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Zacher A, Zimmermann J, Cole DM, Friedli N, Opitz A, Baumgartner MR, Steuer AE, Verdejo-Garcia A, Stock AK, Beste C, Quednow BB. Chemical cousins with contrasting behavioural profiles: MDMA users and methamphetamine users differ in social-cognitive functions and aggression. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 83:43-54. [PMID: 38642447 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.04.010] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH, "Crystal Meth") and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") share structural-chemical similarities but have distinct psychotropic profiles due to specific neurochemical actions. Previous research has suggested that their impact on social cognitive functions and social behaviour may differ significantly, however, direct comparisons of METH and MDMA users regarding social cognition and interaction are lacking. Performances in cognitive and emotional empathy (Multifaceted Empathy Test) and emotion sensitivity (Face Morphing Task), as well as aggressive social behaviour (Competitive Reaction Time Task) were assessed in samples of n = 40 chronic METH users, n = 39 chronic MDMA users and n = 86 stimulant-naïve controls (total N = 165). Self-reports and hair samples were used to obtain subjective and objective estimates of substance use patterns. METH users displayed diminished cognitive and emotional empathy towards positive stimuli, elevated punitive social behaviour regardless of provocation, and self-reported heightened trait anger relative to controls. MDMA users diverged from the control group only by exhibiting a distinct rise in punitive behaviour when faced with provocation. Correlation analyses indicated that both higher hair concentrations of MDMA and METH may be associated with reduced cognitive empathy. Moreover, greater lifetime MDMA use correlated with increased punitive behaviour among MDMA users. Our findings confirm elevated aggression and empathy deficits in chronic METH users, while chronic MDMA users only displayed more impulsive aggression. Dose-response correlations indicate that some of these deficits might be a consequence of use. Specifically, the dopaminergic mechanism of METH might be responsible for social-cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Zacher
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Josua Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Joint Center of University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David M Cole
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Translational Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Friedli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antje Opitz
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Verdejo-Garcia
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ann-Kathrin Stock
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Joint Center of University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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2
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Kroll SL, Meier P, Mayo LM, Gertsch J, Quednow BB. Endocannabinoids and related lipids linked to social exclusion in individuals with chronic non-medical prescription opioid use. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01881-8. [PMID: 38773316 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01881-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Opioid-related overdose deaths are still on the rise in North America, emphasizing the need to better understand the underlying neurobiological mechanisms regarding the development of opioid use disorder (OUD). Recent evidence from preclinical and clinical studies indicate that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may play a crucial role in stress and reward, both involved in the development and maintenance of substance use disorders. Animal models demonstrate a specific crosstalk between the ECS and the endogenous opioid system. However, translational studies in humans are scarce. Here, we investigated basal plasma levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyglycerol (2-AG), and eight endocannabinoid-related lipids, including oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), as well as whole blood fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity in chronic non-medical prescription opioid users (NMPOU; n = 21) compared to opioid-naïve healthy controls (n = 29) considering age, sex, and cannabis use as potential confounders. Additionally, the association of endocannabinoids and related lipids with the participants' response to experimentally induced social exclusion was examined. We found significantly elevated basal AEA, OEA, and PEA levels in NMPOU compared to controls, but no differences in FAAH activity, 2-AG, or other endocannabinoid-related lipids. Within NMPOU, higher AEA levels were associated with lower perception of social exclusion. Robust positive correlations within N-acylethanolamines (i.e., AEA, OEA, and PEA) indicate strong metabolic associations. Together with our recent findings of elevated basal 2-AG levels in dependent cocaine users, present results indicate substance-specific alterations of the ECS that may have implications in the search for novel therapeutic interventions for these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Kroll
- Social and Affective Neuropsychopharmacology, Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Philip Meier
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leah M Mayo
- Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Steinegger CA, Zoelch N, Hock A, Henning A, Engeli EJ, Pryce CR, Seifritz E, Herdener M, Hulka LM. Neurometabolic profile of the amygdala in smokers assessed with 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Neuroimage 2024; 288:120525. [PMID: 38278429 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120525] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is one of the main causes of premature death worldwide and quitting success remains low, highlighting the need to understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying relapse. Preclinical models have shown that the amygdala and glutamate play an important role in nicotine addiction. The aims of this study were to compare glutamate and other metabolites in the amygdala between smokers and controls, and between different smoking states. Furthermore, associations between amygdalar metabolite levels and smoking characteristics were explored. A novel non-water-suppressed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy protocol was applied to quantify neurometabolites in 28 male smokers (≥15 cigarettes/day) and 21 non-smoking controls, matched in age, education, verbal IQ, and weekly alcohol consumption. Controls were measured once (baseline) and smokers were measured in a baseline state (1-3 h abstinence), during withdrawal (24 h abstinence) and in a satiation state (directly after smoking). Baseline spectroscopy data were compared between groups by independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney-U tests. Smoking state differences were investigated by repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Associations between spectroscopy data and smoking characteristics were explored using Spearman correlations. Good spectral quality, high anatomical specificity (98% mean gray matter) and reliable quantification of most metabolites of interest were achieved in the amygdala. Metabolite levels did not differ between groups, but smokers showed significantly higher glutamine levels at baseline than satiation. Glx levels were negatively associated with pack-years and smoking duration. In summary, this study provides first insights into the neurometabolic profile of the amygdala in smokers with high anatomical specificity. By applying proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, neurometabolites in smokers during different smoking states and non-smoking controls were quantified reliably. A significant shift in glutamine levels between smoking states was detected, with lower concentrations in satiation than baseline. The negative association between Glx levels and smoking quantity and duration may imply altered glutamate homeostasis with more severe nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette A Steinegger
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Selnaustrasse 9, Zurich 8001, Switzerland.
| | - Niklaus Zoelch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hock
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Philips, Horgen, Switzerland
| | - Anke Henning
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Etna Je Engeli
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Selnaustrasse 9, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
| | - Christopher R Pryce
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Herdener
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Selnaustrasse 9, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
| | - Lea M Hulka
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Selnaustrasse 9, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
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Opitz A, Zimmermann J, Cole DM, Coray RC, Zachäi A, Baumgartner MR, Steuer AE, Pilhatsch M, Quednow BB, Beste C, Stock AK. Conflict monitoring and emotional processing in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine users - A comparative neurophysiological study. Neuroimage Clin 2024; 41:103579. [PMID: 38447413 PMCID: PMC10924209 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103579] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
In stimulant use and addiction, conflict control processes are crucial for regulating substance use and sustaining abstinence, which can be particularly challenging in social-affective situations. Users of methamphetamine (METH, "Ice") and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") both experience impulse control deficits, but display different social-affective and addictive profiles. We thus aimed to compare the effects of chronic use of the substituted amphetamines METH and MDMA on conflict control processes in different social-affective contexts (i.e., anger and happiness) and investigate their underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. For this purpose, chronic but recently abstinent users of METH (n = 38) and MDMA (n = 42), as well as amphetamine-naïve healthy controls (n = 83) performed an emotional face-word Stroop paradigm, while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Instead of substance-specific differences, both MDMA and METH users showed smaller behavioral effects of cognitive-emotional conflict processing (independently of emotional valence) and selective deficits in emotional processing of anger content. Both effects were underpinned by stronger P3 ERP modulations suggesting that users of substituted amphetamines employ altered stimulus-response mapping and decision-making. Given that these processes are modulated by noradrenaline and that both MDMA and METH use may be associated with noradrenergic dysfunctions, the noradrenaline system may underlie the observed substance-related similarities. Better understanding the functional relevance of this currently still under-researched neurotransmitter and its functional changes in chronic users of substituted amphetamines is thus an important avenue for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Opitz
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Josua Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David M Cole
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Translational Psychiatry Lab, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca C Coray
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Zachäi
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Pilhatsch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Elblandklinikum, Radebeul, Germany
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Stock
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, School of Science, TU Dresden, Germany.
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5
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Al-Radadi NS, Al-Bishri WM, Salem NA, ElShebiney SA. Plant-mediated green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Passiflora ligularis, optimization, characterizations, and their neuroprotective effect on propionic acid-induced autism in Wistar rats. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101921. [PMID: 38283153 PMCID: PMC10820356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study was conducted to examine an innovative method for synthesizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from an aqueous sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis Juss) P. ligularis. Furthermore, the synthesized AuNPs were used to explore their potential neuroprotective impact against propionic acid (PPA)-induced autism. A sweet granadilla extract was used to achieve the synthesis of AuNPs. The structural and dimensional dispersion of AuNPs were confirmed by different techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Pattern, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Zeta potential, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) analysis. The AuNPs mediated by P. ligularis adopt a spherical shape morphology and the particle size was distributed in the range of 8.43-13 nm without aggregation. Moreover, in vivo, the anti-autistic effects of AuNPs administration were higher than those of P. ligularis extract per second. In addition, the reduced anxiety and neurobehavioral deficits of AuNPs were observed in autistic rats which halted the brain oxidative stress, reduced inflammatory cytokines, ameliorated neurotransmitters, and neurochemical release, and suppressed apoptotic genes (p < 0.05). The alleviated antiapoptotic gene expression and histopathological analysis confirmed that the treatment of AuNPs showed significant neural pathways that aid in reducing tissue damage and necrosis. The results emphasize that the biomedical activity was increased by using the green source synthesis P. ligularis -AuNPs. Additionally, the formulation of AuNPs demonstrates strong neuroprotective effects against PPA-induced autism that were arbitrated by a range of different mechanisms, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuromodulator, and antiapoptotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najlaa S. Al-Radadi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, P.O. Box 30002, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 14177, Saudi Arabia
| | - Widad M. Al-Bishri
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neveen A. Salem
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Narcotics, Ergogenic Aids and Poisons, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa A. ElShebiney
- Department of Narcotics, Ergogenic Aids and Poisons, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Coray RC, Zimmermann J, Haugg A, Baumgartner MR, Steuer AE, Seifritz E, Stock AK, Beste C, Cole DM, Quednow BB. The functional connectome of 3,4-methyldioxymethamphetamine-related declarative memory impairments. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:5079-5094. [PMID: 37530403 PMCID: PMC10502674 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26438] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The chronic intake of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") bears a strong risk for sustained declarative memory impairments. Although such memory deficits have been repeatedly reported, their neurofunctional origin remains elusive. Therefore, we here investigate the neuronal basis of altered declarative memory in recurrent MDMA users at the level of brain connectivity. We examined a group of 44 chronic MDMA users and 41 demographically matched controls. Declarative memory performance was assessed by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and a visual associative learning test. To uncover alterations in the whole brain connectome between groups, we employed a data-driven multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) approach on participants' resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Recent MDMA use was confirmed by hair analyses. MDMA users showed lower performance in delayed recall across tasks compared to well-matched controls with moderate-to-strong effect sizes. MVPA revealed a large cluster located in the left postcentral gyrus of global connectivity differences between groups. Post hoc seed-based connectivity analyses with this cluster unraveled hypoconnectivity to temporal areas belonging to the auditory network and hyperconnectivity to dorsal parietal regions belonging to the dorsal attention network in MDMA users. Seed-based connectivity strength was associated with verbal memory performance in the whole sample as well as with MDMA intake patterns in the user group. Our findings suggest that functional underpinnings of MDMA-related memory impairments encompass altered patterns of multimodal sensory integration within auditory processing regions to a functional heteromodal connector hub, the left postcentral gyrus. In addition, hyperconnectivity in regions of a cognitive control network might indicate compensation for degraded sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Coray
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Josua Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amelie Haugg
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ann-Kathrin Stock
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - David M Cole
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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7
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Coray RC, Berberat J, Zimmermann J, Seifritz E, Stock AK, Beste C, Cole DM, Unschuld PG, Quednow BB. Striatal Iron Deposition in Recreational MDMA (Ecstasy) Users. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2023; 8:956-966. [PMID: 36848948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2023.02.005] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The common club drug MDMA (also known as ecstasy) enhances mood, sensory perception, energy, sociability, and euphoria. While MDMA has been shown to produce neurotoxicity in animal models, research on its potential neurotoxic effects in humans is inconclusive and has focused primarily on the serotonin system. METHODS We investigated 34 regular, largely pure MDMA users for signs of premature neurodegenerative processes in the form of increased iron load in comparison to a group of 36 age-, sex-, and education-matched MDMA-naïve control subjects. We used quantitative susceptibility mapping, a novel tool able to detect even small tissue (nonheme) iron accumulations. Cortical and relevant subcortical gray matter structures were grouped into 8 regions of interest and analyzed. RESULTS Significantly increased iron deposition in the striatum was evident in the MDMA user group. The effect survived correction for multiple comparisons and remained after controlling for relevant confounding factors, including age, smoking, and stimulant co-use. Although no significant linear relationship between measurements of the amounts of MDMA intake (hair analysis and self-reports) and quantitative susceptibility mapping values was observed, increased striatal iron deposition might nevertheless point to MDMA-induced neurotoxic processes. Additional factors (hyperthermia and simultaneous co-use of other substances) that possibly amplify neurotoxic effects of MDMA during the state of acute intoxication are discussed. CONCLUSIONS The demonstrated increased striatal iron accumulation may indicate that regular MDMA users have an increased risk potential for neurodegenerative diseases with progressing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Coray
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jatta Berberat
- Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Neuroradiology, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Josua Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ann-Kathrin Stock
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - David M Cole
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Translational Psychiatry Lab, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul G Unschuld
- Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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8
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Santos-Carrasco D, De la Casa LG. Prepulse inhibition deficit as a transdiagnostic process in neuropsychiatric disorders: a systematic review. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:226. [PMID: 37550772 PMCID: PMC10408198 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01253-9] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychopathological research is moving from a specific approach towards transdiagnosis through the analysis of processes that appear transversally to multiple pathologies. A phenomenon disrupted in several disorders is prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response, in which startle to an intense sensory stimulus, or pulse, is reduced if a weak stimulus, or prepulse, is previously presented. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS The present systematic review analyzed the role of PPI deficit as a possible transdiagnostic process for four main groups of neuropsychiatric disorders: (1) trauma-, stress-, and anxiety-related disorders (2) mood-related disorders, (3) neurocognitive disorders, and (4) other disorders such as obsessive-compulsive, tic-related, and substance use disorders. We used Web of Science, PubMed and PsycInfo databases to search for experimental case-control articles that were analyzed both qualitatively and based on their potential risk of bias. A total of 64 studies were included in this systematic review. Protocol was submitted prospectively to PROSPERO 04/30/2022 (CRD42022322031). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results showed a general PPI deficit in the diagnostic groups mentioned, with associated deficits in the dopaminergic neurotransmission system, several areas implied such as the medial prefrontal cortex or the amygdala, and related variables such as cognitive deficits and anxiety symptoms. It can be concluded that the PPI deficit appears across most of the neuropsychiatric disorders examined, and it could be considered as a relevant measure in translational research for the early detection of such disorders.
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9
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Zimmermann J, Zölch N, Coray R, Bavato F, Friedli N, Baumgartner MR, Steuer AE, Opitz A, Werner A, Oeltzschner G, Seifritz E, Stock AK, Beste C, Cole DM, Quednow BB. Chronic 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Use Is Related to Glutamate and GABA Concentrations in the Striatum But Not the Anterior Cingulate Cortex. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:438-450. [PMID: 37235749 PMCID: PMC10289146 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad023] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a widely used recreational substance inducing acute release of serotonin. Previous studies in chronic MDMA users demonstrated selective adaptations in the serotonin system, which were assumed to be associated with cognitive deficits. However, serotonin functions are strongly entangled with glutamate as well as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission, and studies in MDMA-exposed rats show long-term adaptations in glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling. METHODS We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure the glutamate-glutamine complex (GLX) and GABA concentrations in the left striatum and medial anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of 44 chronic but recently abstinent MDMA users and 42 MDMA-naïve healthy controls. While the Mescher-Garwood point-resolved-spectroscopy sequence (MEGA-PRESS) is best suited to quantify GABA, recent studies reported poor agreement between conventional short-echo-time PRESS and MEGA-PRESS for GLX measures. Here, we applied both sequences to assess their agreement and potential confounders underlying the diverging results. RESULTS Chronic MDMA users showed elevated GLX levels in the striatum but not the ACC. Regarding GABA, we found no group difference in either region, although a negative association with MDMA use frequency was observed in the striatum. Overall, GLX measures from MEGA-PRESS, with its longer echo time, appeared to be less confounded by macromolecule signal than the short-echo-time PRESS and thus provided more robust results. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that MDMA use affects not only serotonin but also striatal GLX and GABA concentrations. These insights may offer new mechanistic explanations for cognitive deficits (e.g., impaired impulse control) observed in MDMA users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josua Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Zölch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Coray
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Bavato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Friedli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antje Opitz
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annett Werner
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (Drs Zölch and Seifritz), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ann-Kathrin Stock
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, School of Science, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - David M Cole
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Bavato F, Kexel AK, Kluwe-Schiavon B, Maceski A, Baumgartner MR, Seifritz E, Kuhle J, Quednow BB. A Longitudinal Investigation of Blood Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in Chronic Cocaine Users. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3935-3944. [PMID: 37000398 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03327-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The identification of a blood marker of brain pathology that is sensitive to substance-induced neurotoxicity and dynamically responds to longitudinal changes in substance intake would substantially improve clinical monitoring in the field of substance use and addiction. Here, we explored the hypothesis that plasma levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a promising marker of neuroaxonal pathology, are elevated in chronic cocaine users and longitudinally associated with changes in cocaine use. Plasma NfL levels were determined using single molecule array (SIMOA) technology at baseline and at a 4-month follow-up. Substance use was subjectively assessed with an extensive interview and objectively measured via toxicological analysis of urine and 4-month hair samples. In a generalized linear model corrected for sex, age, and body mass index, NfL plasma levels were elevated in cocaine users (n=35) compared to stimulant-naïve healthy controls (n=35). A positive correlation between cocaine hair concentration and NfL levels was also found. Changes in cocaine hair concentration (group analysis of increasers vs. decreasers) over the 4-month interval predicted NfL levels at follow-up, indicating a rise in NfL with increased cocaine use and a reduction with decreased use. No associations between use or change of use of other substances (including the neurotoxic cocaine adulterant levamisole) and NfL levels were found. Our findings demonstrate that NfL is a sensitive marker for assessing cocaine-related neuroaxonal pathology, supporting the utility of blood NfL analysis in addiction research but also suggesting the detailed assessment of substance use in neurological studies and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bavato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kexel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Kluwe-Schiavon
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra Maceski
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics; Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Kexel AK, Kluwe-Schiavon B, Baumgartner MR, Engeli EJE, Visentini M, Kirschbaum C, Seifritz E, Ditzen B, Soravia LM, Quednow BB. Cue-induced cocaine craving enhances psychosocial stress and vice versa in chronic cocaine users. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:443. [PMID: 36220809 PMCID: PMC9554190 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02204-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and craving, it has been found, contribute to the development and maintenance of and relapse in cocaine use disorder. Chronic cocaine users (CU), previous research has shown, display altered physiological responses to psychosocial stress and increased vegetative responding to substance-related cues. However, how psychosocial stress and cue-induced craving interact in relation to the CU's physiological responses remains largely unknown. We thus investigated the interaction between acute psychosocial stress and cocaine-cue-related reactivity in 47 CU and 38 controls. In a crossed and balanced design, the participants were randomly exposed to a video-based cocaine-cue paradigm and the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) or vice versa to investigate possible mutually augmenting effects of both stressors on physiological stress responses. Over the course of the experimental procedure, plasma cortisol, ACTH, noradrenaline, subjective stress, and craving were assessed repeatedly. To estimate the responses during the cocaine-cue paradigm and TSST, growth models and discontinuous growth models were used. Overall, though both groups did not differ in their endocrinological responses to the TSST, CU displayed lower ACTH levels at baseline. The TSST did not elevate craving in CU, but when the cocaine-cue video was shown first, CU displayed an enhanced cortisol response to the subsequent TSST. In CU, cocaine-cues robustly evoked craving but no physiological stress response, while cue-induced craving was intensified after the TSST. Taken together, though CU did not show an altered acute stress response during the TSST, stress and craving together seemed to have mutually augmenting effects on their stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Kexel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Bruno Kluwe-Schiavon
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
- Cognition in Context, Research Center for Psychological Science, University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, 1649-013, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Centre for Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Etna J E Engeli
- Centre for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Selnaustrasse 9, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Monika Visentini
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Biopsychology, Technical University Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute for Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Bergheimer Str. 20, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leila M Soravia
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000, Bern 60, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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White matter alterations in chronic MDMA use: Evidence from diffusion tensor imaging and neurofilament light chain blood levels. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 36:103191. [PMID: 36126513 PMCID: PMC9486575 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") is a serotonin- and noradrenaline-releasing substance, currently among the most widely used illicit substances worldwide. In animal studies, repeated exposure to MDMA has been associated with dendritic but also axonal degeneration in the brain. However, translation of the axonal findings, specifically, to humans has been repeatedly questioned and the few existing studies investigating white matter alterations in human chronic MDMA users have yielded conflicting findings. In this study, we combined whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging and neurofilament light chain (NfL) analysis in blood to reveal potential MDMA-induced axonal neuropathology. To this end, we assessed 39 chronic MDMA users and 39 matched MDMA-naïve healthy controls. MDMA users showed increased fractional anisotropy in several white matter tracts, most prominently in the corpus callosum as well as corticospinal tracts, with these findings partly related to MDMA use intensity. However, the NfL levels of MDMA users were not significantly different from those of controls. We conclude that MDMA use is not associated with significant white matter lesions due to the absence of reduced fractional anisotropy and increased NfL levels commonly observed in conditions associated with white matter lesions, including stimulant and ketamine use disorders. Hence, the MDMA-induced axonal degradation demonstrated in animal models was not observed in this human study of chronic MDMA users.
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13
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Aue T, Kexel AK, Kluwe-Schiavon B, Bührer S, Baumgartner MR, Soravia LM, Quednow BB. In- and Out-Group Effects on Social Perception and Empathy in Cocaine Use Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:879016. [PMID: 35978850 PMCID: PMC9376468 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.879016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Earlier research revealed that cocaine users display impairments in emotional but not necessarily in cognitive empathy. However, no study to date has tested whether empathy is generally altered or whether impairments are restricted to specific social targets. The current investigation addresses this open question. In addition, we examined whether attributions of warmth and competence as well as personal future expectancies differed between cocaine users and substance-naïve controls. Twenty-two chronic cocaine users and 40 stimulant-naïve controls specified their perceived warmth and competence for four social targets [in-group member, opposite consumption out-group member (cocaine user for controls and non-user for cocaine user), opposite consumption out-group member of opposite gender, and elderly person]. They also specified their cognitive and emotional empathy for these four targets facing eight desirable and eight undesirable events. Finally, they rated the likelihood of these scenarios happening to themselves. Both cocaine users and controls attributed lower warmth to cocaine-using than non-using targets. Comparably, no in-group preference was observed in cocaine user's emotional empathy ratings, and greater denigration of the in-group was associated with higher frequency and doses of cocaine consumption. In addition, cocaine users rated both desirable and undesirable events as more likely to happen to themselves than did controls. Results show that substance-naïve individuals stigmatize cocaine users. They further point to compromised self-esteem in cocaine users resulting from such stigmatization. Interventions should address stigmatization processes to break the vicious circle of mutual social distancing and stronger dedication to the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Aue
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kexel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Kluwe-Schiavon
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Markus R. Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Leila M. Soravia
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Boris B. Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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14
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Michels L, Moisa M, Stämpfli P, Hirsiger S, Baumgartner MR, Surbeck W, Seifritz E, Quednow BB. The impact of levamisole and alcohol on white matter microstructure in adult chronic cocaine users. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13149. [PMID: 35394690 PMCID: PMC9287079 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous brain imaging studies with chronic cocaine users (CU) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) mostly focused on fractional anisotropy to investigate white matter (WM) integrity. However, a quantitative interpretation of fractional anisotropy (FA) alterations is often impeded by the inherent limitations of the underlying tensor model. A more fine-grained measure of WM alterations could be achieved by measuring fibre density (FD). This study investigates this novel DTI metric comparing 23 chronic CU and 32 healthy subjects. Quantitative hair analysis was used to determine intensity of cocaine and levamisole exposure-a cocaine adulterant with putative WM neurotoxicity. We first assessed the impact of cocaine use, levamisole exposure and alcohol use on group differences in WM integrity. Compared with healthy controls, all models revealed cortical reductions of FA and FD in CU. At the within-patient group level, we found that alcohol use and levamisole exposure exhibited regionally different FA and FD alterations than cocaine use. We found mostly negative correlations of tract-based WM associated with levamisole and weekly alcohol use. Specifically, levamisole exposure was linked with stronger WM reductions in the corpus callosum than alcohol use. Cocaine use duration correlated negatively with FA and FD in some regions. Yet, most of these correlations did not survive a correction for multiple testing. Our results suggest that chronic cocaine use, levamisole exposure and alcohol use were all linked to significant WM impairments in CU. We conclude that FD could be a sensitive marker to detect the impact of the use of multiple substances on WM integrity in cocaine but also other substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Michels
- Department of NeuroradiologyUniversity Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Neuroscience Center ZurichUniversity of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Marius Moisa
- Zurich Center for Neuroeconomics, Department of NeuroeconomicsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Philipp Stämpfli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and PsychosomaticsPsychiatric Hospital of the University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Sarah Hirsiger
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and PsychosomaticsPsychiatric Hospital of the University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Markus R. Baumgartner
- Center of Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic MedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Werner Surbeck
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and PsychosomaticsPsychiatric Hospital of the University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Neuroscience Center ZurichUniversity of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and PsychosomaticsPsychiatric Hospital of the University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Boris B. Quednow
- Neuroscience Center ZurichUniversity of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and PsychosomaticsPsychiatric Hospital of the University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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15
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Haugg A, Manoliu A, Sladky R, Hulka LM, Kirschner M, Brühl AB, Seifritz E, Quednow BB, Herdener M, Scharnowski F. Disentangling craving- and valence-related brain responses to smoking cues in individuals with nicotine use disorder. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13083. [PMID: 34363643 PMCID: PMC9285426 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease worldwide. Most smokers want to quit, but relapse rates are high. To improve current smoking cessation treatments, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of nicotine dependence and related craving behaviour is needed. Studies on cue‐driven cigarette craving have been a particularly useful tool for investigating the neural mechanisms of drug craving. Here, functional neuroimaging studies in humans have identified a core network of craving‐related brain responses to smoking cues that comprises of amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex and ventral striatum. However, most functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) cue‐reactivity studies do not adjust their stimuli for emotional valence, a factor assumed to confound craving‐related brain responses to smoking cues. Here, we investigated the influence of emotional valence on key addiction brain areas by disentangling craving‐ and valence‐related brain responses with parametric modulators in 32 smokers. For one of the suggested key regions for addiction, the amygdala, we observed significantly stronger brain responses to the valence aspect of the presented images than to the craving aspect. Our results emphasize the need for carefully selecting stimulus material for cue‐reactivity paradigms, in particular with respect to emotional valence. Further, they can help designing future research on teasing apart the diverse psychological dimensions that comprise nicotine dependence and, therefore, can lead to a more precise mapping of craving‐associated brain areas, an important step towards more tailored smoking cessation treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Haugg
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Andrei Manoliu
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- McLean Hospital Belmont Massachusetts USA
- Harvard Medical School Harvard University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Ronald Sladky
- Faculty of Psychology University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Lea M. Hulka
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Matthias Kirschner
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Montreal Neurological Institute McGill University Montreal Canada
| | | | - Erich Seifritz
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | | | | | - Frank Scharnowski
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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16
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Steinegger CA, Zoelch N, Hock A, Henning A, Engeli EJ, Seifritz E, Hulka LM, Herdener M. Neurometabolic alterations in the nucleus accumbens of smokers assessed with 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy: The role of glutamate and neuroinflammation. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13027. [PMID: 33825270 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of premature death and morbidity worldwide. For smokers trying to quit, relapse rates are high, even after prolonged periods of abstinence. Recent findings in animal models highlight the role of alterations in glutamatergic projections from the prefrontal cortex onto the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in relapse vulnerability. Moreover, inflammatory responses in the NAc have been reported during withdrawal. A novel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1 H-MRS) protocol was applied in humans to measure molar concentrations for glutamate, its sum with glutamine (Glx), and myoinositol plus glycine (mI + Gly) in the NAc (19 smokers, 20 matched controls). Smokers were measured at baseline and during withdrawal and satiation. No difference between groups or smoking states was found for glutamate or Glx, but, in smokers, stronger craving and more severe nicotine dependence were associated with lower baseline glutamate and Glx levels, respectively. Interestingly, mI + Gly concentrations were higher during withdrawal than baseline and correlated negatively with nicotine dependence severity and pack years of smoking. The lack of glutamatergic changes between groups and smoking states may imply that glutamate homeostasis is not significantly altered in smokers or that changes are too small for detection by 1 H-MRS. Moreover, the observed increase in mI + Gly may imply that neuroinflammatory processes occur in the NAc during nicotine withdrawal. These findings shed light on neurobiological relapse mechanisms in smokers and may provide the opportunity to develop more effective treatment options targeting the glutamate and neuroinflammation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette A. Steinegger
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Zoelch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hock
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Anke Henning
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics Tuebingen Germany
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas US
| | - Etna J.E. Engeli
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Lea M. Hulka
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Marcus Herdener
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
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17
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Kexel AK, Kluwe-Schiavon B, Visentini M, Soravia LM, Kirschbaum C, Quednow BB. Stability and test-retest reliability of different hormonal stress markers upon exposure to psychosocial stress at a 4-month interval. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105342. [PMID: 34225185 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) has been shown to reliably induce physiological stress responses in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and in the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axis in cross-sectional studies. However, it was also reported that repeated exposure to the TSST might be associated with habituation, mainly of the HPA axis responsivity. Thus, in all longitudinal stress studies involving repeated TSST administration, potential habituation of the HPA axis response complicates the interpretation of results. The goal of the present study was therefore to assess stability and test-retest reliability of a number of different endocrinological stress markers as well as subjective stress responses after two exposures to the TSST four months apart. We assessed salivary and plasma cortisol profiles, plasma ACTH and noradrenaline profiles, as well as subjective stress ratings in healthy volunteers before, during, and after the TSST at six time-points both at test-day 1 (TSST_1, n = 42) and test-day 2 (TSST_2, n = 34) 4-months later. Half of the participants received the TSST in the early, the other half in the late afternoon. Discontinuous growth models were applied to model three phases of the stress response (preTSST, reactivity, recovery) for each marker. Subsequently, the stability of these phases was analyzed. Stability and test-retest reliability of standard physiological stress markers such as Area-under-the-Curve (AUCG, AUCI), Absolute Peak Change, and Relative Peak Change (RPC) were analyzed as well. We did not observe strong test-retest effects in any of the endocrinological measures. In contrast, test-retest effects in subjective stress were characterized by a faster drop directly after the second TSST, whereas the initial increase before the test period was the same for both test-days. Regarding test-retest-reliability, AUCG was the most reliable measure across all endocrinological and subjective stress markers (range: r = .606 to .858), while AUCI and RPC (range: r = - .146 to .548) were least reliable. A 4-month interval is a sufficient time interval between two repeated TSST exposures to largely reinstate the physiological stress response, which was also true for the initial psychological stress response. Thus, the TSST is well applicable in longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Kexel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Bruno Kluwe-Schiavon
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Monika Visentini
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leila M Soravia
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60, Switzerland
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Biopsychology, Technical University Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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18
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Pintori N, Castelli MP, Miliano C, Simola N, Fadda P, Fattore L, Scherma M, Ennas MG, Mostallino R, Flore G, De Felice M, Sagheddu C, Pistis M, Di Chiara G, De Luca MA. Repeated exposure to JWH-018 induces adaptive changes in the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways, glial cells alterations, and behavioural correlates. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3476-3497. [PMID: 33837969 PMCID: PMC8457172 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Spice/K2 herbal mixtures, containing synthetic cannabinoids such as JWH‐018, have been marketed as marijuana surrogates since 2004. JWH‐018 has cannabinoid CB1 receptor‐dependent reinforcing properties and acutely increases dopaminergic transmission selectively in the NAc shell. Here, we tested the hypothesis that repeated administration of JWH‐018 (i) modulates behaviour, (ii) affects dopaminergic transmission and its responsiveness to motivational stimuli, and (iii) is associated with a neuroinflammatory phenotype. Experimental Approach Rats were administered with JWH‐018 once a day for 14 consecutive days. We then performed behavioural, electrophysiological, and neurochemical evaluation at multiple time points after drug discontinuation. Key Results Repeated JWH‐018 exposure (i) induced anxious and aversive behaviours, transitory attentional deficits, and withdrawal signs; (ii) decreased spontaneous activity and number of dopamine neurons in the VTA; and (iii) reduced stimulation of dopaminergic transmission in the NAc shell while potentiating that in the NAc core, in response to acute JWH‐018 challenge. Moreover, (iv) we observed a decreased dopamine sensitivity in the NAc shell and core, but not in the mPFC, to a first chocolate exposure; conversely, after a second exposure, dialysate dopamine fully increased in the NAc shell and core but not in the mPFC. Finally, selected dopamine brain areas showed (v) astrogliosis (mPFC, NAc shell and core, VTA), microgliosis (NAc shell and core), and downregulation of CB1 receptors (mPFC, NAc shell and core). Conclusion and Implications Repeated exposure to JWH‐018 may provide a useful model to clarify the detrimental effects of recurring use of Spice/K2 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Flore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta De Felice
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Di Chiara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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19
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Conrad F, Hirsiger S, Winklhofer S, Baumgartner MR, Stämpfli P, Seifritz E, Wegener S, Quednow BB. Use of levamisole-adulterated cocaine is associated with increased load of white matter lesions. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E281-E291. [PMID: 33844483 PMCID: PMC8061741 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.200057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cocaine use has been associated with vascular pathologies, including cerebral white matter hyperintensities. Street cocaine is most often adulterated with levamisole, an anthelminthic drug that may also be associated with vascular toxicity. However, whether levamisole exposure from cocaine consumption further accelerates the development of white matter lesions remains unknown. Methods We investigated the association of cocaine and levamisole exposure with white matter hyperintensities in 35 chronic cocaine users and 34 healthy controls. We measured cocaine and levamisole concentrations in hair samples, which reflected exposure up to 6 months previously. We assessed the number and total surface area of the white matter hyperintensities using structural MRI (FLAIR sequence). Using generalized linear models, we analyzed the contributions of cocaine and levamisole to the number and area of white matter hyperintensities, accounting for several confounding factors. Results Analysis using generalized linear models revealed that cocaine users had more white matter hyperintensities in terms of total surface area, but not in terms of number. Further generalized linear models that included cocaine and levamisole hair concentrations (instead of group) as predictors indicated that levamisole exposure was strongly associated with more and larger white matter hyperintensities, suggesting that the elevated white matter hyperintensities in cocaine users were driven mainly by levamisole exposure. Finally, white matter hyperintensities in levamisole-exposed cocaine users were located primarily in the periventricular and juxtacortical white matter. Limitations The sample size was moderate, and blood pressure was not systematically assessed. Conclusion As an adulterant of cocaine, levamisole appears to increase the risk of white matter injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Conrad
- From the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Conrad, Wegener); the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Hirsiger, Stämpfli, Seifritz, Quednow); the Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Winklhofer); the Center of Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Baumgartner); and the Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland (Seifritz, Wegener, Quednow)
| | - Sarah Hirsiger
- From the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Conrad, Wegener); the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Hirsiger, Stämpfli, Seifritz, Quednow); the Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Winklhofer); the Center of Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Baumgartner); and the Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland (Seifritz, Wegener, Quednow)
| | - Sebastian Winklhofer
- From the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Conrad, Wegener); the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Hirsiger, Stämpfli, Seifritz, Quednow); the Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Winklhofer); the Center of Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Baumgartner); and the Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland (Seifritz, Wegener, Quednow)
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- From the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Conrad, Wegener); the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Hirsiger, Stämpfli, Seifritz, Quednow); the Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Winklhofer); the Center of Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Baumgartner); and the Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland (Seifritz, Wegener, Quednow)
| | - Philipp Stämpfli
- From the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Conrad, Wegener); the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Hirsiger, Stämpfli, Seifritz, Quednow); the Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Winklhofer); the Center of Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Baumgartner); and the Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland (Seifritz, Wegener, Quednow)
| | - Erich Seifritz
- From the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Conrad, Wegener); the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Hirsiger, Stämpfli, Seifritz, Quednow); the Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Winklhofer); the Center of Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Baumgartner); and the Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland (Seifritz, Wegener, Quednow)
| | - Susanne Wegener
- From the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Conrad, Wegener); the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Hirsiger, Stämpfli, Seifritz, Quednow); the Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Winklhofer); the Center of Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Baumgartner); and the Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland (Seifritz, Wegener, Quednow)
| | - Boris B Quednow
- From the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Conrad, Wegener); the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Hirsiger, Stämpfli, Seifritz, Quednow); the Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Winklhofer); the Center of Forensic Hair Analytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland (Baumgartner); and the Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland (Seifritz, Wegener, Quednow)
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20
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Kroll SL, Thayer JF, Williams DP, Pfabigan DM, Baumgartner MR, Lamm C, Quednow BB. Chronic non-medical prescription opioid use and empathy for pain: Does pain make the difference? Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13776. [PMID: 33569774 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Non-medical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) is at the heart of the opioid epidemic in the United States. Although chronic opioid use is commonly accompanied by deficits in social functioning, little is known about the impact of chronic NMPOU on social cognitive functions. Social neuroscience models suggest that empathy activates similar or even equivalent neural structures as those underpinning the first-hand experience in that emotional state (e.g., pain). Therefore, we measured subjective and psychophysiological responses during an empathy-for-pain task in 23 individuals with NMPOU, objectively confirmed by hair and urine testing, and compared them with 29 opioid-naïve healthy controls. NMPOU individuals showed lower other-related and self-related unpleasantness ratings when seeing others in pain than controls. No differences between the control and NMPOU group were found in skin conductance responses and heart rate variability (HRV) assessed by root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) in response to the task. However, RMSSD-HRV was strongly negatively correlated with self-related unpleasantness and craving in the NMPOU group. A subsequent mediation analysis showed a total effect of RMSSD-HRV on self-related unpleasantness with no mediation of craving. This indicates that stronger emotion regulation indexed by high RMSSD-HRV might have downregulating effects on sharing others' pain in NMPOU individuals but not in healthy controls, which was further accompanied by decreased ratings of personal distress and empathetic concern. These results contribute to a better understanding of social functioning in chronic opioid users, suggesting adequate emotion regulation and empathy trainings as therapeutic targets for future interventions of opioid use disorders and long-term pain treatment with opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Kroll
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - DeWayne P Williams
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Daniela M Pfabigan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analysis, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Manoliu A, Haugg A, Sladky R, Hulka L, Kirschner M, Brühl AB, Seifritz E, Quednow B, Herdener M, Scharnowski F. SmoCuDa: A Validated Smoking Cue Database to Reliably Induce Craving in Tobacco Use Disorder. Eur Addict Res 2021; 27:107-114. [PMID: 32854096 DOI: 10.1159/000509758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cue-reactivity paradigms provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of nicotine craving in nicotine-dependent subjects. In order to study cue-driven nicotine craving, robust and validated stimulus datasets are essential. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to generate and validate a large set of individually rated smoking-related cues that allow for assessment of different stimulus intensities along the dimensions craving, valence, and arousal. METHODS The image database consisted of 330 visual cues. Two hundred fifty smoking-associated pictures (Creative Commons license) were chosen from online databases and showed a widespread variety of smoking-associated content. Eighty pictures from previously published databases were included for cross-validation. Forty volunteers with tobacco use disorder rated "urge-to-smoke," "valence," and "arousal" for all images on a 100-point visual analogue scale. Pictures were also labelled according to 18 categories such as lit/unlit cigarettes in mouth, cigarette end, and cigarette in ashtray. RESULTS Ratings (mean ± SD) were as follows: urge to smoke, 44.9 ± 13.2; valence, 51.2 ± 7.6; and arousal, 54.6 ± 7.1. All ratings, particularly "urge to smoke," were widely distributed along the whole scale spectrum. CONCLUSIONS We present a novel image library of well-described smoking-related cues, which were rated on a continuous scale along the dimensions craving, valence, and arousal that accounts for inter-individual differences. The rating software, image database, and their ratings are publicly available at https://smocuda.github.io.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Manoliu
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, .,Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom, .,Max Planck University College London Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, London, United Kingdom,
| | - Amelie Haugg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ronald Sladky
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lea Hulka
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Kirschner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Annette B Brühl
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris Quednow
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Herdener
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Scharnowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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22
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Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol treatment during adolescence and alterations in the inhibitory networks of the adult prefrontal cortex in mice subjected to perinatal NMDA receptor antagonist injection and to postweaning social isolation. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:177. [PMID: 32488050 PMCID: PMC7266818 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0853-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) continues its development during adolescence and alterations in its structure and function, particularly of inhibitory networks, have been detected in schizophrenic patients. Since cannabis use during adolescence is a risk factor for this disease, our main objective was to investigate whether THC administration during this period might exacerbate alterations in prefrontocortical inhibitory networks in mice subjected to a perinatal injection of MK801 and postweaning social isolation. This double-hit model (DHM) combines a neurodevelopmental manipulation and the exposure to an aversive experience during early life; previous work has shown that DHM mice have important alterations in the structure and connectivity of PFC interneurons. In the present study we found that DHM had reductions in prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI), GAD67 expression and cingulate 1 cortex volume. Interestingly, THC by itself induced increases in PPI and decreases in the dendritic complexity of somatostatin expressing interneurons. Both THC and DHM reduced the density of parvalbumin expressing cells surrounded by perineuronal nets and, when combined, they disrupted the ratio between the density of puncta expressing excitatory and inhibitory markers. Our results support previous work showing alterations in parameters involving interneurons in similar animal models and schizophrenic patients. THC treatment does not modify further these parameters, but changes some others related also to interneurons and their plasticity, in some cases in the opposite direction to those induced by the DHM, suggesting a protective effect.
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23
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Sensitivity to gains during risky decision-making differentiates chronic cocaine users from stimulant-naïve controls. Behav Brain Res 2020; 379:112386. [PMID: 31778734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic cocaine use has been consistently associated with decision-making impairments that contribute to the development and maintenance of drug-taking. However, the underlying cognitive processes of risk-seeking behaviours observed in chronic cocaine users (CU) have so far remained unclear. Here we therefore tested whether CU differ from stimulant-naïve controls in their sensitivity to gain, loss, and probability of loss information when making decisions under risk. METHOD A sample of 96 participants (56 CU and 40 controls) performed the no-feedback version of the Columbia Card Task, designed to assess risk-taking in relation to gain, loss, and probability of loss information. Additionally, cognitive performance and impulsivity were determined. Current and recent substance use was objectively assessed by toxicological urine and hair analysis. RESULTS Compared to controls, CU showed increased risk-seeking in unfavourable decision scenarios in which the loss probability was high and the returns were low, and a tendency for increased risk aversion in more favourable decision scenarios. In comparison to controls, CU were less sensitive to gain, but similarly sensitive to loss and probability of loss information. Further analysis revealed that individual differences in sensitivity to loss and probability of loss information were related to cognitive performance and impulsivity. CONCLUSION Reduced sensitivity to gains in people with CU may contribute to their propensity for making risky decisions. While these alterations in gain sensitivity might directly relate to cocaine use per se, the individual psychopathological profile of CU might moderate sensitivity to loss information.
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24
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Scholz C, Quednow BB, Herdener M, Kraemer T, Baumgartner MR. Cocaine Hydroxy Metabolites in Hair: Indicators for Cocaine Use Versus External Contamination☆. J Anal Toxicol 2020; 43:543-552. [PMID: 30927360 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given that external contamination must be considered in hair analysis, there is still a demand for reliable tools to differentiate between incorporation of drugs into the hair as a result of drug consumption and of the hair shaft by external contamination. With the aim of establishing alternative discrimination parameters, some of the hydroxy metabolites of cocaine i.e., para- and meta-hydroxycocaine and para- and meta-hydroxybenzoylecgonine were measured together with cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, and norcocaine in five seized street cocaine samples and in hair samples from different cohorts: cohort 1 (in vivo external contamination study, n = 28), cohort 2 (individuals with self-reported cocaine use, n = 92), and cohort 3 (individuals with suspected cocaine use or contamination, n = 198). Statistical evaluation of the data of cohort 1 and 2 using ROC curves yielded metabolic ratios indicating cocaine use. Based on these results, a decision workflow was established for the discrimination between cocaine use and external contamination. The power of this approach was finally statistically validated across the different cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clementine Scholz
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Herdener
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Kluwe-Schiavon B, Schote AB, Vonmoos M, Hulka LM, Preller KH, Meyer J, Baumgartner MR, Grünblatt E, Quednow BB. Psychiatric symptoms and expression of glucocorticoid receptor gene in cocaine users: A longitudinal study. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 121:126-134. [PMID: 31812111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic cocaine users (CU) display reduced peripheral expression of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1), which is potentially involved in stress-related psychiatric symptoms frequently occurring in CU. However, it is unknown whether psychiatric symptoms and lower NR3C1 expression are related to each other and whether reduction of drug consumption reverse them. METHOD At baseline, NR3C1 mRNA expression was measured in 68 recreational CU, 30 dependent CU, and 68 stimulant-naïve controls. Additionally, the Revised Symptom Checklist (SCL-90R) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) were assessed. At a one-year follow-up, the association between change in NR3C1 expression and psychiatric symptoms was examined in 48 stimulant-naïve controls, 19 CU who increased and 19 CU who decreased their consumption. At both test sessions, cocaine concentrations in hair samples were determined. Mixed-effects models were used to investigate how changes in drug use intensity affect severity of psychiatric symptoms and NR3C1 expression over time. RESULTS At baseline, recreational and dependent CU displayed elevated impulsivity and considerable symptom burden across most of the SCL-90R subscales. Time-group interaction effects were found for several impulsivity scores, SCL-90R Global Severity Index, Paranoid Thoughts, and Depression subscales as well as for NR3C1 expression. Pairwise comparisons showed that decreasing CU specifically improved in these SCL-90R subscales, while their NR3C1 expression was adapted. Finally, changes in NR3C1 expression were negatively correlated with changes in impulsivity but not SCL-90R scores. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that NR3C1 expression changes and some psychiatric symptoms are reversible upon reduction of cocaine intake, thus favouring abstinence-oriented treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kluwe-Schiavon
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A B Schote
- Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics, Institute of Psychobiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - M Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - L M Hulka
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K H Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Meyer
- Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics, Institute of Psychobiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - M R Baumgartner
- Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - E Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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26
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Kexel AK, Vonmoos M, Preller KH, Hulka LM, Seifritz E, Quednow BB. Social and Non-Social Cognitive Enhancement in Cocaine Users-A Closer Look on Enhancement Motives for Cocaine Consumption. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:618. [PMID: 32695032 PMCID: PMC7338788 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive disturbances of chronic cocaine users (CU) have been repeatedly investigated. However, it is yet unknown how CU using cocaine for cognitive or social enhancement differ from stimulant-naïve controls and CU that do not have these motives. More precisely, we assumed that CU with an enhancement motive self-medicate deficits in specific cognitive abilities, i.e., they use cocaine to enhance their performance in either social (social motive) or non-social cognitive situations (cognitive motive). METHODS Forty-two CU were categorized according to their motives for cocaine consumption into social and non-social motive groups as well as cognitive and non-cognitive motive groups, respectively. Subsequently, CU motive groups were compared to 48 stimulant-naïve controls in their social and non-social cognitive functioning applying a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS The social motive group showed deficits in cognitive empathy compared to controls (Cohen's d = 0.65) and the non-social motive group (d = 0.60). No mentionable effects were found for emotional empathy and Theory-of-Mind. Cognitive and non-cognitive motive groups both showed general cognitive deficits but with different patterns of impairments compared to controls: the cognitive motive group had deficits mainly in working memory (d = 0.84) and declarative memory (d = 0.60), whereas the non-cognitive motive group also had deficits in working memory (d = 0.61) but additionally in executive functions (d = 0.67). For the domains declarative memory and executive functions, the respective other CU group displayed intermediate performance. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that cocaine is partially instrumentalized by CU with specific enhancement motives to counteract related cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Kexel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea M Hulka
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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27
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Schote AB, Jäger K, Kroll SL, Vonmoos M, Hulka LM, Preller KH, Meyer J, Grünblatt E, Quednow BB. Glucocorticoid receptor gene variants and lower expression of NR3C1 are associated with cocaine use. Addict Biol 2019; 24:730-742. [PMID: 29761890 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Animal and cross-sectional human studies suggest that chronic cocaine use is associated with altered responsivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to stress. Moreover, increased susceptibility to stress has been proposed as an important factor for development, maintenance and relapse of cocaine addiction. As the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) mediates genomic effects of the stress hormone cortisol, we investigated NR3C1 expression and the association of NR3C1 genotypes with cocaine use, addiction and comorbid psychiatric symptoms in 126 chronic cocaine users and 98 stimulant-naïve healthy controls. A comprehensive psychiatric assessment was performed including severity of depressive symptoms and current psychological distress. Whole blood NR3C1 mRNA levels were determined and six NR3C1 polymorphisms (rs10482605, rs41423247, rs10052957, rs6189, rs56149945 and rs6198) were genotyped. Compared to controls, cocaine users showed significantly lower NR3C1 expression (P < 0.001), which was not affected by NR3C1 genotypes. In controls, rs41423247 [P < 0.01, false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected], haplotype 2 and haplotype 3 (both P < 0.05, FDR-corrected) were associated with altered NR3C1 gene expression. Haplotype 3 (including minor alleles of rs10052957 and rs41423247) was associated with an increased risk for cocaine addiction (odds ratio = 2.74, P < 0.05, uncorrected). Moreover, addicted cocaine users carrying haplotype 3 showed higher depression scores (P < 0.01, FDR-corrected) than noncarriers. Considering possible confounding effects of alcohol and/or depression, we conclude that chronic cocaine use is associated with lower NR3C1 gene expression suggesting possible direct effects of the drug on the biological adaptation of stress-related genes. Finally, we postulate that haplotype 3 of NR3C1 might serve as a potential risk factor for stimulant addiction and associated psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea B. Schote
- Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics, Institute of PsychobiologyUniversity of Trier Germany
| | - Kristina Jäger
- Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics, Institute of PsychobiologyUniversity of Trier Germany
| | - Sara L. Kroll
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric HospitalUniversity of Zurich Switzerland
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric HospitalUniversity of Zurich Switzerland
| | - Lea M. Hulka
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric HospitalUniversity of Zurich Switzerland
| | - Katrin H. Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric HospitalUniversity of Zurich Switzerland
| | - Jobst Meyer
- Department of Neurobehavioral Genetics, Institute of PsychobiologyUniversity of Trier Germany
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- University Clinic for Child and Adolescent PsychiatryUniversity of Zurich Switzerland
- NeuroscienceCenter ZurichUniversity and ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Boris B. Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric HospitalUniversity of Zurich Switzerland
- NeuroscienceCenter ZurichUniversity and ETH Zurich Switzerland
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28
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Hagenmuller F, Heekeren K, Roser P, Haker H, Theodoridou A, Walitza S, Rössler W, Kawohl W. Early Somatosensory Processing Over Time in Individuals at Risk to Develop Psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:47. [PMID: 30890966 PMCID: PMC6413704 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) enable the investigation of thalamocortical and early cortical processing. Previous studies reported alterations of SEPs in patients with schizophrenia as well as in individuals in the prodromal stage. Moreover, cannabis use as an environmental risk factor for the development of schizophrenia has been demonstrated to influence SEP parameters in individuals at risk to develop psychosis. The aim of this study was to explore the course of SEP changes and the impact of concomitant cannabis use in individuals at risk to develop psychosis who sought medical help. Methods: Median nerve SEPs including high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) superimposed on the primary cortical response (N20) were investigated using multichannel EEG in individuals (n = 54 at baseline) remaining at risk to develop psychosis at follow-up after 1 year (high-risk: n = 19; ultra-high-risk: n = 27) vs. subjects with conversion to psychosis (n = 8) and a healthy control group (n = 35). Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses of SEP components as estimated by dipole source analysis were performed. Results: The longitudinal development of the N20 strength depended on cannabis use. In cannabis non-users, a greater decrease of N20 strengths over time was associated with more negative symptoms at baseline. At baseline, converters did not differ from subjects remaining at risk. At follow-up, converters showed increased low- and high-frequency activity than at-risk subjects and did not differ from controls. Conclusion: The results of this study lead to the suggestion that the deficits in early somatosensory processing in individuals at risk to develop psychosis may not represent a marker for a genetic risk for psychosis but rather reflect state-dependent factors such as negative symptoms. On the other hand, the transition to psychosis seems to represent an interstage between reduced sensory registration from the at-risk state and gating deficits in the chronic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Hagenmuller
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karsten Heekeren
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrik Roser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Services Aargau, Academic Hospital of the University of Zurich, Brugg, Switzerland
| | - Helene Haker
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Theodoridou
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Walitza
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wulf Rössler
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM 27), Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfram Kawohl
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Services Aargau, Academic Hospital of the University of Zurich, Brugg, Switzerland
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29
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Kroll SL, Williams DP, Thoma M, Staib M, Binz TM, Baumgartner MR, Kirschbaum C, Thayer JF, Quednow BB. Non-medical prescription opioid users exhibit dysfunctional physiological stress responses to social rejection. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 100:264-275. [PMID: 30594739 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Non-medical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) recently increased dramatically, especially in the U.S. Although chronic opioid use is commonly accompanied by deficits in social functioning and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenergic (HPA) stress axis, little is known about the impact of NMPOU on psychosocial stress responses. Therefore, we measured physiological responses of the autonomic nervous system and the HPA axis to social rejection using the Cyberball paradigm. We compared 23 individuals with NMPOU, objectively confirmed by hair and urine analyses, with 29 opioid-naïve, healthy controls. As expected, heart rate variability (HRV), an index of parasympathetic activity, increased significantly during exclusion within controls, while in the NMPOU group only a trend in the same direction was found. However, increased HRV was robustly moderated by opioid craving indicating worse emotion regulation to social exclusion specifically in individuals with high opioid craving. Greater levels of the adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol responses to social rejection were found in the NMPOU group indicating hyperreactivity of the HPA axis to social exclusion. Self-ratings suggest that opioid users were aware of rejection, but less emotionally affected by exclusion. Furthermore, controls showed greater negative mood after the Cyberball confirming the task's validity. Moreover, NMPOU individuals reported a smaller social network size compared to controls. Present findings suggest that chronic NMPOU is associated with dysfunctional physiological responses to psychosocial stressors such as social rejection. In sum, NMPOU was associated with poorer regulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, especially under opioid craving highlighting its potential importance in relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Kroll
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - DeWayne P Williams
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Martina Thoma
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Staib
- Psychological Institute, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tina M Binz
- Center for Forensic Hair Analysis, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analysis, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Institute of Biological Psychology, Technical University of Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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30
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Hirsiger S, Hänggi J, Germann J, Vonmoos M, Preller KH, Engeli EJE, Kirschner M, Reinhard C, Hulka LM, Baumgartner MR, Chakravarty MM, Seifritz E, Herdener M, Quednow BB. Longitudinal changes in cocaine intake and cognition are linked to cortical thickness adaptations in cocaine users. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 21:101652. [PMID: 30639181 PMCID: PMC6412021 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cocaine use has been consistently associated with decreased gray matter volumes in the prefrontal cortex. However, it is unclear if such neuroanatomical abnormalities depict either pre-existing vulnerability markers or drug-induced consequences. Thus, this longitudinal MRI study investigated neuroplasticity and cognitive changes in relation to altered cocaine intake. METHODS Surface-based morphometry, cocaine hair concentration, and cognitive performance were measured in 29 cocaine users (CU) and 38 matched controls at baseline and follow-up. Based on changes in hair cocaine concentration, CU were classified either as Decreasers (n = 15) or Sustained Users (n = 14). Surface-based morphometry measures did not include regional tissue volumes. RESULTS At baseline, CU displayed reduced cortical thickness (CT) in lateral frontal regions, and smaller cortical surface area (CSA) in the anterior cingulate cortex, compared to controls. In Decreasers, CT of the lateral frontal cortex increased whereas CT within the same regions tended to further decrease in Sustained Users. In contrast, no changes were found for CSA and subcortical structures. Changes in CT were linked to cognitive performance changes and amount of cocaine consumed over the study period. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that frontal abnormalities in CU are partially drug-induced and can recover with decreased substance use. Moreover, recovery of frontal CT is accompanied by improved cognitive performance confirming that cognitive decline associated with cocaine use is potentially reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hirsiger
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jürgen Hänggi
- Division Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Germann
- Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Etna J E Engeli
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Kirschner
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Reinhard
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea M Hulka
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mallar M Chakravarty
- Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical and Biological Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Herdener
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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31
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Vonmoos M, Eisenegger C, Bosch OG, Preller KH, Hulka LM, Baumgartner M, Seifritz E, Quednow BB. Improvement of Emotional Empathy and Cluster B Personality Disorder Symptoms Associated With Decreased Cocaine Use Severity. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:213. [PMID: 31024365 PMCID: PMC6459943 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Chronic cocaine users display impaired social cognitive abilities, reduced prosocial behavior, and pronounced cluster B personality disorder (PD) symptoms all contributing to their social dysfunctions in daily life. These social dysfunctions have been proposed as a major factor for maintenance and relapse of stimulant use disorders in general. However, little is known about the reversibility of social cognitive deficits and socially problematic personality facets when stimulant use is reduced or ceased. Therefore, we examined the relation between changing intensity of cocaine use and the development of sociocognitive functioning and cluster B PD symptomatology over the course of 1 year. Methods: Social cognition, social decision-making, and cluster B PD symptoms were assessed in 38 cocaine users (19 with increased and 19 with decreased use) and 48 stimulant-naive healthy controls at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Cocaine use severity was objectively determined by quantitative 6-month hair analyses. The categorization of the two cocaine user groups was based on a combination of absolute (± 0.5 ng/mg) and relative (± 10%) changes in the cocaine hair concentration between baseline and the 1-year follow-up. Social cognition was assessed using the Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET) and the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC). A combined Distribution/Dictator Game was applied for assessing social decision-making. Cluster B PD symptoms were measured by a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders (SCID-II) PD questionnaire according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). Results: Increased cocaine use was linked to worsened empathy, while decreased cocaine use went along with improved emotional empathy. Moreover, whereas decreased cocaine use was associated with reduced severity of self-reported cluster B PD symptoms, these symptoms remained largely stable in increasers. In contrast to a significant reduction of prosocial behavior at baseline in the combined cocaine user group, specifically decreasers were not statistically distinguishable from controls at the follow-up. Conclusions: Sociocognitive deficits and cluster B PD symptoms of chronic cocaine users are adaptable over time as they covary with the increase or decrease in cocaine use. Hence, abstinence orientation and training of social cognition and interaction might improve social functioning, and should therefore be important therapeutic elements in cocaine addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Eisenegger
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Biopsychology Unit, Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver G Bosch
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea M Hulka
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Baumgartner
- Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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32
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Kroll SL, Nikolic E, Bieri F, Soyka M, Baumgartner MR, Quednow BB. Cognitive and socio-cognitive functioning of chronic non-medical prescription opioid users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3451-3464. [PMID: 30310961 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Non-medical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) has become a major public health issue in the USA and is also increasing in Europe. However, little is known about neuropsychological associations of NMPOU-specifically regarding social cognition, which is essential for social functioning and treatability of opioid dependence. Previous studies with heroin users and opioid-substituted patients reported deficits in various cognitive functions, but these results are likely confounded by comorbid physical and psychiatric diseases, overdose-associated hypoxia, and adulteration of street heroin. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate social and non-social cognition in a relatively pure NMPOU sample taking opioid analgesics or antitussives. METHODS We assessed 23 individuals with NMPOU objectively confirmed by hair analyses and 29 opioid-naïve, healthy controls, employing a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS Significant impairments were found between NMPOU individuals and controls regarding the cognitive domains of attention (p < .01, Hedge's g = .85), declarative memory (p < .05, g = .66), and global cognitive empathy (p < .01, g = 0.99)-the latter included problems with emotion recognition from faces, voices, and complex scenes. Opioid hair concentrations transformed to morphine equivalents were negatively correlated with global cognitive empathy (r = - 0.52, p < .01), suggesting dose-dependent deficits. CONCLUSION In contrast to stimulant users primarily displaying deficits in emotional empathy, opioid users showed relatively selective impairments in measures of cognitive empathy, with dose-dependent effects suggesting potential opioid-induced deficits and involvement of the opioid-system in processes of cognitive empathy. These results have important implications for future interventions of opioid dependence targeting social functioning and consequently enhancing therapy outcome and preventing relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Kroll
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Emilija Nikolic
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Bieri
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.,Medical Park Chiemseeblick, Rasthaustrasse 25, 83233, Bernau am Chiemsee, Germany
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analysis, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, PO Box 1931, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Bosch OG, Esposito F, Dornbierer D, von Rotz R, Kraehenmann R, Staempfli P, Quednow BB, Seifritz E. Prohedonic properties of gamma-hydroxybutyrate are associated with changes in limbic resting-state functional connectivity. Hum Psychopharmacol 2018; 33:e2679. [PMID: 30426556 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an endogenous GHB-/GABA-B receptor agonist and a narcolepsy treatment. However, GHB is also abused for its prohedonic effects. On a neuronal level, it was shown that GHB increases regional cerebral blood flow in limbic areas such as the right anterior insula (rAI) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We aimed to further explore the association between the subjective and neuronal signatures of GHB. METHOD We assessed subjective effects and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of an rAI- and an ACC-seed in 19 healthy male subjects after GHB (35 mg/kg p.o.) using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, cross-over functional magnet resonance imaging design. RESULTS GHB increased subjective ratings for euphoria (p < 0.001) and sexual arousal (p < 0.01). Moreover, GHB increased rAI-rsFC to the right thalamus and the superior frontal gyrus and decreased ACC-rsFC to the bilateral paracentral lobule (all p < 0.05, cluster corrected). Moreover, GHB-induced euphoria was associated with rAI-rsFC to the superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.05, uncorrected). CONCLUSIONS GHB induces prohedonic effects such as euphoria and sexual arousal and in parallel modulates limbic rsFC with areas linked to regulation of mood, cognitive control, and sexual experience. These results further elucidate the drug's effects in neuropsychiatric disorders and as drug of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Esposito
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Dario Dornbierer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robin von Rotz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Kraehenmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Staempfli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,MR-Center of the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
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34
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Kirschner M, Sladky R, Haugg A, Stämpfli P, Jehli E, Hodel M, Engeli E, Hösli S, Baumgartner MR, Sulzer J, Huys QJM, Seifritz E, Quednow BB, Scharnowski F, Herdener M. Self-regulation of the dopaminergic reward circuit in cocaine users with mental imagery and neurofeedback. EBioMedicine 2018; 37:489-498. [PMID: 30377073 PMCID: PMC6286189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhanced drug-related reward sensitivity accompanied by impaired sensitivity to non-drug related rewards in the mesolimbic dopamine system are thought to underlie the broad motivational deficits and dysfunctional decision-making frequently observed in cocaine use disorder (CUD). Effective approaches to modify this imbalance and reinstate non-drug reward responsiveness are urgently needed. Here, we examined whether cocaine users (CU) can use mental imagery of non-drug rewards to self-regulate the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra (VTA/SN). We expected that obsessive and compulsive thoughts about cocaine consumption would hamper the ability to self-regulate the VTA/SN activity and tested if real-time fMRI (rtfMRI) neurofeedback (NFB) can improve self-regulation of the VTA/SN. METHODS Twenty-two CU and 28 healthy controls (HC) were asked to voluntarily up-regulate VTA/SN activity with non-drug reward imagery alone, or combined with rtfMRI NFB. RESULTS On a group level, HC and CU were able to activate the dopaminergic midbrain and other reward regions with reward imagery. In CU, the individual ability to self-regulate the VTA/SN was reduced in those with more severe obsessive-compulsive drug use. NFB enhanced the effect of reward imagery but did not result in transfer effects at the end of the session. CONCLUSION CU can voluntary activate their reward system with non-drug reward imagery and improve this ability with rtfMRI NFB. Combining mental imagery and rtFMRI NFB has great potential for modifying the maladapted reward sensitivity and reinstating non-drug reward responsiveness. This motivates further work to examine the use of rtfMRI NFB in the treatment of CUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Kirschner
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ronald Sladky
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amelie Haugg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Stämpfli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Jehli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Hodel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Etna Engeli
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Hösli
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analysis, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James Sulzer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Quentin J M Huys
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Scharnowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus Herdener
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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35
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Vonmoos M, Hirsiger S, Preller KH, Hulka LM, Allemann D, Herdener M, Baumgartner MR, Quednow BB. Cognitive and neuroanatomical impairments associated with chronic exposure to levamisole-contaminated cocaine. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:235. [PMID: 30368522 PMCID: PMC6204136 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0279-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, levamisole is the most common cocaine adulterant worldwide and it is known to induce a variety of adverse side effects. Animal studies and human case reports suggest potential neurotoxicity of the compound but neither neuroanatomical nor cognitive effects of levamisole have been systematically investigated in cocaine users so far. We examined cognitive performance and cortical structural differences between chronic cocaine users with low and high recent exposure to levamisole objectively determined by quantitative toxicological hair analyses. In Study 1, we compared 26 chronic cocaine users with low levamisole exposure (lowLevCU), 49 matched cocaine users with high levamisole exposure (highLevCU), and 78 matched stimulant-naive controls regarding cognitive functioning employing a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. In Study 2, we investigated cortical thickness by use of T1-weighted MRI in a subgroup of 12 lowLevCU, 17 highLevCU, and 38 stimulant-naive controls. In Study 1, both cocaine user groups showed significant impairments in the cognitive domains of attention and working memory as well as in the global cognitive index. However, highLevCU showed significantly worse executive functions compared to lowLevCU although both groups did not differ in severity of cocaine consumption and other clinical dimensions. Study 2 revealed that highLevCU, displayed reduced cortical thickness specifically in the middle frontal gyrus compared to both controls and lowLevCU. Our results suggest that levamisole exposure during the last months in cocaine users is associated with increased executive function impairments and pronounced thinning of the lateral prefrontal cortex. Consequently, prevention and drug policy-making should aim to reduce levamisole contamination of street cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Vonmoos
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sarah Hirsiger
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H. Preller
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea M. Hulka
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, Center for Addictive Disorders, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Allemann
- Health & Social Welfare Department State of Berne, Office of the Cantonal Pharmacist, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Herdener
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, Center for Addictive Disorders, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R. Baumgartner
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B. Quednow
- 0000 0004 1937 0650grid.7400.3Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,0000 0001 2156 2780grid.5801.cNeuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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36
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Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) products have gained popularity as abused drugs over the past decade in many countries. The SCs broadly impact psychological state (e.g., mood, suicidal thoughts and psychosis) and physiological functions (e.g., cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and urinary). This review is about the effects of SCs on psychotic symptoms in clinical settings and the potentially relevant chemistry and mechanisms of action for SCs. Induction of psychotic symptoms after consuming SC products were reported, including new-onset psychosis and psychotic relapses. The role of SCs in psychosis is more complex than any single chemical component might explain, and these effects may not be a simple extension of the typical effects of cannabis or natural cannabinoids.
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37
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Kroll SL, Wunderli MD, Vonmoos M, Hulka LM, Preller KH, Bosch OG, Baumgartner MR, Quednow BB. Socio-cognitive functioning in stimulant polysubstance users. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 190:94-103. [PMID: 30005311 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using more than one psychotropic substance is accompanied by increased risks for psychiatric and physical disorders. Accordingly, deficits in basal cognitive functions have been consistently associated with polysubstance use (PSU), whereas little is known about potential impairments in more complex socio-cognitive skills, which are relevant for daily-life functioning. Therefore, we investigated the effects of toxicological validated stimulant PSU on social cognition under consideration of potential cumulative effects. METHODS We compared socio-cognitive performances of 47 individuals with stimulant PSU with 59 matched stimulant-naïve controls using the Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET) and the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC). Additionally, social network size was assessed by the Social Network Questionnaire (SNQ). Hair and urine testing was employed to categorize three PSU subgroups (3, 4, and ≥5 substances used) and to ensure drug abstinence in controls. RESULTS Individuals with stimulant PSU showed lower emotional empathy (MET) and a smaller social network (SNQ) compared to controls (both with linear trends for increasing number of used substances: p < .05). In contrast, cognitive empathy (MET and MASC) was largely unaffected by PSU. Additional linear regression analyses within PSU individuals revealed number of used substances as the best predictor for inferior performance in emotional empathy (p < .01), while severity of the use of single substances or substance-classes did not show a significant impact. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate cumulative adverse effects of stimulant PSU on an important facet of socio-cognitive functioning. Therefore, emotional empathy deficits should be targeted in future interventions and rehabilitations for individuals with PSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Kroll
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael D Wunderli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea M Hulka
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver G Bosch
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analysis, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Khan A, Powell SB. Sensorimotor gating deficits in "two-hit" models of schizophrenia risk factors. Schizophr Res 2018; 198:68-83. [PMID: 29070440 PMCID: PMC5911431 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental models of neuropsychiatric disease have grown exponentially over the last 20years. One measure that is often used to evaluate the translational relevance of these models to human neuropsychiatric disease is prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI), an operational measure of sensorimotor gating. Deficient PPI characterizes several neuropsychiatric disorders but has been most extensively studied in schizophrenia. It has become a useful tool in translational neuropharmacological and molecular genetics studies because it can be measured across species using almost the same experimental parameters. Although initial studies of PPI in rodents were pharmacological because of the robust predictive validity of PPI for antipsychotic efficacy, more recently, PPI has become standard common behavioral measures used in genetic and neurodevelopmental models of schizophrenia. Here we review "two hit" models of schizophrenia and discuss the utility of PPI as a tool in phenotyping these models of relevant risk factors. In the review, we consider approaches to rodent models of genetic and neurodevelopmental risk factors and selectively review "two hit" models of gene×environment and environment×environment interactions in which PPI has been measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Susan B Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States.
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Swerdlow NR, Light GA. Sensorimotor gating deficits in schizophrenia: Advancing our understanding of the phenotype, its neural circuitry and genetic substrates. Schizophr Res 2018; 198. [PMID: 29525460 PMCID: PMC6103885 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Neal R Swerdlow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | - Gregory A Light
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
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40
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Gamma-hydroxybutyrate increases brain resting-state functional connectivity of the salience network and dorsal nexus in humans. Neuroimage 2018. [PMID: 29524621 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the triple network hypothesis the brain is equipped with three core neurocognitive networks: the default mode (DMN), the salience (SN), and the central executive (CEN) network. Moreover, the so called dorsal nexus, has met growing interest as it is a hub region connecting these three networks. Assessment of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of these networks enables the elucidation of drug-induced brain alterations. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a GHB/GABA-B receptor agonist that induces a paradoxical state of mixed stimulation and sedation at moderate doses, which makes it a valuable tool to investigate neural signatures of subjective drug effects. Employing a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, cross-over design, we assessed the effects of GHB (35 mg/kg p. o.) in 19 healthy male subjects on DMN-, SN-, CEN-, and dorsal nexus-rsFC measured by functional magnet resonance imaging and applying independent component as well as seed-based analyses, while subjective drug effects were investigated using visual analog scales (VAS). Subjectively, GHB increased VAS ratings of a general drug effect, stimulation, and sedation. Intrinsic DMN-, and CEN-rsFC remained largely unchanged under GHB, but the drug increased SN-DMN-rsFC and SN-dorsal nexus-rsFC, while dorsal nexus-rsFC was reciprocally increased to both the SN (right anterior insula) and to the CEN (right middle frontal gyrus). Increased sedation significantly predicted the observed SN-dorsal nexus-rsFC. In conclusion, GHB generates a unique stimulant/sedative subjective state that is paralleled by a complex pattern of increased functional connectivity encompassing all three core neurocognitive networks of the brain, while increased SN-dorsal nexus-rsFC was demonstrated to be a potential signature of the sedative component of the drug effect.
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41
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Wunderli MD, Vonmoos M, Treichler L, Zeller C, Dziobek I, Kraemer T, Baumgartner MR, Seifritz E, Quednow BB. Social Cognition and Interaction in Chronic Users of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy"). Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 21:333-344. [PMID: 29087534 PMCID: PMC5888715 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The empathogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is the prototypical prosocial club drug inducing emotional openness to others. It has recently been shown that acutely applied 3,4-MDMA in fact enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior, while it simultaneously decreases cognitive empathy. However, the long-term effects of 3,4-MDMA use on socio-cognitive functions and social interactions have not been investigated yet. Therefore, we examined emotional and cognitive empathy, social decision-making, and oxytocin plasma levels in chronic 3,4-MDMA users. METHODS We tested 38 regular but recently abstinent 3,4-MDMA users and 56 3,4-MDMA-naïve controls with the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition, the Multifaceted Empathy Test, and the Distribution Game and the Dictator Game. Drug use was objectively quantified by 6-month hair analyses. Furthermore, oxytocin plasma levels were determined in smaller subgroups (24 3,4-MDMA users, 9 controls). RESULTS 3,4-MDMA users showed superior cognitive empathy compared with controls in the Multifaceted Empathy Test (Cohen's d=.39) and in the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (d=.50), but they did not differ from controls in emotional empathy. Moreover, 3,4-MDMA users acted less self-serving in the Distribution Game. However, within 3,4-MDMA users, multiple regression analyses showed that higher 3,4-MDMA concentrations in hair were associated with lower cognitive empathy (βMDMA=-.34, t=-2.12, P<.05). Oxytocin plasma concentrations did not significantly differ between both groups. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that people with high cognitive empathy abilities and pronounced social motivations might be more prone to 3,4-MDMA consumption. In contrast, long-term 3,4-MDMA use might nevertheless have a detrimental effect on cognitive empathy capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Wunderli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lorena Treichler
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Zeller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Dziobek
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain and Institute of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurichm, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Correspondence: Boris B. Quednow, PhD, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland ()
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42
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Bosch OG, Esposito F, Havranek MM, Dornbierer D, von Rotz R, Staempfli P, Quednow BB, Seifritz E. Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Increases Resting-State Limbic Perfusion and Body and Emotion Awareness in Humans. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:2141-2151. [PMID: 28561068 PMCID: PMC5603804 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a GHB-/GABA-B receptor agonist inducing a broad spectrum of subjective effects including euphoria, disinhibition, and enhanced vitality. It is used as treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders including narcolepsy and alcohol withdrawal, but is also a drug of abuse. Non-medical users report enhancement of body and emotion awareness during intoxication. However, the neuronal underpinnings of such awareness alterations under GHB are unknown so far. The assessment of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) by pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) enables the elucidation of drug-induced functional brain alterations. Thus, we assessed the effects of GHB (35 mg/kg p.o.) in 17 healthy males on rCBF and subjective drug effects, using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, cross-over design employing arterial spin labeling phMRI. Compared to placebo, GHB increased subjective ratings for body and emotion awareness, and for dizziness (p<0.01-0.001, Bonferroni-corrected). A whole-brain analysis showed increased rCBF in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the right anterior insula under GHB (p<0.05, cluster-corrected). ACC and insula rCBF are correlated with relaxation, and body and emotion awareness (p<0.05-0.001, uncorrected). Interaction analyses revealed that GHB-induced increase of body awareness was accompanied by increased rCBF in ACC, whereas relaxation under GHB was accompanied by elevated rCBF in right anterior insula (p<0.05, uncorrected). In conclusion, enhancement of emotion and body awareness, and increased perfusion of insula and ACC bears implications both for the properties of GHB as a drug of abuse as well as for its putative personalized potential for specific therapeutic indications in affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, Zurich CH-8032, Switzerland, Tel: +41 44 384 2357, Fax: +41 44 383 4456, E-mail:
| | - Fabrizio Esposito
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Michael M Havranek
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Dornbierer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robin von Rotz
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Staempfli
- MR-Center of the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, Research Group Disorders of the Nervous System, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, Research Group Disorders of the Nervous System, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Discrete memory impairments in largely pure chronic users of MDMA. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 27:987-999. [PMID: 28866005 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.08.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") has repeatedly been associated with deficits in working memory, declarative memory, and executive functions. However, previous findings regarding working memory and executive function are inconclusive yet, as in most studies concomitant stimulant use, which is known to affect these functions, was not adequately controlled for. Therefore, we compared the cognitive performance of 26 stimulant-free and largely pure (primary) MDMA users, 25 stimulant-using polydrug MDMA users, and 56 MDMA/stimulant-naïve controls by applying a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Neuropsychological tests were grouped into four cognitive domains. Recent drug use was objectively quantified by 6-month hair analyses on 17 substances and metabolites. Considerably lower mean hair concentrations of stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, cocaine), opioids (morphine, methadone, codeine), and hallucinogens (ketamine, 2C-B) were detected in primary compared to polydrug users, while both user groups did not differ in their MDMA hair concentration. Cohen's d effect sizes for both comparisons, i.e., primary MDMA users vs. controls and polydrug MDMA users vs. controls, were highest for declarative memory (dprimary=.90, dpolydrug=1.21), followed by working memory (dprimary=.52, dpolydrug=.96), executive functions (dprimary=.46, dpolydrug=.86), and attention (dprimary=.23, dpolydrug=.70). Thus, primary MDMA users showed strong and relatively discrete declarative memory impairments, whereas MDMA polydrug users displayed broad and unspecific cognitive impairments. Consequently, even largely pure chronic MDMA use is associated with decreased performance in declarative memory, while additional deficits in working memory and executive functions displayed by polydrug MDMA users are likely driven by stimulant co-use.
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Bosch OG, Havranek MM, Baumberger A, Preller KH, von Rotz R, Herdener M, Kraehenmann R, Staempfli P, Scheidegger M, Klucken T, Seifritz E, Quednow BB. Neural underpinnings of prosexual effects induced by gamma-hydroxybutyrate in healthy male humans. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 27:372-382. [PMID: 28284776 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a GHB-/GABAB-receptor agonist currently used as treatment for narcolepsy but also as a drug of abuse. Non-medical GHB users have repeatedly reported prosexual effects including libido-enhancement and lowering of attractiveness standards for partner selection. Here, we examined the putative prosexual effects of oral GHB in healthy males in two experiments both employing randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced, and cross-over study designs. In experiment I, subjective effects of 20 and 35mg/kg GHB vs. placebo were tested in 32 participants using the Sexual Arousal and Desire Inventory. In experiment II, brain reactivity towards erotic vs. neutral pictures was investigated in 15 participants using functional magnetic resonance imaging after 35mg/kg GHB vs. placebo. In experiment I, prosexual effects of GHB were shown by increased SADI ratings regarding physiological, evaluative, and motivational aspects of sexual arousal. In experiment II, erotic visual stimuli activated the bilateral insula, nucleus accumbens (NAcc), fusiform gyrus, thalamus, and left occipital pole under placebo. After GHB administration, even sexually neutral pictures of persons induced subjective sexual arousal and increased activation of the bilateral NAcc and right anterior cingulate cortex, which significantly correlated (left NAcc by trend). Moreover, a psychophysiological interaction analysis showed that GHB increased connectivity between NAcc and ventromedial prefrontal cortex during processing of visual erotic cues, i.e., in the condition in which subjective sexual arousal was highest. Our data show that GHB stimulates hedonic sexual functioning and lowers the threshold for erotic perception, which is related to increased susceptibility of mesolimbic reward pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Michael M Havranek
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Baumberger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robin von Rotz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Herdener
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Kraehenmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Staempfli
- MR-Center of the Psychiatry Hospital and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milan Scheidegger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tim Klucken
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Switzerland
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Quednow BB, Hulka LM, Preller KH, Baumgartner MR, Eisenegger C, Vonmoos M. Stable self-serving personality traits in recreational and dependent cocaine users. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172853. [PMID: 28253291 PMCID: PMC5333846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic cocaine use has been associated with impairments in social cognition, self-serving and antisocial behavior, and socially relevant personality disorders (PD). Despite the apparent relationship between Machiavellianism and stimulant use, no study has explicitly examined this personality concept in cocaine users so far. In the frame of the longitudinal Zurich Cocaine Cognition Study, the Machiavellianism Questionnaire (MACH-IV) was assessed in 68 recreational and 30 dependent cocaine users as well as in 68 psychostimulant-naïve controls at baseline. Additionally, three closely related personality dimensions from the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI)–cooperativeness, (social) reward dependence, and self-directedness–and the screening questionnaire of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID-II) were acquired. At the one-year follow-up, 57 cocaine users and 48 controls were reassessed with the MACH-IV. Finally, MACH-IV scores were correlated with measures of social cognition and interaction (cognitive/emotional empathy, Theory-of-Mind, prosocial behavior) and with SCID-II PD scores assessed at baseline. Both recreational and dependent cocaine users showed significantly higher Machiavellianism than controls, while dependent cocaine users additionally displayed significantly lower levels of TCI cooperativeness and self-directedness. During the one-year interval, MACH-IV scores showed high test-retest reliability and also the significant gap between cocaine users and controls remained. Moreover, in cocaine users, higher Machiavellianism correlated significantly with lower levels of cooperativeness and self-directedness, with less prosocial behavior, and with higher cluster B PD scores. However, Machiavellianism was not correlated with measures of cocaine use severity (r<-.15). Both recreational and dependent cocaine users display pronounced and stable Machiavellian personality traits. The lack of correlations with severity of cocaine use and its temporal stability indicates that a Machiavellian personality trait might represent a predisposition for cocaine use that potentially serves as a predictor for stimulant addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris B. Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea M. Hulka
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H. Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R. Baumgartner
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, Center for Forensic Hair Analysis, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Eisenegger
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Biopsychology Unit, Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Havranek MM, Hulka LM, Tasiudi E, Eisenegger C, Vonmoos M, Preller KH, Mössner R, Baumgartner MR, Seifritz E, Grünblatt E, Quednow BB. α 2A -Adrenergic receptor polymorphisms and mRNA expression levels are associated with delay discounting in cocaine users. Addict Biol 2017; 22:561-569. [PMID: 26549422 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine users characteristically display preferences for smaller immediate rewards over larger delayed rewards, and this delay discounting (DD) has been proposed as an endophenotype of cocaine addiction. Recent evidence suggests that the norepinephrine system and more specifically the α2A -adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A) are impacted by chronic cocaine use while also being potentially involved in the neural mechanisms underlying DD. Hence, we investigated the effects of ADRA2A polymorphisms and ADRA2A mRNA expression levels on DD of cocaine users and stimulant-naïve controls. Two hundred and twenty-three participants (129 cocaine users and 94 stimulant-naïve healthy controls) completed a computerized DD paradigm and were genotyped for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1800544, rs521674 and rs602618) in the ADRA2A gene, while their peripheral ADRA2A mRNA expression was quantified in whole blood samples. The three SNPs were in near-perfect linkage disequilibrium. Accordingly, significant group*genotype interactions were found for all three ADRA2A variants revealing steeper DD in cocaine users (but not in controls) carrying the G-allele of SNP rs1800544, the T-allele of rs521674 and the C-allele of rs602618. Similarly, high ADRA2A mRNA expression levels were significantly associated with a reduced tendency to choose smaller more immediate rewards (over larger delayed rewards) in cocaine users but not in controls. As the relationship between DD and cocaine use was moderated by ADRA2A SNPs and by peripheral ADRA2A gene expression, we propose that the norepinephrine system is involved in DD deficits observed in cocaine using individuals. Consequently, pharmacological compounds targeting ADRA2As might be considered for the symptom-specific treatment of delay aversion in stimulant addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M. Havranek
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital; University of Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Lea M. Hulka
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital; University of Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Eve Tasiudi
- University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; University of Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Christoph Eisenegger
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Biopsychology Unit, Institute of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods; University of Vienna; Austria
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital; University of Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Katrin H. Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital; University of Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Rainald Mössner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University of Tübingen; Germany
| | - Markus R. Baumgartner
- Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Legal Medicine; University of Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital; University of Zurich; Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich; University and ETH Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; University of Zurich; Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich; University and ETH Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Boris B. Quednow
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital; University of Zurich; Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich; University and ETH Zurich; Switzerland
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Sensory Gating Deficits in First-Episode Psychosis: Evidence From Neurophysiology, Psychophysiology, and Neuropsychology. J Nerv Ment Dis 2016; 204:877-884. [PMID: 27483114 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sensory gating deficits are commonly found in patients with schizophrenia. However, there is still scarce research on this issue. Thirty-eight patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) were compared to thirty-eight controls. A condition-test paradigm of event-related potentials (ERP), prepulse inhibition (PPI), and some specific tasks of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) were used (i.e., TMT, BACS-SC, and Fluency for processing speed and CPT-IP for attention and vigilance). The ERP components measured were P50, N1, and P2. The PPI intervals examined were 30, 60, and 120 msec. Regarding the MCCB, processing speed and attention/vigilance cognitive domains were selected. FEP patients showed significant deficits in N1 and P2 components, at 30 and 60 PPI levels and in all the MCCB subtests selected. We obtained significant relationships in N1 with PPI-60, and with one MCCB subtest for processing speed. In addition, this same subtest showed significant association with P2. Therefore, sensory gating functioning is widely impaired since the very early stages of schizophrenia.
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Swerdlow NR, Braff DL, Geyer MA. Sensorimotor gating of the startle reflex: what we said 25 years ago, what has happened since then, and what comes next. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:1072-1081. [PMID: 27539931 PMCID: PMC6036900 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116661075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Our 1992 paper, 'The neural substrates of sensorimotor gating of the startle reflex: a review of recent findings and their implications', reviewed a series of (then) new and preliminary findings from cross-species studies of prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex, and commented on their implications. At the time that the report was composed, PubMed listed about 40 citations for studies using the search term 'prepulse inhibition'. In the ensuing 25 years, the field has added about 2700 such reports, reflecting the substantial growth in interest in prepulse inhibition and its utility across a number of different experimental applications. The 30th anniversary of the Journal of Psychopharmacology provides an opportunity to comment briefly on what was described in that 1992 report, how the field has progressed in the subsequent decades, and the paths forward for studies of prepulse inhibition and its use as an operational measure of sensorimotor gating. Among these future paths, we highlight the use of prepulse inhibition as: an endophenotype for genomic studies, and a biomarker for healthy brain circuitry, which may predict sensitivity to psychotherapeutics. Our 1992 report was highly speculative and based on paper-thin empirical data, yet viewed in a certain light, it appears to have contained a basic roadmap for a journey spanning the next 25 years of prepulse inhibition research… and 'what a long, strange trip it's been'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal R Swerdlow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David L Braff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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Kedzior KK, Wehmann E, Martin-Iverson M. Habituation of the startle reflex depends on attention in cannabis users. BMC Psychol 2016; 4:50. [PMID: 27782849 PMCID: PMC5080700 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-016-0158-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use is associated with an attention-dependent deficit in prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI). The aim of the current study was to investigate startle habituation in cannabis users and healthy controls during two attentional tasks. METHODS Auditory startle reflex was recorded from orbicularis oculi muscle while participants (12 controls and 16 regular cannabis users) were either attending to or ignoring 100 dB startling pulses. Startle habituation was measured as the absolute reduction in startle magnitude on block 2 (last nine trials) vs. block 1 (first nine trials). RESULTS Startle habituation with moderate effect sizes was observed in controls and cannabis users only while they were ignoring the startling pulses but not while they were attending to them. Similar results were also observed in controls (lifetime non-users of cannabis) and cannabis users with lifetime cannabis use disorders (CUD). CONCLUSION Startle habituation appears to depend on selective attention but not on cannabis use. Startle habituation was present when attention was directed away from auditory startling pulses in healthy controls and cannabis users. Such a similar pattern of results in both groups suggests that at least a trend exists towards presence of startle habituation regardless of cannabis use or CUD in otherwise healthy members of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina K Kedzior
- Institute of Psychology and Transfer, University of Bremen, (FB 11), Grazer Str. 2c, 28359, Bremen, Germany. .,School of Engineering and Science, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany. .,Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Graylands Hospital and Pharmacology & Anaesthesiology Unit, School of Medicine & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Eileen Wehmann
- School of Engineering and Science, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Mathew Martin-Iverson
- Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Graylands Hospital and Pharmacology & Anaesthesiology Unit, School of Medicine & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Wunderli MD, Vonmoos M, Niedecker SM, Hulka LM, Preller KH, Baumgartner MR, Kraemer T, Seifritz E, Schaub MP, Eich-Höchli D, Quednow BB. Cognitive and emotional impairments in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and cocaine use. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 163:92-9. [PMID: 27085500 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an important modulator of cognitive and social functioning in cocaine addiction but it is unclear whether ADHD symptoms and cocaine use display mutually aggravating interaction effects on cognition, social functioning, and depressive symptoms. Therefore, we investigated the interaction of cocaine use and adult ADHD on social and non-social cognition and depressive symptoms. METHODS Twenty-four cocaine users with (CU+ADHD) and 30 without ADHD (CU-ADHD), 29 cocaine-naïve ADHD patients, and 40 cocaine-naïve healthy controls underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing including assessment of social cognition (cognitive/emotional empathy and Theory-of-Mind). Additionally, depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS The effect size of global cognitive impairment was largest in CU+ADHD (d=1.22 vs. controls) followed by CU-ADHD (d=0.74), and cocaine-naïve ADHD patients (d=0.33). A similar pattern appeared regarding depressive symptoms (CU+ADHD: d=1.47; CU-ADHD: d=0.49, ADHD: d=0.34). In the measures of Theory-of-Mind (CU+ADHD: d=0.76; CU-ADHD: d=0.06, ADHD: d=0.01) and cognitive empathy (CU+ADHD: d=0.80; CU-ADHD: d=0.39, ADHD: d=-0.11) only CU+ADHD showed moderate to large impairments. Moreover, two-way analyses of covariance revealed a significant interaction effect of the factors ADHD and cocaine use on depressive symptoms (p<0.05) and Theory-of-Mind (p<0.05) but not on global cognitive performance (p=0.64). CONCLUSIONS When occurring together, cognitive impairments associated with both ADHD and cocaine use are largely additive, whereas both factors seem to mutually potentiate one another with respect to mood and mental perspective-taking disturbances. Given the high comorbidity between ADHD and cocaine use, longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the origin of these potentiated impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Wunderli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefania M Niedecker
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea M Hulka
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Center of Forensic Hairanalytics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael P Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, Associated Institute at the University of Zurich and WHO Collaborating Centre, Konradstrasse 32, 8031 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Eich-Höchli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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