The impact of sleep deprivation on sexual behaviors and FAAH expression in the prefrontal cortex of male rats

Bridging the gap: The endocannabinoid system as a functional fulcrum for benzodiazepines in a novel frontier of anxiety pharmacotherapy

While benzodiazepines have been a mainstay of the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders, their short-term efficacy and risk of abuse have driven the exploration of alternative treatment approaches. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has emerged as a key modulator of anxiety-related processes, with evidence suggesting dynamic interactions between the eCB system and the GABAergic system, the primary target of benzodiazepines. According to the existing literature, the activation of the cannabinoid receptors has been shown to exert anxiolytic effects, while their blockade or genetic deletion results in heightened anxiety-like responses. Moreover, studies have provided evidence of interactions between the eCB system and benzodiazepines in anxiety modulation. For instance, the attenuation of benzodiazepine-induced anxiolysis by cannabinoid receptor antagonism or genetic variations in the eCB system components in animal studies, have been associated with variations in benzodiazepine response and susceptibility to anxiety disorders. The combined use of cannabinoid-based medications, such as cannabinoid receptor agonists and benzodiazepine co-administration, has shown promise in augmenting anxiolytic effects and reducing benzodiazepine dosage requirements. This article aims to comprehensively review and discuss the current evidence on the involvement of the eCB system as a key modulator of benzodiazepine-related anxiolytic effects, and further, the possible mechanisms by which the region-specific eCB system-GABAergic connectivity modulates the neuro-endocrine/behavioral stress response, providing an inclusive understanding of the complex interplay between the eCB system and benzodiazepines in the context of anxiety regulation, to inform future research and clinical practice.

Association Between the Endocannabinoid System-Related Gene Variants and Epilepsy

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an intricate network consisting of receptors, enzymes, and endogenous ligands that play a pivotal role in various neurological processes. It has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Extensive research has demonstrated the involvement of genetic factors in influencing the susceptibility to and progression of epilepsy. In this study, we focused on investigating the connection between genetic variations in genes related to the ECS and the occurrence of epilepsy. Some ECS-related gene variants were selected and genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Interestingly, CNR1 rs12720071 genotype (OR 16.33, 95% CI 1.8-149; p = 0.001) showed an association with generalized epilepsy and MGLL rs604300 genotype (OR 2, 95% CI 1.1-3.4; p = 0.013) demonstrated a relationship with females diagnosed with focal epilepsy. So, studying CNR1, MGLL, and their genetic variations provides insights into the role of the endocannabinoid system in health and diseases. Moreover, they hold the potential to pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches specifically targeting them.

The effects of mobile phone addiction on bedtime procrastination in university students: the masking effect of physical activity and anxiety

PURPOSE

Good sleep is one of the necessary conditions to ensure the normal performance of the physiological and psychological functions of college students. This study aimed to explore the relationship between mobile phone addiction and bedtime procrastination among Chinese college students and the mediating mechanisms of physical exercise and anxiety between the two, with a view to seek ways to prevent and intervene in college students' sleep procrastination and improve their sleep quality.

METHODS

Using SPSS 29.0 analysis with Bootstrap's method, 3,800 first-year students, sophomores, and juniors were given the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale, Bedtime Procrastination Scale, Physical Activity Scale, and Anxiety Scale. The results of the analyses included mediation tests and effect analyses of anxiety and physical activity.

RESULTS

The correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between mobile phone addiction and bedtime procrastination (r = 0.149, p < 0.01) as well as anxiety (r = 0.497, p < 0.01). Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between mobile phone addiction and physical activity (r = -0.447, p < 0.01). Physical activity was also found to have significant negative correlations with anxiety (r = -0.506, p < 0.01) and bedtime procrastination (r = -0.424, p < 0.01). Furthermore, anxiety showed a significant positive correlation with bedtime procrastination (r = 0.334, p < 0.01). Physical activity and anxiety acted as substantial mediators between mobile phone addiction and nighttime procrastination. Both mediators had considerable masking effects, with the mediating effect amounting to 50.3% and 25.1%, respectively. Physical exercise and anxiety played a chain mediating role between mobile phone addiction and bedtime procrastination, and the masking effect was also significant, with a mediating effect size of 13.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals the special characteristics of the influencing factors and pathways of bedtime procrastination in this group of college students, providing targeted evidence for the prevention and intervention of bedtime procrastination in college students. It also has an important reference value for the effects of exercise and comprehensive intervention to improve bedtime procrastination and enhance the quality of sleep in college students.

The study of rs324420 (C385A) polymorphism of the FAAH gene of the endocannabinoid system in patients with epilepsy and ADHD

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system regulates many physiological functions in the central nervous system. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an essential enzyme in the eCB system, degrading anandamide. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs324420 is a common genetic polymorphism of the FAAH gene and has been associated with susceptibility to neurological conditions. This study examined whether the SNP rs324420 (C385A) is associated with epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study consists of two case-control parts. The first part comprises 250 epilepsy subjects and 250 healthy individuals as controls. The second one comprises 157 cases with ADHD and 136 healthy individuals as controls. Genotyping was carried out using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Interestingly, the FAAH C384A genotype (OR 1.755, 95 % CI 1.124-2.742, p = 0.013) and allele (OR 1.462, 95 % CI 1.006-2.124, p = 0.046) distribution showed an association with generalized epilepsy. On the other hand, this SNP was not associated with the risk of ADHD. To our knowledge, there was no study on the association between rs324420 (C385A) polymorphism and the risks of ADHD or epilepsy. This study provided the first evidence of an association between generalized epilepsy and rs324420 (C385A) of FAAH. Larger sample sizes and functional studies are warranted to explore the clinical utility of FAAH genotyping as a possible marker for increased generalized epilepsy risk.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase C385A polymorphism affects susceptibility to various diseases

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is an important neuromodulatory system with its extensive network of receptors throughout the human body that has complex actions in the nervous system, immune system, and all of the body's other organs. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an important membrane-bound homodimeric degrading enzyme that controls the biological activity of N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) in the eCB system and other relevant bioactive lipids. It has been shown that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FAAH are associated with various phenotypes and diseases including cardiovascular, endocrine, drug abuse, and neuropsychiatric disorders. A common functional and most studied polymorphism of this gene is C385A (rs324420), which results in the replacement of a conserved proline to threonine in the FAAH enzyme structure, leads to a reduction of the activity and expression of FAAH, compromises the inactivation of AEA and causes higher synaptic concentrations of AEA that can be associated with several various phenotypes. The focus of this review is on evidence-based studies on the associations of the FAAH C385A polymorphism and the various diseases or traits. Although there was variability in the results of these reports, the overall consensus is that the FAAH C385A genotype can affect susceptibility to some multifactorial disorders and can be considered a potential therapeutic target.

Sleep deprivation and NLRP3 inflammasome: Is there a causal relationship?

In the modern era, sleep deprivation (SD) is one of the most common health problems that has a profound influence on an individual's quality of life and overall health. Studies have identified the possibility that lack of sleep can stimulate inflammatory responses. NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component of the innate immune responses, initiates inflammatory responses by enhancing proinflammatory cytokine release and caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis. In this study, NLRP3 modification, its proinflammatory role, and potential targeted therapies were reviewed with regard to SD-induced outcomes. A growing body of evidence has showed the importance of the mechanistic connections between NLRP3 and the detrimental consequences of SD, but there is a need for more clinically relevant data. In animal research, (i) some animals show differential vulnerability to the effects of SD compared to humans. (ii) Additionally, the effects of sleep differ depending on the SD technique employed and the length of SD. Moreover, paying attention to the crosstalk of all the driving factors of NLRP3 inflammasome activation such as inflammatory responses, autonomic control, oxidative stress, and endothelial function is highly recommended. In conclusion, targeting NLRP3 inflammasome or its downstream pathways for therapy could be complicated due to the reciprocal and complex relationship of SD with NLRP3 inflammasome activation. However, additional research is required to support such a causal claim.

An Innovative Sandwich Type Biosensor towards Sensitive and Selective Monitoring of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Human Plasma Samples Using P(β-CD)-AuNPs-DDT as Amplificant Agent: A New Immuno-Platform for the Recognition of Endocannabinoids in Real Samples

In this work, 2-AG was successfully detected in human plasma samples using a new sandwich-type electrochemical immune device based on poly-β-cyclodextrin P(β-CD) functionalized with AuNPs-DDT and toluidine blue. The P(β-CD) ensured the bioactivity and stability of the immobilized 2-AG antibody by providing a broad surface for the efficient immobilization of the biotinylated antibody. To complete the top section of the immunosensor (reporter), an HRP-conjugated antibody of 2-AG (secondary antibody (Ab2)) was attached to the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by P(β-CD), as well as a primarily biotinylated antibody (Ab1). The biosensor fabrication process was monitored using field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and EDS methods. Using the differential pulse voltammetry technique, the immunosensor was utilized for detection of 2-AG in real samples. The suggested interface increased the surface area, which allowed for the immobilization of a large quantity of anti-2-AG antibody while also improving biocompatibility, stability, and electrical conductivity. Finally, the suggested immunosensor’s limit of quantitation was determined to be 0.0078 ng/L, with a linear range of 0.0078 to 1.0 ng/L. The results showed that the suggested bioassay can be utilized for diagnosis of 2-AG in clinical samples as a unique and ultrasensitive electrochemical biodevice.

Variation in the sexual behavior and blood count parameters induced by sleep deprivation in male rats

BACKGROUND

Sleep is a fundamental biological requirement, and lack of sleep has increasingly been recognized to cause metabolic consequences and adversely affect immune function. Recent articles have pointed to how sleep and sexual functions may be interlinked, involving inflammation, vascular alterations, tissue damage, and endothelial dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the effect of paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) on sexual behavior and hemogram parameters in male rats. In addition, we also explored whether 7 days of recovery sleep is sufficient to offset these detriments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Male rats were given sexual experience through training. At the 5th test, the sexually vigorous males were randomly separated into 3 experimental groups: PSD (rats submitted to 96 hours of PSD, n = 6), RS (recovery sleep 7 days after PSD, n = 6), and control (n = 10). We evaluated the sexual behaviors of three groups. Blood samples were collected to analysis hemogram parameters.

RESULTS

In this study, we recognized that repeated copulatory tests can lead to changes in sexual behavior over time. We found that 96 hours of acute sleep deprivation impaired the sexual behavior of male rats. Our results demonstrated that 96 hours of PSD also increased levels of white blood cell (WBC) subpopulations, in particular neutrophils. Recovery sleep after sleep deprivation has a certain reversal effect on WBC subgroups and impairment of sexual behavior, with some signs that not all levels were back to baseline even after 7 days of recovery.

CONCLUSION

In general, we found that 96 hours of PSD impaired the sexual behavior of male rats. Our results demonstrated that PSD can cause systemic inflammation by affecting WBC subpopulations, in particular neutrophils. 7 days of recovery sleep after sleep deprivation has a certain reversal effect to these impairments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Modulating role of serotonergic signaling in sleep and memory

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter with various receptors and wide-range effects on physiological processes and cognitive functions including sleep, learning, and memory. In this review study, we aimed to discuss the role of serotonergic receptors in modulating sleep-wake cycle, and learning and memory function. Furthermore, we mentioned to sleep deprivation, its effects on memory function, and the potential interaction with serotonin. Although there are thousands of research articles focusing on the relationship between sleep and serotonin; however, the pattern of serotonergic function in sleep deprivation is inconsistent and it seems that serotonin has not a certain role in the effects of sleep deprivation on memory function. Also, we found that the injection type of serotonergic agents (systemic or local), the doses of these drugs (dose-dependent effects), and up- or down-regulation of serotonergic receptors during training with various memory tasks are important issues that can be involved in the effects of serotonergic signaling on sleep-wake cycle, memory function, and sleep deprivation-induced memory impairments. This comprehensive review was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases in June and July 2021, by searching keywords sleep, sleep deprivation, memory, and serotonin.

Longitudinal relationships among problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality and depressive symptoms in Chinese college students: a cross-lagged panel analysis

BACKGROUND

Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have found that problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms are strongly associated. However, studies are inconsistent regarding whether problematic mobile phone use predicts depressive symptoms or vice versa, and sleep factors have been infrequently focused on in this regard. In addition, few studies have examined the longitudinal associations and directions of effects between these factors. Therefore, this study aims to explore the longitudinal relationship among problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms in college students.

METHODS

Overall, 1181 college students completed questionnaires on problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms at two time points 12 months apart. A cross-lagged model was used to examine the longitudinal relationship between these factors.

RESULTS

Cross-lagged analyses showed significant bidirectional relationships of problematic mobile phone use with bedtime procrastination and depressive symptoms. Additionally, there were also significant bidirectional relationships of sleep quality with bedtime procrastination and depressive symptoms. Problematic mobile phone use predicted subsequent sleep quality one-way, and bedtime procrastination predicted subsequent depressive symptoms one-way.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further expands our understanding of the longitudinal and bidirectional relationships among problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality and depressive symptoms and helps school mental health educators design targeted interventions to reduce problematic mobile phone use, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms among college students.

Bioconjugation of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) biotinylated antibody with gold nano-flowers toward immunosensing of 2-AG in human plasma samples: A novel immuno-platform for the screening of immunomodulation and neuroprotection using biosensing

Human 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is an agonist of endocannabinoid system and acts as an important modulator of many physiological processes such as emotional state and pain sensation. Identification and quantification of 2-AG is vital for medical and pathological processes. There are no reports on the measurement of 2-AG in human biofluids using modern methods such as biosensors. This study reports an ultra-sensitive and selective immunosensor to determine endocannabinoids 2-AG in human plasma samples. In this study, gold nano-flowers (AuNFs) were synthesized and conjugated with a specific biotinylated antibody of 2-AG. Bioconjugated composite (bioreceptor with AuNFs) was immobilized on the surface of a gold electrode and used for the monitoring of the antigen (target molecules) based on the immunoreaction process. Moreover, a constructed interface was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential methods. Using the proposed immuno-platform, 2-AG was determined in two dynamic ranges of 0.00024-0.0078 ng L-1 and 2-16 ng L-1 with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 0.00024 ng L-1. These results suggest that our immunosensor might be appropriate for an early diagnosis of 2-AG towards the screening of immunomodulatory activity and neuroprotection.