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Scott JC. Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Neurocognitive and Brain Development. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:655-676. [PMID: 37879830 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.03.012] [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] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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2
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Orihuel J, Capellán R, Casquero-Veiga M, Soto-Montenegro ML, Desco M, Oteo-Vives M, Ibáñez-Moragues M, Magro-Calvo N, Luján VM, Morcillo MÁ, Ambrosio E, Higuera-Matas A. The long-term effects of adolescent Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on brain structure and function assessed through neuroimaging techniques in male and female rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 74:47-63. [PMID: 37276836 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.05.005] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Several studies performed on human subjects have examined the effects of adolescent cannabis consumption on brain structure or function using brain imaging techniques. However, the evidence from these studies is usually heterogenous and affected by several confounding variables. Animal models of adolescent cannabinoid exposure may help to overcome these difficulties. In this exploratory study, we aim to increase our understanding of the protracted effects of adolescent Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rats of both sexes using magnetic resonance (MR) to obtain volumetric data, assess grey and white matter microstructure with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and measure brain metabolites with 1H-MR spectroscopy (MRS); in addition, we studied brain function using positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose as the tracer. THC-exposed rats exhibited volumetric and microstructural alterations in the striatum, globus pallidus, lateral ventricles, thalamus, and septal nuclei in a sex-specific manner. THC administration also reduced fractional anisotropy in several white matter tracts, prominently in rostral sections, while in vivo MRS identified lower levels of cortical choline compounds. THC-treated males had increased metabolism in the cerebellum and olfactory bulb and decreased metabolism in the cingulate cortex. By contrast, THC-treated females showed hypermetabolism in a cluster of voxels comprising the entorhinal piriform cortices and in the cingulate cortex. These results indicate that mild THC exposure during adolescence leaves a lingering mark on brain structure and function in a sex-dependant manner. Some of the changes found here resemble those observed in human studies and highlight the importance of studying sex-specific effects in cannabinoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Orihuel
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), C/Juan del Rosal 10, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Capellán
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), C/Juan del Rosal 10, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Casquero-Veiga
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Luisa Soto-Montenegro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Grupo de Fisiopatología y Farmacología del Sistema Digestivo de la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (NEUGUT), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain; Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Oteo-Vives
- CIEMAT - Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology, Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiations Unit, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ibáñez-Moragues
- CIEMAT - Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology, Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiations Unit, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Magro-Calvo
- CIEMAT - Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology, Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiations Unit, Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor M Luján
- CIEMAT - Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology, Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiations Unit, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Morcillo
- CIEMAT - Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology, Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiations Unit, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Ambrosio
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), C/Juan del Rosal 10, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Higuera-Matas
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), C/Juan del Rosal 10, Madrid, Spain.
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Pintori N, Caria F, De Luca MA, Miliano C. THC and CBD: Villain versus Hero? Insights into Adolescent Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065251. [PMID: 36982327 PMCID: PMC10048857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used drug of abuse worldwide. It is well established that the most abundant phytocannabinoids in this plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two compounds have remarkably similar chemical structures yet vastly different effects in the brain. By binding to the same receptors, THC is psychoactive, while CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Lately, a variety of hemp-based products, including CBD and THC, have become widely available in the food and health industry, and medical and recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in many states/countries. As a result, people, including youths, are consuming CBD because it is considered “safe”. An extensive literature exists evaluating the harmful effects of THC in both adults and adolescents, but little is known about the long-term effects of CBD exposure, especially in adolescence. The aim of this review is to collect preclinical and clinical evidence about the effects of cannabidiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758633
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Springer SD, Spooner RK, Schantell M, Arif Y, Frenzel MR, Eastman JA, Wilson TW. Regular recreational Cannabis users exhibit altered neural oscillatory dynamics during attention reorientation. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1205-1214. [PMID: 34889178 PMCID: PMC9250753 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721002671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and is often associated with changes in attention function, which may ultimately impact numerous other cognitive faculties (e.g. memory, executive function). Importantly, despite the increasing rates of cannabis use and widespread legalization in the United States, the neural mechanisms underlying attentional dysfunction in chronic users are poorly understood. METHODS We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) and a modified Posner cueing task in 21 regular cannabis users and 32 demographically matched non-user controls. MEG data were imaged in the time-frequency domain using a beamformer and peak voxel time series were extracted to quantify the oscillatory dynamics underlying use-related aberrations in attentional reorienting, as well as the impact on spontaneous neural activity immediately preceding stimulus onset. RESULTS Behavioral performance on the task (e.g. reaction time) was similar between regular cannabis users and non-user controls. However, the neural data indicated robust theta-band synchronizations across a distributed network during attentional reorienting, with activity in the bilateral inferior frontal gyri being markedly stronger in users relative to controls (p's < 0.036). Additionally, we observed significantly reduced spontaneous theta activity across this distributed network during the pre-stimulus baseline in cannabis users relative to controls (p's < 0.020). CONCLUSIONS Despite similar performance on the task, we observed specific alterations in the neural dynamics serving attentional reorienting in regular cannabis users compared to controls. These data suggest that regular cannabis users may employ compensatory processing in the prefrontal cortices to efficiently reorient their attention relative to non-user controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D. Springer
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rachel K. Spooner
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mikki Schantell
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yasra Arif
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michaela R. Frenzel
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jacob A. Eastman
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tony W. Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Niloy N, Hediyal TA, Vichitra C, Sonali S, Chidambaram SB, Gorantla VR, Mahalakshmi AM. Effect of Cannabis on Memory Consolidation, Learning and Retrieval and Its Current Legal Status in India: A Review. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010162. [PMID: 36671547 PMCID: PMC9855787 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the oldest crops grown, traditionally held religious attachments in various cultures for its medicinal use much before its introduction to Western medicine. Multiple preclinical and clinical investigations have explored the beneficial effects of cannabis in various neurocognitive and neurodegenerative diseases affecting the cognitive domains. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component, is responsible for cognition-related deficits, while cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, has been shown to elicit neuroprotective activity. In the present integrative review, the authors focus on the effects of cannabis on the different cognitive domains, including learning, consolidation, and retrieval. The present study is the first attempt in which significant focus has been imparted on all three aspects of cognition, thus linking to its usage. Furthermore, the investigators have also depicted the current legal position of cannabis in India and the requirement for reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandi Niloy
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Tousif Ahmed Hediyal
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrasekaran Vichitra
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharma Sonali
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Vasavi Rakesh Gorantla
- Department of Anatomical Science, St. George’s University, University Centre, St. Georges FZ818, Grenada
- Correspondence: (V.R.G.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Arehally M. Mahalakshmi
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, SS Nagar, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Correspondence: (V.R.G.); (A.M.M.)
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Scott JC. Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Neurocognitive and Brain Development. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2023; 32:21-42. [PMID: 36410904 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.06.002] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Electrophysiological and behavioral correlates of cannabis use disorder. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 22:1421-1431. [PMID: 35698004 PMCID: PMC9622528 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-01016-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Current research indicates deficits in cognitive function together with widespread changes in brain activity following long-term cannabis use. In particular, cannabis use has been associated with excessive spectral power of the alpha rhythm (8-12 Hz), which is also known to be modulated during attentional states. Recent neuroimaging studies have linked heavy cannabis use with structural and metabolic changes in the brain; however, the functional consequences of these changes are still not fully characterized. This study investigated the electrophysiological and behavioral correlates of cannabis dependence by comparing patients with a cannabis use disorder (CUD; N = 24) with cannabis nonuser controls (N = 24), using resting state electroencephalogram (EEG) source-imaging. In addition to evaluating mean differences between groups, we also explored whether particular EEG patterns were associated with individual cognitive-behavioral measures. First, we replicated historical findings of elevated levels of (relative) alpha rhythm in CUD patients compared with controls and located these abnormalities to mainly prefrontal cortical regions. Importantly, we observed a significant negative correlation between alpha spectral power in several cortical regions and individual attentional performance in the Go/NoGo task. Because such relationship was absent in the nonuser control group, our results suggest that reduced prefrontal cortical activation (indexed by increased relative alpha power) could be partly responsible for the reported cognitive impairments in CUD. Our findings support the use of electroencephalography as a noninvasive and cost-effective tool for biomarker discovery in substance abuse and have the potential of directly informing future intervention strategies.
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8
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Wang Y, Zuo C, Xu Q, Hao L. Cerebellar thickness changes associated with heavy cannabis use: A 3-year longitudinal study. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12931. [PMID: 32575152 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most frequently used illicit drug in the world. Cross-sectional neuroimaging studies have revealed that chronic cannabis exposure and the development of cannabis use disorders may affect cerebllar morphology. However, cross-sectional studies cannot make a conclusive distinction between causes and consequences, and there is a lack of longitudinal neuroimaging studies. In the current study, we used longitudinal neuroimaging data to explore whether persistent cannabis use and higher levels of cannabis exposure in young adults are related to cerebellar thickness alterations. Twenty heavy cannabis users (CBs) and 22 non-cannabis-using controls (HCs) completed a comprehensive psychological assessment and a T1-structural MRI scan at baseline and a 3-year follow-up. Except for lobuleVIIB, all cerebellar subregions showed significant effects of age in both the CB and HC groups. Both VI and CrusI had higher rates of increase in CBs than in HCs. In addition, we examined the relationship between changes in cerebellar thickness and cannabis use characteristics. We found that alterations in lobule VI and CrusI were related to the age at onset first cannabis use but not the age at onset frequent cannabis use. The changes in lobule VI and CrusI were associated with the CUDIT score, even when controlling for the AUDIT score. The results indicated that an increased rate of cerebellar thickness is a risk factor for heavy cannabis use in early adulthood. Cannabis use affects the cerebellar structure, and monitoring cerebellar structural alterations that could be used as biomarkers may help guide the development of clinical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanpei Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Children's Impairment and Intervention Nanjing Normal University of Special Education Nanjing China
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning Beijing Normal University Beijing China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research Beijing Normal University Beijing China
| | - Chenyi Zuo
- College of Educational Science Anhui Normal University Wuhu China
| | - Qinfang Xu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Special Children's Impairment and Intervention Nanjing Normal University of Special Education Nanjing China
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning Beijing Normal University Beijing China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research Beijing Normal University Beijing China
| | - Lei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning Beijing Normal University Beijing China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research Beijing Normal University Beijing China
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Rangel-Pacheco A, Lew BJ, Schantell MD, Frenzel MR, Eastman JA, Wiesman AI, Wilson TW. Altered fronto-occipital connectivity during visual selective attention in regular cannabis users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1351-1361. [PMID: 33241479 PMCID: PMC8068572 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05717-3] [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: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Cognitive processing impairments have been associated with acute cannabis use, but there is mixed evidence regarding the cognitive effects of chronic cannabis use. Several neuroimaging studies have noted selective-attention processing differences in those who chronically use cannabis, but the neural dynamics governing the altered processing is unclear. METHODS Twenty-four adults reporting at least weekly cannabis use in the past 6 months on the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Revised were compared to 24 demographically matched controls who reported no prior cannabis use. All participants completed a visual selective attention processing task while undergoing magnetoencephalography. Time-frequency windows of interest were identified using a data-driven method, and spectrally specific neural activity was imaged using a beamforming approach. RESULTS All participants performed within normal range on the cognitive task. Regular cannabis users displayed an aberrant cognitive interference effect in the theta (4-8 Hz) frequency range shortly after stimulus onset (i.e., 0-250 ms) in the right occipital cortex. Cannabis users also exhibited altered functional connectivity between the right prefrontal cortex and right occipital cortices in comparison to controls. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with a history of regular cannabis use exhibited abnormal theta interference activity in the occipital cortices, as well as altered prefrontal-occipital functional connectivity in the theta range during a visual selective attention task. Such differences may reflect compensatory processing, as these participants performed within normal range on the task. Understanding the neural dynamics in chronic, regular cannabis users may provide insight on how long-term and/or frequent use may affect neural networks underlying cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abril Rangel-Pacheco
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Brandon J. Lew
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mikki D. Schantell
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michaela R. Frenzel
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
| | - Jacob A. Eastman
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
| | - Alex I. Wiesman
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA,Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tony W. Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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10
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Gray matter changes in chronic heavy cannabis users: a voxel-level study using multivariate pattern analysis approach. Neuroreport 2020; 31:1236-1241. [PMID: 33044327 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent structural MRI studies on gray matter (GM) volumes using group-level mass-univariate statistical analysis suggest that chronic and heavy cannabis exposure may affect brain region-based morphology. In this prospective study, we use a multivariate pattern analysis approach to investigate the voxel-level change of GM densities in chronic heavy cannabis users. Principal component analysis and linear support vector machine are used in this study, resulting in an 88.1% separation between chronic heavy cannabis users (N = 20) and non-cannabis healthy controls (HCs, N = 22) through leave-one-out cross-validation. The model's discriminative pattern showed that GM density decreases in the part of middle frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus and left occipital lobe in heavy cannabis users with respect to HCs and increases in the part of lentiform nucleus, left cerebellum and right parietal lobe. These results suggest that GM densities alteration has taken place on chronic heavy cannabis users compared with HCs at voxel level.
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11
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Kalenderoglu A, Orum MH, Karadag AS, Kustepe A, Celik M, Egilmez OB, Eken-Gedik D. Increases in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness may represent the neuroprotective effect of cannabis: an optical coherence tomography study. J Addict Dis 2020; 38:280-290. [DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1754109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aysun Kalenderoglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Adiyaman University, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | | | - Ayse Sevgi Karadag
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - Ali Kustepe
- Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Celik
- Department of Psychiatry, Private Yuzyil Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oguzhan Bekir Egilmez
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - Dilay Eken-Gedik
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Private Park Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey
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van Haren N, Cahn W, Hulshoff Pol H, Kahn R. Schizophrenia as a progressive brain disease. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 23:245-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2007] [Revised: 10/11/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThere is convincing evidence that schizophrenia is characterized by abnormalities in brain volume. At the Department of Psychiatry of the University Medical Centre Utrecht, Netherlands, we have been carrying out neuroimaging studies in schizophrenia since 1995. We focused our research on three main questions. First, are brain volume abnormalities static or progressive in nature? Secondly, can brain volume abnormalities in schizophrenia be explained (in part) by genetic influences? Finally, what environmental factors are associated with the brain volume abnormalities in schizophrenia?Based on our findings we suggest that schizophrenia is a progressive brain disease. We showed different age-related trajectories of brain tissue loss suggesting that brain maturation that occurs in the third and fourth decade of life is abnormal in schizophrenia. Moreover, brain volume has been shown to be a useful phenotype for studying schizophrenia. Brain volume is highly heritable and twin and family studies show that unaffected relatives show abnormalities that are similar, but usually present to a lesser extent, to those found in the patients. However, also environmental factors play a role. Medication intake is indeed a confounding factor when interpreting brain volume (change) abnormalities, while independent of antipsychotic medication intake brain volume abnormalities appear influenced by the outcome of the illness.In conclusion, schizophrenia can be considered as a progressive brain disease with brain volume abnormalities that are for a large part influenced by genetic factors. Whether the progressive volume change is also mediated by genes awaits the results of longitudinal twin analyses. One of the main challenges for the coming years, however, will be the search for gene-by-environment interactions on the progressive brain changes in schizophrenia.
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Daniju Y, Bossong MG, Brandt K, Allen P. Do the effects of cannabis on the hippocampus and striatum increase risk for psychosis? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:324-335. [PMID: 32057817 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of psychotic symptoms and in a small number of cases it can lead to psychoses. This review examines the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate the link between cannabis use and psychosis risk. We use an established preclinical model of psychosis, the methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) rodent model, as a framework to examine if psychosis risk in some cannabis users is mediated by the effects of cannabis on the hippocampus, and this region's role in the regulation of mesolimbic dopamine. We also examine how cannabis affects excitatory neurotransmission known to regulate hippocampal neural activity and output. Whilst there is clear evidence that cannabis/cannabinoids can affect hippocampal and medial temporal lobe function and structure, the evidence that cannabis/cannabinoids increase striatal dopamine function is less robust. There is limited evidence that cannabis use affects cortical and striatal glutamate levels, but there are currently too few studies to draw firm conclusions. Future work is needed to test the MAM model in relation to cannabis using multimodal neuroimaging approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Daniju
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - M G Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - K Brandt
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - P Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, USA.
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14
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Abstract
As an increasing number of states legalize cannabis use for recreational and/or medical purposes, it is increasingly important to understand the neural and cognitive consequences of recreational cannabis use in adolescent consumers. Adolescence is marked by ongoing neuromaturational processes, making this a particularly vulnerable period, particularly regarding exposure to drugs, including cannabis. This review highlights evidence from studies documenting the neural impact of cannabis use in adolescence and explores mediating factors related to cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Mashhoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 2 West, Room 305, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Imaging Center, Mclean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Kelly A Sagar
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 2 West, Room 305, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Hospital, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery, McLean Hospital, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Staci A Gruber
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 2 West, Room 305, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Hospital, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery, McLean Hospital, McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill Street, Mailstop 204, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
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15
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O'Connor EE, Zeffiro T, Lopez OL, Becker JT, Zeffiro T. HIV infection and age effects on striatal structure are additive. J Neurovirol 2019; 25:480-495. [PMID: 31028692 PMCID: PMC10488234 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-019-00747-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The age of the HIV-infected population is increasing. Although many studies document gray matter volume (GMV) changes following HIV infection, GMV also declines with age. Findings have been inconsistent concerning interactions between HIV infection and age on brain structure. Effects of age, substance use, and inadequate viral suppression may confound identification of GMV serostatus effects using quantitative structural measures. In a cross-sectional study of HIV infection, including 97 seropositive and 84 seronegative, demographically matched participants, ages 30-70, we examined serostatus and age effects on GMV and neuropsychological measures. Ninety-eight percent of seropositive participants were currently treated with anti-retroviral therapies and all were virally suppressed. Gray, white, and CSF volumes were estimated using high-resolution T1-weighted MRI. Linear regression modeled effects of serostatus, age, education, comorbidities, and magnetic field strength on brain structure, using both a priori regions and voxel-based morphometry. Although seropositive participants exhibited significant bilateral decreases in striatal GMV, no serostatus effects were detected in the thalamus, hippocampus, or cerebellum. Age was associated with cortical, striatal, thalamic, hippocampal, and cerebellar GMV reductions. Effects of age and serostatus on striatal GMV were additive. Although no main effects of serostatus on neuropsychological performance were observed, serostatus moderated the relationship between pegboard performance and striatal volume. Both HIV infection and age were associated with reduced striatal volume. The lack of interaction of these two predictors suggests that HIV infection is associated with premature, but not accelerated, brain age. In serostatus groups matched on demographic and clinical variables, there were no observed differences in neuropsychological performance. Striatal GMV measures may be promising biomarker for use in studies of treated HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E O'Connor
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - Oscar L Lopez
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James T Becker
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas Zeffiro
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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Cannabis use in youth is associated with limited alterations in brain structure. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1362-1369. [PMID: 30780151 PMCID: PMC6784999 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0347-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Frequent cannabis use during adolescence has been associated with alterations in brain structure. However, studies have featured relatively inconsistent results, predominantly from small samples, and few studies have examined less frequent users to shed light on potential brain structure differences across levels of cannabis use. In this study, high-resolution T1-weighted MRIs were obtained from 781 youth aged 14-22 years who were studied as part of the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort. This sample included 147 cannabis users (109 occasional [≤1-2 times per week] and 38 frequent [≥3 times per week] users) and 634 cannabis non-users. Several structural neuroimaging measures were examined in whole brain analyses, including gray and white matter volumes, cortical thickness, and gray matter density. Established procedures for stringent quality control were conducted, and two automated neuroimaging software processing packages were used to ensure robustness of results. There were no significant differences by cannabis group in global or regional brain volumes, cortical thickness, or gray matter density, and no significant group by age interactions were found. Follow-up analyses indicated that values of structural neuroimaging measures by cannabis group were similar across regions, and any differences among groups were likely of a small magnitude. In sum, structural brain metrics were largely similar among adolescent and young adult cannabis users and non-users. Our data converge with prior large-scale studies suggesting small or limited associations between cannabis use and structural brain measures in youth. Detailed studies of vulnerability to structural brain alterations and longitudinal studies examining long-term risk are clearly indicated.
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17
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Lorenzetti V, Chye Y, Silva P, Solowij N, Roberts CA. Does regular cannabis use affect neuroanatomy? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of structural neuroimaging studies. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 269:59-71. [PMID: 30706169 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-019-00979-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Regular cannabis use is associated with adverse cognitive and mental health outcomes that have been ascribed to aberrant neuroanatomy in brain regions densely innervated with cannabinoid receptors. Neuroanatomical differences between cannabis users and controls have been assessed in multiple structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) studies. However, there is heterogeneity in the results leading to cautious interpretation of the data so far. We examined the sMRI evidence to date in human cannabis users, to establish more definitely whether neuroanatomical alterations are associated with regular cannabis use. The regional specificity and association with cannabis use indices (i.e. cumulative dosage, duration) were also explored. We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed published sMRI studies investigating regional brain volumes (cortical, subcortical and global) in cannabis users and non-user controls. Three electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO). A total of 17 meta-analyses were conducted (one for each cortical, subcortical and global volume) using the generic inverse variance method, whereby standardised mean difference in volume was calculated between users and non-users. Exploratory meta-regressions were conducted to investigate the association between cannabis use indices and regional brain volumes. A total of 30 articles were eligible for inclusion, contributing 106 effect sizes across 17 meta-analyses. Regular cannabis users had significantly smaller volumes of the hippocampus (SMD = 0.14, 95% CIs [0.02, 0.27]; Z = 2.29, p = 0.02, I2 = 74%) and orbitofrontal cortex {medial (SMD = 0.30, 95% CIs [0.15, 0.45]; Z = 3.89, p = 0.0001, I2 = 51%), lateral (SMD = 0.19, 95% CIs [0.07, 0.32]; Z = 3.10, p = 0.002, I2 = 26%)} relative to controls. The volumes of the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex were not significantly associated with cannabis duration and dosage. Our findings are consistent with evidence of aberrance in brain regions involved in reward, learning and memory, and motivation circuits in the regular use of substances other than cannabis, pointing to commonality in neurobiological abnormalities between regular users of cannabis and of other substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lorenzetti
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Daniel Mannix building, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
| | - Yann Chye
- Brain and Mental Health Research Hub, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pedro Silva
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Carl A Roberts
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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18
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Assari S, Mistry R, Caldwell CH, Zimmerman MA. Marijuana Use and Depressive Symptoms; Gender Differences in African American Adolescents. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2135. [PMID: 30505287 PMCID: PMC6250838 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to examine gender differences in the bidirectional associations between marijuana use and depressive symptoms among African American adolescents. The study also tested gender differences in the effects of socioeconomic status, maternal support, and friends' drug use on adolescents' depressive symptoms and marijuana use. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the Flint Adolescent Study (FAS). Six hundred and eighty one African American adolescents (335 males and 346 females) were followed for 3 years, from 1995 (mean age 16) to 1997 (mean age 19). Depressive symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory) and marijuana use were measured annually during the follow up. We used multi-group latent growth curve modeling to explore the reciprocal associations between depressive symptoms and marijuana use over time based on gender. Results: Baseline marijuana use was predictive of an increase in depressive symptoms over time among male but not female African American adolescents. Baseline depressive symptoms were not predictive of an increase in marijuana use among male or female adolescents. Conclusion: Study findings suggest that male African American adolescents who use marijuana are at an increased risk of subsequent depressive symptoms. Interventions that combine screening and treatment for marijuana use and depression may be indicated for African American male adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ritesh Mistry
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Cleopatra Howard Caldwell
- Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Marc A. Zimmerman
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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19
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Bloomfield MAP, Hindocha C, Green SF, Wall MB, Lees R, Petrilli K, Costello H, Ogunbiyi MO, Bossong MG, Freeman TP. The neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis: A review of human imaging studies. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 195:132-161. [PMID: 30347211 PMCID: PMC6416743 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The laws governing cannabis are evolving worldwide and associated with changing patterns of use. The main psychoactive drug in cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a partial agonist at the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor. Acutely, cannabis and THC produce a range of effects on several neurocognitive and pharmacological systems. These include effects on executive, emotional, reward and memory processing via direct interactions with the endocannabinoid system and indirect effects on the glutamatergic, GABAergic and dopaminergic systems. Cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in some forms of cannabis, may offset some of these acute effects. Heavy repeated cannabis use, particularly during adolescence, has been associated with adverse effects on these systems, which increase the risk of mental illnesses including addiction and psychosis. Here, we provide a comprehensive state of the art review on the acute and chronic neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis by synthesizing the available neuroimaging research in humans. We describe the effects of drug exposure during development, implications for understanding psychosis and cannabis use disorder, and methodological considerations. Greater understanding of the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of cannabis may also give rise to new treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A P Bloomfield
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Chandni Hindocha
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian F Green
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B Wall
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Invicro UK, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Lees
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Petrilli
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Harry Costello
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - M Olabisi Ogunbiyi
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthijs G Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tom P Freeman
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, United Kingdom; National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
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20
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Willford JA, Singhabahu D, Herat A, Richardson GA. An examination of the association between prenatal cocaine exposure and brain activation measures of arousal and attention in young adults: An fMRI study using the Attention Network Task. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2018; 69:1-10. [PMID: 29953942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal drug exposure, including cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco, is associated with deficits in behavioral regulation and attention. Using fMRI, the objective of this study was to characterize the association between prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) and the underlying neural substrates associated with behavioral outcomes of attention. Forty-seven young adults were recruited for this study from the ongoing Maternal Health Practices and Child Development (MHPCD) Project, a longitudinal study of the effects of PCE on growth, behavior, and cognitive function. Three groups were compared: 1) prenatal exposure to cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco (CAMT, n = 15), 2) prenatal exposure to alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco (AMT, n = 17), and 3) no prenatal exposure to drugs (Controls, n = 15). Subjects were frequency matched on gender, race, handedness, and 15-year IQ. This study used the theoretical model proposed by Posner and Peterson (1990), which posits three dissociable components of attention: alerting, orienting, and executive attention. Subjects completed a functional MRI (fMRI) scan while performing the Attention Network Task, a validated neuroimaging measure of the 3-network model of attention. Behavioral and fMRI data revealed no associations between PCE and task accuracy, speed of processing, or activation in key brain regions associated with each of the attention networks. The results of this study show that any subtle differences in brain function associated with PCE are not detectable using the ANT task and fMRI. These results should be interpreted in the context of other studies that have found associations between PCE and arousal with emotionally arousing stimuli, compared to this study that found no associations using emotionally neutral stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Willford
- Department of Psychology, Slippery Rock University, 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, United States of America.
| | - Dil Singhabahu
- Department of Mathematics, Slippery Rock University, 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, United States of America.
| | - Athula Herat
- Department of Physics, Slippery Rock University, 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, United States of America.
| | - Gale A Richardson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
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21
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Wei B, Smith D, O'Connor R, Travers MJ, Hyland A. Examining the Association between Body Burdens of Harmful Chemicals and Heaviness of Marijuana Smoking. Chem Res Toxicol 2018; 31:643-645. [PMID: 30052028 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana is seeing increased use both globally and domestically. However, the scientific community has not fully reached a consensus about what negative health effects and to what extent marijuana smoking may cause. In this study, we evaluated the associations between the body burdens of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) among marijuana smokers and the smoking heaviness. We observed clear, increasing trends of PAH body burdens as marijuana smoking increased. The findings highlight the importance of capturing the heaviness of marijuana smoking in future studies and support the need for well-designed toxicological and epidemiological studies for understanding the health effects of marijuana use in a changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binnian Wei
- Department of Health Behavior , Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Elm and Carlton Streets , Buffalo , New York 14203 , United State
| | - Danielle Smith
- Department of Health Behavior , Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Elm and Carlton Streets , Buffalo , New York 14203 , United State
| | - Richard O'Connor
- Department of Health Behavior , Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Elm and Carlton Streets , Buffalo , New York 14203 , United State
| | - Mark J Travers
- Department of Health Behavior , Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Elm and Carlton Streets , Buffalo , New York 14203 , United State
| | - Andrew Hyland
- Department of Health Behavior , Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Elm and Carlton Streets , Buffalo , New York 14203 , United State
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22
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Batalla A, Lorenzetti V, Chye Y, Yücel M, Soriano-Mas C, Bhattacharyya S, Torrens M, Crippa JAS, Martín-Santos R. The Influence of DAT1, COMT, and BDNF Genetic Polymorphisms on Total and Subregional Hippocampal Volumes in Early Onset Heavy Cannabis Users. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2018; 3:1-10. [PMID: 29404409 PMCID: PMC5797324 DOI: 10.1089/can.2017.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hippocampal neuroanatomy is affected by genetic variations in dopaminergic candidate genes and environmental insults, such as early onset of chronic cannabis exposure. Here, we examine how hippocampal total and subregional volumes are affected by cannabis use and functional polymorphisms of dopamine-relevant genes, including the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), dopamine transporter (DAT1), and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes. Material and Methods: We manually traced total hippocampal volumes and automatically segmented hippocampal subregions using high-resolution MRI images, and performed COMT, DAT1, and BDNF genotyping in 59 male Caucasian young adults aged 18–30 years. These included 30 chronic cannabis users with early-onset (regular use at <16 years) and 29 age-, education-, and intelligence-matched controls. Results: Cannabis use and dopaminergic gene polymorphism had both distinct and interactive effects on the hippocampus. We found emerging alterations of hippocampal total and specific subregional volumes in cannabis users relative to controls (i.e., CA1, CA2/3, and CA4), and associations between cannabis use levels and total and specific subregional volumes. Furthermore, total hippocampal volume and the fissure subregion were affected by cannabis×DAT1 polymorphism (i.e., 9/9R and in 10/10R alleles), reflecting high and low levels of dopamine availability. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cannabis exposure alters the normal relationship between DAT1 polymorphism and the anatomy of total and subregional hippocampal volumes, and that specific hippocampal subregions may be particularly affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Batalla
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM and Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- School of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Psychology Health and Society, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Laboratory for Brain and Mental Health, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yann Chye
- Laboratory for Brain and Mental Health, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- Laboratory for Brain and Mental Health, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Carles Soriano-Mas
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, CIBERSAM G-17, and Department of Psychobiology and Methodology in Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Torrens
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions, Hospital del Mar, IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques), Psychiatric Department of Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José A S Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rocío Martín-Santos
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM and Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions, Hospital del Mar, IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques), Psychiatric Department of Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil
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23
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Moreno-Alcázar A, Gonzalvo B, Canales-Rodríguez EJ, Blanco L, Bachiller D, Romaguera A, Monté-Rubio GC, Roncero C, McKenna PJ, Pomarol-Clotet E. Larger Gray Matter Volume in the Basal Ganglia of Heavy Cannabis Users Detected by Voxel-Based Morphometry and Subcortical Volumetric Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:175. [PMID: 29773998 PMCID: PMC5943550 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Structural imaging studies of cannabis users have found evidence of both cortical and subcortical volume reductions, especially in cannabinoid receptor-rich regions such as the hippocampus and amygdala. However, the findings have not been consistent. In the present study, we examined a sample of adult heavy cannabis users without other substance abuse to determine whether long-term use is associated with brain structural changes, especially in the subcortical regions. Method: We compared the gray matter volume of 14 long-term, heavy cannabis users with non-using controls. To provide robust findings, we conducted two separate studies using two different MRI techniques. Each study used the same sample of cannabis users and a different control group, respectively. Both control groups were independent of each other. First, whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to compare the cannabis users against 28 matched controls (HC1 group). Second, a volumetric analysis of subcortical regions was performed to assess differences between the cannabis users and a sample of 100 matched controls (HC2 group) obtained from a local database of healthy volunteers. Results: The VBM study revealed that, compared to the control group HC1, the cannabis users did not show cortical differences nor smaller volume in any subcortical structure but showed a cluster (p < 0.001) of larger GM volume in the basal ganglia, involving the caudate, putamen, pallidum, and nucleus accumbens, bilaterally. The subcortical volumetric analysis revealed that, compared to the control group HC2, the cannabis users showed significantly larger volumes in the putamen (p = 0.001) and pallidum (p = 0.0015). Subtle trends, only significant at the uncorrected level, were also found in the caudate (p = 0.05) and nucleus accumbens (p = 0.047). Conclusions: This study does not support previous findings of hippocampal and/or amygdala structural changes in long-term, heavy cannabis users. It does, however, provide evidence of basal ganglia volume increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Moreno-Alcázar
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain.,Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Gonzalvo
- Benito Menni Complex Assistencial en Salut Mental, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Erick J Canales-Rodríguez
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Signal Processing Lab (LTS5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Blanco
- Benito Menni Complex Assistencial en Salut Mental, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Bachiller
- Addictions and Dual Diagnosis Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital-Public Health Agency of Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Romaguera
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma C Monté-Rubio
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Roncero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain.,Addictions and Dual Diagnosis Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital-Public Health Agency of Barcelona (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatric Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Peter J McKenna
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Edith Pomarol-Clotet
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Purpose of the Review Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide. In recent decades, highly concentrated products have flooded the market, and prevalence rates have increased. Gender differences exist in cannabis use, as men have higher prevalence of both cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD), while women progress more rapidly from first use to CUD. This paper reviews findings from preclinical and human studies examining the sex-specific neurobiological underpinnings of cannabis use and CUD, and associations with psychiatric symptoms. Recent Findings Sex differences exist in the endocannabinoid system, in cannabis exposure effects on brain structure and function, and in the co-occurrence of cannabis use with symptoms of anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. In female cannabis users, anxiety symptoms correlate with larger amygdala volume and social anxiety disorder symptoms correlate with CUD symptoms. Female cannabis users are reported to be especially vulnerable to earlier onset of schizophrenia, and mixed trends emerge in the correlation of depressive symptoms with cannabis exposure in females and males. Summary As prevalence of cannabis use may continue to increase given the shifting policy landscape regarding marijuana laws, understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of cannabis exposure in females and males is key. Examining these mechanisms may help inform future research on sex-specific pharmacological and behavioral interventions for women and men with high-risk cannabis use, comorbid psychiatric disease, and CUD.
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Yilmaz S, Karakayali O, Kale E, Akdogan A. Could serum S100B be a predictor of neuronal damage and clinical poor outcomes associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids? S100B to predict neuronal damage of SC in the ED. Am J Emerg Med 2017; 36:435-441. [PMID: 28867154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aims to evaluate the serum S100B levels to predict neuronal damage and poor clinical outcomes associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids. METHOD Thirty patients identified as synthetic cannabinoid users and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. S100B levels were compared between healthy controls and synthetic cannabinoid users. The following were considered to be composite outcomes: the need for endotracheal intubation, incidence of seizures, the need for intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital mortality. Clinical and laboratory findings associated with composite clinical outcomes were examined. RESULTS The mean S100B level was 19.3 (95% CI: 17.7 to 21.4) pg/mL in patients who use synthetic cannabinoid, and 15.9 (95% CI: 15 to 16.9) pg/mL in the controls; mean df: -3.6 (95% CI: -5.6 to -1.6). In patients with and without composite clinical outcomes, the mean S100B level measured 24.5 (95% CI: 21.2 to 27.9) pg/mL and 17.4 (95% CI: 15.8 to 18.4) pg/mL, respectively; mean df: -7.4 (95% CI: -10.2 to -4.6). With the cut-off value for S100B set at 20pg/mL based on the highest sensitivity, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for S100B were 89.9%, 52.0%, 44.4%, and 91.9%, respectively; odds ratio: 13.2, 95% CI (2.1 to 28.1). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that serum S100B levels are elevated in patients using synthetic cannabinoids. These results show that S100B can help clinicians stratify risk or may have a role in excluding those with neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Yilmaz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Turkey.
| | - Onur Karakayali
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Derince Training And Research Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ebru Kale
- Department of Biochemistry, Derince Training And Research Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Akdogan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Derince Training And Research Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey
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26
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Koenders L, Lorenzetti V, de Haan L, Suo C, Vingerhoets WAM, van den Brink W, Wiers RW, Meijer CJ, Machielsen MWJ, Goudriaan AE, Veltman DJ, Yücel M, Cousijn J. Longitudinal study of hippocampal volumes in heavy cannabis users. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:1027-1034. [PMID: 28741422 PMCID: PMC5544121 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117718380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis exposure, particularly heavy cannabis use, has been associated with neuroanatomical alterations in regions rich with cannabinoid receptors such as the hippocampus in some but not in other (mainly cross-sectional) studies. However, it remains unclear whether continued heavy cannabis use alters hippocampal volume, and whether an earlier age of onset and/or a higher dosage exacerbate these changes. METHODS Twenty heavy cannabis users (mean age 21 years, range 18-24 years) and 23 matched non-cannabis using healthy controls were submitted to a comprehensive psychological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging scan at baseline and at follow-up (average of 39 months post-baseline; standard deviation=2.4). Cannabis users started smoking around 16 years and smoked on average five days per week. A novel aspect of the current study is that hippocampal volume estimates were obtained from manual tracing the hippocampus on T1-weighted anatomical magnetic resonance imaging scans, using a previously validated protocol. RESULTS Compared to controls, cannabis users did not show hippocampal volume alterations at either baseline or follow-up. Hippocampal volumes increased over time in both cannabis users and controls, following similar trajectories of increase. Cannabis dose and age of onset of cannabis use did not affect hippocampal volumes. CONCLUSIONS Continued heavy cannabis use did not affect hippocampal neuroanatomical changes in early adulthood. This contrasts with prior evidence on alterations in this region in samples of older adult cannabis users. In young adults using cannabis at this level, cannabis use may not be heavy enough to affect hippocampal neuroanatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Koenders
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - V Lorenzetti
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - L de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C Suo
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - WAM Vingerhoets
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - W van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - RW Wiers
- Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT)-lab, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - CJ Meijer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - MWJ Machielsen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - AE Goudriaan
- Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - DJ Veltman
- VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Yücel
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Cousijn
- Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT)-lab, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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27
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Murray RM, Englund A, Abi-Dargham A, Lewis DA, Di Forti M, Davies C, Sherif M, McGuire P, D'Souza DC. Cannabis-associated psychosis: Neural substrate and clinical impact. Neuropharmacology 2017. [PMID: 28634109 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Prospective epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that cannabis use is associated with an increased subsequent risk of both psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia-like psychoses. Early onset of use, daily use of high-potency cannabis, and synthetic cannabinoids carry the greatest risk. The risk-increasing effects are not explained by shared genetic predisposition between schizophrenia and cannabis use. Experimental studies in healthy humans show that cannabis and its active ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can produce transient, dose-dependent, psychotic symptoms, as well as an array of psychosis-relevant behavioral, cognitive and psychophysiological effects; the psychotogenic effects can be ameliorated by cannabidiol (CBD). Findings from structural imaging studies in cannabis users have been inconsistent but functional MRI studies have linked the psychotomimetic and cognitive effects of THC to activation in brain regions implicated in psychosis. Human PET studies have shown that acute administration of THC weakly releases dopamine in the striatum but that chronic users are characterised by low striatal dopamine. We are beginning to understand how cannabis use impacts on the endocannabinoid system but there is much still to learn about the biological mechanisms underlying how cannabis increases risk of psychosis. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "A New Dawn in Cannabinoid Neurobiology".
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.
| | - A Englund
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - A Abi-Dargham
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, New York, USA
| | - D A Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburg, PA, USA
| | - M Di Forti
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - C Davies
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - M Sherif
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, CT, USA
| | - P McGuire
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - D C D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, CT, USA
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28
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Hill SY, Sharma V, Jones BL. Lifetime use of cannabis from longitudinal assessments, cannabinoid receptor (CNR1) variation, and reduced volume of the right anterior cingulate. Psychiatry Res 2016; 255:24-34. [PMID: 27500453 PMCID: PMC5025865 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Lifetime measures of cannabis use and co-occurring exposures were obtained from a longitudinal cohort followed an average of 13 years at the time they received a structural MRI scan. MRI scans were analyzed for 88 participants (mean age=25.9 years), 34 of whom were regular users of cannabis. Whole brain voxel based morphometry analyses (SPM8) were conducted using 50 voxel clusters at p=0.005. Controlling for age, familial risk, and gender, we found reduced volume in Regular Users compared to Non-Users, in the lingual gyrus, anterior cingulum (right and left), and the rolandic operculum (right). The right anterior cingulum reached family-wise error statistical significance at p=0.001, controlling for personal lifetime use of alcohol and cigarettes and any prenatal exposures. CNR1 haplotypes were formed from four CNR1 SNPs (rs806368, rs1049353, rs2023239, and rs6454674) and tested with level of cannabis exposure to assess their interactive effects on the lingual gyrus, cingulum (right and left) and rolandic operculum, regions showing cannabis exposure effects in the SPM8 analyses. These analyses used mixed model analyses (SPSS) to control for multiple potentially confounding variables. Level of cannabis exposure was associated with decreased volume of the right anterior cingulum and showed interaction effects with haplotype variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Y Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Vinod Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bobby L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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29
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Abstract
Background Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary ingredient in marijuana, exerts its effects across several neurological and biological systems that interact with the endocrine system. Thus, differential effects of Δ9-THC are likely to exist based on sex and hormone levels. Methods We reviewed the existing literature to determine sex-based effects of Δ9-THC on neural structure and functioning. Results The literature demonstrates differences in male and female marijuana users on brain structure, reward processing, attention, motor coordination, and sensitivity to withdrawal. However, inconsistencies exist in the literature regarding how marijuana affects men and women differentially, and more work is needed to understand these mechanisms. While extant literature remains inconclusive, differentiation between male and female marijuana users is likely due to neurological sexual dimorphism and differential social factors at play during development and adulthood. Conclusions Sex has important implications for marijuana use and the development of cannabis use disorders and should be considered in the development of prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Ketcherside
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235 USA
| | - Jessica Baine
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235 USA
| | - Francesca Filbey
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235 USA
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30
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Orr JM, Paschall CJ, Banich MT. Recreational marijuana use impacts white matter integrity and subcortical (but not cortical) morphometry. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2016; 12:47-56. [PMID: 27408790 PMCID: PMC4925620 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
A recent shift in legal and social attitudes toward marijuana use has also spawned a surge of interest in understanding the effects of marijuana use on the brain. There is considerable evidence that an adolescent onset of marijuana use negatively impacts white matter coherence. On the other hand, a recent well-controlled study demonstrated no effects of marijuana use on the morphometry of subcortical or cortical structures when users and non-users were matched for alcohol use. Regardless, most studies have involved small, carefully selected samples, so the ability to generalize to larger populations is limited. In an attempt to address this issue, we examined the effects of marijuana use on white matter integrity and cortical and subcortical morphometry using data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) consortium. The HCP data consists of ultra-high resolution neuroimaging data from a large community sample, including 466 adults reporting recreational marijuana use. Rather than just contrasting two groups of individuals who vary significantly in marijuana usage as typifies prior studies, we leveraged the large sample size provided by the HCP data to examine parametric effects of recreational marijuana use. Our results indicate that the earlier the age of onset of marijuana use, the lower was white matter coherence. Age of onset also also affected the shape of the accumbens, while the number of lifetime uses impacted the shape of the amygdala and hippocampus. Marijuana use had no effect on cortical volumes. These findings suggest subtle but significant effects of recreational marijuana use on brain structure. Effects of marijuana use on brain morphology in 466 recreational users were investigated. Age of first use impacted white matter integrity. Age of first use and lifetime times used impacted shape of the hippocampus and accumbens Marijuana use did not affect cortical volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Orr
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, United States; Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, United States
| | - Courtnie J Paschall
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, United States
| | - Marie T Banich
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, United States
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31
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Koenders L, Cousijn J, Vingerhoets WAM, van den Brink W, Wiers RW, Meijer CJ, Machielsen MWJ, Veltman DJ, Goudriaan AE, de Haan L. Grey Matter Changes Associated with Heavy Cannabis Use: A Longitudinal sMRI Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152482. [PMID: 27224247 PMCID: PMC4880314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most frequently used illicit drug worldwide. Cross-sectional neuroimaging studies suggest that chronic cannabis exposure and the development of cannabis use disorders may affect brain morphology. However, cross-sectional studies cannot make a conclusive distinction between cause and consequence and longitudinal neuroimaging studies are lacking. In this prospective study we investigate whether continued cannabis use and higher levels of cannabis exposure in young adults are associated with grey matter reductions. Heavy cannabis users (N = 20, age baseline M = 20.5, SD = 2.1) and non-cannabis using healthy controls (N = 22, age baseline M = 21.6, SD = 2.45) underwent a comprehensive psychological assessment and a T1- structural MRI scan at baseline and 3 years follow-up. Grey matter volumes (orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insula, striatum, thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus and cerebellum) were estimated using the software package SPM (VBM-8 module). Continued cannabis use did not have an effect on GM volume change at follow-up. Cross-sectional analyses at baseline and follow-up revealed consistent negative correlations between cannabis related problems and cannabis use (in grams) and regional GM volume of the left hippocampus, amygdala and superior temporal gyrus. These results suggests that small GM volumes in the medial temporal lobe are a risk factor for heavy cannabis use or that the effect of cannabis on GM reductions is limited to adolescence with no further damage of continued use after early adulthood. Long-term prospective studies starting in early adolescence are needed to reach final conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Koenders
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janna Cousijn
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT)-lab, Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Psychonomics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelmina A. M. Vingerhoets
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reinout W. Wiers
- Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT)-lab, Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cognitive Science Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carin J. Meijer
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marise W. J. Machielsen
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J. Veltman
- University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke E. Goudriaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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32
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Lorenzetti V, Solowij N, Yücel M. The Role of Cannabinoids in Neuroanatomic Alterations in Cannabis Users. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:e17-31. [PMID: 26858212 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The past few decades have seen a marked change in the composition of commonly smoked cannabis. These changes primarily involve an increase of the psychoactive compound ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and a decrease of the potentially therapeutic compound cannabidiol (CBD). This altered composition of cannabis may be linked to persistent neuroanatomic alterations typically seen in regular cannabis users. In this review, we summarize recent findings from human structural neuroimaging investigations. We examine whether neuroanatomic alterations are 1) consistently observed in samples of regular cannabis users, particularly in cannabinoid receptor-high areas, which are vulnerable to the effects of high circulating levels of THC, and 2) associated either with greater levels of cannabis use (e.g., higher dosage, longer duration, and earlier age of onset) or with distinct cannabinoid compounds (i.e., THC and CBD). Across the 31 studies selected for inclusion in this review, neuroanatomic alterations emerged across regions that are high in cannabinoid receptors (i.e., hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, cerebellum). Greater dose and earlier age of onset were associated with these alterations. Preliminary evidence shows that THC exacerbates, whereas CBD protects from, such harmful effects. Methodologic differences in the quantification of levels of cannabis use prevent accurate assessment of cannabis exposure and direct comparison of findings across studies. Consequently, the field lacks large "consortium-style" data sets that can be used to develop reliable neurobiological models of cannabis-related harm, recovery, and protection. To move the field forward, we encourage a coordinated approach and suggest the urgent development of consensus-based guidelines to accurately and comprehensively quantify cannabis use and exposure in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lorenzetti
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology, Centre for Health Initiatives and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne.
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33
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Brown GG, Jacobus J, McKenna B. Structural imaging for addiction medicine: From neurostructure to neuroplasticity. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2016; 224:105-27. [PMID: 26822356 PMCID: PMC4856004 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2015.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging have provided new insights into structural brain changes associated with drugs of abuse. In this chapter, we review recent studies using these methods to investigate structural brain abnormalities associated with excessive use of marijuana, stimulants, and opiates. Although many brain regions have been associated with structural abnormalities following abuse of these drugs, brain systems underlying inhibition, mood regulation, and reward are particularly involved. Candidate pathological mechanisms underlying these structural abnormalities include the direct toxic effects of the drugs, neuroinflammation, ischemia, hemorrhage, and abnormal brain development. Returning damaged brain areas to neural health would involve enhancing neuroplasticity. Behavioral, environmental, pharmacological, and cell-based therapies have been correlated with enhanced neuroplasticity following brain injury, providing a basis for new treatments of brain changes associated with excessive drug use. When testing new treatments, structural imaging may prove useful in selecting patients, monitoring recovery, and perhaps, tailoring interventions.
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34
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Becker MP, Collins PF, Lim KO, Muetzel RL, Luciana M. Longitudinal changes in white matter microstructure after heavy cannabis use. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2015; 16:23-35. [PMID: 26602958 PMCID: PMC4691379 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies of cannabis users report alterations in brain white matter microstructure, primarily based on cross-sectional research, and etiology of the alterations remains unclear. We report findings from longitudinal voxelwise analyses of DTI data collected at baseline and at a 2-year follow-up on 23 young adult (18-20 years old at baseline) regular cannabis users and 23 age-, sex-, and IQ-matched non-using controls with limited substance use histories. Onset of cannabis use was prior to age 17. Cannabis users displayed reduced longitudinal growth in fractional anisotropy in the central and parietal regions of the right and left superior longitudinal fasciculus, in white matter adjacent to the left superior frontal gyrus, in the left corticospinal tract, and in the right anterior thalamic radiation lateral to the genu of the corpus callosum, along with less longitudinal reduction of radial diffusion in the right central/posterior superior longitudinal fasciculus, corticospinal tract, and posterior cingulum. Greater amounts of cannabis use were correlated with reduced longitudinal growth in FA as was relatively impaired performance on a measure of verbal learning. These findings suggest that continued heavy cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood alters ongoing development of white matter microstructure, contributing to functional impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P Becker
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States; Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Ste. 333, Minneapolis, MN 55414, United States.
| | - Paul F Collins
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States; Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Ste. 333, Minneapolis, MN 55414, United States
| | - Kelvin O Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States
| | - R L Muetzel
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - M Luciana
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States; Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Ste. 333, Minneapolis, MN 55414, United States
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35
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Cortical thinness and volume differences associated with marijuana abuse in emerging adults. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 155:275-83. [PMID: 26249265 PMCID: PMC4581973 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of marijuana (MJ) use among youth and its legalization for medical or recreational use has intensified public health endeavors of understanding MJ effects on brain structure and function. Studies indicate that MJ use is related to impaired cognitive performance, and altered functional brain activation and chemistry in adolescents and adults, but MJ effects on brain morphology in emerging adults are less understood. METHODS Fifteen MJ users (age 21.8±3.6, 2 females) and 15 non-user (NU) participants (age 22.3±3.5, 2 females) were included, demographically matched on age, education and alcohol use. High-resolution structural MR images were acquired at 3Tesla. Cortical thickness (CT) and volumetric analyses were performed using Freesurfer. A priori regions of interest (ROI) included orbitofrontal and cingulate cortices, amygdala, hippocampus and thalamus. RESULTS Whole brain CT analysis did not result in significant group differences in a priori ROIs but revealed MJ users had significantly less CT (i.e., thinness) in right fusiform gyrus (rFG) compared to NU (p<0.05). Thalamic volume was significantly smaller in MJ users compared to NU (right, p=0.05; left, p=0.01) and associated with greater non-planning (p<0.01) and overall impulsivity (p=0.04). There were no other group differences. CONCLUSIONS RFG cortical thinness and smaller thalamic volume in emerging adults is associated with MJ abuse. Furthermore, smaller thalamic volume associated with greater impulsivity contributes to growing evidence that the thalamus is neurobiologically perturbed by MJ use. Collectively, altered thalamic and rFG structural integrity may interfere with their known roles in regulating visuoperceptual and object information processing.
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36
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Raslau FD, Augustinack JC, Klein AP, Ulmer JL, Mathews VP, Mark LP. Memory Part 3: The Role of the Fornix and Clinical Cases. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1604-8. [PMID: 26045575 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F D Raslau
- From the Department of Radiology (F.D.R.), University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - J C Augustinack
- Department of Radiology (J.C.A.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging (J.C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - A P Klein
- Department of Radiology (A.P.K., J.L.U., V.P.M., L.P.M.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - J L Ulmer
- Department of Radiology (A.P.K., J.L.U., V.P.M., L.P.M.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - V P Mathews
- Department of Radiology (A.P.K., J.L.U., V.P.M., L.P.M.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - L P Mark
- Department of Radiology (A.P.K., J.L.U., V.P.M., L.P.M.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Wetherill RR, Jagannathan K, Hager N, Childress AR, Rao H, Franklin TR. Cannabis, Cigarettes, and Their Co-Occurring Use: Disentangling Differences in Gray Matter Volume. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyv061. [PMID: 26045474 PMCID: PMC4648161 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural magnetic resonance imaging techniques are powerful tools for examining the effects of drug use on the brain. The nicotine and cannabis literature has demonstrated differences between nicotine cigarette smokers and cannabis users compared to controls in brain structure; however, less is known about the effects of co-occurring cannabis and tobacco use. METHODS We used voxel-based morphometry to examine gray matter volume differences between four groups: (1) cannabis-dependent individuals who do not smoke tobacco (Cs); (2) cannabis-dependent individuals who smoke tobacco (CTs); (3) cannabis-naïve, nicotine-dependent individuals who smoke tobacco (Ts); and (4) healthy controls (HCs). We also explored associations between gray matter volume and measures of cannabis and tobacco use. RESULTS A significant group effect was observed in the left putamen, thalamus, right precentral gyrus, and left cerebellum. Compared to HCs, the Cs, CTs, and Ts exhibited larger gray matter volumes in the left putamen. Cs also had larger gray matter volume than HCs in the right precentral gyrus. Cs and CTs exhibited smaller gray matter volume than HCs in the thalamus, and CTs and Ts had smaller left cerebellar gray matter volume than HCs. CONCLUSIONS This study extends previous research that independently examined the effects of cannabis or tobacco use on brain structure by including an examination of co-occurring cannabis and tobacco use, and provides evidence that cannabis and tobacco exposure are associated with alterations in brain regions associated with addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reagan R Wetherill
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA (Drs Wetherill, Jagannathan, Childress, Rao, and Franklin, and Mr Hager).
| | - Kanchana Jagannathan
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA (Drs Wetherill, Jagannathan, Childress, Rao, and Franklin, and Mr Hager)
| | - Nathan Hager
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA (Drs Wetherill, Jagannathan, Childress, Rao, and Franklin, and Mr Hager)
| | - Anna Rose Childress
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA (Drs Wetherill, Jagannathan, Childress, Rao, and Franklin, and Mr Hager)
| | - Hengyi Rao
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA (Drs Wetherill, Jagannathan, Childress, Rao, and Franklin, and Mr Hager)
| | - Teresa R Franklin
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA (Drs Wetherill, Jagannathan, Childress, Rao, and Franklin, and Mr Hager)
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Abstract
Recent research has suggested that marijuana use is associated with volumetric and shape differences in subcortical structures, including the nucleus accumbens and amygdala, in a dose-dependent fashion. Replication of such results in well controlled studies is essential to clarify the effects of marijuana. To that end, this retrospective study examined brain morphology in a sample of adult daily marijuana users (n = 29) versus nonusers (n = 29) and a sample of adolescent daily users (n = 50) versus nonusers (n = 50). Groups were matched on a critical confounding variable, alcohol use, to a far greater degree than in previously published studies. We acquired high-resolution MRI scans, and investigated group differences in gray matter using voxel-based morphometry, surface-based morphometry, and shape analysis in structures suggested to be associated with marijuana use, as follows: the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum. No statistically significant differences were found between daily users and nonusers on volume or shape in the regions of interest. Effect sizes suggest that the failure to find differences was not due to a lack of statistical power, but rather was due to the lack of even a modest effect. In sum, the results indicate that, when carefully controlling for alcohol use, gender, age, and other variables, there is no association between marijuana use and standard volumetric or shape measurements of subcortical structures.
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Smith MJ, Cobia DJ, Reilly JL, Gilman JM, Roberts AG, Alpert KI, Wang L, Breiter HC, Csernansky JG. Cannabis-related episodic memory deficits and hippocampal morphological differences in healthy individuals and schizophrenia subjects. Hippocampus 2015; 25:1042-51. [PMID: 25760303 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use has been associated with episodic memory (EM) impairments and abnormal hippocampus morphology among both healthy individuals and schizophrenia subjects. Considering the hippocampus' role in EM, research is needed to evaluate the relationship between cannabis-related hippocampal morphology and EM among healthy and clinical groups. We examined differences in hippocampus morphology between control and schizophrenia subjects with and without a past (not current) cannabis use disorder (CUD). Subjects group-matched on demographics included 44 healthy controls (CON), 10 subjects with a CUD history (CON-CUD), 28 schizophrenia subjects with no history of substance use disorders (SCZ), and 15 schizophrenia subjects with a CUD history (SCZ-CUD). Large-deformation, high-dimensional brain mapping with MRI produced surface-based representations of the hippocampus that were compared across all four groups and correlated with EM and CUD history. Surface maps of the hippocampus were generated to visualize morphological differences. CON-CUD and SCZ-CUD were characterized by distinct cannabis-related hippocampal shape differences and parametric deficits in EM performance. Shape differences observed in CON-CUD were associated with poorer EM performance, while shape differences observed in SCZ-CUD were associated with a longer duration of CUD and shorter duration of CUD remission. A past history of CUD may be associated with notable differences in hippocampal morphology and EM impairments among adults with and without schizophrenia. Although the results may be compatible with a causal hypothesis, we must consider that the observed cannabis-related shape differences in the hippocampus could also be explained as biomarkers of a neurobiological susceptibility to poor memory or the effects of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Derin J Cobia
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - James L Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jodi M Gilman
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea G Roberts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kathryn I Alpert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hans C Breiter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Warren Wright Adolescent Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John G Csernansky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Lubman DI, Cheetham A, Yücel M. Cannabis and adolescent brain development. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 148:1-16. [PMID: 25460036 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Heavy cannabis use has been frequently associated with increased rates of mental illness and cognitive impairment, particularly amongst adolescent users. However, the neurobiological processes that underlie these associations are still not well understood. In this review, we discuss the findings of studies examining the acute and chronic effects of cannabis use on the brain, with a particular focus on the impact of commencing use during adolescence. Accumulating evidence from both animal and human studies suggests that regular heavy use during this period is associated with more severe and persistent negative outcomes than use during adulthood, suggesting that the adolescent brain may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of cannabis exposure. As the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in brain development, it is plausible that prolonged use during adolescence results in a disruption in the normative neuromaturational processes that occur during this period. We identify synaptic pruning and white matter development as two processes that may be adversely impacted by cannabis exposure during adolescence. Potentially, alterations in these processes may underlie the cognitive and emotional deficits that have been associated with regular use commencing during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan I Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health and Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ali Cheetham
- Turning Point, Eastern Health and Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Victoria, Australia; Monash Clinical & Imaging Neuroscience, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
Questions surrounding the effects of chronic marijuana use on brain structure continue to increase. To date, however, findings remain inconclusive. In this comprehensive study that aimed to characterize brain alterations associated with chronic marijuana use, we measured gray matter (GM) volume via structural MRI across the whole brain by using voxel-based morphology, synchrony among abnormal GM regions during resting state via functional connectivity MRI, and white matter integrity (i.e., structural connectivity) between the abnormal GM regions via diffusion tensor imaging in 48 marijuana users and 62 age- and sex-matched nonusing controls. The results showed that compared with controls, marijuana users had significantly less bilateral orbitofrontal gyri volume, higher functional connectivity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) network, and higher structural connectivity in tracts that innervate the OFC (forceps minor) as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA). Increased OFC functional connectivity in marijuana users was associated with earlier age of onset. Lastly, a quadratic trend was observed suggesting that the FA of the forceps minor tract initially increased following regular marijuana use but decreased with protracted regular use. This pattern may indicate differential effects of initial and chronic marijuana use that may reflect complex neuroadaptive processes in response to marijuana use. Despite the observed age of onset effects, longitudinal studies are needed to determine causality of these effects.
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Mon A, Durazzo TC, Abe C, Gazdzinski S, Pennington D, Schmidt T, Meyerhoff DJ. Structural brain differences in alcohol-dependent individuals with and without comorbid substance dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2014; 144:170-7. [PMID: 25263262 PMCID: PMC4280666 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 50% of individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD) also use other substances; brain structural abnormalities observed in alcohol dependent individuals may not be entirely related to alcohol consumption. This MRI study assessed differences in brain regional tissue volumes between short-term abstinent alcohol dependent individuals without (ALC) and with current substance use dependence (polysubstance users, PSU). METHODS Nineteen, one-month-abstinent PSU and 40 ALC as well as 27 light-drinkers (LD) were studied on a 1.5 T MR system. Whole brain T1-weighted images were segmented automatically into regional gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes. MANOVA assessed group differences of intracranial volume-normalized tissue volumes of the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes and regional subcortical GM volumes. The volumetric measures were correlated with neurocognitive measures to assess their functional relevance. RESULTS Despite similar lifetime drinking and smoking histories, PSU had significantly larger normalized WM volumes than ALC in all lobes. PSU also had larger frontal and parietal WM volumes than LD, but smaller temporal GM volumes and smaller lenticular and thalamic nuclei than LD. ALC had smaller frontal, parietal, and temporal GM, thalamic GM and cerebellar volumes than LD. ALC had more sulcal CSF volumes than both PSU and LD. CONCLUSION One-month-abstinent ALC and PSU exhibited different patterns of gross brain structural abnormalities. The larger lobar WM volumes in PSU in the absence of widespread GM volume loss contrast with widespread GM atrophy in ALC. These structural differences may demand different treatment approaches to mitigate specific functionally relevant brain abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Mon
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; School of Applied Sciences and Statistics, Koforidua Polytechnic, Ghana.
| | - Timothy C. Durazzo
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, U.S.A,Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Veterans Administration Medical Center San Francisco, California, U.S.A
| | - Christoph Abe
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan Gazdzinski
- Nencki Institute for Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - David Pennington
- Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Administration Medical Center San Francisco, California, U.S.A
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, U.S.A
| | - Dieter J. Meyerhoff
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, U.S.A,Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Veterans Administration Medical Center San Francisco, California, U.S.A
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Moulton EA, Elman I, Becerra LR, Goldstein RZ, Borsook D. The cerebellum and addiction: insights gained from neuroimaging research. Addict Biol 2014; 19:317-31. [PMID: 24851284 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although cerebellar alterations have been consistently noted in the addiction literature, the pathophysiology of this link remains unclear. The cerebellum is commonly classified as a motor structure, but human functional neuroimaging along with clinical observations in cerebellar stroke patients and anatomical tract tracing in non-human primates suggests its involvement in cognitive and affective processing. A comprehensive literature search on the role of the cerebellum in addiction was performed. This review article (1) considers the potential role of the cerebellum in addiction; (2) summarizes the cerebellar structural alterations linked to addiction; (3) presents the functional neuroimaging evidence linking the cerebellum with addiction; and (4) proposes a model for addiction that underscores the role of the cerebellum. The data implicate the cerebellum as an intermediary between motor and reward, motivation and cognitive control systems, as all are relevant etiologic factors in addiction. Furthermore, consideration of these findings could contribute to deeper and more sophisticated insights into normal reward and motivational function. The goal of this review is to spread awareness of cerebellar involvement in addictive processes, and to suggest a preliminary model for its potential role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A. Moulton
- P.A.I.N. Group; Center for Pain and the Brain; Boston Children's Hospital; Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Providence Veterans Administration Medical Center; Providence RI USA
- Department of Psychiatry; Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School; Cambridge MA USA
| | - Lino R. Becerra
- P.A.I.N. Group; Center for Pain and the Brain; Boston Children's Hospital; Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | | | - David Borsook
- P.A.I.N. Group; Center for Pain and the Brain; Boston Children's Hospital; Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
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Jacobus J, Squeglia LM, Bava S, Tapert SF. White matter characterization of adolescent binge drinking with and without co-occurring marijuana use: a 3-year investigation. Psychiatry Res 2013; 214:374-81. [PMID: 24139957 PMCID: PMC3900025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 06/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the consequences of prolonged patterns of alcohol and marijuana use on white matter integrity and neurocognitive functioning in late adolescence, and examine neurodevelopmental trajectories over three years of regular follow-up visits. Three groups of demographically similar teens received assessments every 1.5 years (controls with consistently minimal substance use, n=16; teens who gradually increase their heavy episodic drinking n=17, and continuous binge drinkers with heavy marijuana use, n=21), including comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, diffusion tensor imaging, and detailed substance use interviews. One-way ANOVA identified fifteen white matter clusters that significantly differed between groups at 3-year follow-up, ages 19-22; controls consistently demonstrated higher values of tissue integrity across fiber tracts. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant declines in white matter integrity from baseline to 3-year follow-up in the subsample of substance users, along with poorer global neurocognitive performance in alcohol users with heavy marijuana use by the 18-month follow-up. Findings suggest healthier brain white matter microstructure and better neurocognitive performance for teens free from heavy alcohol and marijuana use. Long-term engagement in these substances may adversely influence white matter and increase vulnerability for development of neuropathology purported to underlie future risk-taking and addictive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Susan F. Tapert
- Correspondence to: S. F. Tapert, Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System, Psychology Service (116B), University of California, San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, Telephone: 858-552-8585, Fax: (858) 552-7414,
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45
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Abstract
With the advent of legalization of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes, and the increase use of marijuana, healthcare providers will be increasingly confronted with marijuana users as patients in clinical environments. While there is vast literature regarding the societal and mental health harms associated with marijuana use, there is a paucity of reviews of the potential consequences of marijuana use on physical health or medical conditions. We examine the recent literature on the physical harms associated with illicit and legal marijuana administration. We surveyed the peer-reviewed medical literature from 1998 to 2013 of studies assessing the association of marijuana use and physical diseases. We conclude that healthcare providers should be cognizant that the existing literature suggests that marijuana use can cause physical harm. However, evidence is needed, and further research should be considered, to prove causal associations of marijuana with many physical health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Gordon
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 151-C, University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240-1001, USA,
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Rocchetti M, Crescini A, Borgwardt S, Caverzasi E, Politi P, Atakan Z, Fusar-Poli P. Is cannabis neurotoxic for the healthy brain? A meta-analytical review of structural brain alterations in non-psychotic users. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2013; 67:483-92. [PMID: 24118193 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Despite growing research in the field of cannabis imaging, mostly in those with a psychotic illness, the possible neurotoxic effects of smoked cannabis on the healthy brain have yet to be fully understood. There appears to be a need to evaluate the existing imaging data on the neuroanatomical effects of cannabis use on non-psychotic populations. METHODS We conducted a meta-analytical review to estimate the putative neurotoxic effect of cannabis in non-psychotic subjects who were using or not using cannabis. We specifically tested the hypothesis that cannabis use can alter grey and white matter in non-psychotic subjects. RESULTS Our systematic literature search uncovered 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The overall database comprised 362 users and 365 non-users. At the level of the individual studies there is limited and contrasting evidence supporting a cannabis-related alteration on the white and grey matter structures of non-psychotic cannabis users. However, our meta-analysis showed a consistent smaller hippocampus in users as compared to non-users. Heterogeneity across study designs, image acquisition, small sample sizes and limited availability of regions of interest to be included in the meta-analysis may undermine the core findings of this study. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that in the healthy brain, chronic and long-term cannabis exposure may exert significant effects in brain areas enriched with cannabinoid receptors, such as the hippocampus, which could be related to a neurotoxic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rocchetti
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Cunha PJ, Rosa PGP, Ayres ADM, Duran FLS, Santos LC, Scazufca M, Menezes PR, dos Santos B, Murray RM, Crippa JAS, Busatto GF, Schaufelberger MS. Cannabis use, cognition and brain structure in first-episode psychosis. Schizophr Res 2013; 147:209-15. [PMID: 23672820 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is highly prevalent worldwide and it is associated with psychosis, but its effects on brain structure and cognition are still controversial. The aim of this paper is to investigate cognitive functioning and brain structure in patients with their first episode of psychosis who used Cannabis. We examined gray matter and lateral ventricle volumes in 28 patients with first-episode psychosis and a history of Cannabis use, 78 patients without a history of Cannabis use and 80 healthy controls who had not used Cannabis. Cognition was assessed using forward and backwards digit span tests, from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Third Edition (WMS-III) and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT). Patients with a history of Cannabis use had less brain abnormalities, characterized by gray matter and lateral ventricle volume preservation, as well as less attentional and executive impairments compared to patients without a history of Cannabis use. Cannabis-using patients who develop psychosis have less neurodevelopmental impairment and better cognitive reserve than other psychotic patients; perhaps reflecting different etiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Jannuzzi Cunha
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroimaging (LIM-21), Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Dr Ovídio Pires de Campos, s/n, 05403-010 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Batalla A, Bhattacharyya S, Yücel M, Fusar-Poli P, Crippa JA, Nogué S, Torrens M, Pujol J, Farré M, Martin-Santos R. Structural and functional imaging studies in chronic cannabis users: a systematic review of adolescent and adult findings. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55821. [PMID: 23390554 PMCID: PMC3563634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The growing concern about cannabis use, the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide, has led to a significant increase in the number of human studies using neuroimaging techniques to determine the effect of cannabis on brain structure and function. We conducted a systematic review to assess the evidence of the impact of chronic cannabis use on brain structure and function in adults and adolescents. Methods Papers published until August 2012 were included from EMBASE, Medline, PubMed and LILACS databases following a comprehensive search strategy and pre-determined set of criteria for article selection. Only neuroimaging studies involving chronic cannabis users with a matched control group were considered. Results One hundred and forty-two studies were identified, of which 43 met the established criteria. Eight studies were in adolescent population. Neuroimaging studies provide evidence of morphological brain alterations in both population groups, particularly in the medial temporal and frontal cortices, as well as the cerebellum. These effects may be related to the amount of cannabis exposure. Functional neuroimaging studies suggest different patterns of resting global and brain activity during the performance of several cognitive tasks both in adolescents and adults, which may indicate compensatory effects in response to chronic cannabis exposure. Limitations However, the results pointed out methodological limitations of the work conducted to date and considerable heterogeneity in the findings. Conclusion Chronic cannabis use may alter brain structure and function in adult and adolescent population. Further studies should consider the use of convergent methodology, prospective large samples involving adolescent to adulthood subjects, and data-sharing initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Batalla
- Psychiatry, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Murat Yücel
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Alexandre Crippa
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Behavior Department, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Santiago Nogué
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Emergency Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Neuroscience Program, Pharmacology Unit and Drug Addiction Unit, IMIM-INAD-Parc de Salut Mar, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETIC), IMIM-INAD-Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Pujol
- Institut d’Alta Tecnologia-PRBB, CRC Mar, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Neuroscience Program, Pharmacology Unit and Drug Addiction Unit, IMIM-INAD-Parc de Salut Mar, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETIC), IMIM-INAD-Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocio Martin-Santos
- Psychiatry, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Malchow B, Hasan A, Fusar-Poli P, Schmitt A, Falkai P, Wobrock T. Cannabis abuse and brain morphology in schizophrenia: a review of the available evidence. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2013; 263:3-13. [PMID: 22907121 PMCID: PMC3560946 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-012-0346-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Substance abuse is the most prevalent comorbid psychiatric condition associated with schizophrenia, and cannabis is the illicit drug most often abused. Apart from worsening the course of schizophrenia, frequent cannabis use especially at an early age seems to be an important risk factor for developing schizophrenia. Although a large body of neuroimaging studies gives evidence for structural alterations in many different brain regions in schizophrenia patients, there is still limited knowledge of the impact of cannabis abuse on brain structure in schizophrenia. We performed a systematic review including structural magnetic resonance imaging studies comparing high-risk and schizophrenia patients with and without cannabis abuse and found inconclusive results. While there is some evidence that chronic cannabis abuse could alter brain morphology in schizophrenia in patients continuing their cannabis consumption, there is no convincing evidence that this alteration takes place before the onset of schizophrenia when looking at first-episode patients. There is some weak evidence that cannabis abuse could affect brain structures in high-risk subjects, but replication of these studies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, Germany.
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, von-Siebold-Strasse 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Schmitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, von-Siebold-Strasse 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany ,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, von-Siebold-Strasse 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany ,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Wobrock
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, von-Siebold-Strasse 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany ,Center of Mental Health, County Hospitals Darmstadt-Dieburg, Gross-Umstadt, Germany
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Pathways to alcohol-induced brain impairment in young people: A review. Cortex 2013; 49:3-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2012.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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