group. Furthermore, 2-AG levels were found to be elevated in both f-SCZ group and r-SCZ group compared to NC, whereas AEA levels were decreased in f-SCZ group but increased in r-SCZ group. Moreover, among schizophrenia patients, TRPV1 demonstrated a negative correlation with negative symptoms. Within r-SCZ subjects, CB1 displayed a negative correlation with relapse number, while 2-AG showed a correlation in the opposite direction. CONCLUSIONS This study provides initial clinical evidence of changed TRPV1 expression in schizophrenia, potentially linked to negative symptoms. These results suggest a possible dysfunction of TRPV1 and the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which might offer new avenues for medical interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Huan Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Moyin Liu
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wanlin Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Huiling Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kim HK, Gonçalves VF, Husain MI, Müller DJ, Mulsant BH, Zai G, Kloiber S. Cross-disorder GWAS meta-analysis of endocannabinoid DNA variations in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2023; 330:115563. [PMID: 37924773 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is implicated in multiple mental disorders. In this study, we explored DNA variations in the ECS across major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia by performing a cross-disorder genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis. We obtained six datasets from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium containing GWAS summary statistics from European cohorts (284,023 cases and 508,515 controls). Effective sample size weighted meta-analysis was performed for 2241 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) pertaining to gene bodies of 33 endocannabinoid genes using METAL, where an overall z-statistic is calculated for each marker based on a weighted sum of individual statistics. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 and X2 tests. MAGMA gene-based analysis was also performed. We identified nine SNPs significantly associated with a change in risk of having a mental disorder. The lead SNP was rs12805732 (Gene: Diacylglycerol Lipase Alpha; DAGLA). Four SNPs had substantial heterogeneity (I2>60 %). DAGLA had the strongest association with disease risk in gene-based analysis. Our findings suggest that the ECS may be a shared pathway in mental disorders. Future studies validating these findings would contribute to the identification of biomarkers of disease risk across multiple mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena K Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vanessa F Gonçalves
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Molecular Brain Sciences Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Muhammad I Husain
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Benoit H Mulsant
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gwyneth Zai
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Molecular Alterations of the Endocannabinoid System in Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094764. [PMID: 35563156 PMCID: PMC9104141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic benefits of the current medications for patients with psychiatric disorders contrast with a great variety of adverse effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) components have gained high interest as potential new targets for treating psychiatry diseases because of their neuromodulator role, which is essential to understanding the regulation of many brain functions. This article reviewed the molecular alterations in ECS occurring in different psychiatric conditions. The methods used to identify alterations in the ECS were also described. We used a translational approach. The animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neurochemical aspects of psychiatric disorders and the molecular alterations in clinical studies in post-mortem brain tissue or peripheral tissues were analyzed. This article reviewed the most relevant ECS changes in prevalent psychiatric diseases such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, autism, attentional deficit, eating disorders (ED), and addiction. The review concludes that clinical research studies are urgently needed for two different purposes: (1) To identify alterations of the ECS components potentially useful as new biomarkers relating to a specific disease or condition, and (2) to design new therapeutic targets based on the specific alterations found to improve the pharmacological treatment in psychiatry.
Collapse
|
4
|
Hidalgo-Figueroa M, Salazar A, Romero-López-Alberca C, MacDowell KS, García-Bueno B, Bioque M, Bernardo M, Parellada M, González-Pinto A, García Portilla MP, Lobo A, Rodriguez-Jimenez R, Berrocoso E, Leza JC. The Influence of Oxytocin and Prolactin During a First Episode of Psychosis: The Implication of Sex Differences, Clinical Features, and Cognitive Performance. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:666-677. [PMID: 35353882 PMCID: PMC9380712 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 3% of the population suffers a first episode of psychosis (FEP), and a high percentage of these patients subsequently relapse. Because the clinical course following a FEP is hard to predict, it is of interest to identify cognitive and biological markers that will help improve the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of such events and to define new therapeutic targets. Here we analyzed the plasma oxytocin and prolactin levels during an FEP, assessing their correlation with clinical and cognitive features. METHODS The oxytocin and prolactin in plasma was measured in 120 FEP patients and 106 healthy controls, all of whom were subjected to a clinical and neuropsychological assessment. Most patients were under antipsychotics. Statistical analyses aimed to identify factors associated with the FEP and to search for associations between the variables. This study is preliminary and exploratory because the P-values were not corrected for multiple comparisons. RESULTS FEP patients had less oxytocin, more prolactin, and a poor premorbid IQ, and they performed worse in sustained attention. Male patients with higher prolactin levels experienced more severe psychotic symptoms and required higher doses of antipsychotics. Low oxytocin was associated with poor sustained attention in women, whereas low oxytocin and high prolactin in men correlated with better performance in sustained attention. CONCLUSION Low oxytocin, high prolactin, and poor premorbid IQ and sustained attention are factors associated with an FEP, representing potential therapeutic targets in these patients. These biological factors and cognitive domains might play an important role during a FEP, which could help us to develop new strategies that improve the outcomes of this disorder and that should perhaps be gender specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Romero-López-Alberca
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain,Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment Area, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Karina S MacDowell
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUINQ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja García-Bueno
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUINQ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miquel Bioque
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Institut d’investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPs), Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit (BCSU), Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Bernardo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Institut d’investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPs), Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit (BCSU), Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Parellada
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana González-Pinto
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario de Alava, BIOARABA, EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Paz García Portilla
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, Universidad de Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Antonio Lobo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, Universidad de Zaragoza, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Roberto Rodriguez-Jimenez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Department of Psychiatry, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12)/Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Correspondence: Esther Berrocoso, PhD, Neuropsychopharmacology Psychobiology Research Group, Psychobiology Area, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, 11510 Cádiz, Spain ()
| | - Juan C Leza
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Univ. Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUINQ, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - CIBERSAM
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Joaquim HPG, Costa AC, Pereira CAC, Talib LL, Bilt MMV, Loch AA, Gattaz WF. Plasmatic endocannabinoids are decreased in subjects with ultra-high risk of psychosis. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:1079-1087. [PMID: 34716624 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The onset of frank psychosis is usually preceded by a prodromal phase characterized by attenuated psychotic symptoms. Currently, research on schizophrenia prodromal phase (ultra-high risk for psychosis [UHR]) has focused on the risk of developing psychosis, on the transition to full blown psychosis and on its prediction. Neurobiological differences between UHR individuals who fully recover (remitters) versus those who show persistent/progressive prodromal symptoms (nonremitters) have been little explored. The endocannabinoid system constitutes a neuromodulatory system that plays a major role in brain development, synaptic plasticity, emotional behaviours and cognition. It comprises two cannabinoid receptors (CB1/CB2), two endocannabinoid ligands, arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG) along with their inactivation enzymes. Despite much evidence that the endocannabinoid system is imbalanced during psychosis, very little is known about it in UHR. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the plasma endocannabinoid levels in UHR and healthy controls (HC) and verify if these metabolites could differentiate between remitters and nonremitters. Circulating concentrations of AEA (p = .003) and 2AG (p < .001) were lower in UHR when compared with HC, with no difference between remitters and nonremitters. Regarding clinical evolution, it was observed that out of 91 UHRs initially considered, 16 had psychiatric complaints (3 years of follow-up). Considering those subjects, there were weak correlations between clinical parameters and plasma concentrations of endocannabinoids. Our results suggest that the endocannabinoids are imbalanced before frank psychosis and that changes can be seen in plasma of UHR individuals. These molecules proved to be potential biomarkers to identify individuals in the prodromal phase of psychosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena P G Joaquim
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM-27), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBioN), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alana C Costa
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM-27), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBioN), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cícero A C Pereira
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM-27), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBioN), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leda L Talib
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM-27), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBioN), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martinus M V Bilt
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM-27), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBioN), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre A Loch
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM-27), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBioN), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wagner F Gattaz
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM-27), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBioN), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ferretjans R, de Souza RP, Panizzutti B, Ferrari P, Mantovani L, de Campos-Carli SM, Santos RR, Guimarães FC, Teixeira AL, Gama CS, Salgado JV. Cannabinoid receptor gene polymorphisms and cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia and controls. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 44:26-34. [PMID: 34190825 PMCID: PMC8827365 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-1650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To test the hypothesis that genetic variations of cannabinoid receptors contribute to the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Methods: In this genetic association case-control study, cannabinoid receptor polymorphisms CNR1 rs12720071 and CNR2 rs2229579 were tested for association with neurocognitive performance in 69 patients with schizophrenia and 45 healthy controls. Neurocognition was assessed by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Results: We found a consistent association between CNR1 rs12720071 polymorphism and the cognitive performance of patients in several cognitive domains. Patients with C/C polymorphism presented significantly worse performance in motor speed, verbal fluency, attention/processing speed and reasoning/problem solving. Conclusion: Although limited, our data support the hypothesis that CNR1 variations may be associated with the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ferretjans
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Renan P de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruna Panizzutti
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.,Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Pâmela Ferrari
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento (PPGPSIQ), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Mantovani
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Salvina M de Campos-Carli
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael R Santos
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C Guimarães
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Antonio L Teixeira
- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Santa Casa BH, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Neuropsychiatry Program, UTHealth Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clarissa S Gama
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento (PPGPSIQ), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - João V Salgado
- Programa Interdisciplinar de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Endocannabinoid system in psychotic and mood disorders, a review of human studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110096. [PMID: 32898588 PMCID: PMC8582009 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite widespread evidence of endocannabinoid system involvement in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, our understanding remains rudimentary. Here we review studies of the endocannabinoid system in humans with psychotic and mood disorders. Postmortem, peripheral, cerebrospinal fluid and in vivo imaging studies provide evidence for the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in psychotic and mood disorders. Psychotic disorders and major depressive disorder exhibit alterations of brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors and peripheral blood endocannabinoids. Further, these changes may be sensitive to treatment status, disease state, and symptom severity. Evidence from psychotic disorder extend to endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes in the brain and periphery, whereas these lines of evidence remain poorly developed in mood disorders. A paucity of studies examining this system in bipolar disorder represents a notable gap in the literature. Despite a growing body of productive work in this field of research, there is a clear need for investigation beyond the CB1 receptor in order to more fully elucidate the role of the endocannabinoid system in psychotic and mood disorders.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bielawski T, Albrechet-Souza L, Frydecka D. Endocannabinoid system in trauma and psychosis: distant guardian of mental stability. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:707-722. [PMID: 33656307 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Central endocannabinoid system (eCBS) is a neuromodulatory system that inhibits potentially harmful, excessive synaptic activation. Endocannabinoid receptors are abundant among brain structures pivotal in different mental disorders development (for example, hippocampus, amygdala, medial-prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus). Here, we review eCBS function in etiology of psychosis, emphasizing its role in dealing with environmental pressures such as traumatic life events. Moreover, we explore eCBS as a guard against hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis over-activation, and discuss its possible role in etiology of different psychopathologies. Additionally, we review eCBS function in creating adaptive behavioral patterns, as we explore its involvement in the memory formation process, extinction learning and emotional response. We discuss eCBS in the context of possible biomarkers of trauma, and in preclinical psychiatric conditions, such as at-risk mental states and clinical high risk states for psychosis. Finally, we describe the role of eCBS in the cannabinoid self-medication-theory and extinction learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Bielawski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367Wroclaw, Poland.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Lucas Albrechet-Souza
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA.,Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sánchez-Gutiérrez T, Fernandez-Castilla B, Barbeito S, González-Pinto A, Becerra-García JA, Calvo A. Cannabis use and nonuse in patients with first-episode psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing neurocognitive functioning. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 63:e6. [PMID: 32093788 PMCID: PMC8057396 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2019.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The implications of cannabis use in the onset of early psychosis and the severity of psychotic symptoms have resulted in a proliferation of studies on this issue. However, few have examined the effects of cannabis use on the cognitive symptoms of psychosis (i.e., neurocognitive functioning) in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the neurocognitive functioning of cannabis users (CU) and nonusers (NU) with FEP. Methods. Of the 110 studies identified through the systematic review of 6 databases, 7 met the inclusion criteria, resulting in 14 independent samples and 78 effect sizes. The total sample included 304 CU with FEP and 369 NU with FEP. The moderator variables were age at first use, duration of use, percentage of males, and age. Results. Effect sizes were not significantly different from zero in any neurocognitive domain when users and NU were compared. Part of the variability in effect sizes was explained by the inclusion of the following moderator variables: (1) frequency of cannabis use (β = 0.013, F = 7.56, p = 0.017); (2) first-generation antipsychotics (β = 0.019, F = 34.46, p ≤ 0.001); and (3) country where the study was carried out (β = 0.266, t = 2.06, p = 0.043). Conclusions. This meta-analysis indicates that cannabis use is not generally associated with neurocognitive functioning in patients with FEP. However, it highlights the deleterious effect of low doses of cannabis in some patients. It also stresses the importance of the type of antipsychotic prescription and cannabis dose as moderator variables in the neurocognitive functioning of CU with FEP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Belén Fernandez-Castilla
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven. Belgium
| | - Sara Barbeito
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana González-Pinto
- Hospital Universitario de Alava, Servicio de Psiquiatría, BIOARABA, CIBERSAM, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Ana Calvo
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Jurado-Barba R, Rubio G, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Endocannabinoid System Components as Potential Biomarkers in Psychiatry. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:315. [PMID: 32395111 PMCID: PMC7197485 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The high heterogeneity of psychiatric disorders leads to a lack of diagnostic precision. Therefore, the search of biomarkers is a fundamental aspect in psychiatry to reach a more personalized medicine. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has gained increasing interest due to its involvement in many different functional processes in the brain, including the regulation of emotions, motivation, and cognition. This article reviews the role of the main components of the ECS as biomarkers in certain psychiatric disorders. Studies carried out in rodents evaluating the effects of pharmacological and genetic manipulation of cannabinoid receptors or endocannabinoids (eCBs) degrading enzymes were included. Likewise, the ECS-related alterations occurring at the molecular level in animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neuropathological aspects of psychiatric disorders were reviewed. Furthermore, clinical studies evaluating gene or protein alterations in post-mortem brain tissue or in vivo blood, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed. Also, the results from neuroimaging studies using positron emission tomography (PET) or functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) were included. This review shows the close involvement of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1r) in stress regulation and the development of mood disorders [anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder (BD)], in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or eating disorders (i.e. anorexia and bulimia nervosa). On the other hand, recent results reveal the potential therapeutic action of the endocannabinoid tone manipulation by inhibition of eCBs degrading enzymes, as well as by the modulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2r) activity on anxiolytic, antidepressive, or antipsychotic associated effects. Further clinical research studies are needed; however, current evidence suggests that the components of the ECS may become promising biomarkers in psychiatry to improve, at least in part, the diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Jurado-Barba
- Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Educación y Salud, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Rubio
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Minichino A, Senior M, Brondino N, Zhang SH, Godwlewska BR, Burnet PW, Cipriani A, Lennox BR. Measuring Disturbance of the Endocannabinoid System in Psychosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:914-923. [PMID: 31166595 PMCID: PMC6552109 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.0970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid-based endogenous signaling system. Its relevance to psychosis is through the association between cannabis use and the onset and course of illness and through the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol, a potential ECS enhancer. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measures of the ECS in psychotic disorders. DATA SOURCES Web of Science and PubMed were searched from inception through June 13, 2018. The articles identified were reviewed, as were citations to previous publications and the reference lists of retrieved articles. STUDY SELECTION Original articles were included that reported blood or CSF measures of ECS activity in patients with psychotic illnesses and in healthy controls. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS PRISMA guidelines, independent extraction by multiple observers, and random-effects meta-analysis were used. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 index. Sensitivity analyses tested the robustness of the results. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The clinical relevance of ECS modifications in psychotic disorders was investigated by (1) a quantitative synthesis of the differences in blood and CSF markers of the ECS between patients and healthy controls, and (2) a qualitative synthesis of the association of these markers with symptom severity, stage of illness, and response to treatment. RESULTS A total of 18 studies were included. Three individual meta-analyses were performed to identify the differences in ECS markers between people with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Five studies, including 226 patients and 385 controls, reported significantly higher concentrations of anandamide in the CSF of patients than controls (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.67-1.26; P < .001; I2 = 54.8%). In 9 studies, with 344 patients and 411 controls, significantly higher anandamide levels in blood were found in patients, compared with controls (SMD, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.05-1.04; P = .03; I2 = 89.6%). In 3 studies, involving 88 patients and 179 controls, a significantly higher expression of type 1 cannabinoid receptors on peripheral immune cells was reported in patients compared with controls (SMD, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.31-0.84; P < .001; I2 = 0%). Higher ECS tone was found at an early stage of illness in individuals who were antipsychotic naïve or free, and it had an inverse association with symptom severity and was normalized after successful treatment. Moderate to high level of heterogeneity in methods was found between studies. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Testing clinically relevant markers of the ECS in the blood and CSF of people with psychotic illness appears possible, and these markers provide useful biomarkers for the psychotic disorder; however, not all studies accounted for important variables, such as cannabis use. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO identifier: CRD42018099863.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Minichino
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Morwenna Senior
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Natascia Brondino
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sam H Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Philip W.J Burnet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Belinda R. Lennox
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Una década del proyecto de primeros episodios psicóticos (PEPs): avanzando hacia una psiquiatría de precisión. REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL 2019; 12:135-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
13
|
Gene-environment interaction between an endocannabinoid system genetic polymorphism and cannabis use in first episode of psychosis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:786-794. [PMID: 31076188 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may play an important role in the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Cannabis use is one of the environmental factors more repeatedly related to an increase the risk of developing a psychotic episode, while its use modifies the ECS normal function. In the present study we purposed to examine the gene by environment (GxE) interaction between 15 selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the ECS and cannabis use in a cohort of 321 patients with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) and 241 matched healthy controls. We found the fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) rs2295633 SNP genetic polymorphism was associated with a greater risk of presenting a FEP in subjects with relevant cannabis use, but not in subjects without a history of cannabis use. The probability of presenting a FEP was tenfold higher (OR: 10.69) in cannabis users who were homozygote carriers of the T allele of the FAAH rs2295633 SNP, compared to users of cannabis without this genotype. We also found that a higher a proportion of TT carriers of the FAAH rs2295633 SNP with a positive history of cannabis use was treated with high potency antipsychotic. This study has identified a GxE-environment interaction between a genetic polymorphism from the ECS and cannabis use involved in the risk of presenting a FEP. Although this preliminary data should be replicated with independent samples, our results highlight the importance of the pro-psychotic effects of exogenous cannabis use over the ECS in certain subjects.
Collapse
|
14
|
Cohen K, Weinstein AM. Synthetic and Non-synthetic Cannabinoid Drugs and Their Adverse Effects-A Review From Public Health Prospective. Front Public Health 2018; 6:162. [PMID: 29930934 PMCID: PMC5999798 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing use of novel psychoactive substances containing synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoid products have effects similar to those of natural cannabis, yet, these drugs are more potent and dangerous, and have been associated with dangerous adverse effects. Here, we review current literature on the epidemiology, acute, and chronic effects of synthetic and natural cannabinoid-based drugs. Synthetic drugs contain a mixture of psychoactive compounds that mostly bind cannabinoid receptors with high potency. These synthetic drugs replicate the effects of natural cannabis and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol but they induce more severe adverse effects including respiratory difficulties, hypertension, tachycardia, chest pain, muscle twitches, acute renal failure, anxiety, agitation, psychosis, suicidal ideation, and cognitive impairment. Chronic use of synthetic cannabinoids has been associated with serious psychiatric and medical conditions and even death. Given the growing popularity in the use of cannabinoid-based drugs and their harmful potential, there is a need for further research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koby Cohen
- Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Science Park, Ariel, Israel
| | - Aviv M Weinstein
- Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Science Park, Ariel, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chase KA, Feiner B, Rosen C, Gavin DP, Sharma RP. Characterization of peripheral cannabinoid receptor expression and clinical correlates in schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2016; 245:346-353. [PMID: 27591408 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between cannabinoid receptor signaling and psychosis vulnerability requires further exploration. The endocannabinoid signaling system is extensive, with receptors exerting regulatory functions in both immune and central nervous systems. In the brain, cannabinoid receptors (CBR) directly modulate neurotransmitter systems. In the peripheral lymphocyte, CBRs mediate cytokine release, with dysregulated cytokine levels demonstrated in schizophrenia. mRNA levels of CBRs were measured in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from 70 participants (35 non-clinical controls, 35 participants with schizophrenia), who were recruited for the absence of marijuana use/abuse by self-report. Changes in mRNA expression were measured using qRT-PCR. Clinical measurements collected included the MATRICS Cognitive Battery and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Levels of CB1R and CB2R mRNA in PBMCs were significantly higher in participants with schizophrenia compared to the non-clinical controls. Additionally, CB1R and CB2R mRNA levels correlated with impairments in cognitive processing and clinical symptom severity in multiple domains. These results continue to support dysregulation of particular aspects of the endocannabinoid signaling system in participants with schizophrenia selected for the self-reported absence of marijuana abuse/dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla A Chase
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of California, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 8505, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Benjamin Feiner
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Cherise Rosen
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - David P Gavin
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 820 South Damen Avenue (M/C 151), Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Rajiv P Sharma
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 820 South Damen Avenue (M/C 151), Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Biomarcadores sanguíneos diferenciales de las dimensiones psicopatológicas de la esquizofrenia. REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL 2016; 9:219-227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|