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Boer OD, El Marroun H, Muetzel RL. Adolescent substance use initiation and long-term neurobiological outcomes: insights, challenges and opportunities. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02471-2. [PMID: 38409597 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02471-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The increased frequency of risk taking behavior combined with marked neuromaturation has positioned adolescence as a focal point of research into the neural causes and consequences of substance use. However, little work has provided a summary of the links between adolescent initiated substance use and longer-term brain outcomes. Here we review studies exploring the long-term effects of adolescent-initiated substance use with structural and microstructural neuroimaging. A quarter of all studies reviewed conducted repeated neuroimaging assessments. Long-term alcohol use, as well as tobacco use were consistently associated with smaller frontal cortices and altered white matter microstructure. This association was mostly observed in the ACC, insula and subcortical regions in alcohol users, and for the OFC in tobacco users. Long-term cannabis use was mostly related to altered frontal cortices and hippocampal volumes. Interestingly, cannabis users scanned more years after use initiation tended to show smaller measures of these regions, whereas those with fewer years since initiation showed larger measures. Long-term stimulant use tended to show a similar trend as cannabis in terms of years since initiation in measures of the putamen, insula and frontal cortex. Long-term opioid use was mostly associated with smaller subcortical and insular volumes. Of note, null findings were reported in all substance use categories, most often in cannabis use studies. In the context of the large variety in study designs, substance use assessment, methods, and sample characteristics, we provide recommendations on how to interpret these findings, and considerations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga D Boer
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies - Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanan El Marroun
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies - Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ryan L Muetzel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Harper J, Wilson S, Bair JL, Hunt RH, Thomas KM, Malone SM, Iacono WG. Testing the consequences of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use on hippocampal volume: a quasi-experimental cotwin control analysis of young adult twins. Psychol Med 2023; 53:2671-2681. [PMID: 37310301 PMCID: PMC10123841 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use are highly comorbid and alarmingly prevalent in young adults. The hippocampus may be particularly sensitive to substance exposure. This remains largely untested in humans and familial risk may confound exposure effects. We extend prior work on alcohol and hippocampal volume in women by testing common and unique substance use effects and the potential moderating role of sex on hippocampal volume during emerging adulthood. A quasi-experimental cotwin control (CTC) design was used to separate familial risk from exposure consequences. METHODS In a population-based sample of 435 24-year-old same-sex twins (58% women), dimensional measures (e.g. frequency, amount) of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use across emerging adulthood were assessed. Hippocampal volume was assessed using MRI. RESULTS Greater substance use was significantly associated with lower hippocampal volume for women but not men. The same pattern was observed for alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine. CTC analyses provided evidence that hippocampal effects likely reflected familial risk and the consequence of substance use in general and alcohol and nicotine in particular; cannabis effects were in the expected direction but not significant. Within-pair mediation analyses suggested that the effect of alcohol use on the hippocampus may reflect, in part, comorbid nicotine use. CONCLUSIONS The observed hippocampal volume deviations in women likely reflected substance-related premorbid familial risk and the consequences of smoking and, to a lesser degree, drinking. Findings contribute to a growing body of work suggesting heightened risk among women toward experiencing deleterious effects of substance exposure on the still-developing young adult hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Harper
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
| | - Sylia Wilson
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
| | - Jessica L. Bair
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Ruskin H. Hunt
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Thomas
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
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Knodt AR, Meier MH, Ambler A, Gehred MZ, Harrington H, Ireland D, Poulton R, Ramrakha S, Caspi A, Moffitt TE, Hariri AR. Diminished Structural Brain Integrity in Long-term Cannabis Users Reflects a History of Polysubstance Use. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:861-870. [PMID: 36008158 PMCID: PMC9637748 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis legalization and use are outpacing our understanding of its long-term effects on brain and behavior, which is fundamental for effective policy and health practices. Existing studies are limited by small samples, cross-sectional measures, failure to separate long-term from recreational use, and inadequate control for other substance use. Here, we address these limitations by determining the structural brain integrity of long-term cannabis users in the Dunedin Study, a longitudinal investigation of a population-representative birth cohort followed to midlife. METHODS We leveraged prospective measures of cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drug use in addition to structural neuroimaging in 875 study members at age 45 to test for differences in both global and regional gray and white matter integrity between long-term cannabis users and lifelong nonusers. We additionally tested for dose-response associations between continuous measures of cannabis use and brain structure, including careful adjustments for use of other substances. RESULTS Long-term cannabis users had a thinner cortex, smaller subcortical gray matter volumes, and higher machine learning-predicted brain age than nonusers. However, these differences in structural brain integrity were explained by the propensity of long-term cannabis users to engage in polysubstance use, especially with alcohol and tobacco. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that diminished midlife structural brain integrity in long-term cannabis users reflects a broader pattern of polysubstance use, underlining the importance of understanding comorbid substance use in efforts to curb the negative effects of cannabis on brain and behavior as well as establish more effective policy and health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annchen R Knodt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Madeline H Meier
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Antony Ambler
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Maria Z Gehred
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - HonaLee Harrington
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David Ireland
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richie Poulton
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sandhya Ramrakha
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terrie E Moffitt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad R Hariri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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Testai FD, Gorelick PB, Aparicio HJ, Filbey FM, Gonzalez R, Gottesman RF, Melis M, Piano MR, Rubino T, Song SY. Use of Marijuana: Effect on Brain Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Stroke 2022; 53:e176-e187. [PMID: 35142225 DOI: 10.1161/str.0000000000000396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana is perceived as a harmless drug, and its recreational use has gained popularity among young individuals. The concentration of active ingredients in recreational formulations has gradually increased over time, and high-potency illicit cannabinomimetics have become available. Thus, the consumption of cannabis in the general population is rising. Data from preclinical models demonstrate that cannabinoid receptors are expressed in high density in areas involved in cognition and behavior, particularly during periods of active neurodevelopment and maturation. In addition, growing evidence highlights the role of endogenous cannabinoid pathways in the regulation of neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neurodevelopment. In animal models, exogenous cannabinoids disrupt these important processes and lead to cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. These data correlate with the higher risk of cognitive impairment reported in some observational studies done in humans. It is unclear whether the effect of cannabis on cognition reverts after abstinence. However, this evidence, along with the increased risk of stroke reported in marijuana users, raises concerns about its potential long-term effects on cognitive function. This scientific statement reviews the safety of cannabis use from the perspective of brain health, describes mechanistically how cannabis may cause cognitive dysfunction, and advocates for a more informed health care worker and consumer about the potential for cannabis to adversely affect the brain.
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Rabinowitz JA, Campos AI, Ong JS, García-Marín LM, Alcauter S, Mitchell BL, Grasby KL, Cuéllar-Partida G, Gillespie NA, Huhn AS, Martin NG, Thompson PM, Medland SE, Maher BS, Rentería ME. Shared Genetic Etiology between Cortical Brain Morphology and Tobacco, Alcohol, and Cannabis Use. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:796-807. [PMID: 34379727 PMCID: PMC8841600 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic variants associated with brain morphology and substance use behaviors (SUB). However, the genetic overlap between brain structure and SUB has not been well characterized. We leveraged GWAS summary data of 71 brain imaging measures and alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use to investigate their genetic overlap using linkage disequilibrium score regression. We used genomic structural equation modeling to model a "common SUB genetic factor" and investigated its genetic overlap with brain structure. Furthermore, we estimated SUB polygenic risk scores (PRS) and examined whether they predicted brain imaging traits using the Adolescent Behavior and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. We identified 8 significant negative genetic correlations, including between (1) alcoholic drinks per week and average cortical thickness, and (2) intracranial volume with age of smoking initiation. We observed 5 positive genetic correlations, including those between (1) insula surface area and lifetime cannabis use, and (2) the common SUB genetic factor and pericalcarine surface area. SUB PRS were associated with brain structure variation in ABCD. Our findings highlight a shared genetic etiology between cortical brain morphology and SUB and suggest that genetic variants associated with SUB may be causally related to brain structure differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Rabinowitz
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Adrian I Campos
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jue-Sheng Ong
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Luis M García-Marín
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sarael Alcauter
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, México
| | - Brittany L Mitchell
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Katrina L Grasby
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Gabriel Cuéllar-Partida
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Nathan A Gillespie
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavior Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nicholas G Martin
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging & Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
| | - Sarah E Medland
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Brion S Maher
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Miguel E Rentería
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
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Conti AA, Baldacchino AM. Chronic tobacco smoking, impaired reward-based decision-making, and role of insular cortex: A comparison between early-onset smokers and late-onset smokers. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:939707. [PMID: 36090372 PMCID: PMC9459116 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.939707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The literature suggests that tobacco smoking may have a neurotoxic effect on the developing adolescent brain. Particularly, it may impair the decision-making process of early-onset smokers (<16 years), by rendering them more prone to impulsive and risky choices toward rewards, and therefore more prone to smoking relapses, in comparison to late-onset smokers (≥16 years). However, no study has ever investigated reward-based decision-making and structural brain differences between early-onset smokers and late-onset smokers. METHODS Computerized measures of reward-based decision-making [Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT); 5-trials adjusting delay discounting task (ADT-5)] were administered to 11 early-onset smokers (mean age at regular smoking initiation = 13.2 years), 17 late-onset smokers (mean age at regular smoking initiation = 18.0 years), and 24 non-smoker controls. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was utilized to investigate the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volume differences in fronto-cortical and striatal brain regions between early-onset smokers, late-onset smokers, and non-smokers. RESULTS Early-onset smokers displayed a riskier decision-making behavior in comparison to non-smokers as assessed by the CGT (p < 0.01, Cohen's f = 0.48). However, no significant differences (p > 0.05) in reward-based decision-making were detected between early-onset smokers and late-onset smokers. VBM results revealed early-onset smokers to present lower GM volume in the bilateral anterior insular cortex (AI) in comparison to late-onset smokers and lower WM volume in the right AI in comparison to late-onset smokers. CONCLUSION Impairments in reward-based decision-making may not be affected by tobacco smoking initiation during early adolescence. Instead, lower GM and WM volume in the AI of early-onset smokers may underline a vulnerability to develop compulsive tobacco seeking and smoking behavior during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Alberto Conti
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Mario Baldacchino
- Division of Population and Behavioral Science, University of St Andrews School of Medicine, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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Scheffler F, Du Plessis S, Asmal L, Kilian S, Phahladira L, Luckhoff HK, Emsley R. Cannabis use and hippocampal subfield volumes in males with a first episode of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder and healthy controls. Schizophr Res 2021; 231:13-21. [PMID: 33740561 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both schizophrenia and cannabis use are associated with structural brain changes. The hippocampus is a region of particular interest due to its role in memory and select cognitive functions, impairment of which is a core feature of schizophrenia and has also been observed in substance abuse. This study aimed to explore the effects of recent/current cannabis use on hippocampal subfield volumes in male patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders and matched controls. METHODS This cross-sectional, case-control study included 63 patients and 58 controls scanned on 3T MRI scanners, with hippocampal segmentation performed using recently validated Freesurfer v6.0 software. Cannabis use status was determined by self and carer report together with urine toxicology screening, and patients were categorised as recent/current users or non-users. We used multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) with age, scan sequence, scan quality, and total intracranial volume as covariates, with subsequent analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the effects of diagnosis and cannabis use status on individual hippocampal subfields. RESULTS We found a group (patient/control) by cannabis use interaction effect in the subiculum, with decreased volumes observed in the cannabis non-using patients compared to the cannabis using patients, and decreased volumes in the cannabis using controls compared to the cannabis non-using controls. CONCLUSION The increased subiculum volume in cannabis using patients compared to cannabis non-using patients raises important questions regarding the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and the role of cannabis use therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Scheffler
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
| | - S Du Plessis
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - L Asmal
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - S Kilian
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - L Phahladira
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - H K Luckhoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - R Emsley
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
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Koenis MMG, Durnez J, Rodrigue AL, Mathias SR, Alexander‐Bloch AF, Barrett JA, Doucet GE, Frangou S, Knowles EEM, Mollon J, Denbow D, Aberizk K, Zatony M, Janssen RJ, Curran JE, Blangero J, Poldrack RA, Pearlson GD, Glahn DC. Associations of cannabis use disorder with cognition, brain structure, and brain function in African Americans. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:1727-1741. [PMID: 33340172 PMCID: PMC7978126 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although previous studies have highlighted associations of cannabis use with cognition and brain morphometry, critical questions remain with regard to the association between cannabis use and brain structural and functional connectivity. In a cross-sectional community sample of 205 African Americans (age 18-70) we tested for associations of cannabis use disorder (CUD, n = 57) with multi-domain cognitive measures and structural, diffusion, and resting state brain-imaging phenotypes. Post hoc model evidence was computed with Bayes factors (BF) and posterior probabilities of association (PPA) to account for multiple testing. General cognitive functioning, verbal intelligence, verbal memory, working memory, and motor speed were lower in the CUD group compared with non-users (p < .011; 1.9 < BF < 3,217). CUD was associated with altered functional connectivity in a network comprising the motor-hand region in the superior parietal gyri and the anterior insula (p < .04). These differences were not explained by alcohol, other drug use, or education. No associations with CUD were observed in cortical thickness, cortical surface area, subcortical or cerebellar volumes (0.12 < BF < 1.5), or graph-theoretical metrics of resting state connectivity (PPA < 0.01). In a large sample collected irrespective of cannabis used to minimize recruitment bias, we confirm the literature on poorer cognitive functioning in CUD, and an absence of volumetric brain differences between CUD and non-CUD. We did not find evidence for or against a disruption of structural connectivity, whereas we did find localized resting state functional dysconnectivity in CUD. There was sufficient proof, however, that organization of functional connectivity as determined via graph metrics does not differ between CUD and non-user group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinka M. G. Koenis
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research CenterInstitute of LivingHartfordConnecticutUSA
| | - Joke Durnez
- Department of PsychologyStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Amanda L. Rodrigue
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of PsychiatryBoston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Samuel R. Mathias
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of PsychiatryBoston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Jennifer A. Barrett
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research CenterInstitute of LivingHartfordConnecticutUSA
| | - Gaelle E. Doucet
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Sophia Frangou
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Emma E. M. Knowles
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of PsychiatryBoston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Josephine Mollon
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of PsychiatryBoston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Dominique Denbow
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research CenterInstitute of LivingHartfordConnecticutUSA
| | - Katrina Aberizk
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research CenterInstitute of LivingHartfordConnecticutUSA
| | - Molly Zatony
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research CenterInstitute of LivingHartfordConnecticutUSA
| | - Ronald J. Janssen
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research CenterInstitute of LivingHartfordConnecticutUSA
| | - Joanne E. Curran
- Department of Human Genetics, and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity InstituteSchool of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyBrownsvilleTexasUSA
| | - John Blangero
- Department of Human Genetics, and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity InstituteSchool of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyBrownsvilleTexasUSA
| | | | - Godfrey D. Pearlson
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research CenterInstitute of LivingHartfordConnecticutUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - David C. Glahn
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research CenterInstitute of LivingHartfordConnecticutUSA
- Department of PsychiatryBoston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Owens MM, Sweet LH, MacKillop J. Recent cannabis use is associated with smaller hippocampus volume: High-resolution segmentation of structural subfields in a large non-clinical sample. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12874. [PMID: 31991525 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12874] [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: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is mixed evidence that individuals who use cannabis have reduced hippocampal and amygdalar gray matter volume, potentially because of small sample sizes and imprecise morphological characterization. New automated segmentation procedures have improved the measurement of these structures and allow better examination of their subfields, which have been linked to distinct aspects of memory and emotion. The current study applies this new segmentation procedure to the Human Connectome Project Young Adult dataset (N = 1080) to investigate associations of cannabis use with gray matter volume in the hippocampus and amygdala. Results revealed significant bilateral inverse associations of hippocampal volume with recent cannabis use (THC+ urine drug screen; P < .005). Hippocampal subfield analyses indicated these associations were primarily driven by the head of the hippocampus, the first section of the cornu amonis (CA1), the subicular complex, and the molecular layer of the hippocampus. No associations were detected for age of cannabis initiation, the frequency of cannabis use across the lifespan, or the lifetime presence of cannabis use disorder. In one of the largest studies to date, these results support the hypothesis that recent cannabis use is linked to reduced hippocampal volume, but that this effect may dissipate following prolonged abstinence. Furthermore, these results clarify the specific subfields which may be most associated with recent cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max M. Owens
- Department of Psychiatry University of Vermont Burlington Vermont USA
- Department of Psychology University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
| | - Lawrence H. Sweet
- Department of Psychology University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Alpert Medical School of Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - James MacKillop
- Department of Psychology University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton/McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton/McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
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Conti AA, Baldacchino AM. Neuroanatomical Correlates of Impulsive Choices and Risky Decision Making in Young Chronic Tobacco Smokers: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:708925. [PMID: 34526922 PMCID: PMC8435625 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.708925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Impairments in the multifaceted neuropsychological construct of cognitive impulsivity are a main feature of chronic tobacco smokers. According to the literature, these cognitive impairments are relevant for the initiation and maintenance of the smoking behavior. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of cognitive impulsivity in chronic smokers remain under-investigated. Methods: A sample of 28 chronic smokers (mean age = 28 years) not affected by polysubstance dependence and 24 matched non-smoker controls was recruited. Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM) was employed to assess Gray Matter (GM) volume differences between smokers and non-smokers. The relationships between GM volume and behavioral manifestations of impulsive choices (5 trial adjusting delay discounting task, ADT-5) and risky decision making (Cambridge Gambling Task, CGT) were also investigated. Results: VBM results revealed GM volume reductions in cortical and striatal brain regions of chronic smokers compared to non-smokers. Additionally, smokers showed heightened impulsive choices (p < 0.01, Cohen's f = 0.50) and a riskier decision- making process (p < 0.01, Cohen's f = 0.40) compared to non-smokers. GM volume reductions in the left Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) correlated with impaired impulsive and risky choices, while GM volume reductions in the left Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex (VLPFC) and Caudate correlated with heightened impulsive choices. Reduced GM volume in the left VLPFC correlated with younger age at smoking initiation (mean = 16 years). Conclusion: Smokers displayed significant GM volume reductions and related cognitive impulsivity impairments compared to non-smoker individuals. Longitudinal studies would be required to assess whether these impairments underline neurocognitive endophenotypes or if they are a consequence of tobacco exposure on the adolescent brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Alberto Conti
- Division of Population and Behavioral Science, University of St. Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Mario Baldacchino
- Division of Population and Behavioral Science, University of St. Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
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11
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Couvy-Duchesne B, Strike LT, Zhang F, Holtz Y, Zheng Z, Kemper KE, Yengo L, Colliot O, Wright MJ, Wray NR, Yang J, Visscher PM. A unified framework for association and prediction from vertex-wise grey-matter structure. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:4062-4076. [PMID: 32687259 PMCID: PMC7469763 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent availability of large‐scale neuroimaging cohorts facilitates deeper characterisation of the relationship between phenotypic and brain architecture variation in humans. Here, we investigate the association (previously coined morphometricity) of a phenotype with all 652,283 vertex‐wise measures of cortical and subcortical morphology in a large data set from the UK Biobank (UKB; N = 9,497 for discovery, N = 4,323 for replication) and the Human Connectome Project (N = 1,110). We used a linear mixed model with the brain measures of individuals fitted as random effects with covariance relationships estimated from the imaging data. We tested 167 behavioural, cognitive, psychiatric or lifestyle phenotypes and found significant morphometricity for 58 phenotypes (spanning substance use, blood assay results, education or income level, diet, depression, and cognition domains), 23 of which replicated in the UKB replication set or the HCP. We then extended the model for a bivariate analysis to estimate grey‐matter correlation between phenotypes, which revealed that body size (i.e., height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage) could account for a substantial proportion of the morphometricity (confirmed using a conditional analysis), providing possible insight into previous MRI case–control results for psychiatric disorders where case status is associated with body mass index. Our LMM framework also allowed to predict some of the associated phenotypes from the vertex‐wise measures, in two independent samples. Finally, we demonstrated additional new applications of our approach (a) region of interest (ROI) analysis that retain the vertex‐wise complexity; (b) comparison of the information retained by different MRI processings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Couvy-Duchesne
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lachlan T Strike
- Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Futao Zhang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yan Holtz
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zhili Zheng
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Institute for Advanced Research, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kathryn E Kemper
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Loic Yengo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Olivier Colliot
- ARAMIS, Inria, Paris, France.,ARAMIS, Paris Brain Institute, Paris, France.,ARAMIS, Inserm, Paris, France.,ARAMIS, CNRS, Paris, France.,ARAMIS, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Margaret J Wright
- Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Advanced Imaging, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Naomi R Wray
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jian Yang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Institute for Advanced Research, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peter M Visscher
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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12
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Self-reported cognition and marijuana use in older adults: Results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions-III. Addict Behav 2020; 108:106437. [PMID: 32330763 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana use among older adults is on an unprecedented rise, yet little is known about its effects on cognition in this population where, due to advanced age, risk for cognitive decline is high. Thus, we investigated whether marijuana use and use characteristics were associated with self-reported cognition among older adults ages ≥ 50 years using the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. Respondents either had never used marijuana ("never": n = 10,976), used but not in the past 12 months ("former": n = 2990), or used in the past 12 months ("current": n = 712). Self-reported cognition was measured using the Executive Function Index. Marijuana and substance use characteristics were obtained using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-5. Covariates included demographics, mental health and disability, and comorbid mental and substance use disorder. Using general linear models of cross-sectional data, we found that current users, particularly those with cannabis use disorder, reported worse cognition than never or former users, but these effects were small in magnitude. Among both former and current users, greater duration of past use was associated with worse cognition. Frequent use within the past 12 months was associated with worse cognition among current users, but daily users reported better cognition compared to monthly or weekly users. Thus, marijuana use may impact self-reported cognition in older adulthood, although these effects may be subtle, specific to particular use characteristics, and possibly affected by self-awareness of deficits. Future work using objective measures such as neuropsychological testing or neuroimaging may better elucidate these effects.
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13
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Marijuana and the hippocampus: A longitudinal study on the effects of marijuana on hippocampal subfields. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 101:109897. [PMID: 32119881 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The psychoactive effects of cannabis, one of the most commonly used narcotics, have been documented extensively. Despite multiple studies being undertaken, there have been only a few longitudinal studies investigating the effect of long term usage of cannabis on various subcortical structures. This study aims at looking deeper into the effects of long term usage of cannabis on different hippocampus subfields.2 Participants were split into two groups, cannabis users and healthy controls. All the test subjects filled out the Cannabis Usage and Disorder Identification Test (CUDIT) and underwent T1-structural MRI scans twice, at a baseline and a followup 3 years later. The subfield volumes were measured using the software package Freesurfer with the LongitudinalHippocampalSubfields (v6.0) Module. Lifetime usage in grams was calculated for each participant until baseline and followup, independently, using linear interpolation. Usage of cannabis (lifetime consumption score) was correlated to increased volumes in certain subfields: the CA3 and CA4 in the right hemisphere and the presubiculum in both, the left and right hemispheres at baseline. Other tests including student's t-test and multivariate analysis of covariance were performed. Tests to understand the effects of varying consumption were also performed. Persistent usage of cannabis, however, did not result in atrophy of the subfields over time. Rather, there were lower growth rates observed in the healthy controls group as compared to that of the cannabis users in certain subfields.
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14
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Burggren AC, Shirazi A, Ginder N, London ED. Cannabis effects on brain structure, function, and cognition: considerations for medical uses of cannabis and its derivatives. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2019; 45:563-579. [PMID: 31365275 PMCID: PMC7027431 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1634086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide, and legalization for recreational and medical purposes has substantially increased its availability and use in the United States.Objectives: Decades of research have suggested that recreational cannabis use confers risk for cognitive impairment across various domains, and structural and functional differences in the brain have been linked to early and heavy cannabis use.Methods: With substantial evidence for the role of the endocannabinoid system in neural development and understanding that brain development continues into early adulthood, the rising use of cannabis in adolescents and young adults raises major concerns. Yet some formulations of cannabinoid compounds are FDA-approved for medical uses, including applications in children.Results: Potential effects on the trajectory of brain morphology and cognition, therefore, should be considered. The goal of this review is to update and consolidate relevant findings in order to inform attitudes and public policy regarding the recreational and medical use of cannabis and cannabinoid compounds.Conclusions: The findings point to considerations for age limits and guidelines for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C Burggren
- Robert and Beverly Lewis Center for Neuroimaging, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Anaheed Shirazi
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nathaniel Ginder
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edythe D. London
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, and the Brain Research Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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15
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Bykowsky O, Harrisberger F, Schmidt A, Smieskova R, Hauke DJ, Egloff L, Riecher-Rössler A, Fusar-Poli P, Huber CG, Lang UE, Andreou C, Borgwardt S. Association of antidepressants with brain morphology in early stages of psychosis: an imaging genomics approach. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8516. [PMID: 31186482 PMCID: PMC6560086 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44903-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive symptoms in subjects at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-P) or at first-episode psychosis (FEP) are often treated with antidepressants. Our cross-sectional study investigated whether brain morphology is altered by antidepressant medication. High-resolution T1-weighted structural MRI scans of 33 CHR-P and FEP subjects treated with antidepressants, 102 CHR-P and FEP individuals without antidepressant treatment and 55 controls, were automatically segmented using Freesurfer 6.0. Linear mixed-effects modelling was applied to assess the differences in subcortical volume, surface area and cortical thickness in treated, non-treated and healthy subjects, taking into account converted dosages of antidepressants. Increasing antidepressant dose was associated with larger volume of the pallidum and the putamen, and larger surface of the left inferior temporal gyrus. In a pilot subsample of separately studied subjects of known genomic risk loci, we found that in the right postcentral gyrus, the left paracentral lobule and the precentral gyrus antidepressant dose-associated surface increase depended on polygenic schizophrenia-related-risk score. As the reported regions are linked to the symptoms of psychosis, our findings reflect the possible beneficial effects of antidepressant treatment on an emerging psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Bykowsky
- Neuropsychiatry and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Center for Addiction Medicine, Châlons-en-Champagne General Hospital, Châlons-en-Champagne, France
| | - Fabienne Harrisberger
- Neuropsychiatry and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - André Schmidt
- Neuropsychiatry and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Renata Smieskova
- Neuropsychiatry and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Hauke
- Neuropsychiatry and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Egloff
- Neuropsychiatry and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical Detection (EPIC) lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christian G Huber
- Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Undine E Lang
- Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christina Andreou
- Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Neuropsychiatry and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Psychiatric University Hospital (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical Detection (EPIC) lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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16
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Thayer RE, YorkWilliams SL, Hutchison KE, Bryan AD. Preliminary results from a pilot study examining brain structure in older adult cannabis users and nonusers. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2019; 285:58-63. [PMID: 30785022 PMCID: PMC6450383 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Exploring associations among cannabis use, brain structure, and cognitive function in older adults offers an opportunity to observe potential harm or benefit of cannabis. This pilot study assessed structural magnetic resonance imaging in older adults who were either current cannabis users (n = 28; mean age 69.8 years, 36% female) or nonusers (n = 28; mean age 66.8 years, 61% female). Recruitment targeted users who reported at least weekly use for at least the last year, although users had 23.55 years of regular cannabis use on average (SD=19.89, range 1.5-50 years). Groups were not significantly different in terms of sex, years of education, alcohol use, or anxiety symptoms, but were significantly different in age and depression symptoms. Users and nonusers did not differ in terms of total gray or white matter volumes controlling for age and depression symptoms, but users showed greater regional volume of left putamen, lingual cortex, and rostral middle frontal cortex. No significant differences between groups were observed in performance on a brief computerized cognitive battery. These results suggest that cannabis use likely does not have a widespread impact on overall cortical volume while controlling for age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Thayer
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 345 UCB, Boulder, CO, United States.
| | - Sophie L YorkWilliams
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 345 UCB, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Kent E Hutchison
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 345 UCB, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Angela D Bryan
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 345 UCB, Boulder, CO, United States
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17
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Orr C, Spechler P, Cao Z, Albaugh M, Chaarani B, Mackey S, D'Souza D, Allgaier N, Banaschewski T, Bokde ALW, Bromberg U, Büchel C, Burke Quinlan E, Conrod P, Desrivières S, Flor H, Frouin V, Gowland P, Heinz A, Ittermann B, Martinot JL, Martinot MLP, Nees F, Papadopoulos Orfanos D, Paus T, Poustka L, Millenet S, Fröhner JH, Radhakrishnan R, Smolka MN, Walter H, Whelan R, Schumann G, Potter A, Garavan H. Grey Matter Volume Differences Associated with Extremely Low Levels of Cannabis Use in Adolescence. J Neurosci 2019; 39:1817-1827. [PMID: 30643026 PMCID: PMC6407302 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3375-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Rates of cannabis use among adolescents are high, and are increasing concurrent with changes in the legal status of marijuana and societal attitudes regarding its use. Recreational cannabis use is understudied, especially in the adolescent period when neural maturation may make users particularly vulnerable to the effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on brain structure. In the current study, we used voxel-based morphometry to compare gray matter volume (GMV) in forty-six 14-year-old human adolescents (males and females) with just one or two instances of cannabis use and carefully matched THC-naive controls. We identified extensive regions in the bilateral medial temporal lobes as well as the bilateral posterior cingulate, lingual gyri, and cerebellum that showed greater GMV in the cannabis users. Analysis of longitudinal data confirmed that GMV differences were unlikely to precede cannabis use. GMV in the temporal regions was associated with contemporaneous performance on the Perceptual Reasoning Index and with future generalized anxiety symptoms in the cannabis users. The distribution of GMV effects mapped onto biomarkers of the endogenous cannabinoid system providing insight into possible mechanisms for these effects.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Almost 35% of American 10th graders have reported using cannabis and existing research suggests that initiation of cannabis use in adolescence is associated with long-term neurocognitive effects. We understand very little about the earliest effects of cannabis use, however, because most research is conducted in adults with a heavy pattern of lifetime use. This study presents evidence suggesting structural brain and cognitive effects of just one or two instances of cannabis use in adolescence. Converging evidence suggests a role for the endocannabinoid system in these effects. This research is particularly timely as the legal status of cannabis is changing in many jurisdictions and the perceived risk by youth associated with smoking cannabis has declined in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Orr
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405,
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Philip Spechler
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Zhipeng Cao
- Department of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Department of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Matthew Albaugh
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Bader Chaarani
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Scott Mackey
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Deepak D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Nicholas Allgaier
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Arun L W Bokde
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Uli Bromberg
- University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Büchel
- University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Erin Burke Quinlan
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS) and MRC-SGDP Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, WC2R 2LS United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Conrod
- Centre de recherche du CHU Ste-Justine and
- Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, 3175 Chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Québec H3T 1C5, Canada
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, Addiction Sciences Building, London SE5 8BB, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvane Desrivières
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS) and MRC-SGDP Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, WC2R 2LS United Kingdom
| | - Herta Flor
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, 68131 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Vincent Frouin
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Penny Gowland
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Ittermann
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig and Berlin, Germany, Berlin, 10587 Germany
| | - Jean-Luc Martinot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM Unit 1000 "Neuroimaging and Psychiatry", University Paris Sud-University Paris Saclay, DIGITEO Labs, 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Marie-Laure Paillère Martinot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM Unit 1000 "Neuroimaging and Psychiatry", and AP-HP, Department of Adolescent Psychopathology and Medicine, Maison de Solenn, Cochin Hospital, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Tomáš Paus
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, and Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria, and
| | - Sabina Millenet
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Juliane H Fröhner
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01069 Germany
| | - Rajiv Radhakrishnan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, Connecticut 06516
| | - Michael N Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01069 Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Whelan
- Department of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Department of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Gunter Schumann
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS) and MRC-SGDP Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, WC2R 2LS United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Potter
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
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