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Mastrofini GF, McFadden BA, Chandler AJ, Lints BS, Cintineo HP, Rhoades ND, Vincenty CS, Stray-Gundersen SO, Lane AD, Arent SM. The effects of a brand-specific, hemp-derived cannabidiol product on physiological, biochemical, and psychometric outcomes in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2024; 21:2370430. [PMID: 38904150 PMCID: PMC11195455 DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2024.2370430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phyto-cannabinoid derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD exhibits various interactions at receptor sites, prompting the research of its potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, psychological, and pain-relieving effects. This study aimed to investigate the physiological, biochemical, and psychometric effects of a brand-specific, hemp-derived CBD product in healthy adults over a 12-week observation period. METHODS 54 healthy males and females (age = 25 ± 7y; BMI = 24.82 ± 3.25 kg/m2) recruited from a large Southeastern University completed the study. Participants arrived at the laboratory after > 8 h of fasting, and > 48 h without alcohol consumption and vigorous exercise. Following baseline measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood work), participants were stratified by sex and randomized to either CBD or placebo groups. Products were administered double-blinded, with both given in liquid form containing medium-chain triglyceride oil, while the CBD product specifically contained 50 mg/mL of CBD. Participants were instructed to consume 1 mL of their product twice daily and were given enough product to last until their next laboratory visit. Data were collected at baseline and on days 30 ± 3, 60 ± 3, and 90 ± 3. Blood was drawn for analysis of immune and inflammatory biomarkers. Chronic pain among participants was calculated using urine samples according to the foundational pain index (FPI). Self-reported psychometric questionnaires were utilized (Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Profile of Mood States,10-item Likert scale for perceived pain) to assess stress, sleep quality, mood state, and body discomfort. To determine overall wellbeing, participants completed a daily survey indicating if they missed work or school due to illness. Change from baseline was calculated for each measure, and mixed effects models were used to determine differences between groups over time while adjusting for baseline values (α = 0.05). Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS There were no Group-by-Time interactions or Group or Time main effects for immune or inflammatory biomarkers (p > 0.05). Analyses revealed no Group-by-Time interactions or main effects observed for perceived stress, sleep quality, overall mood disturbance, and all the profile of mood state subscales (p > 0.05), except "vigor-activity." A Time main effect was found for the sub-score for "vigor-activity" (p = 0.007; Pre CBD = 19.5 ± 5.2, Post CBD = 17.3 ± 5.3; Pre PL = 19.0 ± 5.7, Post PL = 17.9 ± 7.1), which decreased from Visit 3 to Visit 4 (p = 0.025) and from Visit 3 to Visit 5 (p = 0.014). There was a Group main effect for FPI (p = 0.028; Pre CBD = 11.9 ± 14.4, Post CBD = 8.8 ± 10.9; Pre PL = 9.0 ± 14.2, Post PL = 12.9 ± 11.5), indicating that the placebo group had greater increases in pain over the intervention compared to the CBD group. No significant differences were found between groups in the incidence and prevalence of "colds or flus" (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION CBD was safe and well tolerated in healthy adults. These findings show pain was lower in the CBD group, suggesting a potentially positive effect for consumption of CBD. "Vigor-activity" decreased across the intervention, which may be a confounding effect of the academic semester. While the dosage chosen was safe, more research may be warranted using higher doses as these may be needed to observe further therapeutic effects in healthy populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bridget A. McFadden
- City University of New York, Department of Family, Nutrition, and Exercise Science, Queens College, Flushing, NY, USA
| | - Alexa J. Chandler
- University of South Carolina, Department of Exercise Science, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Blaine S. Lints
- University of South Carolina, Department of Exercise Science, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Harry P. Cintineo
- Lindenwood University, Department of Kinesiology, Saint Charles, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Abbi D. Lane
- University of Michigan, School of Kinesiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shawn M. Arent
- University of South Carolina, Department of Exercise Science, Columbia, SC, USA
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Martínez P, Huynh C, Massamba V, Zefania I, Rochette L, Vasiliadis HM, Nazif-Munoz JI. Changes in the incidence of cannabis-related disorders after the Cannabis Act and the COVID-19 pandemic in Québec, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 129:104484. [PMID: 38870546 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104484] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Canadian Cannabis Act (CCA, implemented in October 2018) and the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020) might have contributed to cannabis-related harms in Québec, known for its stringent cannabis legal framework. We explored changes in incidence rates of cannabis-related disorders (CRD) diagnoses associated with these events in Québec. METHODS We utilized linked administrative health data to identify individuals aged 15 year+ newly diagnosed with CRD during hospitalizations, emergency, and outpatients clinics across Québec, from January 2010 and March 2022 (147 months). Interrupted time-series analyses (ITSA) assessed differences (as percentage changes) in sex- and age-standardized, and sex-stratified, monthly incidence rates (per 100,000 population) attributed to the CCA and the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to counterfactual scenarios where pre-events trends would continue unchanged. RESULTS The overall monthly mean rates of incident diagnoses nearly doubled from the pre-CCA period (1.56 per 100,000 population) to the COVID-19 pandemic period (3.02 per 100,000 population). ITSA revealed no statistically significant level or slope changes between adjacent study periods, except for a decrease in the slope of incidence rates among males by 1.84 % (95 % CI -3.41 to -0.24) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the post-CCA period. During the post-CCA period, the trends of incidence rates in the general and male populations grew significantly by 1.22 % (95 % CI 0.08 to 2.35) and 1.44 % (0.04 to 2.84) per month, respectively. Similarly significant increases were observed for the general and female populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with monthly rates rising by 1.43 % (95 % CI 0.75 to 2.12) and 1.75 % (95 % CI 0.13 to 3.37), respectively. These increases more than doubled pre-CCA rates. CONCLUSIONS The incidence rates of CRD diagnoses across Québec appears to have increased following the implementation of the CCA and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings echo public health concerns regarding potential cannabis-related harms and are consistent with previous Canadian studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Martínez
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke - Campus Longueuil, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada; Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K A08, Canada; Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, 6875 Bd LaSalle, Verdun, QC H4H 1R3, Canada; Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 Wolfe Av., Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Chris Huynh
- Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 950 rue Louvain Est, Montréal, QC H2M 2E8, Canada
| | - Victoria Massamba
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 Wolfe Av., Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Isaora Zefania
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 Wolfe Av., Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Louis Rochette
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 Wolfe Av., Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Helen-Maria Vasiliadis
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke - Campus Longueuil, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada; Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K A08, Canada
| | - José Ignacio Nazif-Munoz
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke - Campus Longueuil, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada; Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne, 150 Pl. Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K A08, Canada; Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 950 rue Louvain Est, Montréal, QC H2M 2E8, Canada.
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Treves N, Yakirevich-Amir N, Abu Ahmad W, Bonne O, Davidson E, Keeling K, Hall B, Dautrich T, Matok I. Characterization of Cannabis users and products and the experience of negative mental emotions following Cannabis use. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01812-0. [PMID: 38861239 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01812-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
There is a potential link between cannabis and mental disorders. Cannabis exposure involves in many cases negative mental emotions, which are unpleasant sensations or thoughts. Whereas mild cases of negative mental emotions inflict patient's quality of life, more severe cases lead to therapy discontinuations, or even hospitalizations and death. This study characterizes cannabis users who experienced negative mental emotions after cannabis exposure. The Releaf App database was utilized to evaluate the association between personal and cannabis use characteristics on reporting a negative mental emotion during cannabis exposure. This global mobile lets individuals track real-time cannabis experience use with cannabinoid-based products, containing data points such as gender, age, reasons for use, product type, cannabis composition, and feelings and emotions experienced after cannabis use. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed, adjusting for potential confounders such as gender and previous experience with cannabis use. The study population comprised 4,435 users, and 34,279 sessions were collected from various countries, mainly from North America, and included in the primary analysis. Reporting on negative mental emotions was associated with users in the age group of 18-30 years. Using cannabis for a mental purpose was associated with a small increase in reporting on negative mental emotions (OR = 1.10, 95%CI [1.03-1.19]). Oral products were associated with reporting on negative mental emotions. THC-dominant products were associated with reporting negative mental emotions compared to balanced products (OR = 1.21, 95%CI [1.06-1.38]). This study suggests that some characteristics of cannabis use, such as young age and oral consumption are associated with negative mental emotions. Further studies should examine the interface between cannabis consumption, characteristics of consumers, and negative emotional experience or even long-term mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Treves
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Noa Yakirevich-Amir
- Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wiessam Abu Ahmad
- Hebrew University, Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Omer Bonne
- Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elyad Davidson
- Department of Anesthesia CCM and Pain Management, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Branden Hall
- MoreBetter, Ltd. (dba Releaf App), Hyattsville, MD, USA
| | | | - Ilan Matok
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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Mohammad Aghaei A, Urban Spillane L, Pittman B, Flynn LT, De Aquino JP, Bassir Nia A, Ranganathan M. Sex differences in the acute effects of oral THC: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover human laboratory study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06625-6. [PMID: 38832949 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06625-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Recent reports have shown increased cannabis use among women, leading to growing concerns about cannabis use disorder (CUD). While there is preclinical evidence suggesting biological sex influences cannabinoid effects, human research remains scant. We investigated sex differences in the acute response to oral tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in humans. METHODS 56 healthy men and women with prior exposure to cannabis but no history of CUD participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, human laboratory study where they received a single 10 mg dose of oral THC (dronabinol). Subjective psychoactive effects were assessed by the visual analog scale of "high", psychotomimetic effects by the Clinician-Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale and Psychotomimetic States Inventory, verbal learning and memory by Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and physiological effects by heart rate. Outcomes were regularly measured on the test day, except for the RAVLT, which was assessed once. Peak differences from baseline were analyzed using a nonparametric method for repeated measures. RESULTS Oral THC (10 mg) demonstrated significant dose-related effects in psychotomimetic and physiological domains, but not in RAVLT outcomes. A notable interaction between THC dose and sex emerged concerning the subjective "high" scores, with women reporting heightened sensations (p = 0.05). No other significant effects of sex and THC dose interaction were observed. CONCLUSION Oral THC (10 mg) yields similar acute psychotomimetic and physiological effects across sexes, but women may experience a pronounced subjective psychoactive effect. Further research is needed to identify individual vulnerabilities and facilitate tailored interventions addressing CUD. CLINICALTRIALS GOV REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02781519?term=Ranganathan&intr=THC&rank=3 .
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lia Urban Spillane
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - L Taylor Flynn
- Drexel University School of Medicine MD/PhD program, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joao P De Aquino
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anahita Bassir Nia
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
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Vallée A. Heavy Lifetime Cannabis Use and Mortality by Sex. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2415227. [PMID: 38842807 PMCID: PMC11157356 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The association between mortality and cannabis use remains unclear. Objective To examine sex-stratified associations of cumulative lifetime cannabis use with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in the UK Biobank population. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used data from volunteers in the UK Biobank population. Participant monitoring for mortality in the UK Biobank study commenced from the point of their inclusion between 2006 and 2010 and continued until December 19, 2020. Data regarding the causes of death were sourced from the National Health Service Information Centre. Data were analyzed from inception of study inclusion to December 2020. Exposure Cannabis use status was assessed by questionnaire and categorized as heavy, moderate, low, and never. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. Sex-stratified associations of cumulative lifetime cannabis use with mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for demographic and clinical variables. Results Among 121 895 participants (54.51% females with mean [SD] age of 55.15 [7.64] years; 45.49% males with mean [SD] age of 56.46 [7.79] years) during an overall median of 11.80 years (IQR, 10.53-13.22 years) of follow-up, 2375 total deaths occurred, including 1411 deaths from CVD and 440 from cancer. In males, after full adjustment, the hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.28 (95% CI, 0.90-1.81) for all-cause mortality, 0.98 (95% CI, 0.43-2.25) for CVD mortality, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.71-1.67) for cancer mortality among heavy cannabis users compared with never users. In females, after full adjustment, the HRs were 1.49 (95% CI, 0.92-2.40) for all-cause mortality, 2.67 (95% CI, 1.19-4.32) for CVD mortality, and 1.61 (95% CI, 0.91-2.83) for cancer mortality among heavy cannabis users compared with never users. In female current tobacco users, after full adjustment, heavy cannabis use was associated with all-cause mortality (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.12-4.53), CVD mortality (HR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.43-15.36), and cancer mortality (HR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.50-8.33) and among never tobacco users was associated with CVD mortality (HR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.67-6.61). In male current tobacco users, heavy cannabis use was associated with cancer mortality (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14-5.23). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, a positive association between CVD mortality and heavy lifetime cannabis use was observed among females. Longitudinal studies are needed in general populations to investigate the potential effects of cannabis on mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
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6
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Fuentes-Verdugo E, Pellón R, Miguéns M. Repeated Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol administration dose dependently increases stablished schedule-induced drinking. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1277-1286. [PMID: 38413456 PMCID: PMC11106171 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06563-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Schedule-induced drinking (SID) reproduces an excessive and repetitive behavioural pattern that has led to propose this procedure as an animal model to study compulsive behaviours. Although it is known that cannabis can cause several adverse effects, in recent years there has been great interest in the medical application of cannabis derivatives for obsessive-compulsive related disorders. OBJECTIVES The present study investigated the effects of repeated THC administration on rates of previously acquired SID, as well as the possible alteration of its temporal distribution along inter-food intervals. METHODS Male Wistar rats acquired SID under a 30 min fixed-time 30-sec food delivery schedule (from 30 to 43 sessions to reach a stable level). Thereafter, 5 or 10 mg/kg daily i.p. injections of THC or vehicle were repeatedly administered for 7 days to evaluate the effects on SID. RESULTS Repeated THC administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg resulted in an increase on licking. Surprisingly, no effects on SID were observed with the 10 mg/kg dose. However, magazine entries were reduced with both THC doses. THC also modified the temporal distributions of licking and magazine entries during inter-food intervals. CONCLUSIONS The present results show that repeated THC administration may (i) increase induced licking at moderate doses, (ii) reduce magazine entries, and (iii) affect the temporal pattern of SID. These findings suggest that THC does not appear to be beneficial to reduce compulsive behaviour in this animal model, while another collateral effect of THC -such as a greater habitual-like behaviour- needs to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Fuentes-Verdugo
- Departamento de Psicología Básica I, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/ Juan del Rosal 10, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pellón
- Departamento de Psicología Básica I, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/ Juan del Rosal 10, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Miguel Miguéns
- Departamento de Psicología Básica I, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/ Juan del Rosal 10, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
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Stasiłowicz-Krzemień A, Nogalska W, Maszewska Z, Maleszka M, Dobroń M, Szary A, Kępa A, Żarowski M, Hojan K, Lukowicz M, Cielecka-Piontek J. The Use of Compounds Derived from Cannabis sativa in the Treatment of Epilepsy, Painful Conditions, and Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5749. [PMID: 38891938 PMCID: PMC11171823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders present a wide range of symptoms and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Cannabis sativa, with its diverse chemical composition, offers potential therapeutic benefits due to its anticonvulsive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Beyond cannabinoids, cannabis contains terpenes and polyphenols, which synergistically enhance its pharmacological effects. Various administration routes, including vaporization, oral ingestion, sublingual, and rectal, provide flexibility in treatment delivery. This review shows the therapeutic efficacy of cannabis in managing neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, psychiatric disorders, and painful pathologies. Drawing from surveys, patient studies, and clinical trials, it highlights the potential of cannabis in alleviating symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving overall quality of life for patients. Understanding the diverse therapeutic mechanisms of cannabis can open up possibilities for using this plant for individual patient needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stasiłowicz-Krzemień
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.-K.)
| | - Wiktoria Nogalska
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.-K.)
| | - Zofia Maszewska
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.-K.)
| | - Mateusz Maleszka
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.-K.)
| | - Maria Dobroń
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.-K.)
| | - Agnieszka Szary
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.-K.)
| | - Aleksandra Kępa
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.-K.)
| | - Marcin Żarowski
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewski 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Hojan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swięcickiego 6, 61-847 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Rehabilitation, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Lukowicz
- Department of Rehabilitation, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Konarskiego 13, 05-400 Otwock, Poland;
| | - Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (A.S.-K.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Phytochemistry, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, Wojska Polskiego 71b, 60-630 Poznan, Poland
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8
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Maciocha F, Suchanecka A, Chmielowiec K, Chmielowiec J, Ciechanowicz A, Boroń A. Correlations of the CNR1 Gene with Personality Traits in Women with Alcohol Use Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5174. [PMID: 38791212 PMCID: PMC11121729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant issue affecting women, with severe consequences for society, the economy, and most importantly, health. Both personality and alcohol use disorders are phenotypically very complex, and elucidating their shared heritability is a challenge for medical genetics. Therefore, our study investigated the correlations between the microsatellite polymorphism (AAT)n of the Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CNR1) gene and personality traits in women with AUD. The study group included 187 female subjects. Of these, 93 were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, and 94 were controls. Repeat length polymorphism of microsatellite regions (AAT)n in the CNR1 gene was identified with PCR. All participants were assessed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and completed the NEO Five-Factor and State-Trait Anxiety Inventories. In the group of AUD subjects, significantly fewer (AAT)n repeats were present when compared with controls (p = 0.0380). While comparing the alcohol use disorder subjects (AUD) and the controls, we observed significantly higher scores on the STAI trait (p < 0.00001) and state scales (p = 0.0001) and on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory Neuroticism (p < 0.00001) and Openness (p = 0.0237; insignificant after Bonferroni correction) scales. Significantly lower results were obtained on the NEO-FFI Extraversion (p = 0.00003), Agreeability (p < 0.00001) and Conscientiousness (p < 0.00001) scales by the AUD subjects when compared to controls. There was no statistically significant Pearson's linear correlation between the number of (AAT)n repeats in the CNR1 gene and the STAI and NEO Five-Factor Inventory scores in the group of AUD subjects. In contrast, Pearson's linear correlation analysis in controls showed a positive correlation between the number of the (AAT)n repeats and the STAI state scale (r = 0.184; p = 0.011; insignificant after Bonferroni correction) and a negative correlation with the NEO-FFI Openness scale (r = -0.241; p = 0.001). Interestingly, our study provided data on two separate complex issues, i.e., (1) the association of (AAT)n CNR1 repeats with the AUD in females; (2) the correlation of (AAT)n CNR1 repeats with anxiety as a state and Openness in non-alcohol dependent subjects. In conclusion, our study provided a plethora of valuable data for improving our understanding of alcohol use disorder and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Maciocha
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Aleksandra Suchanecka
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Jolanta Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Andrzej Ciechanowicz
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Agnieszka Boroń
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
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9
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Guillem E, Baylé FJ. Greater vulnerability to cannabis dependence among heavy cannabis user French women. Am J Addict 2024; 33:320-326. [PMID: 38092565 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Between 1990 and the mid-2010s, France registered a sharp rise in the spread and consumption of cannabis. At the same time, there has been an increase in the concentration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol contained in cannabis. The aims of our study are to measure addictive and psychiatric comorbidities in cannabis users in France, and to compare characteristics between women and men. METHODS Three hundred and forty-two heavy cannabis users seen in a cannabis clinic between 2004 and 2014 were assessed during a 2-h clinical interview (DSM-IV, MINI). RESULTS 83.2% of users are currently cannabis dependent, 10.6% alcohol dependent, and 2.1% cocaine/crack dependent. 37.8% have a current mood disorder, 47.6% have a current anxiety disorder, and 8.8% are psychotic. Women suffer significantly more often than men from major depressive episodes, dysthymia, agoraphobia, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both current and lifetime. Logistic regression shows that women have a significantly higher risk than men of suffering from PTSD over their lifetime (odds ratio [OR] = 5.48; p < 10-3). The vast majority of women suffering from PTSD report having been sexually assaulted in the course of their lives. In addition, women are at greater risk of cannabis dependence (OR = 3.87; p < .05) for lower cannabis consumption (grams smoked per week) (OR = 0.96; p < .05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS French women heavy cannabis users are particularly at risk of PTSD and are more likely than men to be dependent despite consuming fewer. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Further studies are needed to clinically quantify cannabis consumption and distinguish its impact on women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Franck J Baylé
- INSERM U1153 CRESS, Paris, France
- Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris V-Descartes University, Paris, France
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10
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Laliberte MM, Belisario K, Lucibello KM, Potechin MB, Potter S, Brassard S, Punia K, MacKillop J, Balodis I. Changing cannabis legislation in Canada and a longitudinal look at "regular" cannabis use in patients with eating disorders. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115933. [PMID: 38759416 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Regular cannabis use (CU), defined as "weekly or more often", is associated with a number of negative mental health outcomes. In the last decade, Canada legalized first medical and then recreational CU. Despite higher prevalence in mental health populations, little research has documented changes in frequency of CU with progressive legalization of cannabis. This study examined rates of CU in a sample of 843 treatment-seeking patients with eating disorders (ED) in an outpatient setting between 2004 and 2020. Across ED diagnoses, segmented regression indicated a significant break-point in regular CU in 2014, commensurate with the relaxation of medical cannabis laws. Regular CU increased from 4.9 % to 23.7 % from 2014 to 2020; well above the stable 6 % found in the general population. No significant break-point was observed in either alcohol or illicit substance use over the same time period. Significant increases in regular CU were found in patients with anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder, while regular use remained stable in patients with bulimia nervosa. Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses did not increase odds of regular CU. Findings suggest certain patient groups with mental illness may be at risk of engaging in high frequency use in the context of legislation implying medical benefits of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M Laliberte
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Eating Disorders Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyla Belisario
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristen M Lucibello
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sarah Potter
- Eating Disorders Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Brassard
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kiran Punia
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Iris Balodis
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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11
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Rozanc J, Klumpers LE, Huestis MA, Tagen M. Tolerability of High-Dose Oral Δ 9-THC: Implications for Human Laboratory Study Design. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:437-448. [PMID: 38377580 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis, has been tested extensively in controlled administration human studies. Some studies require a high THC dose that may induce adverse events (AEs), such as those testing novel treatments for cannabinoid overdose. Although there are ethical concerns related to administering high THC doses, there is no systematic analysis on studies utilizing these doses. In this review, we examine studies that administered oral THC doses ≥30 mg ("high-dose THC"), focusing on reported tolerability, subjective effects, and pharmacokinetics (PK), with the objective to inform the design of future studies. Methods: A comprehensive PubMed search was performed to identify studies meeting pre-specified criteria. Results: Our search identified 27 publications from 17 high-dose oral THC laboratory studies, with single doses up to 90 mg and multiple doses up to 210 mg per day. The maximum plasma THC concentration (Cmax) appeared to increase in a dose-proportional manner over this dose range. All high-dose THC studies enrolled participants with previous cannabis experience, although current use ranged from nonusers to regular cannabis users. High-dose THC was generally well tolerated with transient mild to moderate AE, including nausea and vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, and sedation. There were occasional participant withdrawals due to AEs, but there were no serious AE. Participants with frequent cannabis use tolerated high-dose THC best. Conclusion: Although based on limited data, THC was generally adequately tolerated with single oral doses of at least 50 mg in a controlled laboratory setting in healthy participants with past cannabis experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Rozanc
- Verdient Science LLC, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Linda E Klumpers
- Verdient Science LLC, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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12
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Budney AJ, Borodovsky JT, Struble CA, Habib MI, Shmulewitz D, Livne O, Aharonovich E, Walsh C, Cuttler C, Hasin DS. Estimating THC Consumption from Smoked and Vaped Cannabis Products in an Online Survey of Adults Who Use Cannabis. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:688-698. [PMID: 36521175 PMCID: PMC10998014 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Quantification of consumption patterns of the primary psychoactive compounds in cannabis, which cause euphoria or intoxication, is sorely needed to identify potential risks and benefits of use and to provide meaningful safety information to the public. The diversity of products available, multiple methods of administration, and lack of labeling of products have made such quantification challenging. Our group is developing a survey instrument for estimating the quantity of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) consumed in population samples, which is flexible and incorporates individualized reports of patterns of consumption. This study provides an illustration of a procedure for translating self-reported consumption into milligrams of THC (mgTHC), which may serve as a working model for future quantification efforts. Methods: Social media advertising was leveraged to enroll 5627 adults who use cannabis into an online, anonymous survey study. Only those who used cannabis in the past 7 days, used flower or concentrate products, and who chose to report their quantity of use in hits per day or grams per week (n=3211) were included in this report. Formulas were used to estimate mgTHC used per day, in hits per day or grams per week; potency (%THC); constants for estimating the amount of material consumed for each hit; and a method of administration efficiency constant to account for THC loss due to the administration method. Results: The estimate for mgTHC used per day was M=92.8 mg/day (SD=97.2 mg; 1st-3rd quartile range=25-132 mg). The estimated quantity of use was much lower for those reporting in hits (M=43.7 mg, SD=43.8) than for those reporting in grams (M=115.1 mg, SD=107.0). The estimated rate of binge use in the past week, arbitrarily defined as more than 50 mgTHC within any one daily time quadrant, was 6.8%, which increased to 29.3% if 25 mgTHC was used. Conclusions: The approach illustrated in this study goes beyond existing cannabis measures by asking participants to provide highly detailed estimates of their past 7-day use patterns and then applying a logical formula to translate this information into mgTHC. This initial procedure has limitations and lacks generalization; however, we hope this demonstration stimulates testing of similar approaches and relevant laboratory experiments that will enhance the validity of cannabis consumption estimation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J. Budney
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jacob T. Borodovsky
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Cara A. Struble
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Mohammad I. Habib
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Ofir Livne
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Efrat Aharonovich
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Claire Walsh
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Carrie Cuttler
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Deborah S. Hasin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
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13
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Watkins J, Aradi P, Hahn R, Katona I, Mackie K, Makriyannis A, Hohmann AG. CB 1 Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists Induce Acute Respiratory Depression in Awake Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.12.584260. [PMID: 38558988 PMCID: PMC10980063 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.12.584260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Recreational use of synthetic cannabinoid agonists (i.e., "Spice" compounds) that target the Cannabinoid Type 1 receptor (CB 1 ) can cause respiratory depression in humans. However, Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis, is not traditionally thought to interact with CNS control of respiration, based largely upon sparse labeling of CB1 receptors in the medulla and few reports of clinically significant respiratory depression following cannabis overdose. The respiratory effects of CB 1 agonists have rarely been studied in vivo , suggesting that additional inquiry is required to reconcile the conflict between conventional wisdom and human data. Here we used whole body plethysmography to examine the respiratory effects of the synthetic high efficacy CB 1 agonist CP55,940, and the low efficacy CB 1 agonist Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol in male and female mice. CP55,940 and THC, administered systemically, both robustly suppressed minute ventilation. Both cannabinoids also produced sizable reductions in tidal volume, decreasing both peak inspiratory and expiratory flow - measures of respiratory effort. Similarly, both drugs reduced respiratory frequency, decreasing both inspiratory and expiratory time while markedly increasing expiratory pause, and to a lesser extent, inspiratory pause. Respiratory suppressive effects occurred at lower doses in females than in males, and at many of the same doses shown to produce cardinal behavioral signs of CB 1 activation. We next used RNAscope in situ hybridization to localize CB 1 mRNA to glutamatergic neurons in the medullary pre-Bötzinger Complex, a critical nucleus in controlling respiration. Our results show that, contrary to previous conventional wisdom, CB 1 mRNA is expressed in glutamatergic neurons in a brain region essential for breathing and CB 1 agonists can cause significant respiratory depression.
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14
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Aghaei AM, Spillane LU, Pittman B, Flynn LT, De Aquino JP, Nia AB, Ranganathan M. Sex Differences in the Acute Effects of Oral THC: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Human Laboratory Study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.11.29.23299193. [PMID: 38077095 PMCID: PMC10705657 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.23299193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Rationale Recent reports have shown increased cannabis use among women, leading to growing concerns about cannabis use disorder (CUD). Some evidence suggests a faster progression to addiction in women, known as the "telescoping effect." While there is preclinical evidence suggesting biological sex influences cannabinoid effects, human research remains scant. We investigated sex differences in the response to oral tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in humans. Methods 56 healthy men and women with prior exposure to cannabis but no history of CUD participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, human laboratory study where they received a single 10 mg dose of oral THC (dronabinol). Subjective psychoactive effects were assessed by the visual analog scale of "high", psychotomimetic effects by the Clinician-Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale and Psychotomimetic States Inventory, verbal learning and memory by Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and physiological effects by heart rate. Outcomes were regularly measured on the test day, except for the RAVLT, which was assessed once. Peak differences from baseline were analyzed using a nonparametric method for repeated measures. Results Oral THC demonstrated significant dose-related effects in psychotomimetic and physiological domains, but not in RAVLT outcomes. A notable interaction between THC dose and sex emerged concerning the subjective "high" scores, with women reporting heightened sensations (p=0.05). No other significant effects of sex and THC dose interaction were observed. Conclusion Oral THC yields similar psychotomimetic and physiological effects across sexes, but women may experience a pronounced subjective psychoactive effect. Further research is needed to identify individual vulnerabilities and facilitate tailored interventions addressing CUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lia Urban Spillane
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - L. Taylor Flynn
- Drexel University School of Medicine MD/PhD program, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joao P. De Aquino
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anahita Bassir Nia
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Hammond CJ, Hyer JM, Boustead AE, Fristad MA, Steelesmith DL, Brock GN, Hasin DS, Fontanella CA. Association Between Marijuana Laws and Suicide Among 12- to 25-Year-Olds in the United States From 2000 to 2019. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:345-354. [PMID: 37385585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.06.014] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cannabis use is associated with suicide-related outcomes in both adolescents and adults, and may be increasing amid shifting cannabis policies. However, little is known about the impact of medical marijuana legalization (MML) and recreational marijuana legalization (RML) policies on youth suicide. Using 20 years of national data, we examined associations between MML, RML, and suicide-related mortality among US individuals aged 12 to 25 years, and assessed whether they varied based on age and sex. METHOD Suicide deaths (N = 113,512) from the 2000-2019 National Vital Statistics System Multiple Cause of Death files for age groups 12 to 13, 14 to 16, 17 to 19, 20 to 22, and 23 to 25 years were examined in relation to time-varying cannabis law status using a staggered adoption difference-in-difference (DiD) approach with a negative binomial regression to determine associations between MML, RML, and suicide rates, controlling for individual- and state-level covariates and accounting for the varying effective dates of MML and RML by state. RESULTS The overall unadjusted annual suicide rate was 10.93/100,000, varying from 9.76 (states without marijuana laws (ML)) to 12.78 (MML states) to 16.68 (RML states). In multivariable analysis, both MML (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05-1.15) and RML (IRR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.27) were associated with higher suicide rates among female youth compared to those in states without ML. Youth aged 14 to 16 years had higher rates of suicide in states with RML compared to states with MML (IRR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.00-1.30) and states without ML (IRR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.20). Findings were consistent across sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION MML and RML were associated with increased suicide-related mortality in female youth and 14- to- 16-year-old individuals of both sexes. Mechanisms through which cannabis policies are related to increased youth suicide warrant further study and should inform legislative reform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Madison Hyer
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Mary A Fristad
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Guy N Brock
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Deborah S Hasin
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
| | - Cynthia A Fontanella
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
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16
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Arantes ALF, Carvalho MC, Brandão ML, Prado WA, Crippa JADS, Lovick TA, Genaro K. Antinociceptive action of cannabidiol on thermal sensitivity and post-operative pain in male and female rats. Behav Brain Res 2024; 459:114793. [PMID: 38048909 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the antinociceptive potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in male and female Wistar rats. The assessment and analysis included tail withdrawal to thermal stimulation (tail flick test) and mechanical allodynia induced by plantar incision injury (von Frey test). CBD reduced acute thermal sensitivity in uninjured animals and post-operative mechanical allodynia in males and females. In the tail flick test, CBD 30 mg/kg i.p. was required to induce antinociception in males. During the proestrus phase, females did not show a statistically significant antinociceptive response to CBD treatment despite a noticeable trend. In contrast, in a separate group of rats tested during the late diestrus phase, antinociception varied with CBD dosage and time. In the post-operative pain model, CBD at 3 mg/kg decreased mechanical allodynia in males. Similarly, this dose reduced allodynia in females during proestrus. However, in females during late diestrus, the lower dose of CBD (0.3 mg/kg) reduced mechanical allodynia, although the latency to onset of the effect was slower (90 min). The effectiveness of a 10-fold lower dose of CBD during the late diestrus stage in females suggests that ovarian hormones can influence the action of CBD. While CBD has potential for alleviating pain in humans, personalized dosing regimens may need to be developed to treat pain in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luisa Ferreira Arantes
- Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior and Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology of Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Milene Cristina Carvalho
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP 14040-900, Brazil; Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior and Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology of Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Marcus Lira Brandão
- Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior and Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology of Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Wiliam Alves Prado
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre de Souza Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP 14040-900, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (INCT-TM, CNPq), Brasília, DF 71605-001, Brazil
| | - Thelma Anderson Lovick
- Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Karina Genaro
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA.
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Okafor CN, Somasunderam A, Lake JE, Gelfond J, Javanbakht M, Gorbach P, Shoptaw S, Schmitz J. Cannabis Use and Biomarkers of Inflammation, Immune Activation, and Microbial Translocation in Persons with HIV. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38335314 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The relationship between cannabis and inflammation among persons with HIV (PWH) remains unclear. We examined whether the cannabis metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy THC (THC-COOH) is associated with lower levels of plasma biomarkers of inflammation, immune activation, and microbial translocation in PWH. We hypothesized that cannabis use would be associated with lower levels of plasma inflammatory biomarkers than noncannabis use. Methods: We quantified THC-COOH in plasma, with THC-COOH levels between 5.1-69.9 μg/L and ≥70 μg/L being classified as moderate and heavy cannabis use, respectively, with noncannabis use defined as undetected THC-COOH. We measured a panel of plasma biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin [IL]-1-β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-18, IL-6, and C-reactive protein), immune activation (CD14 and CD163), and microbial translocation (iFABP2 and lipopolysaccharide binding protein [LBP]), with all biomarkers collected on the same day. We used a cross-sectional design and linear regression models to test whether cannabis use is associated with lower biomarker levels. Results: Participants were (N=107) sexual minority men with HIV (median age=32 years, IQR=28, 38), of whom 65% were virally suppressed; 36%, 44%, and 20% were classified as nonuse, moderate, and heavy cannabis, respectively. In linear regression models adjusted for viral suppression, stimulant use, and CD4 counts, heavy cannabis use was significantly associated with lower levels of log10 LBP (β=-0.14, 95% confidence interval: -0.24 to -0.04; false discovery rate=0.0029; partial eta squared=0.07) than noncannabis users. No precise associations were observed for other biomarkers (all p>0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cannabis use may be associated with lower plasma LBP. Further work is needed to clarify the relationship between cannabis use and biomarkers of microbial translocation in PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuemeka N Okafor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Anoma Somasunderam
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jordan E Lake
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jonathan Gelfond
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pamina Gorbach
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joy Schmitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Leidmaa E, Prodan AM, Depner LL, Komorowska-Müller JA, Beins EC, Schuermann B, Kolbe CC, Zimmer A. Astrocytic Dagla Deletion Decreases Hedonic Feeding in Female Mice. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:74-88. [PMID: 38265773 PMCID: PMC10874831 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Endocannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoids are potent regulators of feeding behavior and energy metabolism. Stimulating cannabinoid receptor signaling enhances appetite, particularly for energy-dense palatable foods, and promotes energy storage. To elucidate the underlying cellular mechanisms, we investigate here the potential role of astrocytic endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Astrocytes provide metabolic support for neurons and contribute to feeding regulation but the effect of astrocytic 2-AG on feeding is unknown. Materials and Methods: We generated mice lacking the 2-AG synthesizing enzyme diacylglycerol lipase alpha (Dagla) in astrocytes (GLAST-Dagla KO) and investigated hedonic feeding behavior in male and female mice. Body weight and baseline water and food intake was characterized; additionally, the mice went through milk, saccharine, and sucrose preference tests in fed and fasted states. In female mice, the estrous cycle stages were identified and plasma levels of female sex hormones were measured. Results: We found that the effects of the inducible astrocytic Dagla deletion were sex-specific. Acute milk preference was decreased in female, but not in male mice and the effect was most evident in the estrus stage of the cycle. This prompted us to investigate sex hormone profiles, which were found to be altered in GLAST-Dagla KO females. Specifically, follicle-stimulating hormone was elevated in the estrus stage, luteinizing hormone in the proestrus, and progesterone was increased in both proestrus and estrus stages of the cycle compared with controls. Conclusions: Astrocytic Dagla regulates acute hedonic appetite for palatable food in females and not in males, possibly owing to a deregulated female sex hormone profile. It is plausible that endocannabinoid production by astrocytes at least partly contributes to the greater susceptibility to overeating in females. This finding may also be important for understanding the effects of exogenous cannabinoids on sex hormone profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Este Leidmaa
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alexandra Maria Prodan
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lena-Louise Depner
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Eva Carolina Beins
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Britta Schuermann
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Zimmer
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Moore CF, Davis CM, Sempio C, Klawitter J, Christians U, Weerts EM. Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Vapor Exposure Produces Conditioned Place Preference in Male and Female Rats. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:111-120. [PMID: 36179013 PMCID: PMC10874829 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of place conditioning procedures and drug vapor exposure models can increase our understanding of the rewarding and aversive effects of vaped cannabis products. Currently there are limited data on the conditioned rewarding effects of vaporized Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis in rats, and no studies to date examining sex differences. Methods: Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (N=96; 12 per sex/group) underwent place conditioning sessions immediately after exposure to THC or vehicle (propylene glycol [PG]) vapor. Locomotor activity was measured by beam breaks during conditioning sessions. THC vapor-conditioned rats received one of three THC vapor exposure amounts (low: 5 puffs of 100 mg/mL THC, medium: 5 puffs of 200 mg/mL THC, or high: 10 puffs of 200 mg/mL THC) and matched vehicle vapor (PG) exposure on alternate days for 16 daily sessions. A "no THC" control group of vehicle-conditioned rats received only PG vapor exposure each day. After the 8th and 16th conditioning sessions, untreated rats were tested for conditioned place preference (CPP) or aversion (CPA). Next, extinction tests and a THC vapor-primed reinstatement test were conducted. Results: THC vapor produced CPP and locomotor effects in an exposure dependent manner, and some sex differences were observed. Low THC vapor exposure did not produce CPP in males or females. Medium THC vapor exposure produced CPP in males, but not females. High THC vapor exposure produced CPP in both males and females. Medium and high THC vapor exposure amounts produced hyperactivity in female rats, but not male rats. CPP was more resistant to extinction in females than males. THC vapor reexposure (i.e., drug-prime) after extinction did not result in reinstatement of CPP for either sex. Conclusion: This study demonstrates conditioned rewarding effects of THC vapor in both male and female rats and provides evidence for sex differences in amounts of THC vapor that produce CPP and in time to extinction. CPA was not observed at any of the THC vapor exposure amounts tested. These data provide a foundation for future exploration of the conditioned effects of cannabis constituents and extracts using vapor exposure models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F. Moore
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine M. Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cristina Sempio
- iC42 Clinical Research and Development, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jost Klawitter
- iC42 Clinical Research and Development, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Uwe Christians
- iC42 Clinical Research and Development, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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20
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Hachem Y, Moride Y, Castilloux AM, Castillon G, Kalaba M, Néron A, Gamaoun R, Martel MO, Beaulieu P, Ware M, Vigano A. A Descriptive Analysis of Adverse Event Reports from the Quebec Cannabis Registry. Drug Saf 2024; 47:161-171. [PMID: 37996777 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01379-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Published data on the safety of natural medical cannabis (MC) when used in the real-world clinical practice setting are lacking. This study aimed to describe adverse events (AEs) reported across three years following MC initiation. METHODS The Quebec Cannabis Registry (QCR) was a prospective registry of adults enrolled through participating physicians when they initiated MC between May 2015 and October 2018. Follow-up ended at MC discontinuation, loss to follow-up, three years, or end of data collection (May 2019). Data were collected at baseline and at follow-up visits every three months for the first two years, then once in the third year. Physicians filled adverse event (AE) reports, which were coded using MedDRA® preferred terms (PTs), and descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS A total of 2991 patients were enrolled (mean age 50.9 years, 50.2% females). During follow-up, 108 patients (3.6%) experienced moderate or severe AEs, yielding 111 AE reports (three patients had two reports) and 214 AEs (average 1.9 AEs per report). Mild AEs were recorded as a reason for MC discontinuation for nine patients, but no AE reports were available. The most common PTs for ingested MC (62 reports) were dizziness (12.9%), nausea (11.3%), somnolence (9.7%), and vomiting (8.1%), and for inhaled MC (23 reports), headache (13.0%) was the most common. The most frequent PTs associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant MC (25 reports) were dizziness and somnolence (12.0% each); for cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant MC (20 reports), vomiting (20.0%) was most common; and dizziness (17.2%), nausea (13.8%), somnolence (10.3%), and headache (8.6%) were the most frequent for balanced MC (58 reports). CONCLUSION No new safety concerns were identified relative to the published literature, although notable differences in AE profile between modes of administration and cannabinoid content ratios should be considered by health professionals. Further work identifying and managing risk factors for AEs is warranted to maintain a favorable benefit-risk balance for MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Hachem
- Medical Cannabis Program in Oncology, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yola Moride
- Center for PharmacoEpidemiology and Treatment Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
- YolaRX Consultants, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | | | | | - Maja Kalaba
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, ON, Canada
| | - Andrée Néron
- Bureau d'évaluation médicale (Consultant on request in medical cannabis-related pharmacological assessments and needs for injured workers), Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Rihab Gamaoun
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marc O Martel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Beaulieu
- Département de pharmacologie et physiologie/Département d'anesthésiologie et de médecine de la douleur, Faculté de médecine de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark Ware
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Antonio Vigano
- Medical Cannabis Program in Oncology, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
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21
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Beldarrain G, Chillida M, Hilario E, Herrero de la Parte B, Álvarez A, Alonso-Alconada D. URB447 Is Neuroprotective in Both Male and Female Rats after Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia and Enhances Neurogenesis in Females. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1607. [PMID: 38338884 PMCID: PMC10855747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The need for new and effective treatments for neonates suffering from hypoxia-ischemia is urgent, as the only implemented therapy in clinics is therapeutic hypothermia, only effective in 50% of cases. Cannabinoids may modulate neuronal development and brain plasticity, but further investigation is needed to better describe their implication as a neurorestorative therapy after neonatal HI. The cannabinoid URB447, a CB1 antagonist/CB2 agonist, has previously been shown to reduce brain injury after HI, but it is not clear whether sex may affect its neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative effect. Here, URB447 strongly reduced brain infarct, improved neuropathological score, and augmented proliferative capacity and neurogenic response in the damaged hemisphere. When analyzing these effects by sex, URB447 ameliorated brain damage in both males and females, and enhanced cell proliferation and the number of neuroblasts only in females, thus suggesting a neuroprotective effect in males and a double neuroprotective/neurorestorative effect in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorane Beldarrain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Marc Chillida
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Enrique Hilario
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Borja Herrero de la Parte
- Department of Surgery and Radiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Antonia Álvarez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
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22
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Iyer V, Saberi SA, Pacheco R, Sizemore EF, Stockman S, Kulkarni A, Cantwell L, Thakur GA, Hohmann AG. Negative allosteric modulation of cannabinoid CB 1 receptor signaling suppresses opioid-mediated tolerance and withdrawal without blocking opioid antinociception. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.06.574477. [PMID: 38260598 PMCID: PMC10802405 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.06.574477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The direct blockade of CB 1 cannabinoid receptors produces therapeutic effects as well as adverse side-effects that limit their clinical potential. CB 1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) represent an indirect approach to decrease the affinity and/or efficacy of orthosteric cannabinoid ligands or endocannabinoids at CB 1 . We recently reported that GAT358, a CB 1 -NAM, blocked opioid-induced mesocorticolimbic dopamine release and reward via a CB 1 -allosteric mechanism of action. Whether a CB 1 -NAM dampens opioid-mediated therapeutic effects such as analgesia or alters other unwanted side-effects of opioids remain unknown. Here, we characterized the effects of GAT358 on nociceptive behaviors in the presence and absence of morphine. We examined the impact of GAT358 on formalin-evoked pain behavior and Fos protein expression, a marker of neuronal activation, in the lumbar dorsal horn. We also assessed the impact of GAT358 on morphine-induced slowing of colonic transit, tolerance, and withdrawal behaviors. GAT358 attenuated morphine antinociceptive tolerance without blocking acute antinociception. GAT358 also reduced morphine-induced slowing of colonic motility without impacting fecal boli production. GAT358 produced antinociception in the presence and absence of morphine in the formalin model of inflammatory nociception and reduced the number of formalin-evoked Fos protein-like immunoreactive cells in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn. Finally, GAT358 mitigated the somatic signs of naloxone-precipitated, but not spontaneous, opioid withdrawal following chronic morphine dosing in mice. Our results support the therapeutic potential of CB 1 -NAMs as novel drug candidates aimed at preserving opioid-mediated analgesia while preventing their unwanted side-effects. Our studies also uncover previously unrecognized antinociceptive properties associated with an arrestin-biased CB 1 -NAMs. Highlights CB 1 negative allosteric modulator (NAM) GAT358 attenuated morphine tolerance GAT358 reduced morphine-induced slowing of colonic motility but not fecal productionGAT358 was antinociceptive for formalin pain alone and when combined with morphineGAT358 reduced formalin-evoked Fos protein expression in the lumbar spinal cordGAT358 mitigated naloxone precipitated withdrawal after chronic morphine dosing.
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23
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Johnstone S, Sorkhou M, Zhang M, Dermody SS, Rabin RA, George TP. Cannabis cravings predict cigarette use in schizophrenia: a secondary analysis from two cannabis abstinence studies. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2024; 50:95-105. [PMID: 38214479 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2292010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
CLINICAL TRIAL NAME Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Cannabis Use and Cognitive Outcomes in SchizophreniaURL: www.clinicaltrials.gov; Registration Number: NCT03189810.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Johnstone
- Addictions Division and Centre for Complex Interventions (CCI), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maryam Sorkhou
- Addictions Division and Centre for Complex Interventions (CCI), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Molly Zhang
- Addictions Division and Centre for Complex Interventions (CCI), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah S Dermody
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel A Rabin
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tony P George
- Addictions Division and Centre for Complex Interventions (CCI), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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24
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Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Gorman BL, Dodson H, Ramineni S, Wallace ED, Peace MR, Poklis JL, Jiang W, Fitting S. Effects of acute Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on behavior and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice. Brain Res 2024; 1822:148638. [PMID: 37858856 PMCID: PMC10873064 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use is highly prevalent especially among people living with HIV (PLWH). Activation of the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective endocannabinoid system by phytocannabinoids, i.e. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been proposed to reduce HIV symptoms. However, THC's effects on HIV-related memory deficits are unclear. Using HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice, the current study investigates acute THC effects on various behavioral outcomes and the endocannabinoid system. For the rodent tetrad model, THC doses (1, 3, 10 mg/kg) induced known antinociceptive effects, with Tat induction increasing antinociceptive THC effects at 3 and 10 mg/kg doses. Only minor or no effects were noted for acute THC on body temperature, locomotor activity, and coordination. Increased anxiety-like behavior was found for females compared to males, but acute THC had no effect on anxiety. Object recognition memory was diminished by acute THC in Tat(-) females but not Tat(+) females, without affecting males. The endocannabinoid system and related lipids were not affected by acute THC, except for THC-induced decreases in CB1R protein expression levels in the spinal cord of Tat(-) mice. Female sex and Tat induction was associated with elevated 2-AG, AEA, AA, CB1R, CB2R, FAAH and/or MAGL expression in various brain regions. Further, AEA levels in the prefrontal cortex of Tat(+) females were negatively associated with object recognition memory. Overall, findings indicate that acute THC exerts differential effects on antinociception and memory, dependent on sex and HIV Tat expression, potentially in relation to an altered endocannabinoid system, which may be of relevance in view of potential cannabis-based treatment options for PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barkha J Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Benjamin L Gorman
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hailey Dodson
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shreya Ramineni
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - E Diane Wallace
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michelle R Peace
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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25
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Abstract
The cannabis plant has been used for centuries to manage the symptoms of various ailments including pain. Hundreds of chemical compounds have been identified and isolated from the plant and elicit a variety of physiological responses by binding to specific receptors and interacting with numerous other proteins. In addition, the body makes its own cannabinoid-like compounds that are integrally involved in modulating normal and pathophysiological processes. As the legal cannabis landscape continues to evolve within the United States and throughout the world, it is important to understand the rich science behind the effects of the plant and the implications for providers and patients. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the basic science of the cannabinoids by describing the discovery and function of the endocannabinoid system, pharmacology of cannabinoids, and areas for future research and therapeutic development as they relate to perioperative and chronic pain medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sideris
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- HSS Research Institute, New York, New York
| | | | - Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
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26
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Thurgur H, Lynskey M, Schlag AK, Croser C, Nutt DJ, Iveson E. Feasibility of a cannabidiol-dominant cannabis-based medicinal product for the treatment of long COVID symptoms: A single-arm open-label feasibility trial. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38105651 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15988] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To conduct a single-arm open-label feasibility trial of the safety and tolerability of a full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant cannabis-based medicinal product for treating the symptoms of long COVID. METHODS The treatment phase ran for a total of 21 weeks, followed by ~3 weeks without the study drug. Participants received up to 3 mL of MediCabilis 5% CBD Oil (50 mg CBD/mL, <2 mg δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol/mL) per day orally. Monthly patient-reported outcome measures of common symptoms and daily self-report of symptoms were collected via a smartphone app. Key measures of heart rate, activity, sleep and oxygen saturation were assessed using wearable technology. RESULTS Twelve (1 male, 11 female) individuals diagnosed with long COVID were recruited into the trial. All participants adhered to the treatment protocol for the duration of the study and there were no serious adverse events. Response rates for the research assessments were high with over 90% completion of patient-reported outcome measures and daily self-report. CONCLUSION The study drug was safe and well-tolerated, demonstrating feasibility of CBD-dominant cannabis-based medicinal products in individuals diagnosed with long COVID. However, there were limitations in research design related to recruitment strategy demonstrating a lack of feasibility in the approach implemented in this study. Future work with larger samples and incorporating a control group are required to test the efficacy of this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne Katrin Schlag
- Drug Science, London, UK
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - David John Nutt
- Drug Science, London, UK
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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27
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Slivicki RA, Wang JG, Nhat VTT, Kravitz AV, Creed MC, Gereau RW. Impact of Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and oxycodone co-administration on measures of antinociception, dependence, circadian activity, and reward in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.04.569809. [PMID: 38105953 PMCID: PMC10723318 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.04.569809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Oxycodone is commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain disorders. While efficacious, long-term use can result in tolerance, physical dependence, and the development of opioid use disorder. Cannabis and its derivatives such as Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) have been reported to enhance oxycodone analgesia in animal models and in humans. However, it remains unclear if Δ9-THC may facilitate unwanted aspects of oxycodone intake, such as tolerance, dependence, and reward at analgesic doses. This study sought to evaluate the impact of co-administration of Δ9-THC and oxycodone across behavioral measures related to antinociception, dependence, circadian activity, and reward in both male and female mice. Oxycodone and Δ9-THC produced dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in the hotplate assay that were similar between sexes. Repeated treatment (twice daily for 5 days) resulted in antinociceptive tolerance. Combination treatment of oxycodone and Δ9-THC produced a greater antinociceptive effect than either administered alone, and delayed the development of antinociceptive tolerance. Repeated treatment with oxycodone produced physical dependence and alterations in circadian activity, neither of which were exacerbated by co-treatment with Δ9-THC. Combination treatment of oxycodone and Δ9-THC produced CPP when co-administered at doses that did not produce preference when administered alone. These data indicate that Δ9-THC may facilitate oxycodone-induced antinociception without augmenting certain unwanted features of opioid intake (e.g. dependence, circadian rhythm alterations). However, our findings also indicate that Δ9-THC may facilitate rewarding properties of oxycodone at therapeutically relevant doses which warrant consideration when evaluating this combination for its potential therapeutic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Slivicki
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Justin G. Wang
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Vy Trinh Tran Nhat
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Alexxai V. Kravitz
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Meaghan C. Creed
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Robert W. Gereau
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
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28
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Wang Y, Robinson KR, Fechtel H, Hartog A. Medical Cannabis Use and Its Impact on Health Among Older Adults: Recent Research Findings and Future Directions. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023; 10:837-843. [PMID: 38586531 PMCID: PMC10997349 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00519-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review With the rapidly changing landscape of state level legalization of cannabis, older adults have become one of the fastest growing populations seeking medical cannabis (MC). However, research evidence on the risks and benefits of MC use in this population remains limited. This review aims to synthesize recent literature on the impacts of MC use in older adults and identify critical knowledge gaps to be addressed in future research. Recent Findings Recent literature showed that older adults often face financial and/or educational barriers and stigma associated with MC access. Emerging data showed that MC may have therapeutic effects on symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety/depression, dementia, nausea, and vomiting. However, available evidence is inconsistent and tends to rely on self-report and uncontrolled studies. While some adverse events associated with MC use were reported, it is generally well tolerated in older adults. Neurocognitive and psychological consequences and cardiovascular risks have been reported but again only in limited studies with inconsistent findings. Summary There is a need for more systematic and rigorous research on MC in older adults to determine its safety and efficacy. Research on dosing procedures and product characteristics, as well as how these may impact health outcomes, is crucial. More consistent evidence is needed to inform policy changes and patient/physician education to minimize potential risks and optimize benefits among older adults seeking MC as an alternative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kendall R. Robinson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Hannah Fechtel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Alexis Hartog
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Sahlem GL, Dowdle LT, Baker NL, Sherman BJ, Gray KM, McRae-Clark AL, Froeliger B, Squeglia LM. Exploring the Utility of a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Cannabis Cue-Reactivity Paradigm in Treatment Seeking Adults with Cannabis Use Disorder. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.14.23298485. [PMID: 38014250 PMCID: PMC10680897 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.23298485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies examining cue-reactivity in cannabis use disorder (CUD) to date have either involved non-treatment seeking participants or been small. We addressed this gap by administering an fMRI cue-reactivity task to CUD participants entering two separate clinical trials. Methods Treatment-seeking participants with moderate or severe CUD had behavioral craving measured at baseline via the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire (MCQ-SF). They additionally completed a visual cannabis cue-reactivity paradigm during fMRI following 24-hours of abstinence from cannabis. During fMRI, the Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) signal was acquired while participants viewed cannabis-images or matched-neutral-images. BOLD responses were correlated with the MCQ-SF using a General Linear Model. Results N=65 participants (32% female; mean age 30.4±9.9SD) averaged 46.3±15.5SD on the MCQ-SF. When contrasting cannabis-images vs. matched-neutral-images, participants showed greater BOLD response in bilateral ventromedial prefrontal, dorsolateral prefrontal, anterior cingulate, and visual cortices, as well as the striatum. Similarly, there was stronger task-based functional-connectivity (tbFC) between the medial prefrontal cortex and both the amygdala and the visual cortex. There were no significant differences in either activation or tbFC between studies or between sexes. Craving negatively correlated with BOLD response in the left ventral striatum (R 2 =-0.25; p =0.01). Conclusions We found that, among two separate treatment-seeking CUD groups, cannabis cue-reactivity was evidenced by greater activation and tbFC in regions related to executive function and reward processing, and craving was negatively associated with cue-reactivity in the ventral striatum. Future directions include examining if pharmacological, neuromodulatory, or psychosocial interventions can alter corticostriatal cue-reactivity.
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Souza CF, Borges LB, Oliveira FRMB, Silva PCDS, Patricio DO, Rosales TO, Souza NF, Spiller F, Mansur DS, Assreuy J, Sordi R. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptor agonist reduces local and systemic inflammation associated with pneumonia-induced sepsis in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 959:176092. [PMID: 37797676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis is a severe condition secondary to dysregulated host response to infection leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Cannabinoid CB2 receptor has modulatory effects on the immune response. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of a cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist on the local and systemic inflammatory process associated with pneumonia-induced sepsis. Pneumonia-induced sepsis was induced in mice by intratracheal inoculation of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were collected 6, 24, or 48 h after surgery. Mice were treated with CB2 agonist (AM1241, 0.3 and 3 mg/kg, i.p.) and several parameters of inflammation were evaluated 24 h after sepsis induction. Polymorphonuclear cell migration to the infectious focus peaked 24 h after pneumonia-induced sepsis induction in male and female animals. Septic male mice presented a significant reduction of cannabinoid CB2 receptor density in the lung tissue after 24 h, which was not observed in females. CB2 expression in BAL macrophages was also reduced in septic animals. Treatment of septic mice with AM1241 reduced cell migration, local infection, myeloperoxidase activity, protein extravasation, and NOS-2 expression in the lungs. In addition, the treatment reduced plasma IL-1β, increased IL-10 and reduced the severity and mortality of septic animals. These results suggest that AM1241 promotes an interesting balance in the inflammatory response, maintaining lung function and preventing organ injury. Therefore, cannabinoid CB2 receptors are potential targets to control the excessive inflammatory process that occurs in severe conditions, and agonists of these receptors can be considered promising adjuvants in pneumonia-induced sepsis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Oliveira Patricio
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology anda Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernando Spiller
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | - Daniel Santos Mansur
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology anda Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | - Jamil Assreuy
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | - Regina Sordi
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil.
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Bahramnejad E, Barney ER, Lester S, Hurtado A, Thompson T, Watkins JC, Hammer MF. Greater female than male resilience to mortality and morbidity in the Scn8a mouse model of pediatric epilepsy. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37929583 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2279497] [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: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Females and males of all ages are affected by epilepsy; however, unlike many clinical studies, most preclinical research has focused on males. Genetic variants in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene, SCN8A, are associated with a broad spectrum of neurological and epileptic syndromes. Here we investigate sex differences in the natural history of the Scn8a-N1768D knockin mouse model of pediatric epilepsy. METHODS We utilize 24/7 video to monitor juveniles and adults of both sexes to investigate variability in seizure activity (e.g. onset and frequency), mortality and morbidity, response to cannabinoids, and mode of death. We also monitor sleep architecture using a noninvasive piezoelectric method in order to identify factors that influence seizure severity and outcome. RESULTS Both sexes had nearly 100% penetrance in seizure onset and early mortality. However, adult heterozygous (D/+) females were more resilient as exhibited by the ability to tolerate more seizures over a longer lifespan. Homozygous (D/D) juveniles did not exhibit a sex difference in overall survival. Female estrus cycle was disrupted before seizure onset, while sleep was disrupted in both sexes in association with seizure onset. Females typically died while in convulsive status epilepticus; however, a high proportion of males died while not experiencing behavioral seizures. Only juvenile and adult males benefited from cannabinoid administration. CONCLUSIONS These results support the hypothesis that factors associated with sexual differentiation play a role in the neurobiology of epilepsy and point to the importance of including both sexes in the design of studies to identify new epilepsy therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Bahramnejad
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Emily R Barney
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Sarah Lester
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Aurora Hurtado
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | | | - Joseph C Watkins
- Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
| | - Michael F Hammer
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona, AZ, USA
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Jaspers I, Love CA. Weed, sex and influenza. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00619-2023. [PMID: 38020565 PMCID: PMC10680031 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00619-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The study by Miladet al. presents data addressing how inhalation of cannabis smoke affects influenza infections in mice, and uncovers responses that are different in male and female mice https://bit.ly/46qpTis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Jaspers
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Charlotte A. Love
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Bernusky HCR, Tibbo PG, Conrod PJ, Yunus FM, Keough MT, Thompson KD, Krank MD, Hadwin AF, Stewart SH. Do Anxiety Symptoms Mediate the Association Between Cannabis Use Frequency and Psychotic-Like Experiences in Emerging Adult Undergraduates? CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:860-869. [PMID: 37194263 PMCID: PMC10590089 DOI: 10.1177/07067437231176900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cannabis is commonly used by Canadian emerging adults (ages 18-25 years), many of whom attend post-secondary institutions. Frequent cannabis use is linked with psychotic-like experiences (PLEs); however, the exact nature of this association remains unclear. Anxiety symptoms may mediate this association, as they are prevalent in emerging adults and have been independently linked with both cannabis use and PLEs. Past work found that anxiety mediated the association between cannabis use frequency and attenuated positive psychotic symptoms (further along the psychosis continuum than PLEs), however this research had yet to be validated in the Canadian population, and trait rather than state anxiety (frequency of anxiety symptoms) was studied. Thus, our primary objective was to examine if anxiety symptoms mediated the association between cannabis use frequency and PLEs in Canadian emerging adult undergraduates. Despite known sex differences in cannabis use, expression of anxiety, and PLEs, past work did not evaluate the potential impact of biological sex on the anxiety-mediated model, and thus is the secondary objective of the present study. METHODS 1,266 first-/second-year emerging adult undergraduates from five Canadian universities provided cross-sectional, self-report survey data in fall 2021 semester. Validated measures of cannabis use frequency, anxiety, and PLEs were administered. RESULTS Path analyses supported mediation from cannabis use to PLEs through anxiety (b = 0.07, P < 0.001, 95% bootstrap CI [0.03, 0.10]). No direct effect was found (P = 0.457), suggesting that the cannabis-to-PLEs association was mediated by anxiety. Mediation did not depend on biological sex (i.e., bootstrapped 95% CIs crossed zero). CONCLUSIONS Anxiety symptoms mediated the association between cannabis use and PLEs in emerging adults regardless of their biological sex. Assuming replication in prospective research, results highlight anxiety as an important intervention target in frequent cannabis-using emerging adults, to potentially prevent development/worsening of PLEs, and in turn psychotic illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip G. Tibbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Patricia J. Conrod
- Département de psychiatrie et d’addictologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fakir Md. Yunus
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Matthew T. Keough
- Department of Psychology, York University, North York, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kara D. Thompson
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Marvin D. Krank
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Allyson F. Hadwin
- Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sherry H. Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Hjorthøj C, Compton W, Starzer M, Nordholm D, Einstein E, Erlangsen A, Nordentoft M, Volkow ND, Han B. Association between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia stronger in young males than in females. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7322-7328. [PMID: 37140715 PMCID: PMC10719679 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723000880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggests an increase in schizophrenia population attributable risk fraction (PARF) for cannabis use disorder (CUD). However, sex and age variations in CUD and schizophrenia suggest the importance of examining differences in PARFs in sex and age subgroups. METHODS We conducted a nationwide Danish register-based cohort study including all individuals aged 16-49 at some point during 1972-2021. CUD and schizophrenia status was obtained from the registers. Hazard ratios (HR), incidence risk ratios (IRR), and PARFs were estimated. Joinpoint analyses were applied to sex-specific PARFs. RESULTS We examined 6 907 859 individuals with 45 327 cases of incident schizophrenia during follow-up across 129 521 260 person-years. The overall adjusted HR (aHR) for CUD on schizophrenia was slightly higher among males (aHR = 2.42, 95% CI 2.33-2.52) than females (aHR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.89-2.17); however, among 16-20-year-olds, the adjusted IRR (aIRR) for males was more than twice that for females (males: aIRR = 3.84, 95% CI 3.43-4.29; females: aIRR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.53-2.15). During 1972-2021, the annual average percentage change in PARFs for CUD in schizophrenia incidence was 4.8 among males (95% CI 4.3-5.3; p < 0.0001) and 3.2 among females (95% CI 2.5-3.8; p < 0.0001). In 2021, among males, PARF was 15%; among females, it was around 4%. CONCLUSIONS Young males might be particularly susceptible to the effects of cannabis on schizophrenia. At a population level, assuming causality, one-fifth of cases of schizophrenia among young males might be prevented by averting CUD. Results highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of CUD and policy decisions regarding cannabis use and access, particularly for 16-25-year-olds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Hjorthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health – CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Section of Epidemiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wilson Compton
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Marie Starzer
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health – CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte Nordholm
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health – CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emily Einstein
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Annette Erlangsen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health – CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health – CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nora D. Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Beth Han
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
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Campbell CM, Mun CJ, Hamilton KR, Bergeria CL, Huhn AS, Speed TJ, Vandrey R, Dunn KE. Within-subject, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled evaluation of combining the cannabinoid dronabinol and the opioid hydromorphone in adults with chronic pain. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1630-1638. [PMID: 37202479 PMCID: PMC10516978 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01597-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The potential synergistic effects of combining cannabinoids and opioids for analgesia has received considerable attention. No studies to date have evaluated this combination in patients with chronic pain. The present study aimed to evaluate the combined analgesic and drug effects of oral opioid (hydromorphone) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol), as well as their effects on physical and cognitive functioning, and human abuse potential (HAP) outcomes among individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This was a within-subject, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants (N = 37; 65% women; mean age = 62) diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis of ≥3/10 average pain intensity were included. Participants received (1) placebo-placebo, (2) hydromorphone (4 mg)-placebo; (3) dronabinol (10 mg)-placebo, and (4) hydromorphone (4 mg)-dronabinol (10 mg). Clinical and experimentally-induced pain, physical and cognitive function, subjective drug effects, HAP, adverse events, and pharmacokinetics were evaluated. No significant analgesic effects were observed for clinical pain severity or physical functioning across all drug conditions. Little enhancement of hydromorphone analgesia by dronabinol was observed on evoked pain indices. While subjective drug effects and some HAP ratings were increased in the combined drug condition, these were not significantly increased over the dronabinol alone condition. No serious adverse events were reported; hydromorphone produced more mild adverse events than placebo, but hydromorphone + dronabinol produced more moderate adverse events than both placebo and hydromorphone alone. Only hydromorphone impaired cognitive performance. Consistent with laboratory studies on healthy adults, the present study shows minimal benefit of combining dronabinol (10 mg) and hydromorphone (4 mg) for analgesia and improving physical functioning in adults with KOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Campbell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Chung Jung Mun
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Katrina R Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cecilia L Bergeria
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Traci J Speed
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ryan Vandrey
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Bernabeu A, Bara A, Murphy Green MN, Manduca A, Wager-Miller J, Borsoi M, Lassalle O, Pelissier-Alicot AL, Chavis P, Mackie K, Manzoni OJ. Sexually Dimorphic Adolescent Trajectories of Prefrontal Endocannabinoid Synaptic Plasticity Equalize in Adulthood, Reflected by Endocannabinoid System Gene Expression. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:749-767. [PMID: 37015060 PMCID: PMC10701511 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: How sex influences prefrontal cortexes (PFCs) synaptic development through adolescence remains unclear. Materials and Methods: In this study we describe sex-specific cellular and synaptic trajectories in the rat PFC from adolescence to adulthood. Results: The excitability of PFC layer 5 pyramidal neurons was lower in adult females compared with other developmental stages. The developmental course of endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression (eCB-LTD) was sexually dimorphic, unlike long-term potentiation or mGluR3-LTD. eCB-LTD was expressed in juvenile females but appeared only at puberty in males. Endovanilloid TRPV1R or eCB receptors were engaged during LTD in a sequential and sexually dimorphic manner. Gene expression of the eCB/vanilloid systems was sequential and sex specific. LTD-incompetent juvenile males had elevated expression levels of the CB1R-interacting inhibitory protein cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a and of the 2-arachidonoylglycerol-degrading enzyme ABHD6. Pharmacological inhibition of ABHD6 or MAGL enabled LTD in young males, whereas inhibition of anandamide degradation was ineffective. Conclusions: These results reveal sex differences in the maturational trajectories of the rat PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Bernabeu
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Anissa Bara
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Michelle N. Murphy Green
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Antonia Manduca
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Jim Wager-Miller
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Milene Borsoi
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Olivier Lassalle
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Anne-Laure Pelissier-Alicot
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- APHM, CHU Timone Adultes, Service de Médecine Légale, Marseille, France
| | - Pascale Chavis
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Olivier J.J. Manzoni
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Cannalab Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERM-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Craft RM, Gogulski HY, Freels TG, Glodosky NC, McLaughlin RJ. Vaporized cannabis extract-induced antinociception in male vs female rats with persistent inflammatory pain. Pain 2023; 164:2036-2047. [PMID: 37027147 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although preclinical studies generally report robust antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids in rodent persistent pain models, randomized controlled trials in chronic pain patients report limited pain relief from cannabis/cannabinoids. Differences between animal and human studies that may contribute to these discrepant findings include route of cannabis/cannabinoid administration, type of cannabis/cannabinoid, and how pain is measured. To address these factors, rats with complete Freund adjuvant (CFA)-induced hind paw inflammation were exposed acutely or repeatedly to vaporized cannabis extract that was either tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD)dominant. One measure of evoked pain (mechanical threshold), 2 functional measures of pain (hind paw weight-bearing, and locomotor activity), and hind paw edema were assessed for up to 2 hours after vapor exposure. Acute exposure to vaporized THC-dominant extract (200 or 400 mg/mL) decreased mechanical allodynia and hind paw edema and increased hind paw weight-bearing and locomotor activity, with no sex differences. After repeated exposure to vaporized THC-dominant extract (twice daily for 3 days), only the antiallodynic effect was significant. Acute exposure to vaporized CBD-dominant cannabis extract (200 mg/mL) did not produce any effects in either sex; repeated exposure to this extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/mL) decreased mechanical allodynia in male rats only. Sex differences (or lack thereof) in the effects of vaporized cannabis extracts were not explained by sex differences in plasma levels of THC, CBD, or their major metabolites. These results suggest that although vaporized THC-dominant extract is likely to be modestly effective against inflammatory pain in both male and female rats, tolerance may develop, and the CBD-dominant extract may be effective only in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Timothy G Freels
- Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | | | - Ryan J McLaughlin
- Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Cinquina V, Keimpema E, Pollak DD, Harkany T. Adverse effects of gestational ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid imbalance on the programming of fetal brain development. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13320. [PMID: 37497857 PMCID: PMC10909496 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a key medical challenge of our time. The increasing number of children born to overweight or obese women is alarming. During pregnancy, the circulation of the mother and her fetus interact to maintain the uninterrupted availability of essential nutrients for fetal organ development. In doing so, the mother's dietary preference determines the amount and composition of nutrients reaching the fetus. In particular, the availability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), chiefly their ω-3 and ω-6 subclasses, can change when pregnant women choose a specific diet. Here, we provide a succinct overview of PUFA biochemistry, including exchange routes between ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs, the phenotypes, and probable neurodevelopmental disease associations of offspring born to mothers consuming specific PUFAs, and their mechanistic study in experimental models to typify signaling pathways, transcriptional, and epigenetic mechanisms by which PUFAs can imprint long-lasting modifications to brain structure and function. We emphasize that the ratio, rather than the amount of individual ω-3 or ω-6 PUFAs, might underpin physiologically correct cellular differentiation programs, be these for neurons or glia, during pregnancy. Thereupon, the PUFA-driven programming of the brain is contextualized for childhood obesity, metabolic, and endocrine illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cinquina
- Department of Molecular NeurosciencesCenter for Brain Research, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Erik Keimpema
- Department of Molecular NeurosciencesCenter for Brain Research, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Daniela D. Pollak
- Department of Neurophysiology and NeuropharmacologyCenter for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Tibor Harkany
- Department of Molecular NeurosciencesCenter for Brain Research, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Deaprtment of NeuroscienceBiomedicum 7D, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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Struble CA, Borodovsky JT, Habib MI, Hasin DS, Shmulewitz D, Livne O, Walsh C, Aharonovich E, Budney AJ. Extending Gender- and Sex-Based Analyses in Cannabis Research: Findings from an Online Sample of Gender Diverse Young Adult Consumers. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37594777 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Gender and sex can influence cannabis behaviors and consequences (Cannabis Use Disorder [CUD]). Research typically examines sex and gender independently. Gender analyses often exclude transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations. The objectives of this study were to (a) replicate less frequent cannabis use among TGD young adults compared to cisgender counterparts (b) compare severity of CUD, and (c) examine the role of sex on cannabis outcomes. Method: Online survey participants between 18 and 34 (N=1213) from the United States who reported past-week cannabis consumption provided information on cannabis practices and CUD from February to April 2022. Bivariate analyses explored gender differences across frequency (daily frequency across routes of administration [ROAs]; daily use of 2+ ROAs, use throughout the day) and CUD. Adjusted regression models provided model-estimated marginal probabilities and means to examine differences across four gender-by-sex categories (cisgender men: n=385; cisgender women: n=681; male-at-birth TGD: n=26; female-at-birth TGD: n=121). Benjamini-Hochberg adjustments (10% false discovery rate) were applied. Results: Among past-week consumers, female-at-birth TGD participants demonstrated lower probability of daily flower smoking compared to cisgender men (0.54 vs. 0.67). Cisgender men reported greater probability of daily concentrate vaping (0.55) compared to cisgender women (0.45) and female-at-birth TGD participants (0.27); they were also more likely to report daily use of 2+ ROAs (cisgender men: 0.51 vs. cisgender women: 0.39 and female at-birth TGD: 0.27). TGD participants reported greater CUD severity compared to cisgender counterparts, t(1096)=-3.69, p=0.002. Model-estimated means found lower severity among cisgender women compared to cisgender men and female-at-birth TGD participants. Stratified regression models support positive associations between daily cannabis use and CUD in both TGD in cisgender groups. Among cisgender participants, greater severity was predicted by male sex, younger age, and younger age of onset. Conclusions: The present study replicates and extends a prior finding that among past-week cannabis consumers, TGD young adults report less frequent use than cisgender counterparts. Despite this, TGD participants demonstrated greater severity of CUD. While analyses were limited by the small sample of male-at-birth TGD participants, the article highlights the importance of expanding sex- and gender-focused analyses. Future work is expanding efforts to target hard-to-reach consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara A Struble
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jacob T Borodovsky
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Mohammad I Habib
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ofir Livne
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Claire Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Efrat Aharonovich
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan J Budney
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
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40
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MacNair L, Eglit GML, Mosesova I, Bonn-Miller MO, Peters EN. Sex Differences in the Safety and Subjective Effects of Two Oral Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Containing Cannabis Products over Multiple Doses Among Healthy Adults. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37582197 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A growing number of females report consuming cannabis products. There is a paucity of data on sex differences in safety and subjective effects after repeated use of varying oral doses of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis). Materials and Methods: Data were from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose, between-subject trials of two THC-containing oral cannabis products. Healthy adults received placebo, low-dose THC (∼2.5 or ∼5 mg per dose), or high-dose THC (∼7.5 or ∼10 mg per dose) twice daily for 7 days. There were 38 males (8 placebo, 17 low-dose THC, 13 high-dose THC) and 46 females (8 placebo, 17 low-dose THC, 21 high-dose THC). Analyses compared adverse events (AEs) and subjective effects between males and females, by THC dose. Results: In the placebo and low-dose THC groups, there were no sex differences in the relative rate of AEs. In the high-dose THC group, females versus males reported 3.08 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.31-8.33) times as many AEs. There were no significant interactions of sex×low-dose THC group for any subjective effect. In the high-dose THC group, females versus males reported greater "relaxed" ratings (b=15.14, 95% CI=1.44-28.84, p=0.027), whereas in the placebo group, males versus females reported greater ratings of "liking the effect" (b=-30.01, 95% CI=2.77-57.26, p=0.028). Although analyses were underpowered to assess the sex×THC dose×day interaction, the initial sex disparity in AEs and some subjective effects in the high-dose THC group appeared to shrink after the first day. Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis, sex differences in some responses to oral THC were nuanced. Females appeared more sensitive than males to AEs and some subjective effects at higher but not lower doses. Males reported higher ratings than females on some subjective effects in response to placebo. Initial sex differences in response to higher doses of oral THC tended to diminish over 7 days of dosing. If replicated, findings could help inform sex-specific dosing strategies of medical cannabis products and could help educate medical cannabis patients on any temporality of effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura MacNair
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Irina Mosesova
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Erica N Peters
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada
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41
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Shmulewitz D, Budney AJ, Borodovsky JT, Bujno JM, Walsh CA, Struble CA, Livne O, Habib MI, Aharonovich E, Hasin DS. Dimensionality and differential functioning of DSM-5 cannabis use disorder criteria in an online sample of adults with frequent cannabis use. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:211-221. [PMID: 37224773 PMCID: PMC10330577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD) combine DSM-IV dependence and abuse criteria (without legal problems) and new withdrawal and craving criteria. Information on dimensionality, internal reliability, and differential functioning of the DSM-5 CUD criteria is lacking. Additionally, dimensionality of the DSM-5 withdrawal items is unknown. This study examined the psychometric properties of the DSM-5 CUD criteria among adults who used cannabis in the past 7 days (N = 5,119). Adults with frequent cannabis use were recruited from the US general population through social media and filled in a web-based survey about demographics and cannabis use behaviors. Factor analysis was used to assess dimensionality, and item response theory analysis models were used to explore relationships between the criteria and the underlying latent trait (CUD), and whether each criterion and the criteria set functioned differently by demographic and clinical characteristics: sex, age, state-level cannabis laws, reasons for cannabis use, and frequency of use. The DSM-5 CUD criteria showed unidimensionality and provided information about the CUD latent trait across the severity spectrum. The cannabis withdrawal items indicated one underlying latent factor. While some CUD criteria functioned differently in specific subgroups, the criteria set as a whole functioned similarly across subgroups. In this online sample of adults with frequent cannabis use, evidence supports the reliability, validity, and utility of the DSM-5 CUD diagnostic criteria set, which can be used for determining a major risk of cannabis use, i.e., CUD, to inform cannabis policies and public health messaging, and for developing intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dvora Shmulewitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Alan J Budney
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, 46 Centerra Pkwy, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, 1 Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Jacob T Borodovsky
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, 46 Centerra Pkwy, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, 1 Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Julia M Bujno
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Claire A Walsh
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Cara A Struble
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, 46 Centerra Pkwy, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, 1 Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Ofir Livne
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Mohammad I Habib
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, 46 Centerra Pkwy, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA.
| | - Efrat Aharonovich
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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42
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Lake S, Haney M, Cooper ZD. Sex differences in the subjective and reinforcing effects of smoked cannabis. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13301. [PMID: 37369126 PMCID: PMC10300354 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have shown sex-based differences in the reinforcing effects of cannabinoid 1 receptor agonists such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This study sought to test whether these sex differences translate to humans by assessing the subjective and reinforcing effects of smoked cannabis in male and female volunteers. We pooled data (n = 68; 55M, 13F) from two within-subject randomized controlled trials of healthy, ≥weekly cannabis users comparing the subjective and reinforcing effects of smoked active (~25 mg THC) versus placebo cannabis (0-mg THC). Subjective ratings of drug effects and mood were measured using visual analogue scales, and reinforcing effects were measured with a cannabis self-administration task. Sex-dependent outcomes were explored using generalized linear mixed models. Under active cannabis conditions, female participants reported greater reductions from baseline in cannabis craving and significantly higher cannabis-specific ratings of strength, liking, willingness to take again and good effect, compared with males (interaction p < 0.05). Placebo and active cannabis were self-administered by 22% and 36% of male participants, respectively, and by 15% and 54% of female participants, respectively. Receipt of active cannabis significantly increased likelihood of self-administration (p = 0.011), but a sex difference was not detected (p = 0.176). Although females were more sensitive to certain positive subjective effects of active cannabis, they were not more likely than males to self-administer it. These findings highlight the need to test sex differences as a primary objective in experimental studies and may shed light on accelerated trajectories from initiation to cannabis use disorder observed among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lake
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite 38-418, Los Angeles, CA, 90095
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095
| | - Margaret Haney
- Department of Psychiatry, Division on Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 120, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Ziva D. Cooper
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite 38-418, Los Angeles, CA, 90095
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Suite 3325, Los Angeles, CA, 90095
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43
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Yousufzai SJ, Cole AG, Nonoyama M, Barakat C. Changes in Quantity Measures of Various Forms of Cannabis Consumption among Emerging Adults in Canada in Relation to Policy and Public Health Developments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6213. [PMID: 37444061 PMCID: PMC10341313 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Limited research examines changes in quantities of various forms of smoked/vaped cannabis among regular consumers, including emerging adults (EAs; 18 to 29) in Canada. This information is particularly relevant in the current context of emerging cannabis behaviors among EAs related to political amendments (legalization of cannabis), vaping-related lung illnesses (EVALI), and unprecedented pandemics (COVID-19). This study investigated the impact of legalizing recreational cannabis use in Canada, the EVALI epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic on the quantity of smoked/vaped forms of cannabis in relation to gender differences. EAs retrospectively self-reported the quantity of herb, hash, concentrates, joint size, and the number of joints and vaping cartridges in relation to three consecutive developments: pre-legalization, post-legalization; pre-EVALI, post-EVALI, pre-COVID-19, and during COVID-19. The quantity of herb use significantly increased among heavy users, and vaping quantity significantly increased among light users. Overall, an increasing incremental trend was observed in the average quantity of cannabis forms used over time. Males consumed higher quantities of all cannabis forms than females. More males than females reported using concentrates (p < 0.05). These findings reveal unique aspects of the amount of various cannabis forms smoked/vaped in relation to gender and provides preliminary evidence of cannabis consumption behaviors in relation to changing social and cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. Yousufzai
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4, Canada; (A.G.C.); (M.N.); (C.B.)
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Flores VA, Kisiolek JN, Ramani A, Townsend R, Rodriguez E, Butler B, Stewart LK. Effects of Oral Cannabidiol on Health and Fitness in Healthy Adults: An 8-Week Randomized Trial. Nutrients 2023; 15:2664. [PMID: 37375567 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of research on the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on health-related fitness, physical activity, cognitive health, psychological wellbeing, and concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in healthy individuals. CBD has potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. METHODS This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of CBD on the above-mentioned measures in healthy individuals. Forty-eight participants were randomized into two groups receiving either oral capsules of 50 mg of CBD or a calorie-matched placebo daily. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention assessments, including blood draws, body composition, fitness, physical activity, and self-reported surveys. RESULTS There were no significant differences between groups regarding body composition, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, physical activity, cognitive health, psychological wellbeing, and resting CRP concentrations. However, the placebo group experienced a decline in mean peak power and relative peak power compared to the CBD group. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that 8 weeks of CBD supplementation may prevent declines in anaerobic fitness over time. However, long-term CBD supplementation may not be beneficial for altering measures of health-related fitness, mental health, and inflammation in healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Flores
- Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jacob N Kisiolek
- Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Arjun Ramani
- Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Ryland Townsend
- Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Edwin Rodriguez
- Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Blake Butler
- Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Laura K Stewart
- Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
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45
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MacNair L, Kulpa J, Hill ML, Eglit GML, Mosesova I, Bonn-Miller MO, Peters EN. Sex Differences in the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol and Metabolites Following Oral Administration of a Cannabidiol-Dominant Cannabis Oil in Healthy Adults. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37267269 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Oral cannabidiol (CBD) product use is increasingly growing among women; however, there is a lack of data on sex differences in the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of CBD and its primary metabolites, 7-hydroxy-CBD (7-OH-CBD) and 7-carboxy-CBD (7-COOH-CBD), after repeated doses. Materials and Methods: The present study is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multiple-dose trial of a commercially available, CBD-dominant oral cannabis product. Healthy participants (n=17 males and 15 females) were randomized to receive 120 to 480 mg of CBD daily for 7 days. Dosing groups were pooled for all analyses due to sample size limitations. Analyses compared plasma PK parameters by sex, day, and sex×day. Results: For raw PK parameters for CBD and metabolites, there were no statistically significant effects of sex×day or sex (all p-values >0.05). For metabolite-to-parent ratios (MPRs) of AUC0-t, there were significant effects of the sex×day interactions for 7-OH-CBD (F=6.89, p=0.016) and 7-COOH-CBD (F=5.96, p=0.021). For 7-OH-CBD, follow-up analyses showed significant simple effects of day within females (t=4.13, p<0.001), but not within males (t=0.34, p=0.73), such that 7-OH-CBD MPRs increased significantly from day 1 to 7 for females, but not for males. For 7-COOH-CBD, follow-up analyses revealed significant simple effects of day within females (t=8.24, p<0.001) and males (t=5.20, p<0.001), therefore 7-COOH-CBD MPRs increased significantly from day 1 to 7 in both sexes, but the increase was significantly greater among females than among males. Within dosing days, there were no statistically significant simple effects of sex on MPRs of 7-OH-CBD or 7-COOH-CBD. Conclusions: Females exhibited greater relative exposure to CBD metabolites in plasma over time, which may reflect sex differences in CBD metabolism or elimination. Further research assessing the safety implications of higher relative exposure to CBD metabolites over longer periods of time is warranted to mirror typical consumer use patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura MacNair
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada
| | - Justyna Kulpa
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melanie L Hill
- UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Irina Mosesova
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Erica N Peters
- Canopy Growth Corporation, Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada
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Izquierdo-Luengo C, Ten-Blanco M, Ponce-Renilla M, Perezzan R, Pereda-Pérez I, Berrendero F. Adolescent exposure to the Spice/K2 cannabinoid JWH-018 impairs sensorimotor gating and alters cortical perineuronal nets in a sex-dependent manner. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:176. [PMID: 37225721 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02469-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The consumption of synthetic cannabinoids during adolescence is reported to be a risk factor for the appearance of psychiatric disorders later in life. JWH-018 was identified as one of the primary psychoactive components present in Spice/K2 preparations. This study evaluated the short- and long-term consequences of exposure to JWH-018 during the adolescence in anxiety-like behavior, fear extinction, and sensorimotor gating in male and female mice. Alterations in anxiety varied depending on the time interval between treatment and behavioral analysis along with sex, while no changes were observed in the extinction of fear memory. A decrease in prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex was revealed in male, but not female, mice at short- and long-term. This behavioral disturbance was associated with a reduction in the number of perineuronal nets in the prelimbic and infralimbic regions of the prefrontal cortex in the short-term. Furthermore, adolescent exposure to JWH-018 induced an activation of microglia and astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex of male mice at both time intervals. A transitory decrease in the expression of GAD67 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the prefrontal cortex was also found in male mice exposed to JWH-018. These data reveal that the treatment with JWH-018 during the adolescence leads to long-lasting neurobiological changes related to psychotic-like symptoms, which were sex-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Izquierdo-Luengo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Ten-Blanco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ponce-Renilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramiro Perezzan
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Pereda-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Fernando Berrendero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biosanitarias, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain.
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Allegra S, Chiara F, Di Grazia D, Gaspari M, De Francia S. Evaluation of Sex Differences in Preclinical Pharmacology Research: How Far Is Left to Go? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:786. [PMID: 37375734 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Until the last quarter of the 20th century, sex was not recognized as a variable in health research, nor was it believed to be a factor that could affect health and illness. Researchers preferred studying male models for a variety of reasons, such as simplicity, lower costs, hormone confounding effects, and fear of liability from perinatal exposure in case of pregnancy. Equitable representation is imperative for determining the safety, effectiveness, and tolerance of therapeutic agents for all consumers. Decades of female models' underrepresentation in preclinical studies has resulted in inequality in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of disease between the sexes. Sex bias has been highlighted as one of the contributing factors to the poor translation and replicability of preclinical research. There have been multiple calls for action, and the inclusion of sex as a biological variable is increasingly supported. However, although there has been substantial progress in the efforts to include more female models in preclinical studies, disparities today remain. In the present review, we consider the current standard practice of the preclinical research setting, why the sex bias exists, why there is the need to include female models, and what risks may arise from continuing this exclusion from experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Allegra
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiara
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Grazia
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Marco Gaspari
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Silvia De Francia
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
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Carrica LK, Choi CY, Walter FA, Noonan BL, Shi L, Johnson CT, Bradshaw HB, Liang NC, Gulley JM. Effects of combined use of alcohol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol on working memory in Long Evans rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 449:114475. [PMID: 37146720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114475] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The increase in social acceptance and legalization of cannabis over the last several years is likely to increase the prevalence of its co-use with alcohol. In spite of this, the potential for effects unique to co-use of these drugs, especially in moderate doses, has been studied relatively infrequently. We addressed this in the current study using a laboratory rat model of voluntary drug intake. Periadolescent male and female Long-Evans rats were allowed to orally self-administer ethanol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), both drugs, or their vehicle controls from postnatal day (P) 30 to P47. They were subsequently trained and tested on an instrumental behavior task that assesses attention, working memory and behavioral flexibility. Similar to previous work, consumption of THC reduced both ethanol and saccharin intake in both sexes. Blood samples taken 14h following the final self-administration session revealed that females had higher levels of the THC metabolite THC-COOH. There were modest effects of THC on our delayed matching to position (DMTP) task, with females exhibiting reduced performance compared to their control group or male, drug using counterparts. However, there were no significant effects of co-use of ethanol or THC on DMTP performance, and drug effects were also not apparent in the reversal learning phase of the task when non-matching to position was required as the correct response. These findings are consistent with other published studies in rodent models showing that use of these drugs in low to moderate doses does not significantly impact memory or behavioral flexibility following a protracted abstinence period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Carrica
- Department of Psychology, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Chan Young Choi
- Department of Psychology, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Francis A Walter
- Neuroscience Program and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Brynn L Noonan
- Department of Psychology, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Linyuan Shi
- Department of Psychology, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Clare T Johnson
- Department of Psychological & Brain Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological & Brain Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Nu-Chu Liang
- Department of Psychology, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Neuroscience Program and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Joshua M Gulley
- Department of Psychology, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Neuroscience Program and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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49
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Halbout B, Hutson C, Hua L, Inshishian V, Mahler SV, Ostlund SB. Long-term effects of THC exposure on reward learning and motivated behavior in adolescent and adult male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1151-1167. [PMID: 36933028 PMCID: PMC10102061 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid system makes critical contributions to reward processing, motivation, and behavioral control. Repeated exposure to THC or other cannabinoid drugs can cause persistent adaptions in the endocannabinoid system and associated neural circuitry. It remains unclear how such treatments affect the way rewards are processed and pursued. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We examined if repeated THC exposure (5 mg/kg/day for 14 days) during adolescence or adulthood led to long-term changes in rats' capacity to flexibly encode and use action-outcome associations for goal-directed decision making. Effects on hedonic feeding and progressive ratio responding were also assessed. RESULTS THC exposure had no effect on rats' ability to flexibly select actions following reward devaluation. However, instrumental contingency degradation learning, which involves avoiding an action that is unnecessary for reward delivery, was augmented in rats with a history of adult but not adolescent THC exposure. THC-exposed rats also displayed more vigorous instrumental behavior in this study, suggesting a motivational enhancement. A separate experiment found that while THC exposure had no effect on hedonic feeding behavior, it increased rats' willingness to work for food on a progressive ratio schedule, an effect that was more pronounced when THC was administered to adults. Adolescent and adult THC exposure had opposing effects on the CB1 receptor dependence of progressive ratio performance, decreasing and increasing sensitivity to rimonabant-induced behavioral suppression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that exposure to a translationally relevant THC exposure regimen induces long-lasting, age-dependent alterations in cognitive and motivational processes that regulate the pursuit of rewards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briac Halbout
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Collin Hutson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Leann Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Victoria Inshishian
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Sean B Ostlund
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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50
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Vallée A. Association between cannabis use and ten-year estimated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in a middle-aged population survey. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 111:69-76. [PMID: 36858942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.02.020] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between cardiovascular (CV) risk and cannabis use remains inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to examine sex stratified associations of the different lifetime aspects of cannabis use and estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk levels among the general UK Biobank population. METHODS Among 104,092 volunteers of the UK Biobank population, cannabis use status was assessed by questionnaire and range as heavy, moderate, low, and never users. Associations between cannabis use and ASCVD risk were estimated using multiple regressions. RESULTS Males presented a higher estimated 10-year ASCVD risk compared to females (7.96% vs. 2.24%, p < 0.001) and a higher proportion of heavy lifetime cannabis users (4.00% vs 2.01%, p < 0.001). In all covariate adjusted models, lifetime heavy cannabis use was associated with an increase in estimated 10-year ASCVD risk in both males and females, but with a higher effect among males (in males, B = 0.51 (0.34; 068), in females, B = 0.14 (0.05; 0.23)). When considering high estimated 10-year ASCVD risk (superior to 7.5%), similar results were observed, in males, OR=2.14 [1.82-2.51] and in females: OR=2.07 [1.35-3.17]). The current consumption of cannabis was associated with increased ASCVD risk in both males and females (p < 0.001). When considering the overall population, a significant interaction was observed between sex and cannabis use (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION A positive association between estimated 10-year ASCVD risk and heavy lifetime cannabis use was observed but this was higher in males. Longitudinal studies are needed in general populations to highlight the causal effects of cannabis on the atherosclerosis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology-Data-Biostatistics, Delegation of Clinical Research and Innovation (DRCI), Foch hospital, Suresnes 92150, France.
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