1
|
Ahmed R, Zyla S, Hammond N, Blum K, Thanos PK. The Role of Estrogen Signaling and Exercise in Drug Abuse: A Review. Clin Pract 2024; 14:148-163. [PMID: 38248436 PMCID: PMC10801537 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14010012] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discovering how sex differences impact the efficacy of exercise regimens used for treating drug addiction is becoming increasingly important. Estrogen is a hormone believed to explain a large portion of sex differences observed during drug addiction, and why certain exercise regimens are not equally effective between sexes in treatment. Addiction is currently a global hindrance to millions, many of whom are suffering under the influence of their brain's intrinsic reward system coupled with external environmental factors. Substance abuse disorders in the U.S. alone cost billions of dollars annually. REVIEW SUMMARY Studies involving the manipulation of estrogen levels in female rodents, primarily via ovariectomy, highlight its impact regarding drug addiction. More specifically, female rodents with higher estrogen levels during the estrus phase increase cocaine consumption, whereas those in the non-estrus phase (low estrogen levels) decrease cocaine consumption. If estrogen is reintroduced, self-administration increases once again. Exercise has been proven to decrease relapse tendency, but its effect on estrogen levels is not fully understood. CONCLUSIONS Such findings and results discussed in this review suggest that estrogen influences the susceptibility of females to relapse. Therefore, to improve drug-abuse-related treatment, exercise regimens for females should be generated based on key sex differences with respect to males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rania Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (S.Z.); (N.H.)
| | - Samuel Zyla
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (S.Z.); (N.H.)
| | - Nikki Hammond
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (S.Z.); (N.H.)
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research Education, Center for Sports, Exercise and Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (S.Z.); (N.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Towers EB, Williams IL, Qillawala EI, Rissman EF, Lynch WJ. Sex/Gender Differences in the Time-Course for the Development of Substance Use Disorder: A Focus on the Telescoping Effect. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:217-249. [PMID: 36781217 PMCID: PMC9969523 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex/gender effects have been demonstrated for multiple aspects of addiction, with one of the most commonly cited examples being the "telescoping effect" where women meet criteria and/or seek treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) after fewer years of drug use as compared with men. This phenomenon has been reported for multiple drug classes including opioids, psychostimulants, alcohol, and cannabis, as well as nonpharmacological addictions, such as gambling. However, there are some inconsistent reports that show either no difference between men and women or opposite effects and a faster course to addiction in men than women. Thus, the goals of this review are to evaluate evidence for and against the telescoping effect in women and to determine the conditions/populations for which the telescoping effect is most relevant. We also discuss evidence from preclinical studies, which strongly support the validity of the telescoping effect and show that female animals develop addiction-like features (e.g., compulsive drug use, an enhanced motivation for the drug, and enhanced drug-craving/vulnerability to relapse) more readily than male animals. We also discuss biologic factors that may contribute to the telescoping effect, such as ovarian hormones, and its neurobiological basis focusing on the mesolimbic dopamine reward pathway and the corticomesolimbic glutamatergic pathway considering the critical roles these pathways play in the rewarding/reinforcing effects of addictive drugs and SUD. We conclude with future research directions, including intervention strategies to prevent the development of SUD in women. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: One of the most widely cited gender/sex differences in substance use disorder (SUD) is the "telescoping effect," which reflects an accelerated course in women versus men for the development and/or seeking treatment for SUD. This review evaluates evidence for and against a telescoping effect drawing upon data from both clinical and preclinical studies. We also discuss the contribution of biological factors and underlying neurobiological mechanisms and highlight potential targets to prevent the development of SUD in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Blair Towers
- Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences (E.B.T., I.L.W., E.I.Q., W.J.L.) and Medical Scientist Training Program (E.B.T.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, and Center for Human Health and the Environment and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina (E.F.R.)
| | - Ivy L Williams
- Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences (E.B.T., I.L.W., E.I.Q., W.J.L.) and Medical Scientist Training Program (E.B.T.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, and Center for Human Health and the Environment and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina (E.F.R.)
| | - Emaan I Qillawala
- Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences (E.B.T., I.L.W., E.I.Q., W.J.L.) and Medical Scientist Training Program (E.B.T.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, and Center for Human Health and the Environment and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina (E.F.R.)
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences (E.B.T., I.L.W., E.I.Q., W.J.L.) and Medical Scientist Training Program (E.B.T.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, and Center for Human Health and the Environment and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina (E.F.R.)
| | - Wendy J Lynch
- Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences (E.B.T., I.L.W., E.I.Q., W.J.L.) and Medical Scientist Training Program (E.B.T.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, and Center for Human Health and the Environment and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina (E.F.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shinya S, Kawai Y, Kondo M, Nakayama SMM, Ishizuka M, Ikenaka Y. Characteristics of cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism against acetamiprid in the musk shrew (Suncus murinus). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 265:109537. [PMID: 36563948 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109537] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Soricidae spp. (shrews) play an essential role in soil ecosystems and, due to their habitat and behavior, are exposed to soil pollutants, such as pesticides. Still, toxicity risk in Soricidae spp. has not been appropriately assessed. In this study, the musk shrew (Suncus murinus) was used as a model organism for toxicity assessment in Soricidae. Considering their carnivorous diet, it is reasonable to assume that the musk shrew has unique metabolic traits that are different from those of other common experimental models. This study describes the cytochrome P450 (CYP)-dependent metabolism affected by acetamiprid (ACP), a neonicotinoid insecticide. Pharmacokinetics analysis, an in vitro metabolic assay, and genetic analysis of CYP were performed and compared with data from mice and rats. Through phylogenetic and syntenic analyses, three families of CYP were identified in the musk shrew. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the blood concentration of ACP decreased more quickly in musk shrews than in mice. Moreover, the in vitro metabolic assay suggested more efficient metabolic responses toward ACP in musk shrews than in mice or rats. One of the CYP2A isoforms in musk shrews might be linked to a better ACP metabolism. From the results above, we describe novel metabolic traits of the musk shrew. Future research on recombinant CYP enzymes is necessary to fully understand CYP-dependent metabolism of xenobiotics in musk shrews.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Shinya
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, M18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawai
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inaba-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mitsuki Kondo
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, M18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Shouta M M Nakayama
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, M18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; Biomedical Science Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, M18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, M18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, M18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, M18, W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Involvement of GABAA receptors of lateral habenula in the acquisition and expression phases of morphine-induced place preference in male rats. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:452-465. [PMID: 36148835 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is a critical brain structure involved in the aversive response to drug abuse. It has been determined that the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic system plays the main role in morphine dependency. The role of GABA type A receptors (GABAARs) in LHb on morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) remains unknown. In this study, the effect of bilateral intra-LHb microinjection of GABAAR agonist and antagonist on the acquisition and expression phases of CPP, utilizing a 5-day CPP paradigm in male rats, was evaluated. Subcutaneous administration of different doses of morphine caused a dose-dependent CPP. Intra-LHb microinjection of the GABAAR agonist, muscimol, in combination with morphine (5 mg/kg; subcutaneously) enhanced CPP scores in the acquisition phase of morphine CPP, whereas the GABAAR antagonist, bicuculline, significantly reduced the conditioning scores in the acquisition phase. Furthermore, pretreatment with a high dose of bicuculline reversed the additive effect of muscimol during the acquisition phase, yet the low dose of antagonist had no significant effect on agonist-induced CPP scores. On the other hand, muscimol (3 µg/rat) significantly increased CPP scores in the expression phase but bicuculline did not induce a significant effect on CPP scores. Bicuculline and muscimol microinjections did not affect locomotor activity in the testing sessions. Our results confirm that GABAARs in LHb play an active role in morphine reward. In addition, microinjections of bicuculline/muscimol may alter the morphine response through the GABAergic system.
Collapse
|
5
|
Naltrexone alters cardiovascular function following acute forced swimming in mice. Cardiovasc Endocrinol Metab 2022; 11:e0263. [PMID: 35441130 PMCID: PMC9010118 DOI: 10.1097/xce.0000000000000263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Naltrexone (NTX) is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the physiological effects of opioid receptors when bound. Opioid receptors have been found to play a role in cardiovascular (CV) function, and thus, binding of NTX may alter CV activity at rest and in response to acute and chronic exercise (EX). We hypothesized that opioid receptor blockade will alter the typical CV responses following acute EX. Methods We assessed the effects of opioid receptor blockade on CV function via echocardiography in mice following an acute bout of forced swimming (FSw), a model of rodent EX. We administered opioid receptor antagonist, NTX, or saline in mice before FSw and in the absence of an FSw perturbation. Furthermore, we assessed how NTX can influence maximal EX capacity on a rodent treadmill. Results Our data shows that NTX administration does not decrease maximal EX capacity in mice (P > 0.05). However, NTX attenuated cardiac output following FSw (FSw = 52.5 ± 2.5 ml/min vs. FSw + NTX = 32.7 ± 5.2 ml/min; P < 0.05) when compared with saline control (33.5 ± 3.8 ml/min). Further, the administration of NTX in the non-EX condition significantly (P < 0.05) reduced ejection fraction. Conclusion These data suggest that normal opioid receptor activation is necessary for typical CV function following FSw.
Collapse
|
6
|
Li MT, Zhang J, Zhang DC, Che QQ, Liu ZL, Yang PW, Luo XW, Cai TS. Development and Psychometric Properties of the Synthetic Drug Dependence Scale in a Chinese Sample. Front Psychol 2021; 12:717029. [PMID: 34764905 PMCID: PMC8576389 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.717029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In contrast to the drug situation in the rest of the world, synthetic drugs, rather than traditional drugs, have been the dominant abused drugs in China since 2019. However, the public misconception that synthetic drugs are not as addictive as traditional drugs, such as opioids and the scarcity of specific measurement instruments, have hindered the clinical diagnosis and treatment of synthetic drug abusers, thus the development of a localized instrument to evaluate dependence on synthetic drugs is in urgently needed. Method: Using a sample of 618 Chinese synthetic drug abusers (Mean age = 34.69 years; 44.17% female), the present study developed and examined the psychometric properties of a self-reporting instrument, the Synthetic Drug Dependence Scale (SDDS), which consists of four subscales: physical dependence, psychological dependence, health injury, and social function injury. Results: The SDDS revealed a three-factor model structure (weighted root mean square residual (WRMR) = 0.876, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.965, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) = 0.953, and Root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.070), with good internal consistency (composite reliability = 0.912, alfa = 0.801) and convergent validity. Elevated scores on the SDDS were associated with a higher level of reward sensitivity, punishment sensitivity, and stronger impulsivity. Interestingly, psychological dependence was the only significant predictor (p < 0.05) of criterion variables compared with the other three subscales, implying the important role of psychological factors in synthetic drugs dependence. Adequate measurement equivalence across sex, age (18–30 and 31–57 years old), and employment group (employed and unemployed) was also established. Conclusion: The SDDS appears to be an effective and reliable instrument that could be used to further investigate the characteristics of synthetic and traditional drug dependence, promoting a deeper understanding of the physical and psychological roles in drug dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Ting Li
- The Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Corrective Education, Hunan Judicial Police Vocational College, Changsha, China
| | - Dong-Cheng Zhang
- School of Education, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing-Qing Che
- The Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ze-Lan Liu
- The Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pei-Wen Yang
- The Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin-Wei Luo
- The Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tai-Sheng Cai
- The Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Humburg BA, Jordan CJ, Zhang H, Shen H, Han X, Bi G, Hempel B, Galaj E, Baumann MH, Xi Z. Optogenetic brain-stimulation reward: A new procedure to re-evaluate the rewarding versus aversive effects of cannabinoids in dopamine transporter-Cre mice. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13005. [PMID: 33538103 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite extensive research, the rewarding effects of cannabinoids are still debated. Here, we used a newly established animal procedure called optogenetic intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) (oICSS) to re-examine the abuse potential of cannabinoids in mice. A specific adeno-associated viral vector carrying a channelrhodopsin gene was microinjected into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to express light-sensitive channelrhodopsin in dopamine (DA) neurons of transgenic dopamine transporter (DAT)-Cre mice. Optogenetic stimulation of VTA DA neurons was highly reinforcing and produced a classical "sigmoidal"-shaped stimulation-response curve dependent upon the laser pulse frequency. Systemic administration of cocaine dose-dependently enhanced oICSS and shifted stimulation-response curves upward, in a way similar to previously observed effects of cocaine on electrical ICSS. In contrast, Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC), but not cannabidiol, dose-dependently decreased oICSS responding and shifted oICSS curves downward. WIN55,212-2 and ACEA, two synthetic cannabinoids often used in laboratory settings, also produced dose-dependent reductions in oICSS. We then examined several new synthetic cannabinoids, which are used recreationally. XLR-11 produced a cocaine-like increase, AM-2201 produced a Δ9 -THC-like reduction, while 5F-AMB had no effect on oICSS responding. Immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization assays indicated that CB1 Rs are expressed mainly in VTA GABA and glutamate neurons, while CB2 Rs are expressed mainly in VTA DA neurons. Together, these findings suggest that most cannabinoids are not reward enhancing, but rather reward attenuating or aversive in mice. Activation of CB1 R and/or CB2 R in different populations of neurons in the brain may underlie the observed actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bree A. Humburg
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Chloe J. Jordan
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Hai‐Ying Zhang
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Hui Shen
- Synaptic Plasticity Section, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Guo‐Hua Bi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Briana Hempel
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Zheng‐Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Drug Abuse Baltimore Maryland USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Oliveira da Cruz JF, Ioannidou C, Pagano Zottola AC, Muguruza C, Gomez‐Sotres P, Fernandez M, Callado LF, Marsicano G, Busquets‐Garcia A. Sex-dependent pharmacological profiles of the synthetic cannabinoid MMB-Fubinaca. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12940. [PMID: 32744799 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids have emerged as novel psychoactive substances with damaging consequences for public health. They exhibit high affinity at the cannabinoid type-1 (CB1 ) receptor and produce similar and often more potent effects as other CB1 receptor agonists. However, we are still far from a complete pharmacological understanding of these compounds. In this study, by using behavioral, molecular, pharmacological, and electrophysiological approaches, we aimed at characterizing several in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects of the synthetic cannabinoid MMB-Fubinaca (also known as AMB-Fubinaca or FUB-AMB), a particular synthetic cannabinoid. MMB-Fubinaca stimulates CB1 receptor-mediated functional coupling to G-proteins in mouse and human brain preparations in a similar manner as the CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,512-2 but with a much greater potency. Both drugs similarly activate the CB1 receptor-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Notably, in vivo administration of MMB-Fubinaca in mice induced greater behavioral and electrophysiological effects in male than in female mice in a CB1 receptor-dependent manner. Overall, these data provide a solid pharmacological profiling of the effects of MMB-Fubinaca and important information about the mechanisms of action underlying its harmful impact in humans. At the same time, they reinforce the significant sexual dimorphism of cannabinoid actions, which will have to be taken into account in future animal and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José F. Oliveira da Cruz
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
- Center for Neural Science New York University New York New York USA
| | - Christina Ioannidou
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | | | - Carolina Muguruza
- Department of Pharmacology University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU Leioa Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM Spain
| | - Paula Gomez‐Sotres
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | - Monica Fernandez
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | - Luis F. Callado
- Department of Pharmacology University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU Leioa Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM Spain
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | - Arnau Busquets‐Garcia
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute) Barcelona Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Animal models of addictive behaviors are useful for uncovering neural mechanisms involved in the development of dependence and for identifying risk factors for drug abuse. One such risk factor is biological sex, which strongly moderates drug self-administration behavior in rodents. Female rodents are more likely to acquire drug self-administration behaviors, consume higher amounts of drug, and reinstate drug-seeking behavior more readily. Despite this female vulnerability, preclinical addiction research has largely been done in male animals. The study of sex differences in rodent models of addictive behavior is increasing, however, as more investigators are choosing to include both male and female animals in experiments. This commentary is meant to serve as an introductory guide for preclinical investigators new to the study of sex differences in addiction. We provide an overview of self-administration models, a broad view of female versus male self-administration behaviors, and suggestions for study design and implementation. Inclusion of female subjects in preclinical addiction research is timely, as problem drug and alcohol use in women is increasing. With proper attention, design, and analysis, the study of sex differences in addiction has the potential to uncover novel neural mechanisms and lead to greater translational success for addiction research. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Radke
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth A. Sneddon
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - Sean C. Monroe
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fattore L, Marti M, Mostallino R, Castelli MP. Sex and Gender Differences in the Effects of Novel Psychoactive Substances. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10090606. [PMID: 32899299 PMCID: PMC7564810 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender deeply affect the subjective effects and pharmaco-toxicological responses to drugs. Men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit drugs and to present to emergency departments for serious or fatal intoxications. However, women are just as likely as men to develop substance use disorders, and may be more susceptible to craving and relapse. Clinical and preclinical studies have shown important differences between males and females after administration of “classic” drugs of abuse (e.g., Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), morphine, cocaine). This scenario has become enormously complicated in the last decade with the overbearing appearance of the new psychoactive substances (NPS) that have emerged as alternatives to regulated drugs. To date, more than 900 NPS have been identified, and can be catalogued in different pharmacological categories including synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants (cathinones and amphetamine-like), hallucinogenic phenethylamines, synthetic opioids (fentanyls and non-fentanyls), new benzodiazepines and dissociative anesthetics (i.e., methoxetamine and phencyclidine-derivatives). This work collects the little knowledge reached so far on the effects of NPS in male and female animal and human subjects, highlighting how much sex and gender differences in the effects of NPS has yet to be studied and understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.P.C.)
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Center of Excellence “Neurobiology of Addiction”, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal was to review recent (1/2015-2/2020) evidence of impulsivity as a feature of substance use disorders or use of substances (alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, opioids, stimulants) in males compared to females in terms of: a) impulsivity in substance-using groups (or substance-using compared to control groups), and b) relationship between impulsivity and substance use behavior, clinical severity, or treatment outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Of 361 papers identified by the searches, 69 met inclusion criteria, and 39 were highlighted for considering sex/gender in relation to impulsivity in substance-using populations. Taken together, findings supported higher impulsivity in males and females who use substances, relative to controls; and higher impulsivity was linked with more substance use/severity in both sex/genders. There were mixed findings regarding male versus female differences in impulsivity among individuals who use substances, or in the magnitude of the relationship between impulsivity and substance use severity. SUMMARY The current body of evidence does not point to a consistent sex/gender difference in the role of impulsivity within and across substance use disorders. Impulsivity is a clinically-relevant construct for male and female individuals who use substances, across a range of substances.
Collapse
|
12
|
Ozturk B, Pogun S, Kanit L. Increased alcohol preference and intake in nicotine-preferring rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2020; 46:408-420. [PMID: 31860364 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1695808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol and tobacco are among the leading substances that are misused together and shared genetic vulnerability is likely. Increased susceptibility to nicotine self-administration has been shown in alcohol-preferring rat-lines. However, a nicotine-preferring (nP) rat-line has not been studied for alcohol preference. OBJECTIVES To evaluate alcohol preference and intake in male and female nP rats. We hypothesized that nP rats and females would drink more ethanol than control rats and males, respectively. METHODS nP rats are being selectively outbred for high oral nicotine intake at Ege University. Seventeen nP (18th generation) and 20 naïve female and male SD rats, not previously exposed to alcohol or nicotine, were used. Twelve-week-old rats were given intermittent access to 20% ethanol in a 2-bottle-choice-procedure for six weeks. After one week withdrawal, six weeks of oral nicotine self-administration was applied. RESULTS nP rats drank significantly more ethanol than controls and their preference for ethanol over water was higher. Female rats' ethanol intake was higher than males'. The nP rats' nicotine preference and intake were higher than controls, and they gained less weight. CONCLUSION We have shown for the first time that nP rats also have high alcohol intake. Our results support the hypothesis that shared genetic factors may underlie concurrent addiction to nicotine and alcohol and have translational value in understanding their misuse. Considering the increased vulnerability for alcohol use disorder in smokers and sex differences observed, early preventive measures in families with a history of tobacco addiction, specifically targeting female members, could have public health benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baran Ozturk
- Center for Brain Research and School of Medicine Department of Physiology, Ege University , Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sakire Pogun
- Center for Brain Research and School of Medicine Department of Physiology, Ege University , Izmir, Turkey
| | - Lutfiye Kanit
- Center for Brain Research and School of Medicine Department of Physiology, Ege University , Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sbarski B, Akirav I. Cannabinoids as therapeutics for PTSD. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 211:107551. [PMID: 32311373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder that involves dysregulation of multiple neurobiological systems. The traumatic stressor plays a causal role in producing psychological dysfunction and the pattern of findings suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is instrumental for stress adaptation, is critically dysfunctional in PTSD. Given the lack of understanding of the basic mechanisms and underlying pathways that cause the disorder and its heterogeneity, PTSD poses challenges for treatment. Targeting the endocannabinoid (ECB) system to treat mental disorders, and PTSD in particular, has been the focus of research and interest in recent years. The ECB system modulates multiple functions, and drugs enhancing ECB signaling have shown promise as potential therapeutic agents in stress effects and other psychiatric and medical conditions. In this review, we focus on the interaction between the ECB-HPA systems in animal models for PTSD and in patients with PTSD. We summarize evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids in preventing and treating PTSD in preclinical and clinical studies. As the HPA system plays a key role in the mediation of the stress response and the pathophysiology of PTSD, we describe preclinical studies suggesting that enhancing ECB signaling is consistent with decreasing PTSD symptoms and dysfunction of the HPA axis. Overall, we suggest that a pharmacological treatment targeted at one system (e.g., HPA) may not be very effective because of the heterogeneity of the disorder. There are abnormalities across different neurotransmitter systems in the pathophysiology of PTSD and none of these systems function uniformly among all patients with PTSD. Hence, conceptually, enhancing ECB signaling may be a more effective avenue for pharmacological treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Sbarski
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Miliano C, Marti M, Pintori N, Castelli MP, Tirri M, Arfè R, De Luca MA. Neurochemical and Behavioral Profiling in Male and Female Rats of the Psychedelic Agent 25I-NBOMe. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1406. [PMID: 31915427 PMCID: PMC6921684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe), commonly called “N-Bomb,” is a synthetic phenethylamine with psychedelic and entactogenic effects; it was available on the Internet both as a legal alternative to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and as a surrogate of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), but now it has been scheduled among controlled substances. 25I-NBOMe acts as full agonist on serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Users are often unaware of ingesting fake LSD, and several cases of intoxication and fatalities have been reported. In humans, overdoses of “N-Bomb” can cause tachycardia, hypertension, seizures, and agitation. Preclinical studies have not yet widely investigated the rewarding properties and behavioral effects of this compound in both sexes. Therefore, by in vivo microdialysis, we evaluated the effects of 25I-NBOMe on dopaminergic (DA) and serotonergic (5-HT) transmissions in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core, and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male and female rats. Moreover, we investigated the effect of 25I-NBOMe on sensorimotor modifications as well as body temperature, nociception, and startle/prepulse inhibition (PPI). We showed that administration of 25I-NBOMe affects DA transmission in the NAc shell in both sexes, although showing different patterns; moreover, this compound causes impaired visual responses in both sexes, whereas core temperature is heavily affected in females, and the highest dose tested exerts an analgesic effect prominent in male rats. Indeed, this drug is able to impair the startle amplitude with the same extent in both sexes and inhibits the PPI in male and female rats. Our study fills the gap of knowledge on the behavioral effects of 25I-NBOMe and the risks associated with its ingestion; it focuses the attention on sex differences that might be useful to understand the trend of consumption as well as to recognize and treat intoxication and overdose symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mohammadian J, Miladi-Gorji H. Age- and sex-related changes in the severity of physical and psychological dependence in morphine-dependent rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 187:172793. [PMID: 31639387 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172793] [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: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gender- and age-dependent effects on the severity of morphine dependence are still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of age and sex on the severity of physical and psychological dependence in morphine-dependent rats. The adult/aged male and female Wistar rats were chronically treated with bi-daily doses (10 mg/kg, at 12 h intervals) of morphine for 14 days. Then, rats were tested for the severity of physical dependence on morphine (spontaneous withdrawal signs), anxiety-like (the elevated plus maze), depressive-like (sucrose preference test) and grooming behaviors after spontaneous morphine withdrawal. We found that the morphine withdrawal signs decreased after 3 and 7 days of withdrawal in female and male rats respectively, while there was no significant difference in overall dependence severity between the two sexes or ages. Also, we found that the withdrawal of morphine led to increased anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive behavior in the D (dependent)/Adult male and female rats. Also, the D/aged female and male rats exhibited a reduction in depressive-like behavior than the D/Adult rats. Moreover, the D/female rats exhibited a decreased obsessive-compulsive behavior in both age groups than male rats. We conclude that age has no effect on the duration of withdrawal from morphine and overall dependence severity. While, the duration of withdrawal from morphine was lower in female than male rats. Our results showed a sex difference on the duration of morphine withdrawal and an age difference in the expression of psychological dependence on morphine. Thus, therapeutic strategies may be different for opiate-dependent individuals in physical and psychological dimensions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javad Mohammadian
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Semnan, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hossein Miladi-Gorji
- Laboratory of Animal Addiction Models, Research Center of Physiology, Semnan, University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Highfill CA, Baker BM, Stevens SD, Anholt RRH, Mackay TFC. Genetics of cocaine and methamphetamine consumption and preference in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007834. [PMID: 31107875 PMCID: PMC6527214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Illicit use of psychostimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, constitutes a significant public health problem. Whereas neural mechanisms that mediate the effects of these drugs are well-characterized, genetic factors that account for individual variation in susceptibility to substance abuse and addiction remain largely unknown. Drosophila melanogaster can serve as a translational model for studies on substance abuse, since flies have a dopamine transporter that can bind cocaine and methamphetamine, and exposure to these compounds elicits effects similar to those observed in people, suggesting conserved evolutionary mechanisms underlying drug responses. Here, we used the D. melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel to investigate the genetic basis for variation in psychostimulant drug consumption, to determine whether similar or distinct genetic networks underlie variation in consumption of cocaine and methamphetamine, and to assess the extent of sexual dimorphism and effect of genetic context on variation in voluntary drug consumption. Quantification of natural genetic variation in voluntary consumption, preference, and change in consumption and preference over time for cocaine and methamphetamine uncovered significant genetic variation for all traits, including sex-, exposure- and drug-specific genetic variation. Genome wide association analyses identified both shared and drug-specific candidate genes, which could be integrated in genetic interaction networks. We assessed the effects of ubiquitous RNA interference (RNAi) on consumption behaviors for 34 candidate genes: all affected at least one behavior. Finally, we utilized RNAi knockdown in the nervous system to implicate dopaminergic neurons and the mushroom bodies as part of the neural circuitry underlying experience-dependent development of drug preference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad A. Highfill
- Department of Biological Sciences, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Brandon M. Baker
- Department of Biological Sciences, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Stephenie D. Stevens
- Department of Biological Sciences, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Robert R. H. Anholt
- Department of Biological Sciences, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Trudy F. C. Mackay
- Department of Biological Sciences, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
de Carvalho Cartágenes S, Fernandes LMP, Carvalheiro TCVS, de Sousa TM, Gomes ARQ, Monteiro MC, de Oliveira Paraense RS, Crespo-López ME, Lima RR, Fontes-Júnior EA, Prediger RD, Maia CSF. "Special K" Drug on Adolescent Rats: Oxidative Damage and Neurobehavioral Impairments. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:5452727. [PMID: 31001375 PMCID: PMC6437740 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5452727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine is used in clinical practice as an anesthetic that pharmacologically modulates neurotransmission in postsynaptic receptors, such as NMDA receptors. However, widespread recreational use of ketamine in "party drug" worldwide since the 1990s quickly spread to the Asian orient region. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the behavioral and oxidative effects after immediate withdrawal of intermittent administration of ketamine in adolescent female rats. For this, twenty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control and ketamine group (n = 10/group). Animals received ketamine (10 mg/kg/day) or saline intraperitoneally for three consecutive days. Three hours after the last administration, animals were submitted to open field, elevated plus-maze, forced swim tests, and inhibitory avoidance paradigm. Twenty-four hours after behavioral tests, the blood and hippocampus were collected for the biochemical analyses. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, nitrite, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured in the blood samples. Nitrite and LPO were measured in the hippocampus. The present findings demonstrate that the early hours of ketamine withdrawal induced oxidative biochemistry unbalance in the blood samples, with elevated levels of nitrite and LPO. In addition, we showed for the first time that ketamine withdrawal induced depressive- and anxiety-like profile, as well as short-term memory impairment in adolescent rodents. The neurobehavioral deficits were accompanied by the hippocampal nitrite and LPO-elevated levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina de Carvalho Cartágenes
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Pharmacy Faculty, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Luanna Melo Pereira Fernandes
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Pharmacy Faculty, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Thais Miranda de Sousa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Pharmacy Faculty, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Antônio Rafael Quadros Gomes
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology of Teaching and Research, Pharmacy Faculty, Institute of Health Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marta Chagas Monteiro
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology of Teaching and Research, Pharmacy Faculty, Institute of Health Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Elena Crespo-López
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Enéas Andrade Fontes-Júnior
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Pharmacy Faculty, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Rui Daniel Prediger
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Socorro Ferraz Maia
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Pharmacy Faculty, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Petersen N, London ED. Addiction and Dopamine: Sex Differences and Insights from Studies of Smoking. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018; 23:150-159. [PMID: 30746429 PMCID: PMC6368096 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mesolimbic dopaminergic function influences addiction through effects on reinforcement learning, decision-making, and impulsivity. This review covers sex differences in dopaminergic neurochemistry, their hormonal and genetic determinants, and how differences in dopaminergic tone interact with sex and/or ovarian hormone status to affect cognitive functions. Findings from research on cigarette smoking reveal sex differences in striatal and midbrain dopamine D2-type receptor availability and striatal dopamine release that suggest mechanisms of nicotine dependence, and stronger subjective responses to nicotine and efficacy of nicotine replacement therapies in male smokers than in their female counterparts. Opportunities exist to extend such efforts in studies of how sex and hormone status influence other addictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Petersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024
| | - Edythe D. London
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024,Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024,Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90024,Corresponding author: Dr. Edythe D. London, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA, Tel: 310 825 0606, Fax: 310 825-0812,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sex-specific differences in cannabinoid-induced extracellular-signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in the cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens of Lister Hooded rats. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 29:473-481. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
20
|
Koons AL, Rayl Greenberg M, Cannon RD, Beauchamp GA. Women and the Experience of Pain and Opioid Use Disorder: A Literature-based Commentary. Clin Ther 2018; 40:190-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
21
|
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Tresa Zanda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pascual M, Montesinos J, Guerri C. Role of the innate immune system in the neuropathological consequences induced by adolescent binge drinking. J Neurosci Res 2017; 96:765-780. [PMID: 29214654 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical stage of brain maturation in which important plastic and dynamic processes take place in different brain regions, leading to development of the adult brain. Ethanol drinking in adolescence disrupts brain plasticity and causes structural and functional changes in immature brain areas (prefrontal cortex, limbic system) that result in cognitive and behavioral deficits. These changes, along with secretion of sexual and stress-related hormones in adolescence, may impact self-control, decision making, and risk-taking behaviors that contribute to anxiety and initiation of alcohol consumption. New data support the participation of the neuroimmune system in the effects of ethanol on the developing and adult brain. This article reviews the potential pathological bases that underlie the effects of alcohol on the adolescent brain, such as the contribution of genetic background, the perturbation of epigenetic programming, and the influence of the neuroimmune response. Special emphasis is given to the actions of ethanol in the innate immune receptor toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), since recent studies have demonstrated that by activating the inflammatory TLR4/NFκB signaling response in glial cells, binge drinking of ethanol triggers the release of cytokines/chemokines and free radicals, which exacerbate the immune response that causes neuroinflammation/neural damage as well as short- and long-term neurophysiological, cognitive, and behavioral dysfunction. Finally, potential treatments that target the neuroimmune response to treat the neuropathological and behavioral consequences of adolescent alcohol abuse are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Pascual
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Alcohol, Principe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jorge Montesinos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Alcohol, Principe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Consuelo Guerri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Alcohol, Principe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pogun S, Yararbas G, Nesil T, Kanit L. Sex differences in nicotine preference. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:148-162. [PMID: 27870459 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Smoking is the major cause of preventable deaths worldwide, and although there is a decline in overall smoking prevalence in developed countries, the decline in women is less pronounced than in men. Women become dependent faster and experience greater difficulties in quitting. Similar trends have been observed in animal models of nicotine/tobacco addiction. Individual differences in vulnerability to drug abuse are also observed in nicotine/tobacco addiction and point to the importance of sex differences. This Review, summarizes findings from three experimental approaches used to depict nicotine preference in animal models, intravenous and oral nicotine self-administration and nicotine-induced conditioned place preference. Nicotine preference is considered to be reflected in the animal's motivation to administer the drug (intravenously or orally) or to prefer an environment paired with the presence of the drug (conditioned place preference). These approaches all point to the importance of sex and age of the subjects; the preference of females and adolescents appear to be more pronounced than that of males and adults, respectively. A closer look at these factors will help us understand the mechanisms that underlie nicotine addiction and develop strategies to cope. Ignoring sex differences and reaching conclusions based only on studies using male subjects has resulted in erroneous generalizations in the past. Sex differences in nicotine preference have been clearly documented, and awareness on this aspect of nicotine dependence will significantly impact our success in translational research. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakire Pogun
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gorkem Yararbas
- Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tanseli Nesil
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Lutfiye Kanit
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.,Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sherman BJ, McRae-Clark AL, Baker NL, Sonne SC, Killeen TK, Cloud K, Gray KM. Gender differences among treatment-seeking adults with cannabis use disorder: Clinical profiles of women and men enrolled in the achieving cannabis cessation-evaluating N-acetylcysteine treatment (ACCENT) study. Am J Addict 2017; 26:136-144. [PMID: 28152236 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Recent evidence suggests that women may fare worse than men in cannabis trials with pharmacologic interventions. Identifying baseline clinical profiles of treatment-seeking cannabis-dependent adults could inform gender-specific treatment planning and development. METHODS The current study compared baseline demographic, cannabis use, and psychiatric factors between women (n = 86) and men (n = 216) entering the Achieving Cannabis Cessation-Evaluating N-acetylcysteine Treatment (ACCENT) study, a multi-site, randomized controlled trial conducted within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network. RESULTS Women reported greater withdrawal intensity (p = .001) and negative impact of withdrawal (p = .001), predominantly due to physiological and mood symptoms. Women were more likely to have lifetime panic disorder (p = .038) and current agoraphobia (p = .022), and reported more days of poor physical health (p = .006) and cannabis-related medical problems (p = .023). Women reporting chronic pain had greater mean pain scores than men with chronic pain (p = .006). Men and women did not differ on any measures of baseline cannabis use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Cannabis-dependent women may present for treatment with more severe and impairing withdrawal symptoms and psychiatric conditions compared to cannabis-dependent men. This might help explain recent evidence suggesting that women fare worse than men in cannabis treatment trials of pharmacologic interventions. Baseline clinical profiles of treatment-seeking adults can inform gender-specific treatment planning and development. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Cannabis-dependent women may benefit from integrated treatment focusing on co-occurring psychiatric disorders and targeted treatment of cannabis withdrawal syndrome.(Am J Addict 2017;26:136-144).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Sherman
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Aimee L McRae-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Nathaniel L Baker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Susan C Sonne
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Therese K Killeen
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | - Kevin M Gray
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Neelakantan H, Ward SJ, Walker EA. Effects of paclitaxel on mechanical sensitivity and morphine reward in male and female C57Bl6 mice. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2016; 24:485-495. [PMID: 27929349 PMCID: PMC5157702 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the hypothesis that a paclitaxel treatment regimen sufficient to produce mechanical allodynia would alter sensitivities of male and female mice to the conditioned rewarding and reinforcing effects of morphine. Saline or paclitaxel were administered on Days 1, 3, 5, and 7 in male and female C57Bl/6 mice to induce morphine-reversible mechanical allodynia as measured by the Von Frey filament test. Paclitaxel treatment did not change sensitivity to morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) relative to saline treatment in either male or female mice. Morphine produced peak self-administration under a fixed ratio-1 (FR1) schedule of reinforcement for 0.03 mg/kg morphine per infusion in female mice and 0.1 mg/kg morphine per infusion in male mice. During the progressive ratio experiments, saline treatment in male mice decreased the number of morphine infusions for 12 days whereas the paclitaxel-treated male mice maintained responding for morphine similar to baseline levels during the same time period. However, paclitaxel did not have an overall effect on the reinforcing efficacy of morphine assessed over a limited dose range during the course of the repeated self-administration. These results suggest that the reward-related behavioral effects of morphine are overall not robustly altered by the presence of paclitaxel treatment under the current dosing regimen, with the exception of maintaining a small yet significant higher baseline than saline treatment during the development of allodynia in male mice. (PsycINFO Database Record
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ellen Ann Walker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Carroll ME, Lynch WJ. How to study sex differences in addiction using animal models. Addict Biol 2016; 21:1007-29. [PMID: 27345022 PMCID: PMC4970981 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The importance of studying sex as a biological variable in biomedical research is becoming increasingly apparent. There is a particular need in preclinical studies of addiction to include both sexes, as female animals are often excluded from studies, leaving large gaps in our knowledge of not only sex differences and potential prevention and treatment strategies but also with regard to the basic neurobiology of addiction. This review focuses on methodology that has been developed in preclinical studies to examine sex differences in the behavioral aspects and neurobiological mechanisms related to addiction across the full range of the addiction process, including initiation (acquisition), maintenance, escalation, withdrawal, relapse to drug seeking and treatment. This review also discusses strategic and technical issues that need to be considered when comparing females and males, including the role of ovarian hormones and how sex differences interact with other major vulnerability factors in addiction, such as impulsivity, compulsivity and age (adolescent versus adult). Novel treatments for addiction are also discussed, such as competing non-drug rewards, repurposed medications such as progesterone and treatment combinations. Practical aspects of conducting research comparing female and male animals are also considered. Making sex differences a point of examination requires additional effort and consideration; however, such studies are necessary given mounting evidence demonstrating that the addiction process occurs differently in males and females. These studies should lead to a better understanding of individual differences in the development of addiction and effective treatments for males and females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn E. Carroll
- Marilyn E. Carroll, Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, MMC 392, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wendy J. Lynch
- Wendy J. Lynch, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, PO Box 801402, Charlottesville, VA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sherman BJ, Baker NL, McRae-Clark AL. Gender differences in cannabis use disorder treatment: Change readiness and taking steps predict worse cannabis outcomes for women. Addict Behav 2016; 60:197-202. [PMID: 27156221 PMCID: PMC4884498 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gender differences in cannabis use and cannabis use disorder have been established. Regarding treatment, some evidence suggests that women are less responsive, though the mechanisms are not well understood. Motivation to change and self-efficacy are associated with better outcomes overall, and may help explain gender differences in cannabis use outcomes. METHODS A secondary data analysis of a double-blind placebo controlled trial of buspirone treatment for cannabis dependence (N=175) was conducted. Self-report assessments of motivation to change, self-efficacy, and other clinical correlates were completed at baseline, and cannabis use was measured throughout the study. RESULTS There was a significant interaction between gender and taking steps on abstinence. Counter to hypothesis, higher taking steps reduced likelihood of achieving abstinence among women; there was no association among men. Subsequently, taking steps was associated with self-efficacy and quantity of use among men, and cannabis related problems among women. There was a significant interaction between gender and readiness to change on creatinine adjusted cannabinoid levels. Change readiness was positively associated with cannabinoid levels among women, but not men. CONCLUSIONS Motivation to change and initiation of change behavior predict worse cannabis outcomes in women. Men and women differ in what motivates change behavior. Social desirability, neurobiology, and treatment type may impact these effects. Gender differences in cannabis use and treatment responsiveness must be considered in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Sherman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States.
| | - Nathaniel L Baker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Aimee L McRae-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sex differences in the acquisition and maintenance of cocaine and nicotine self-administration in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1005-13. [PMID: 26685990 PMCID: PMC4761341 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Consistent sex differences are observed in human drug addiction, with females often exceeding males on drug intake. However, there is still a need for animal models for some aspects of addiction such as acquisition of drug self-administration and the subsequent development of drug-seeking. OBJECTIVES The present study examined sex differences in the acquisition and maintenance of self-administration of two widely used stimulants, cocaine and nicotine. METHODS Male and female rats self-administered cocaine (0.4 mg/kg/infusion) or nicotine (0.03 mg/kg/infusion) daily under a fixed-ratio 1 (FR 1) schedule until acquisition criteria were met (maximum of 30 sessions). The self-administration criterion for cocaine was ≥20 infusions in a 2-h session and ≥5 infusions in a 1-h session for nicotine. Sex differences were assessed by examining the percentage of rats that met acquisition criteria, the number of sessions to meet criteria, and the number of infusions earned during the maintenance phase. RESULTS A significantly higher percentage of male rats acquired both cocaine and nicotine self-administration than females, and males met acquisition criteria in fewer sessions. However, after criteria were met, females self-administered more cocaine than males during the first 5 days of maintenance. There were no sex differences in nicotine infusions post-acquisition. CONCLUSIONS Differences in acquisition amongst sexes can reveal factors that are integral to initiation of drug use, an often overlooked phase of drug addiction.
Collapse
|
29
|
Carroll ME, Smethells JR. Sex Differences in Behavioral Dyscontrol: Role in Drug Addiction and Novel Treatments. Front Psychiatry 2016; 6:175. [PMID: 26903885 PMCID: PMC4745113 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to discuss recent findings related to sex differences in behavioral dyscontrol that lead to drug addiction, and clinical implications for humans are discussed. This review includes research conducted in animals and humans that reveals fundamental aspects of behavioral dyscontrol. The importance of sex differences in aspects of behavioral dyscontrol, such as impulsivity and compulsivity, is discussed as major determinants of drug addiction. Behavioral dyscontrol during adolescence is also an important consideration, as this is the time of onset for drug addiction. These vulnerability factors additively increase drug-abuse vulnerability, and they are integral aspects of addiction that covary and interact with sex differences. Sex differences in treatments for drug addiction are also reviewed in terms of their ability to modify the behavioral dyscontrol that underlies addictive behavior. Customized treatments to reduce behavioral dyscontrol are discussed, such as (1) using natural consequences such as non-drug rewards (e.g., exercise) to maintain abstinence, or using punishment as a consequence for drug use, (2) targeting factors that underlie behavioral dyscontrol, such as impulsivity or anxiety, by repurposing medications to relieve these underlying conditions, and (3) combining two or more novel behavioral or pharmacological treatments to produce additive reductions in drug seeking. Recent published work has indicated that factors contributing to behavioral dyscontrol are an important target for advancing our knowledge on the etiology of drug abuse, intervening with the drug addiction process and developing novel treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John R. Smethells
- Program in PharmacoNeuroImmunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sex differences in drug addiction and response to exercise intervention: From human to animal studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 40:24-41. [PMID: 26182835 PMCID: PMC4712120 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Accumulated research supports the idea that exercise could be an option of potential prevention and treatment for drug addiction. During the past few years, there has been increased interest in investigating of sex differences in exercise and drug addiction. This demonstrates that sex-specific exercise intervention strategies may be important for preventing and treating drug addiction in men and women. However, little is known about how and why sex differences are found when doing exercise-induced interventions for drug addiction. In this review, we included both animal and human that pulled subjects from a varied age demographic, as well as neurobiological mechanisms that may highlight the sex-related differences in these potential to assess the impact of sex-specific roles in drug addiction and exercise therapies.
Collapse
|
31
|
Korpi ER, den Hollander B, Farooq U, Vashchinkina E, Rajkumar R, Nutt DJ, Hyytiä P, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:872-1004. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|
32
|
Kuhn C. Emergence of sex differences in the development of substance use and abuse during adolescence. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 153:55-78. [PMID: 26049025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Substance use and abuse begin during adolescence. Male and female adolescent humans initiate use at comparable rates, but males increase use faster. In adulthood, more men than women use and abuse addictive drugs. However, some women progress more rapidly from initiation of use to entry into treatment. In animal models, adolescent males and females consume addictive drugs similarly. However, reproductively mature females acquire self-administration faster, and in some models, escalate use more. Sex/gender differences exist in neurobiologic factors mediating both reinforcement (dopamine, opioids) and aversiveness (CRF, dynorphin), as well as intrinsic factors (personality, psychiatric co-morbidities) and extrinsic factors (history of abuse, environment especially peers and family) which influence the progression from initial use to abuse. Many of these important differences emerge during adolescence, and are moderated by sexual differentiation of the brain. Estradiol effects which enhance both dopaminergic and CRF-mediated processes contribute to the female vulnerability to substance use and abuse. Testosterone enhances impulsivity and sensation seeking in both males and females. Several protective factors in females also influence initiation and progression of substance use including hormonal changes of pregnancy as well as greater capacity for self-regulation and lower peak levels of impulsivity/sensation seeking. Same sex peers represent a risk factor more for males than females during adolescence, while romantic partners increase risk for women during this developmental epoch. In summary, biologic factors, psychiatric co-morbidities as well as personality and environment present sex/gender-specific risks as adolescents begin to initiate substance use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Kuhn
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Box 3813, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Minervini V, Rowland NE, Robertson KL, Foster TC. Role of estrogen receptor-α on food demand elasticity. J Exp Anal Behav 2015; 103:553-61. [PMID: 25869426 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens have been shown to have an inhibitory effect on food intake under free-feeding conditions, yet the effects of estrogens on food-maintained operant responding have been studied to a much lesser extent and, thus, are not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of the present experiment was to use a behavioral economics paradigm to assess differences in demand elasticity between mice with knockout of the estrogen receptor subtype α, knockout of subtype β, and their wild type controls. The mice responded in a closed economy, and the price of food was increased by increasing the fixed-ratio response requirement every four sessions. Overall, we found that mice with the knockout of receptor subtype α had the most elastic demand functions. Therefore, under these conditions, estrogens increased food seeking via activation of the receptor subtype α. The results were inconsistent with those reported by previous studies that employed free-feeding conditions.
Collapse
|
34
|
Mitchell MR, Potenza MN. Importance of sex differences in impulse control and addictions. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:24. [PMID: 25762943 PMCID: PMC4332159 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marci R Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA ; Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA ; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA ; CASAColumbia, Yale University , New Haven, CT , USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Dietrich A, Federbusch M, Grellmann C, Villringer A, Horstmann A. Body weight status, eating behavior, sensitivity to reward/punishment, and gender: relationships and interdependencies. Front Psychol 2014; 5:1073. [PMID: 25368586 PMCID: PMC4202791 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral and personality characteristics are factors that may jointly regulate body weight. This study explored the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and self-reported behavioral and personality measures. These measures included eating behavior (based on the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire; Stunkard and Messick, 1985), sensitivity to reward and punishment (based on the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales) (Carver and White, 1994) and self-reported impulsivity (based on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11; Patton et al., 1995). We found an inverted U-shaped relationship between restrained eating and BMI. This relationship was moderated by the level of disinhibited eating. Independent of eating behavior, BIS and BAS responsiveness were associated with BMI in a gender-specific manner with negative relationships for men and positive relationships for women. Together, eating behavior and BIS/BAS responsiveness accounted for a substantial proportion of BMI variance (men: ∼25%, women: ∼32%). A direct relationship between self-reported impulsivity and BMI was not observed. In summary, our results demonstrate a system of linear and non-linear relationships between the investigated factors and BMI. Moreover, body weight status was not only associated with eating behavior (cognitive restraint and disinhibition), but also with personality factors not inherently related to an eating context (BIS/BAS). Importantly, these relationships differ between men and women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Federbusch
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzig, Germany
- IFB Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University Medical CenterLeipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia Grellmann
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzig, Germany
- IFB Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University Medical CenterLeipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzig, Germany
- IFB Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University Medical CenterLeipzig, Germany
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital LeipzigLeipzig, Germany
- Mind and Brain Institute, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-University and CharitéBerlin, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 1052A1, University of LeipzigLeipzig, Germany
| | - Annette Horstmann
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzig, Germany
- IFB Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University Medical CenterLeipzig, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 1052A5, University of LeipzigLeipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chen WY, Huang MC, Lin SK. Gender differences in subjective discontinuation symptoms associated with ketamine use. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2014; 9:39. [PMID: 25245125 PMCID: PMC4183767 DOI: 10.1186/1747-597x-9-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Recent substance abuse research indicates gender differences in the substance-related epidemiology, biological responses, progression to dependence, medical consequences and treatments. Studies exploring human sex-different responses to ketamine are rare and there has been no systemic survey of gender differences in ketamine use. Determining whether females are more susceptible than males to ketamine withdrawal symptoms and adverse effects is important, because it associated with treatment retention and outcome in drug users. Methods The Taiwanese juridical system has implemented a new regulation on ketamine in the year 2009. Ketamine users who are caught by the police, are mandated to attend an educational program. We recruited ketamine offenders from February 2010 to May 2012 at the Kunming branch of the Taipei City Hospital, where the educational classes are held. A designed questionnaire was performed to gather information about demographic characteristics, discontinuation symptoms, concomitant use of other substances, and subjective experience of memory impairment or urinary discomforts, and to compare the gender differences. Results A total of 1,614 ketamine users were surveyed and most of them were males (83.8%), with an average age of 26.3 ± 5.4 years. Female ketamine users presented significantly more discontinuation symptoms such as anxiety, dysphoria, and tremors compared with male users. 72.4% of total ketamine users smoked cigarettes concomitantly. Male ketamine users had a higher rate of concomitant betel nut use, while female ketamine users had a higher rate of concomitant hypnotic and alcohol use. 76% of total ketamine users reported cognitive impairment and 51.6% mentioned urinary symptoms. Furthermore, female ketamine users self-reported significantly greater levels of severity in cognitive impairment and urinary discomforts compared with male users. Less than 10% of total ketamine users in our study reported the desire to transfer for medical intervention or treatment, despite the high rates of discontinuation symptoms and negative physical side effects. Conclusions Gender differences were noted in the subjective experience of discontinuation symptoms, concomitant substance use, and severity of impairment related to ketamine use. However, the probable cause of the gender differences found in this study requires further investigation. We hoped our study will stimulate further research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shih-Ku Lin
- Department of Addiction Science, Taipei City Hospital and Psychiatric Center, 309 Songde Road, Xinyi District, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fattore L, Melis M, Fadda P, Fratta W. Sex differences in addictive disorders. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:272-84. [PMID: 24769267 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gender-dependent differences in the rate of initiation and frequency of misuse of addicting drugs have been widely described. Yet, men and women also differ in their propensity to become addicted to other rewarding stimuli (e.g., sex, food) or activities (e.g., gambling, exercising). The goal of the present review is to summarize current evidence for gender differences not only in drug addiction, but also in other forms of addictive behaviours. Thus, we first reviewed studies showing gender-dependent differences in drug addiction, food addiction, compulsive sexual activity, pathological gambling, Internet addiction and physical exercise addiction. Potential risk factors and underlying brain mechanisms are also examined, with particular emphasis given to the role of sex hormones in modulating addictive behaviours. Investigations on factors allowing the pursuit of non-drug rewards to become pathological in men and women are crucial for designing gender-appropriate treatments of both substance and non-substance addictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience - Cagliari National Research Council of Italy, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Miriam Melis
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Arenas MC, Daza-Losada M, Vidal-Infer A, Aguilar MA, Miñarro J, Rodríguez-Arias M. Capacity of novelty-induced locomotor activity and the hole-board test to predict sensitivity to the conditioned rewarding effects of cocaine. Physiol Behav 2014; 133:152-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
39
|
Liang HJ, Lau CG, Tang KLA, Chan F, Ungvari GS, Tang WK. Are sexes affected differently by ketamine? An exploratory study in ketamine users. Subst Use Misuse 2014; 49:395-404. [PMID: 24106975 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2013.841248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
One hundred primary ketamine users and 100 controls were recruited in Hong Kong between December 2009 and December 2011. Cognitive assessment included general intelligence, working, verbal, and visual memory, and executive functions. A Univariate General Linear Model was used to compare cognitive performance between the male and female ketamine users and controls. The female users appeared to have a higher risk of visual memory impairment than their male counterparts. Further studies are warranted to clarify the mechanism of the sex-specific effect of ketamine on cognitive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Jun Liang
- 1Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Melis M, De Felice M, Lecca S, Fattore L, Pistis M. Sex-specific tonic 2-arachidonoylglycerol signaling at inhibitory inputs onto dopamine neurons of Lister Hooded rats. Front Integr Neurosci 2013; 7:93. [PMID: 24416004 PMCID: PMC3867690 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2013.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Addiction as a psychiatric disorder involves interaction of inherited predispositions and environmental factors. Similarly to humans, laboratory animals self-administer addictive drugs, whose appetitive properties result from activation and suppression of brain reward and aversive pathways, respectively. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) where dopamine (DA) cells are located is a key component of brain reward circuitry, whereas the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) critically regulates aversive behaviors. Reduced responses to either aversive intrinsic components of addictive drugs or to negative consequences of compulsive drug taking might contribute to vulnerability to addiction. In this regard, female Lister Hooded (LH) rats are more vulnerable than male counterparts to cannabinoid self-administration. We, therefore, took advantage of sex differences displayed by LH rats, and studied VTA DA neuronal properties to unveil functional differences. Electrophysiological properties of DA cells were examined performing either single cell extracellular recordings in anesthetized rats or whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in slices. In vivo, DA cell spontaneous activity was similar, though sex differences were observed in RMTg-induced inhibition of DA neurons. In vitro, DA cells showed similar intrinsic and synaptic properties. However, females displayed larger depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) than male LH rats. DSI, an endocannabinoid-mediated form of short term plasticity, was mediated by 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) activating type 1-cannabinoid (CB1) receptors. We found that sex-dependent differences in DSI magnitude were not ascribed to CB1 number and/or function, but rather to a tonic 2-AG signaling. We suggest that sex specific tonic 2-AG signaling might contribute to regulate responses to aversive intrinsic properties to cannabinoids, thus resulting in faster acquisition/initiation of cannabinoid taking and, eventually, in progression to addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Melis
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato Monserrato, Italy
| | - Marta De Felice
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato Monserrato, Italy
| | | | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato Monserrato, Italy ; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari Italy
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Roberts CJ, Stuhr KL, Hutz MJ, Raff H, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid signaling in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis recovery following stress: effects of indirect agonists and comparison of male and female mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 117:17-24. [PMID: 24316201 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies in male rodents have shown that stress-induced increases in circulating corticosterone are increased by both CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist treatment and genetic deletion. The purposes of the current study were to determine whether female mice respond in the same manner as males, and whether indirect CB1R agonists accelerate the return of corticosterone to baseline. In agreement with earlier studies, CB1R null and rimonabant-treated male mice had significantly increased circulating corticosterone 30 min following the end of a restraint episode compared to wild type and vehicle-treated, respectively. Females treated with rimonabant had significantly higher circulating corticosterone compared to vehicle. However, corticosterone concentrations were not different between CB1R null and wild type females at 30 min recovery, although CB1R null mice had higher corticosterone concentrations at 90 min of recovery. Female CB1R null mice exhibited greater serum binding capacity for corticosterone than wild type. The monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, JZL184, attenuated corticosterone concentrations at restraint offset in male, and at 30 min recovery in female mice compared to vehicle. Male mice treated with JZL184 exhibited greater concentrations of circulating corticosterone at 120 min recovery, even in the absence of restraint. JZL184 had no effect on corticosterone concentrations in CB1R null mice. The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, URB597, did not affect corticosterone responses to restraint in male or female, wild type or CB1R null mice. These data suggest that 2-arachidonoylglycerol is the primary endocannabinoid involved in CB1R regulation of the recovery of the HPA axis from restraint stress. These data support a role for endocannabinoid-CB1R signaling in the regulation of the corticosterone response to restraint stress and suggest that female mice with life-long loss of the CB1R undergo compensatory changes that minimize the impact of loss of endocannabinoid signaling on circulating corticosterone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Kara L Stuhr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Michael J Hutz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Hershel Raff
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Aurora Research Foundation, Milwaukee, WI 53215, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fernandez-Montalvo J, Lopez-Goñi JJ, Azanza P, Cacho R. Gender differences in drug-addicted patients in a clinical treatment center of Spain. Am J Addict 2013; 23:399-406. [PMID: 24961362 DOI: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2013.12117.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study explored the characteristics of a representative sample of patients who were addicted to drugs and analyzed the differential profile of addicted women and men. METHODS A sample of 195 addicted patients (95 female and 100 male) who sought outpatient treatment in a Spanish clinical center was assessed. Information on sociodemographic status, consumption patterns and associated characteristics was collected using the European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI). RESULTS The results showed statistically significant differences between groups. Demographically, the differences were centered on employment, with more labor problems in the female group. Regarding addiction severity, the EuropASI results showed statistically significant differences in both the interviewer severity ratings (ISR) and composite scores (CS). Women experienced more severe impacts in the medical, family social and psychiatric areas. By contrast addicted men had more severe legal problems than addicted females did. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that, women who seek outpatient treatment in a clinical center presented with more severe addiction problems than men did. Moreover, they reported more significant maladjustment in the various aspects of life explored.
Collapse
|
43
|
Fattore L. Considering gender in cannabinoid research: a step towards personalized treatment of marijuana addicts. Drug Test Anal 2012; 5:57-61. [PMID: 22887940 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Addiction is a complex disorder with interacting factors, including environmental factors, drug-induced neurobiological changes, comorbidity, personality traits and stress responsivity. Numerous genetic variants that affect these factors may work in concert to affect vulnerability and severity of addiction. Traditionally, abuse of illicit drugs, including cannabis, was considered to be primarily a problem specific to men but the recent focus on drug addiction in women has brought attention to numerous sex differences in the central effects of these drugs, epidemiology of abuse-related disorders, etiologic considerations and psychiatric comorbidity. Gender is now recognised as a major factor in the modulation of the pharmacological effects of drugs of abuse, and sex differences have been reported in various phases of the addiction cycle in both humans and animals. Recently, important gender-dependent differences have been detected in the rates of initiation of marijuana smoking and in the frequency of use. Several animal studies, and in particular self-administration studies, confirmed the crucial role played by sex and gonadal hormones in determining higher sensitivity to marijuana's rewarding properties and vulnerability to cannabis addiction in females than in males. In general, women also show higher rate of relapse to drug use than men, likely due to divergent withdrawal experiences and increased reactivity to internal (emotional) and external (drug-associated) cues. According with this, craving for marijuana smoking and propensity to re-use cannabis after abstinence may also develop differently between the sexes and require distinct treatment approaches, thus highlighting the urgent need for gender-tailored prevention strategies and detoxification treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute-Cagliari @ Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wei HT, Chen MH, Huang PC, Bai YM. The association between online gaming, social phobia, and depression: an internet survey. BMC Psychiatry 2012; 12:92. [PMID: 22839747 PMCID: PMC3545926 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-12-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online gaming technology has developed rapidly within the past decade, and its related problems have received increasing attention. However, there are few studies on the psychiatric symptoms associated with excessive use of online games. The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of online gamers, and the association between online gaming hours, social phobia, and depression using an internet survey. METHODS An online questionnaire was designed and posted on a popular online game websites, inviting the online gamers to participate the survey. The content of the questionnaire included demographic data, profiles of internet usage and online gaming, and self-rating scales of Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale (DSSS), Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), and Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS). RESULTS A total of 722 online gamers with a mean age of 21.8 ± 4.9 years completed the online survey within one month. 601 (83.2%) participants were male, and 121 (16.8%) were female. The mean weekly online gaming time was 28.2 ± 19.7 hours, which positively associated with history of online gaming (r = 0.245, p < 0.001), total DSSS (r = 0.210, p < 0.001), SPIN (r = 0.150, p < 0.001), and CIAS (r = 0.290, p < 0.001) scores. The female players had a shorter history of online gaming (6.0 ± 3.1 vs. 7.2 ± 3.6 years, p = 0.001) and shorter weekly online gaming hours (23.2 ± 17.0 vs. 29.2 ± 20.2 hours, p = 0.002), but had higher DSSS (13.0 ± 9.3 vs. 10.9 ± 9.7, p = 0.032) and SPIN (22.8 ± 14.3 vs. 19.6 ± 13.5, p = 0.019) scores than the male players. The linear regression model showed that higher DSSS scores were associated with female gender, higher SPIN scores, higher CIAS scores, and longer weekly online gaming hours, with controlling for age and years of education. CONCLUSION The online gamers with longer weekly gaming hours tended to have a longer history of online gaming, and more severe depressive, social phobic, and internet addiction symptoms. Female online gamers had fewer weekly online gaming hours and a shorter previous online gaming history, but tended to have more severe somatic, pain, and social phobic symptoms. The predictors for depression were higher social phobic symptom, higher internet addiction symptoms, longer online gaming hours, and female gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han-Ting Wei
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Cheng Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Taipei Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Mei Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd, Taipei City, Beitou District, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Effects of progesterone on escalation of intravenous cocaine self-administration in rats selectively bred for high or low saccharin intake. Behav Pharmacol 2012; 23:205-10. [PMID: 22327022 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e32834f9e37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone decreases cocaine self-administration in women and in female rats. In a previous study using rats selectively bred for high (HiS) or low (LoS) saccharin intake, HiS rats escalated their cocaine intake compared with LoS rats. Our goal was to examine the effects of progesterone on the escalation of cocaine self-administration in HiS and LoS rats. Four groups of female rats were compared: HiS P (progesterone treated), LoS P, HiS VEH (vehicle treated), and LoS VEH. Rats were trained to self-administer 0.8 mg/kg cocaine intravenously under a fixed-ratio 1 schedule during daily short-access (ShA) 2-h sessions. Rats then self-administered three randomly-presented doses of cocaine (0.2, 0.4, and 1.6 mg/kg), and then had daily 6-h long-access (LgA) sessions with 0.4 mg/kg of cocaine for 21 days. Cocaine intake was then reassessed with the four doses under the ShA condition. Throughout the experiment, rats were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of progesterone (0.5 mg/kg) or an equal volume of vehicle 30 min before each session. During the initial ShA condition, HiS rats earned more cocaine infusions than LoS rats at all doses, and during the subsequent LgA condition, HiS rats escalated cocaine intake, whereas the LoS rats maintained a steady rate. Progesterone treatment potentiated escalation of cocaine intake in the HiS rats but had an opposite effect on LoS rats, attenuating their cocaine self-administration. Results from the post-LgA dose-response ShA condition indicated that both LoS and HiS vehicle-treated and progesterone-treated rats earned more infusions than pre-LgA, but mainly at low doses. These results suggest that genetic differences in drug abuse vulnerability contribute differentially to treatment outcomes during escalation, a critical phase of the drug abuse process.
Collapse
|
46
|
High novelty-seeking predicts greater sensitivity to the conditioned rewarding effects of cocaine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 102:124-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
47
|
Viveros MP, Llorente R, Suarez J, Llorente-Berzal A, López-Gallardo M, de Fonseca FR. The endocannabinoid system in critical neurodevelopmental periods: sex differences and neuropsychiatric implications. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:164-76. [PMID: 21669929 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111408956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on the endocannabinoid system as a crucial player during critical periods of brain development, and how its disturbance either by early life stressful events or cannabis consumption may lead to important neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms. First we discuss the advantages and limitations of animal models within the framework of neuropsychiatric research and the crucial role of genetic and environmental factors for the establishment of vulnerable phenotypes. We are becoming aware of important sex differences that have emerged in relation to the psychobiology of cannabinoids. We will discuss sexual dimorphisms observed within the endogenous cannabinoid system, as well as those observed with exogenously administered cannabinoids. We start with how the expression of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors is regulated throughout development. Then, we discuss recent results showing how an experimental model of early maternal deprivation, which induces long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms, interacts in a sex-dependent manner with the brain endocannabinoid system during development. This is followed by a discussion of differential vulnerability to the pathological sequelae stemming from cannabinoid exposure during adolescence. Next we talk about sex differences in the interactions between cannabinoids and other drugs of abuse. Finally, we discuss the potential implications that organizational and activational actions of gonadal steroids may have in establishing and maintaining sex dependence in the neurobiological actions of cannabinoids and their interaction with stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M P Viveros
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
|
49
|
de Dios MA, Herman DS, Britton WB, Hagerty CE, Anderson BJ, Stein MD. Motivational and mindfulness intervention for young adult female marijuana users. J Subst Abuse Treat 2011; 42:56-64. [PMID: 21940136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This pilot study tested the efficacy of a brief intervention using motivational interviewing (MI) plus mindfulness meditation (MM) to reduce marijuana use among young adult females. Thirty-four female marijuana users between the ages of 18 and 29 were randomized to either the intervention group (n = 22), consisting of two sessions of MI-MM, or an assessment-only control group (n = 12). The participants' marijuana use was assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months posttreatment. Fixed-effects regression modeling was used to analyze treatment effects. Participants randomized to the intervention group were found to use marijuana on 6.15 (z = -2.42, p = .015), 7.81 (z = -2.78, p = .005), and 6.83 (z = -2.23, p = .026) fewer days at Months 1, 2, and 3, respectively, than controls. Findings from this pilot study provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of a brief MI-MM for young adult female marijuana users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A de Dios
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Gorynia I, Schwaiger M. Effects of handedness (left vs right) and cannabis abuse on intermanual coordination and negative symptoms in schizophrenic patients of the paranoid type. Laterality 2011; 16:537-58. [DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2010.497814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|