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Butelman ER, Goldstein RZ, Nwaneshiudu CA, Girdhar K, Roussos P, Russo SJ, Alia-Klein N. Neuroimmune Mechanisms of Opioid Use Disorder and Recovery: Translatability to Human Studies, and Future Research Directions. Neuroscience 2023; 528:102-116. [PMID: 37562536 PMCID: PMC10720374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major current cause of morbidity and mortality. Long-term exposure to short-acting opioids (MOP-r agonists such as heroin or fentanyl) results in complex pathophysiological changes to neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory functions, affected in part by peripheral mechanisms (e.g., cytokines in blood), and by neuroendocrine systems such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis. There are important findings from preclinical models, but their role in the trajectory and outcomes of OUD in humans is not well understood. The goal of this narrative review is to examine available data on immune and inflammatory functions in persons with OUD, and to identify major areas for future research. Peripheral blood biomarker studies revealed a pro-inflammatory state in persons with OUD in withdrawal or early abstinence, consistent with available postmortem brain studies (which show glial activation) and diffusion tensor imaging studies (indicating white matter disruptions), with gradual abstinence-associated recovery. The mechanistic roles of these neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory changes in the trajectory of OUD (including recovery and medication management) cannot be examined practically with postmortem data. Collection of longitudinal data in larger-scale human cohorts would allow examination of these mechanisms associated with OUD stage and progression. Given the heterogeneity in presentation of OUD, a precision medicine approach integrating multi-omic peripheral biomarkers and comprehensive phenotyping, including neuroimaging, can be beneficial in risk stratification, and individually optimized selection of interventions for individuals who will benefit, and assessments under refractory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R Butelman
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addictions and Related Conditions Research Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Depts. of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addictions and Related Conditions Research Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Depts. of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chinwe A Nwaneshiudu
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kiran Girdhar
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Panos Roussos
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (VISN 2 South), James J. Peters VA, Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Scott J Russo
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Brain and Body Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nelly Alia-Klein
- Neuropsychoimaging of Addictions and Related Conditions Research Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Depts. of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Zojaji F, Khalesi A, Bahrami A, Ebrahimi SA, Ganjifard M. Evaluation of Serum Cortisol Levels and Response to Cosyntropin Test in Methadone-treated Opium Addicts. Anesth Pain Med 2023; 13:e135206. [PMID: 38222249 PMCID: PMC10788091 DOI: 10.5812/aapm-135206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Opium has been used for thousands of years for medical and analgesic purposes, and its misuse has also increased in recent years. Methadone, a synthetic opioid, has been used as an analgesic and to help patients quit opium addiction. However, some evidence suggests that long-term use of opioids can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the serum cortisol level and response to the cosyntropin stimulation test in opium addicts on methadone treatment. Methods The study was conducted in November 2019 at Imam Reza Hospital Rehab Center, Birjand, Iran. Thirty-eight methadone-treated opium addicts participated in the study. A blood sample was initially obtained, then 250 µg intramuscular cosyntropin was injected. After 30 and 60 minutes, two other blood samples were obtained. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Results There was a significant difference between serum cortisol levels and the normal value in methadone users (9.46 ± 5.42 vs. 14 µg/dL) (P < 0.001). The mean response to the cosyntropin stimulation test in methadone users was 9.34 ± 8.11 µg/dL. Also, 55% of the participants had adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions Serum cortisol levels significantly differed from normal values in methadone-treated patients. Therefore, we recommend measuring serum cortisol levels in methadone-treated patients before major medical procedures to consider the stress doses of corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Afsane Bahrami
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Akbar Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Ebrahimi
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ganjifard
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Psarianos A, Chryssanthopoulos C, Paparrigopoulos T, Philippou A. The Role of Physical Exercise in Opioid Substitution Therapy: Mechanisms of Sequential Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4763. [PMID: 36902190 PMCID: PMC10003472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that chronic opioid use is associated with structural and functional changes in the human brain that lead to an enhancement of impulsive behavior for immediate satisfaction. Interestingly, in recent years, physical exercise interventions have been used as an adjunctive treatment for patients with opioid use disorders (OUDs). Indeed, exercise has positive effects on both the biological and psychosocial basis of addiction, modifying neural circuits such as the reward, inhibition, and stress systems, and thus causing behavioral changes. This review focuses on the possible mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of exercise on the treatment of OUDs, with emphasis placed on the description of a sequential consolidation of these mechanisms. Exercise is thought to act initially as a factor of internal activation and self-regulation and eventually as a factor of commitment. This approach suggests a sequential (temporal) consolidation of the functions of exercise in favor of gradual disengagement from addiction. Particularly, the sequence in which the exercise-induced mechanisms are consolidated follows the pattern of internal activation-self-regulation-commitment, eventually resulting in stimulation of the endocannabinoid and endogenous opioid systems. Additionally, this is accompanied by modification of molecular and behavioral aspects of opioid addiction. Overall, the neurobiological actions of exercise in combination with certain psychological mechanisms appear to promote its beneficial effects. Given the positive effects of exercise on both physical and mental health, exercise prescription is recommended as a complement to conventional therapy for patients on opioid maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Psarianos
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Costas Chryssanthopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Paparrigopoulos
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastassios Philippou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Mukherjee D, Stankoski DM, Tilden SE, Huhn AS, Bixler EO, Kong L, Meyer RE, Deneke E, Freet CS, Bunce SC. Reregulation of cortisol levels and sleep in patients with prescription opioid use disorder during long-term residential treatment. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 227:108931. [PMID: 34392049 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research has demonstrated that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and sleep patterns are dysregulated in patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD). It is unclear whether and/or when cortisol and sleep might re-regulate over time, and, whether re-regulation is associated with abstinence following discharge from residential treatment. The current study evaluated changes in sleep and basal cortisol levels in prescription OUD patients in residential treatment, and the association between these measures and treatment outcome following discharge. METHOD As part of a larger study, 55 participants with prescription OUD provided two days of salivary cortisol samples and 12 consecutive nights of sleep actigraphy between days 19-30 of residential treatment (Time Point 1; TP1). Thirteen of the original 55 participants remained in residence and repeated the measures between days 60-72 (Time Point 2; TP2). Thirty-seven healthy controls (HC) provided baseline measures (TP1) of salivary cortisol and sleep. Treatment outcome data, abstinence vs relapse, were established at 120 days following discharge. RESULTS Prescription OUD patients had higher cortisol levels and lower total sleep time (TST) than HC at TP1. At TP2, TST and cortisol levels no longer differed from HCs in the subgroup of patients who remained abstinent following discharge after TP2. Individuals whose cortisol and TST did not change from TP1 to TP2 were more likely to relapse following discharge from residential treatment. CONCLUSION Re-regulation of TST and cortisol levels while in residential treatment was associated with better treatment outcome following discharge for prescription OUD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahlia Mukherjee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Dean M Stankoski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Sarah E Tilden
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Edward O Bixler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Lan Kong
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Roger E Meyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Erin Deneke
- Caron Treatment Centers, 243 N Galen Hall Rd, Wernersville, PA, USA
| | - Christopher S Freet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Scott C Bunce
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
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Parekh SV, Paniccia JE, Adams LO, Lysle DT. Hippocampal TNF-α Signaling Mediates Heroin Withdrawal-Enhanced Fear Learning and Withdrawal-Induced Weight Loss. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2963-2973. [PMID: 33580871 PMCID: PMC8128733 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
There is significant comorbidity of opioid use disorder (OUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in clinical populations. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between chronic opioid use and withdrawal and development of PTSD are poorly understood. Our previous work identified that chronic escalating heroin administration and withdrawal can produce enhanced fear learning, an animal model of hyperarousal, and is associated with an increase in dorsal hippocampal (DH) interleukin-1β (IL-1β). However, other cytokines, such as TNF-α, work synergistically with IL-1β and may have a role in the development of enhanced fear learning. Based on both translational rodent and clinical studies, TNF-α has been implicated in hyperarousal states of PTSD, and has an established role in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. The first set of experiments tested the hypothesis that chronic heroin administration followed by withdrawal is capable of inducing alterations in DH TNF-α expression. The second set of experiments examined whether DH TNF-α expression is functionally relevant to the development of enhanced fear learning. We identified an increase of TNF-α immunoreactivity and positive cells at 0, 24, and 48 h into withdrawal in the dentate gyrus DH subregion. Interestingly, intra-DH infusions of etanercept (TNF-α inhibitor) 0, 24, and 48 h into heroin withdrawal prevented the development of enhanced fear learning and mitigated withdrawal-induced weight loss. Overall, these findings provide insight into the role of TNF-α in opioid withdrawal and the development of anxiety disorders such as PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shveta V Parekh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA
| | - Jacqueline E Paniccia
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA
| | - Lydia O Adams
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA
| | - Donald T Lysle
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA.
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Salivary cortisol levels as a biomarker for severity of withdrawal in opioid-exposed newborns. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:1033-1038. [PMID: 31578040 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0601-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scoring tools used to quantify withdrawal in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are often confounded by subjective measurements. This study assessed salivary cortisol as an objective biomarker of withdrawal severity in opioid-exposed newborns. METHODS A prospective study was conducted in 25 full-term opioid-exposed newborns monitored for NAS. Morning and evening salivary cortisol levels were collected starting within 48 h post birth until initiation of pharmacologic treatment for withdrawal (Pre-Treatment) or when the infant was discharged without pharmacotherapy (No Treatment). RESULTS Cortisol levels in the Pre-Treatment group (n = 11) were significantly higher within the first week of life (median 1.74 µg/dl) than in the No Treatment group (n = 11; median 0.72 µg/dl; P = 0.003); three infants had inadequate saliva volume for cortisol assay. Cortisol significantly decreased after 72 h post birth among infants discharged without pharmacotherapy (≤72 h median 1.25 µg/dl; ≥72 h median 0.58 µg/dl; P = 0.022), whereas cortisol remained elevated for infants subsequently treated for severity of withdrawal. No cortisol circadian rhythm was observed for either group. CONCLUSIONS Salivary cortisol in opioid-exposed newborns may provide an index of stress and help identify infants who will have more severe clinical presentation of NAS. Such a biomarker would allow risk stratification for early treatment and discharge decisions.
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Luster BR, Cogan ES, Schmidt KT, Pati D, Pina MM, Dange K, McElligott ZA. Inhibitory transmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in male and female mice following morphine withdrawal. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12748. [PMID: 30963693 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The United States is experiencing an opioid crisis imposing enormous fiscal and societal costs and driving the staggering overdose death rate. While prescription opioid analgesics are essential for treating acute pain, cessation of use in individuals with a physical dependence induces an aversive withdrawal syndrome that promotes continued drug use to alleviate/avoid these symptoms. Additionally, repeated bouts of withdrawal often lead to an increased propensity for relapse. Understanding the neurobiology underlying withdrawal is essential for providing novel treatment options to alleviate physiological and affective components accompanying the cessation of opiate use. Here, we administered morphine and precipitated withdrawal with naloxone to investigate behavioral and cellular responses in C57BL/6J male and female mice. Following 3 days of administration, both male and female mice demonstrated sensitized withdrawal symptoms. Since the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays a role in mediating withdrawal-associated behaviors, we examined plastic changes in inhibitory synaptic transmission within this structure 24 hours following the final precipitated withdrawal. In male mice, morphine withdrawal increased spontaneous GABAergic signaling compared with controls. In contrast, morphine withdrawal decreased spontaneous GABAergic signaling in female mice. Intriguingly, these opposing GABAergic effects were contingent upon activity-dependent dynamics within the ex vivo slice. Our findings suggest that male and female mice exhibit some divergent cellular responses in the BNST following morphine withdrawal, and alterations in BNST inhibitory signaling may contribute to the expression of behaviors following opioid withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennon R. Luster
- Bowles Center for Alcohol StudiesUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
- Department of PsychiatryUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Cogan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol StudiesUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Karl T. Schmidt
- Bowles Center for Alcohol StudiesUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Dipanwita Pati
- Bowles Center for Alcohol StudiesUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
- Department of PharmacologyUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Melanie M. Pina
- Bowles Center for Alcohol StudiesUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
- Department of PharmacologyUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Kedar Dange
- Bowles Center for Alcohol StudiesUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Zoé A. McElligott
- Bowles Center for Alcohol StudiesUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
- Department of PsychiatryUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
- Department of PharmacologyUNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC USA
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Kakko J, Alho H, Baldacchino A, Molina R, Nava FA, Shaya G. Craving in Opioid Use Disorder: From Neurobiology to Clinical Practice. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:592. [PMID: 31543832 PMCID: PMC6728888 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major public health issue that has reached epidemic levels in some parts of the world. It is a chronic and complex neurobiological disease associated with frequent relapse to drug taking. Craving, defined as an overwhelmingly strong desire or need to use a drug, is a central component of OUD and other substance use disorders. In this review, we describe the neurobiological and neuroendocrine pathways that underpin craving in OUD and also focus on the importance of assessing and treating craving in clinical practice. Craving is strongly associated with patients returning to opioid misuse and is therefore an important treatment target to reduce the risk of relapse and improve patients' quality of life. Opioid agonist therapies (OAT), such as buprenorphine and methadone, can significantly reduce craving and relapse risk, and it is essential that patients are treated optimally with these therapies. There is also evidence to support the benefits of non-pharmacological approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions, as supplementary treatments to opioid agonist therapies. However, despite the positive impact of these treatments on craving, many OUD patients continue to suffer with negative affect and dysphoria. There is a clear need for further studies to progress our understanding of the neurobiological basis of craving and addiction and to identify novel therapeutic strategies as well as to optimize the use of existing treatments to improve outcomes for the growing numbers of patients affected by OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Kakko
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Hannu Alho
- Department of Public Health Solutions, The Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alexander Baldacchino
- Division of Population and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Rocío Molina
- Centro de Atencion a las Adicciones de Arganzuela, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Felice Alfonso Nava
- Director Penitentiary Medicine and Drug Abuse Unit, Health Care Unit Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriel Shaya
- Medical Affairs, Indivior UK Ltd, Slough, United Kingdom
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Wemm SE, Sinha R. Drug-induced stress responses and addiction risk and relapse. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 10:100148. [PMID: 30937354 PMCID: PMC6430516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have assessed the effects of psychoactive drugs on stress biology, the neuroadaptations resulting from chronic drug use on stress biology, and their effects on addiction risk and relapse. This review mainly covers human research on the acute effects of different drugs of abuse (i.e., nicotine, cannabis, psychostimulants, alcohol, and opioids) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses. We review the literature on acute peripheral stress responses in naïve or light recreational users and binge/heavy or chronic drug users. We also discuss evidence of alterations in tonic levels, or tolerance, in the latter relative to the former and associated changes in the phasic stress responses. We discuss the impact of the stress system tolerance in heavy users on their response to drug- and stress-related cue responses and craving as compared to control subjects. A summary is provided of the effects of glucocorticoid responses and their adaptations on brain striatal and prefrontal cortices involved in the regulation of drug seeking and relapse risk. Finally, we summarize important considerations, including individual difference factors such as gender, co-occurring drug use, early trauma and adversity and drug use history and variation in methodologies, that may further influence the effects of these drugs on stress biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E. Wemm
- Yale Stress Center, Yale School of Medicine, 2 Church St South Suite 209, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
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Varma A, Sapra M, Iranmanesh A. Impact of opioid therapy on gonadal hormones: focus on buprenorphine. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2018; 36:/j/hmbci.ahead-of-print/hmbci-2017-0080/hmbci-2017-0080.xml. [DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2017-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The USA is in the midst of an opioid crisis. Understanding the impact of opioids and commonly used treatments for opioid dependence is essential for clinicians and researchers in order to educate and treat the nation’s growing population with opioid use disorders. As a relatively new treatment for opioid dependence, buprenorphine is gaining popularity to the extent of becoming not only a preferred approach to the maintenance of opiate addiction, but also an option for chronic pain management. The purpose of this report is to review the available evidence on the endocrine effects of buprenorphine, particularly as it relates to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is controversial and not fully defined.
Method
We conducted a Pubmed search (2000–2017) for human studies in the English language for articles that were available as full length regarding buprenorphine, endocrinopathy, hypogonadism, bone density, opioids. Case reports were also reviewed, although prospective studies and randomized controlled trials received more weight.
Results
Opioid induced hypogonadism is well established. Most studies report that buprenorphine being a partial agonist/antagonist may not be impacting the pituitary trophic hormones as much. There are reports of sexual dysfunction in subjects maintained on buprenorphine, some without hormonal correlation. Thus with the understanding that pertinent clinical studies are limited in number, varied in methodology, mostly cross sectional, predominantly in men and small number of participants, more research in this area is warranted.
Conclusion
Based on a comprehensive review of the available literature, we conclude that despite its increasing popularity, buprenorphine has not been adequately studied in respect to its long-term effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. There is a great need for longitudinal systematic trials to define the potential buprenorphine-induced endocrine consequences.
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McCarthy JJ, Terplan M. Detoxification from opiates during pregnancy: stressing the fetal brain. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:670.e1-670.e2. [PMID: 27262972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Packard AEB, Egan AE, Ulrich-Lai YM. HPA Axis Interactions with Behavioral Systems. Compr Physiol 2016; 6:1897-1934. [PMID: 27783863 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Perhaps the most salient behaviors that individuals engage in involve the avoidance of aversive experiences and the pursuit of pleasurable experiences. Engagement in these behaviors is regulated to a significant extent by an individual's hormonal milieu. For example, glucocorticoid hormones are produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, and influence most aspects of behavior. In turn, many behaviors can influence HPA axis activity. These bidirectional interactions not only coordinate an individual's physiological and behavioral states to each other, but can also tune them to environmental conditions thereby optimizing survival. The present review details the influence of the HPA axis on many types of behavior, including appetitively-motivated behaviors (e.g., food intake and drug use), aversively-motivated behaviors (e.g., anxiety-related and depressive-like) and cognitive behaviors (e.g., learning and memory). Conversely, the manuscript also describes how engaging in various behaviors influences HPA axis activity. Our current understanding of the neuronal and/or hormonal mechanisms that underlie these interactions is also summarized. © 2016 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 6:1897-1934, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E B Packard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ann E Egan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Yvonne M Ulrich-Lai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Abstract
Opioid drugs are potent modulators of many physiological and psychological processes. When given acutely, they can elicit the signature responses of euphoria and analgesia that societies have coveted for centuries. Repeated, or chronic, use of opioids induces adaptive or allostatic changes that modify neuronal circuitry and create an altered normality — the “drug-dependent” state. This state, at least that exhibited by those maintained continuously on long-acting opioid drugs such as methadone or buprenorphine, is generally indistinguishable from the drug-naïve state for most overt behaviors. The consequences of the allostatic changes (cellular, circuit, and system adaptations) that accompany the drug-dependent state are revealed during drug withdrawal. Drug cessation triggers a temporally orchestrated allostatic re-establishment of neuronal systems, which is manifested as opposing physiological and psychological effects to those exhibited by acute drug intoxication. Some withdrawal symptoms, such as physical symptoms (sweating, shaking, and diarrhea) resolve within days, whilst others, such as dysphoria, insomnia, and anxiety, can linger for months, and some adaptations, such as learned associations, may be established for life. We will briefly discuss the cellular mechanisms and neural circuitry that contribute to the opioid drug-dependent state, inferring an emerging role for neuroinflammation. We will argue that opioid addictive behaviors result from a learned relationship between opioids and relief from an existing or withdrawal-induced anxiogenic and/or dysphoric state. Furthermore, a future stressful life event can recall the memory that opioid drugs alleviate negative affect (despair, sadness, and anxiety) and thereby precipitate craving, resulting in relapse. A learned association of relief of aversive states would fuel drug craving in vulnerable people living in an increasingly stressful society. We suggest that this route to addiction is contributive to the current opioid epidemic in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Evans
- Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Care and Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 90095, USA; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
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Gowing L, Farrell M, Ali R, White JM. Alpha₂-adrenergic agonists for the management of opioid withdrawal. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 2016:CD002024. [PMID: 27140827 PMCID: PMC7081129 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002024.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withdrawal is a necessary step prior to drug-free treatment or as the endpoint of long-term substitution treatment. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of interventions involving the use of alpha2-adrenergic agonists compared with placebo, reducing doses of methadone, symptomatic medications, or an alpha2-adrenergic agonist regimen different to the experimental intervention, for the management of the acute phase of opioid withdrawal. Outcomes included the withdrawal syndrome experienced, duration of treatment, occurrence of adverse effects, and completion of treatment. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1946 to November week 2, 2015), EMBASE (January 1985 to November week 2, 2015), PsycINFO (1806 to November week 2, 2015), Web of Science, and reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing alpha2-adrenergic agonists (clonidine, lofexidine, guanfacine, tizanidine) with reducing doses of methadone, symptomatic medications or placebo, or comparing different alpha2-adrenergic agonists to modify the signs and symptoms of withdrawal in participants who were opioid dependent. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN RESULTS We included 26 randomised controlled trials involving 1728 participants. Six studies compared an alpha2-adrenergic agonist with placebo, 12 with reducing doses of methadone, four with symptomatic medications, and five compared different alpha2-adrenergic agonists. We assessed 10 studies as having a high risk of bias in at least one of the methodological domains that were considered.We found moderate-quality evidence that alpha2-adrenergic agonists were more effective than placebo in ameliorating withdrawal in terms of the likelihood of severe withdrawal (risk ratio (RR) 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18 to 0.57; 3 studies; 148 participants). We found moderate-quality evidence that completion of treatment was significantly more likely with alpha2-adrenergic agonists compared with placebo (RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.84; 3 studies; 148 participants).Peak withdrawal severity may be greater with alpha2-adrenergic agonists than with reducing doses of methadone, as measured by the likelihood of severe withdrawal (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.73; 5 studies; 340 participants; low quality), and peak withdrawal score (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.22, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.46; 2 studies; 263 participants; moderate quality), but these differences were not significant and there is no significant difference in severity when considered over the entire duration of the withdrawal episode (SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.49; 3 studies; 119 participants; moderate quality). The signs and symptoms of withdrawal occurred and resolved earlier with alpha2-adrenergic agonists. The duration of treatment was significantly longer with reducing doses of methadone (SMD -1.07, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.83; 3 studies; 310 participants; low quality). Hypotensive or other adverse effects were significantly more likely with alpha2-adrenergic agonists (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.10; 6 studies; 464 participants; low quality), but there was no significant difference in rates of completion of withdrawal treatment (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.05; 9 studies; 659 participants; low quality).There were insufficient data for quantitative comparison of different alpha2-adrenergic agonists. Available data suggest that lofexidine does not reduce blood pressure to the same extent as clonidine, but is otherwise similar to clonidine. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Clonidine and lofexidine are more effective than placebo for the management of withdrawal from heroin or methadone. We detected no significant difference in efficacy between treatment regimens based on clonidine or lofexidine and those based on reducing doses of methadone over a period of around 10 days, but methadone was associated with fewer adverse effects than clonidine, and lofexidine has a better safety profile than clonidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Gowing
- University of AdelaideDiscipline of PharmacologyFrome RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | - Michael Farrell
- University of New South WalesNational Drug and Alcohol Research Centre36 King StreetRandwickSydneyNSWAustraliaNSW 2025
| | - Robert Ali
- University of AdelaideDiscipline of PharmacologyFrome RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | - Jason M White
- University of South AustraliaSchool of Pharmacy and Medical SciencesGPO Box 2471AdelaideAustraliaSA 5001
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Yang J, Li J, Xu G, Zhang J, Chen Z, Lu Z, Deng H. Elevated Hair Cortisol Levels among Heroin Addicts on Current Methadone Maintenance Compared to Controls. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150729. [PMID: 27010803 PMCID: PMC4806835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) can improve the basal function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which is suppressed by long-term heroin consumption, is a matter of debate. The stress state and depression and anxiety symptoms may affect the basal activity of the HPA axis in MMT patients. However, the effect of psychological factors on HPA activity was not simultaneously controlled in previous studies. This study investigated differences in HPA basal activity between MMT patients and controls using psychological variables as covariates. The participants included 52 MMT patients and 41 age-matched, non-heroin-dependent controls. Psychological states were self-reported with the Perceived Stress Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. The hair cortisol level was adopted as a biomarker of HPA basal activity and was determined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The results revealed that MMT patients had significantly higher hair cortisol levels than the controls (p<0.05), but the difference was not significant (p>0.05) when the perceived stress, depression and anxiety scores were used as covariates. We concluded that patients with long-term MMT showed higher basal activity of the HPA axis. The high chronic stress state and increase in depression and anxiety symptoms may mask the suppression effect of methadone on the HPA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jifeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Guanyi Xu
- Center of Methadone Maintenance Treatment, Baixia District Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zuhong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Huihua Deng
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Walter M, Bentz D, Schicktanz N, Milnik A, Aerni A, Gerhards C, Schwegler K, Vogel M, Blum J, Schmid O, Roozendaal B, Lang UE, Borgwardt S, de Quervain D. Effects of cortisol administration on craving in heroin addicts. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5. [PMID: 26218852 PMCID: PMC5068724 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Heroin dependence is a severe and chronically relapsing substance use disorder with limited treatment options. Stress is known to increase craving and drug-taking behavior, but it is not known whether the stress hormone cortisol mediates these stress effects or whether cortisol may rather reduce craving, for example, by interfering with addiction memory. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of cortisol administration on craving in heroin-dependent patients and to determine whether the effects depend on the daily dose of heroin consumption. We used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in 29 heroin-dependent patients in a stable heroin-assisted treatment setting. A single oral dose of 20 mg of cortisol or placebo was administered 105 min before the daily heroin administration. The primary outcome measure was cortisol-induced change in craving. Secondary measures included anxiety, anger and withdrawal symptoms. For the visual analog scale for craving, we found a significant interaction (P = 0.0027) between study medication and heroin-dose group (that is, daily low, medium or high dose of heroin). Cortisol administration reduced craving in patients receiving a low dose of heroin (before heroin administration: P = 0.0019; after heroin administration: P = 0.0074), but not in patients receiving a medium or high dose of heroin. In a picture-rating task with drug-related pictures, cortisol administration did not affect the ratings for the picture-characteristic craving in all the three heroin-dose groups. Cortisol also did not significantly affect secondary outcome measures. In conclusion, a single administration of cortisol leads to reduced craving in low-dose heroin addicts. The present findings might have important clinical implications with regard to understanding stress effects and regarding treatment of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Walter
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4012 Basel, Switzerland E-mail:
| | - D Bentz
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - N Schicktanz
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Milnik
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Division of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Aerni
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - C Gerhards
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - K Schwegler
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Vogel
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Blum
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - O Schmid
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - B Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - U E Lang
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - S Borgwardt
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - D de Quervain
- Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Transfaculty Research Platform, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Birmannsgasse 8, 4055 Basel, Switzerland. E-mail:
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17
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Jaremko KM, Sterling RC, Van Bockstaele EJ. Psychological and physiological stress negatively impacts early engagement and retention of opioid-dependent individuals on methadone maintenance. J Subst Abuse Treat 2014; 48:117-27. [PMID: 25239858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated whether psychological and/or physiological measures of stress would impede induction onto methadone maintenance and predict early (<6 months) discontinuation. Compared with controls, opioid-dependent subjects displayed increased distress on the perceived stress scale (PSS) and post-traumatic stress disorder checklist (PCLC); 60% exhibited abnormal cortisol. Addiction severity index (ASI), drug-use, and stress indices explained between 17 and 37% of the variance in engagement including attendance, opioid abstinence, and methadone stabilization. Participants who discontinued treatment displayed poor engagement, abnormal cortisol, elevated withdrawal symptoms, higher distress, and increased ongoing opioid use versus compliant individuals. Discontinuation was initially related to drug-use severity; however, by 6 months, retention depended primarily upon cortisol abnormalities, which increased an individual's discontinuation risk by 7.7-fold. These findings support admission screening with the ASI/cortisol for drop out, and stress/drug-use indices for engagement that together may enable clinically-relevant early recognition and interventions for prevention of stress-induced relapse in opioid-dependent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie M Jaremko
- Department of Neuroscience, Farber Institute for Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA.
| | - Robert C Sterling
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
| | - Elisabeth J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
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18
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Schmidt A, Borgwardt S, Gerber H, Wiesbeck GA, Schmid O, Riecher-Rössler A, Smieskova R, Lang UE, Walter M. Acute effects of heroin on negative emotional processing: relation of amygdala activity and stress-related responses. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 76:289-96. [PMID: 24314348 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Negative emotional states and abnormal stress reactivity are central components in drug addiction. The brain stress system in the amygdala is thought to play a key role in the maintenance of drug dependence through negative reinforcement. Although acute heroin administration was found to reduce anxiety, craving, and stress hormone release, whether these effects are reflected in amygdala activity has not yet been investigated. METHODS With a randomized, crossover, double-blind design, saline and heroin were administered to 22 heroin-dependent patients, whereas 17 healthy control subjects were included for the placebo administration only. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate blood oxygen level-dependent responses during fearful faces processing. Stress reactivity was measured by adrenocorticotropic hormone levels and by cortisol concentrations in serum and saliva 60 min after substance administration. Anxiety and craving levels were assessed with self-report ratings. RESULTS Heroin administration acutely reduced the left amygdala response to fearful faces relative to the saline injection. Patients receiving saline showed a significantly higher left amygdala response to fearful faces than healthy control subjects, whose activity did not differ from patients receiving heroin. The left amygdala activity correlated significantly with scores on state-anxiety and levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, serum cortisol, and saliva cortisol among all patients and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our results show a direct relation between the acute heroin effects on stress-related emotions, stress reactivity, and left amygdala response to negative facial expressions. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying negative reinforcement in heroin addiction and the effects of regular heroin substitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Medical Image Analysis Centre, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Medical Image Analysis Centre, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hana Gerber
- Division of Substance Use Disorders, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard A Wiesbeck
- Division of Substance Use Disorders, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Otto Schmid
- Division of Substance Use Disorders, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anita Riecher-Rössler
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Renata Smieskova
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Medical Image Analysis Centre, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Undine E Lang
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Walter
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Substance Use Disorders, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Fan HY, Sun L, Li XX, Zhou SB, Liang JC, Yan BY, Li Y, Deng YP. Effects of Jitai tablet, a traditional Chinese medicine, on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels in heroin addicts during abstinence. J Altern Complement Med 2014; 20:527-34. [PMID: 24786196 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2012.0804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the changes in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in heroin addicts given Jitai tablet treatment during abstinence. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTINGS/LOCATION Drug Rehabilitation Bureau of Shanghai Police, China. PARTICIPANTS 99 volunteers, including 69 heroin addicts and 30 healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS 69 heroin addicts randomly divided into two groups: the Jitai tablet group, which comprised 34 heroin addicts given Jitai tablet treatment during abstinence, and the placebo group, which comprised 35 heroin addicts given placebo. A control group consisted of 30 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers. OUTCOME MEASURES ACTH and cortisol in plasma were measured in all groups at baseline and in the Jitai tablet and placebo groups on the third, seventh, and 14th days of abstinence. RESULTS Levels of both ACTH (p<.01) and cortisol (p<.001) were significantly higher in heroin addicts at baseline than in the healthy volunteers. Jitai tablet treatment restored plasma cortisol levels to normal more rapidly than did placebo treatment (p<.05), but not ACTH levels. A positive correlation between ACTH and cortisol values at baseline (p<.01) was also found with withdrawal symptom scores and daily dosages of heroin. CONCLUSIONS Heroin addicts could respond to Jitai tablets through changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-ying Fan
- 1 Department of Clinical Pharmacology, National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University , Beijing, China
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20
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Gowing L, Farrell MF, Ali R, White JM. Alpha2-adrenergic agonists for the management of opioid withdrawal. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014:CD002024. [PMID: 24683051 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002024.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withdrawal is a necessary step prior to drug-free treatment or as the endpoint of long-term substitution treatment. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of interventions involving the use of alpha2-adrenergic agonists compared with placebo, reducing doses of methadone, symptomatic medications or with comparison of different alpha2-adrenergic agonists, for the management of the acute phase of opioid withdrawal. Outcomes included the intensity of signs and symptoms and overall withdrawal syndrome experienced, duration of treatment, occurrence of adverse effects and completion of treatment. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 7, 2013), MEDLINE (1946 to July week 4, 2013), EMBASE (January 1985 to August week 1, 2013), PsycINFO (1806 to July week 5, 2013) and reference lists of articles. We also contacted manufacturers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing alpha2-adrenergic agonists (clonidine, lofexidine, guanfacine, tizanidine) with reducing doses of methadone, symptomatic medications or placebo, or comparing different alpha2-adrenergic agonists to modify the signs and symptoms of withdrawal in participants who were opioid dependent. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One review author assessed studies for inclusion and undertook data extraction. All review authors decided on inclusion and confirmed the overall process. MAIN RESULTS We included 25 randomised controlled trials, involving 1668 participants. Five studies compared a treatment regimen based on an alpha2-adrenergic agonist with placebo, 12 with a regimen based on reducing doses of methadone, four with symptomatic medications and five compared different alpha2-adrenergic agonists.Alpha2-adrenergic agonists were more effective than placebo in ameliorating withdrawal in terms of the likelihood of severe withdrawal (risk ratio (RR) 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18 to 0.57, 3 studies, 148 participants). Completion of treatment was significantly more likely with alpha2-adrenergic agonists compared with placebo (RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.84, 3 studies, 148 participants).Alpha2-adrenergic agonists were somewhat less effective than reducing doses of methadone in ameliorating withdrawal symptoms, as measured by the likelihood of severe withdrawal (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.73, 5 studies, 340 participants), peak withdrawal score (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.22, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.46, 2 studies, 263 participants) and overall withdrawal severity (SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.49, 3 studies, 119 participants). These differences were not statistically significant. The signs and symptoms of withdrawal occurred and resolved earlier with alpha2-adrenergic agonists. The duration of treatment was significantly longer with reducing doses of methadone (SMD -1.07, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.83, 3 studies, 310 participants). Hypotensive or other adverse effects were significantly more likely with alpha2-adrenergic agonists (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.10, 6 studies, 464 participants) but there was no significant difference in rates of completion of withdrawal treatment (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.05, 9 studies, 659 participants).There were insufficient data for quantitative comparison of different alpha2-adrenergic agonists. Available data suggest that lofexidine does not reduce blood pressure to the same extent as clonidine, but is otherwise similar to clonidine. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Clonidine and lofexidine are more effective than placebo for the management of withdrawal from heroin or methadone. No significant difference in efficacy was detected for treatment regimens based on clonidine or lofexidine, and those based on reducing doses of methadone over a period of around 10 days but methadone is associated with fewer adverse effects than clonidine, and lofexidine has a better safety profile than clonidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Gowing
- Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 5005
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21
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Bobzean SAM, DeNobrega AK, Perrotti LI. Sex differences in the neurobiology of drug addiction. Exp Neurol 2014; 259:64-74. [PMID: 24508560 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological data demonstrate that while women report lower rates of drug use than men, the number of current drug users and abusers who are women continues to increase. In addition women progress through the phases of addiction differently than men; women transition from casual drug use to addiction faster, are more reactive to stimuli that trigger relapse, and have higher rates of relapse then men. Sex differences in physiological and psychological responses to drugs of abuse are well documented and it is well established that estrogen effects on dopamine (DA) systems are largely responsible for these sex differences. However, the downstream mechanisms that result from interactions between estrogen and the effects of drugs of abuse on the DA system are just beginning to be explored. Here we review the basic neurocircuitry which underlies reward and addiction; highlighting the neuroadaptive changes that occur in the mesolimbic dopamine reward and anti-reward/stress pathways. We propose that sex differences in addiction are due to sex differences in the neural systems which mediate positive and negative reinforcement and that these differences are modulated by ovarian hormones. This forms a neurobehavioral basis for the search for the molecular and cellular underpinnings that uniquely guide motivational behaviors and make women more vulnerable to developing and sustaining addiction than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara A M Bobzean
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Aliza K DeNobrega
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Linda I Perrotti
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA.
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Gerber H, Borgwardt SJ, Schmid O, Gerhard U, Joechle W, Riecher-Rössler A, Wiesbeck GA, Walter M. The impact of diacetylmorphine on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and heroin craving in heroin dependence. Eur Addict Res 2012; 18:116-23. [PMID: 22286020 DOI: 10.1159/000334411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Heroin dependence is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by the compulsion to seek and use heroin. Stress and craving are seen as key factors for heroin use. Moreover, altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function has been frequently reported. However, the acute effects of diacetylmorphine (DAM) on HPA axis activity and craving have not been investigated in a controlled study. The present randomized controlled study examined whether DAM administration differs from placebo (saline) administration with regard to HPA axis response and heroin craving. METHODS In a crossover experiment, 28 DAM-maintained heroin-dependent patients were first injected with DAM and then saline, or the converse. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in saliva and serum were measured at baseline and 20 and 60 min after both injections. Heroin craving was measured at baseline and 60 min after both injections, by means of the Heroin Craving Questionnaire. RESULTS Compared to saline, DAM administration induced a significant decrease in plasma ACTH (p < 0.01), serum cortisol (p < 0.0001) and saliva cortisol (p < 0.01), as well as in craving (p < 0.0001), over time. CONCLUSION Since acute DAM administration suppresses the stress response, DAM-assisted treatment may be an effective alternative to methadone maintenance in stress-sensitive heroin-dependent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Gerber
- Psychiatric Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. hana.gerber @ upkbs.ch
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23
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Aloisi AM, Buonocore M, Merlo L, Galandra C, Sotgiu A, Bacchella L, Ungaretti M, Demartini L, Bonezzi C. Chronic pain therapy and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis impairment. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:1032-9. [PMID: 21256679 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Revised: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Opiates and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most effective therapies for chronic pain, but their prolonged time of use can affect health conditions through physical and psychological side effects. They include the very common gastrointestinal effects and changes that can induce osteoporosis, depression, impaired cognition and a generally poor quality of life, which per se can induce and maintain a chronic painful condition. For this reason it is becoming imperative to expand our knowledge of the interaction of these substances with body functions apparently not directly involved in nociception and pain, such as neuroendocrine functions. The purpose of this study was to determine, in male and female patients suffering from chronic pain, the effect of conventional pain therapy (opiates, NSAIDs) on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. This was assessed by measuring the blood levels of adrenal-related hormones (adrenocorticotrophin hormone, ACTH; cortisol; dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHEAS). The second purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that these hormones are associated with the psychological profile shown by the chronic pain patients. The results showed significant changes induced by pain therapy on the HPA axis: ACTH, cortisol, DHEA and DHEAS blood levels decreased in all subjects taking opiates or NSAIDs to treat pain. Moreover these changes showed significant correlations with psychological features of the subjects depending on age and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Aloisi
- Pain Physiopathology and Therapy Centre, IRCCS Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Via Maugeri 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Walter M, Wiesbeck GA, Degen B, Albrich J, Oppel M, Schulz A, Schächinger H, Dürsteler-MacFarland KM. Heroin reduces startle and cortisol response in opioid-maintained heroin-dependent patients. Addict Biol 2011; 16:145-51. [PMID: 20331562 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00205.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Heroin dependence (HD) is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by a compulsion to seek and use heroin. Stress is seen as a key factor for heroin use. Methadone maintenance and the prescription of pharmaceutical heroin [diacetylmorphine (DAM)] are established treatments for HD in several countries. The present study examined whether DAM-maintained patients and methadone-maintained patients differ from healthy controls in startle reflex and cortisol levels. Fifty-seven participants, 19 of each group matched for age, sex and smoking status, completed a startle session which included the presentation of 24 bursts of white noise while eye-blink responses to startling noises were recorded. Salivary cortisol was collected three times after awakening, before, during and after the startle session. DAM was administered before the experiment, while methadone was administered afterwards. Both heroin-dependent patient groups exhibited significantly smaller startle responses than healthy controls (P < 0.05). Whereas the cortisol levels after awakening did not differ across the three groups, the experimental cortisol levels were significantly lower in DAM-maintained patients, who received their opioid before the experiment, than in methadone-maintained patients and healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Opioid maintenance treatment for HD is associated with reduced startle responses. Acute DAM administration may suppress cortisol levels, and DAM maintenance treatment may represent an effective alternative to methadone in stress-sensitive, heroin-dependent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Walter
- Psychiatric Hospital, University of Basel, Switzerland.
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Shi J, Li SX, Zhang XL, Wang X, Le Foll B, Zhang XY, Kosten TR, Lu L. Time-dependent neuroendocrine alterations and drug craving during the first month of abstinence in heroin addicts. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2010; 35:267-72. [PMID: 19591065 DOI: 10.1080/00952990902933878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Heroin use and withdrawal cause abnormality in the endocrine system. However, the time course of neuroendocrine alterations in heroin addicts during pharmacologically unassisted withdrawal is still unclear. OBJECTIVES To investigate alterations in cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin (beta-EP), leptin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) during the first month of abstinence in heroin addicts. METHODS Twelve heroin addicts and eight matched healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. The neuroendocrine alterations and self-reported heroin craving, anxiety, and depression in heroin addicts were assessed at different time points (days 3, 10, and 30) of first month of abstinence from heroin use. RESULTS Self-reported heroin craving, anxiety, and depression in heroin addicts decreased gradually during the first month of abstinence. The cortisol levels increased from abstinence day 3 to 30, while ACTH and beta-EP levels decreased over this period in heroin addicts. The leptin and NPY levels were significantly decreased on days 3 and 10 but had normalized on day 30 of abstinence. A positive correlation between cortisol level and heroin craving, anxiety, and depression was observed, while a negative correlation was observed between beta-EP level and craving and anxiety and between leptin and depression and NPY and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal alterations in the neuroendocrine system, including levels of cortisol, ACTH and beta-EP persist throughout the first month of abstinence. These results suggest that neuroendocrine system dysfunctions in heroin abusers is independent of the acute and protracted withdrawal syndromes, and may thus contribute to relapse to heroin use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Circadian alteration in neurobiology during 30 days of abstinence in heroin users. Biol Psychiatry 2009; 65:905-12. [PMID: 19135652 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2008.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Revised: 11/14/2008] [Accepted: 11/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that individuals withdrawn from chronic opiate administration undergo substantial elevations of cortisol levels with blunted corticotropin (ACTH) rhythms and that these changes persist beyond the 7-10 days of acute withdrawal symptoms. However, there are no published studies of changes in expression of clock genes or of other neuropeptides related to circadian-rhythm regulation, which may influence relapse susceptibility. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 8 healthy control subjects and 16 heroin addicts during pharmacologically unassisted withdrawal on the 3rd, 10th, and 30th days of abstinence at 3-hour intervals for 24 hours. Outcome measures were the relative expression of clock gene mRNA (hperiod1, hperiod2, hclock) and the levels of serum cortisol, plasma ACTH, beta-endorphin (beta-EP), leptin, neuropeptide Y, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in these subjects. RESULTS Compared with healthy volunteers, abstinent addicts showed disruptions in diurnal rhythms of hPER1 and hPER2 mRNA expression, along with disruptions in diurnal rhythms of cortisol, ACTH, beta-endorphin, leptin, and IL-2 release. Several of these disruptions (hPER1, hPER2, ACTH, beta-endorphin, and IL-2) persisted for the 30-day testing period, as did elevation of 24-hour levels of cortisol and decreases in 24-hour IL-2 and TNF levels. CONCLUSIONS These prolonged neurobiological changes may play a role in protracted opiate withdrawal symptoms and contribute to relapse vulnerability.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Withdrawal is a necessary step prior to drug-free treatment or as the end point of long-term substitution treatment. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of interventions involving the use of alpha2-adrenergic agonists to manage opioid withdrawal. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2008), MEDLINE (January 1966-July 2008), EMBASE (January 1985-2008 Week 31), PsycINFO (1967 to 7 August 2008) and reference lists of articles. We also contacted manufacturers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA Controlled trials comparing alpha2-adrenergic agonists with reducing doses of methadone, symptomatic medications or placebo, or comparing different alpha2-adrenergic agonists to modify the signs and symptoms of withdrawal in participants who were opioid dependent. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One author assessed studies for inclusion and undertook data extraction. Inclusion decisions and the overall process were confirmed by consultation between all authors. MAIN RESULTS Twenty-four studies, involving 1631 participants, were included. Twenty-one were randomised controlled trials.Thirteen studies compared a treatment regime based on an alpha2-adrenergic agonist with one based on reducing doses of methadone. Diversity in study design, assessment and reporting of outcomes limited the extent of quantitative analysis.Alpha2-adrenergic agonists are more effective than placebo in ameliorating withdrawal, and despite higher rates of adverse effects, are associated with significantly higher rates of completion of treatment.For the comparison of alpha2-adrenergic agonist regimes with reducing doses of methadone, there were insufficient data for statistical analysis, but withdrawal intensity appears similar to or marginally greater with alpha2-adrenergic agonists, while signs and symptoms of withdrawal occur and resolve earlier. Participants stay in treatment longer with methadone. No significant difference was detected in rates of completion of withdrawal with adrenergic agonists compared to reducing doses of methadone, or clonidine compared to lofexidine. Clonidine is associated with more adverse effects than reducing doses of methadone. Lofexidine does not reduce blood pressure to the same extent as clonidine, but is otherwise similar to clonidine AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Clonidine and lofexidine are more effective than placebo for the management of withdrawal from heroin or methadone. No significant difference in efficacy was detected for treatment regimes based on clonidine or lofexidine, and those based on reducing doses of methadone over a period of around 10 days but methadone is associated with fewer adverse effects than clonidine, and lofexidine has a better safety profile than clonidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Gowing
- Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 5005.
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Li SX, Li J, Epstein DH, Zhang XY, Kosten TR, Lu L. Serum cortisol secretion during heroin abstinence is elevated only nocturnally. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2008; 34:321-8. [PMID: 18428074 DOI: 10.1080/00952990802013664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Several studies indicate abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) during acute opiate withdrawal, but protracted withdrawal has gotten less study. The current study further characterized the 24-hour time course of plasma cortisol levels in heroin-dependent individuals who were abstinent for 10-15 days, which is beyond the 5 days of acute withdrawal, compared to demographically matched healthy controls using samples collected every 3 hours over 24 hours and assessed with radioimmunoassay (RIA). The abstinent heroin-dependent participants had significantly higher plasma cortisol levels nocturnally suggesting a loss of diurnal variation in these heroin subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-xia Li
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Walter M, Wiesbeck GA, Bloch N, Aeschbach S, Olbrich HM, Seifritz E, Dürsteler-MacFarland KM. Psychobiological responses to drug cues before and after methadone intake in heroin-dependent patients: a pilot study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2008; 18:390-3. [PMID: 18299189 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2007] [Revised: 01/07/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Craving and stress frequently drive compulsive heroin use. Although methadone attenuates craving, drug-conditioned stimuli can trigger craving and possibly stress arousal in heroin-dependent patients receiving methadone maintenance. This study investigated drug cue-related craving, affectivity, and cortisol reactivity in 16 methadone-maintained patients before and after daily methadone. Unexpectedly, drug cues significantly increased craving after (t[15]=-4.27, p=0.001), but not before methadone intake. Patients displayed blunted cortisol response after post-methadone drug cues (t[15]=3.05, p=0.008) suggesting dissociated craving and cortisol reactivity after methadone intake of possible clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Walter
- Psychiatric University Clinics, Division of Substance Use Disorders, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Hunt A, Wisbeach A, Seers K, Goldman A, Crichton N, Perry L, Mastroyannopoulou K. Development of the paediatric pain profile: role of video analysis and saliva cortisol in validating a tool to assess pain in children with severe neurological disability. J Pain Symptom Manage 2007; 33:276-89. [PMID: 17349497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2005] [Revised: 08/17/2006] [Accepted: 08/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Paediatric Pain Profile (PPP) is a 20-item behavior-rating scale designed to assess pain in children with severe to profound neurological impairment. Three raters independently used the PPP to rate behavior of 29 children (mean age 9.6, SD 5.8) filmed during everyday morning activities. The validation process included assessment of interrater reliability and exploration of the relationship of PPP scores with saliva cortisol concentration. There was substantial agreement between raters. The PPP showed strong association with global pain assessments and differentiated between preselected high- and low-pain groups. PPP score showed moderate correlation with saliva cortisol concentration, but a single child explained the strength of the relationship and overall, saliva cortisol concentrations appeared low. The data provide additional evidence that the PPP is a reliable and valid instrument for pain assessment in neurologically impaired children. Cortisol levels are not a useful criterion for pain in this population and further study of cortisol response to stress/pain in children with severe neurological impairments is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hunt
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.
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Nava F, Caldiroli E, Premi S, Lucchini A. Relationship Between Plasma Cortisol Levels, Withdrawal Symptoms and Craving in Abstinent and Treated Heroin Addicts. J Addict Dis 2006; 25:9-16. [PMID: 16785214 DOI: 10.1300/j069v25n02_02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Twelve-month treatment of heroin addicts with methadone or buprenorphine normalized plasma cortisol levels, and controlled withdrawal symptoms as well as craving. During treatment, the time course of plasma cortisol levels and craving was not strictly correlated: heroin craving was more elevated at 12 than at 3 months. The results suggest a correlation between hypercortisolism, withdrawal symptoms and heroin use and suppose a more complex role for craving and its components in drug-taking behaviour. The main goal of the pharmacological treatment of opioid-dependence should be addressed at the normalization of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis more than at the control of craving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Nava
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Drug Abuse Unit of Castelfranco, Veneto-Treviso, Italy.
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Brown TT, Wisniewski AB, Dobs AS. Gonadal and Adrenal Abnormalities in Drug Users: Cause or Consequence of Drug Use Behavior and Poor Health Outcomes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 2:130-135. [PMID: 17364020 PMCID: PMC1821355 DOI: 10.3844/ajidsp.2006.130.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Opiates and cocaine both have effects on adrenal and gonadal function. Opiates suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, whereas cocaine leads to HPA activation. Opiates also cause gonadal dysfunction in both men and women. During withdrawal from opiates and cocaine, the HPA axis is activated which may reinforce relapse behavior. This review describes these hormonal effects and explores the potential consequences, including the effects on mood cognition and cardiovascular risk. Modification of the drug-induced hormonal dysfunction may represent a treatment strategy for drug rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd T Brown
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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Rapeli P, Kivisaari R, Autti T, Kähkönen S, Puuskari V, Jokela O, Kalska H. Cognitive function during early abstinence from opioid dependence: a comparison to age, gender, and verbal intelligence matched controls. BMC Psychiatry 2006; 6:9. [PMID: 16504127 PMCID: PMC1489929 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-6-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2005] [Accepted: 02/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with opioid dependence have cognitive deficits during abuse period in attention, working memory, episodic memory, and executive function. After protracted abstinence consistent cognitive deficit has been found only in executive function. However, few studies have explored cognitive function during first weeks of abstinence. The purpose of this study was to study cognitive function of individuals with opioid dependence during early abstinence. It was hypothesized that cognitive deficits are pronounced immediately after peak withdrawal symptoms have passed and then partially recover. METHODS Fifteen patients with opioid dependence and fifteen controls matched for, age, gender, and verbal intelligence were tested with a cognitive test battery When patients performed worse than controls correlations between cognitive performance and days of withdrawal, duration of opioid abuse, duration of any substance abuse, or opioid withdrawal symptom inventory score (Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale) were analyzed. RESULTS Early abstinent opioid dependent patients performed statistically significantly worse than controls in tests measuring complex working memory, executive function, and fluid intelligence. Their complex working memory and fluid intelligence performances correlated statistically significantly with days of withdrawal. CONCLUSION The results indicate a rather general neurocognitive deficit in higher order cognition. It is suggested that cognitive deficit during early abstinence from opioid dependence is related to withdrawal induced neural dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex and is partly transient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pekka Rapeli
- Psychiatric unit for drug dependence, Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
- Unit on Prevention and Treatment of Addictions, Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Finland
- Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reetta Kivisaari
- Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Taina Autti
- Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Seppo Kähkönen
- BioMag Laboratory, Engineering Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
- Cognitive Brain Research Unit, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Varpu Puuskari
- Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Olga Jokela
- Psychiatric unit for drug dependence, Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
| | - Hely Kalska
- Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Withdrawal (detoxification) is necessary prior to drug-free treatment. It may also represent the end point of long-term treatment such as methadone maintenance. The availability of managed withdrawal is essential to an effective treatment system. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of interventions involving the use of alpha2 adrenergic agonists (clonidine, lofexidine, guanfacine) to manage opioid withdrawal in terms of withdrawal signs and symptoms, completion of withdrawal and adverse effects. SEARCH STRATEGY Multiple electronic databases (including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Australian Medical Index, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register) were systematically searched. Reference lists of retrieved studies, reviews and conference abstracts were handsearched and relevant pharmaceutical companies contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA Controlled trials comparing alpha2 adrenergic agonists with reducing doses of methadone, symptomatic medications or placebo, or comparing different alpha2 adrenergic agonists to modify the signs and symptoms of withdrawal in participants who were primarily opioid dependent. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One reviewer assessed studies for inclusion and undertook data extraction. Inclusion decisions and the overall process were confirmed by consultation between all four reviewers. MAIN RESULTS Twenty-two studies, involving 1709 participants, were included. Eighteen were randomised controlled trials; for the remaining studies allocation was by participant choice in two, one used alternate allocation and in one the method of allocation was unclear. Twelve studies compared a treatment regime based on an alpha2 adrenergic agonist with one based on reducing doses of methadone. Diversity in study design, assessment and reporting of outcomes limited the extent of quantitative analysis. For the comparison of alpha2 adrenergic agonist regimes with reducing doses of methadone, there were insufficient data for statistical analysis, but withdrawal intensity appears similar to, or marginally greater with alpha2 adrenergic agonists, while signs and symptoms of withdrawal occur and resolve earlier in treatment. Participants stay in treatment longer with methadone. No significant difference was detected in rates of completion of withdrawal with adrenergic agonists compared to reducing doses of methadone, or clonidine compared to lofexidine. Clonidine is associated with more adverse effects (low blood pressure, dizziness, dry mouth, lack of energy) than reducing doses of methadone. Lofexidine does not reduce blood pressure to the same extent as clonidine, but is otherwise similar to clonidine. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS No significant difference in efficacy was detected for treatment regimes based on the alpha2 adrenergic agonists clonidine and lofexidine, and those based on reducing doses of methadone over a period of around 10 days, for the management of withdrawal from heroin or methadone. Participants stay in treatment longer with methadone regimes and experience less adverse effects. The lower incidence of hypotension makes lofexidine more suited to use in outpatient settings than clonidine. There are insufficient data available to support a conclusion on the efficacy of other alpha2 adrenergic agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gowing
- Evidence-Based Practice Unit, Drug and Alcohol Services Council, 161 Greenhill Road, Parkside, SA, Australia, 5063.
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al'Absi M, Hatsukami D, Davis GL, Wittmers LE. Prospective examination of effects of smoking abstinence on cortisol and withdrawal symptoms as predictors of early smoking relapse. Drug Alcohol Depend 2004; 73:267-78. [PMID: 15036549 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2003.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2003] [Revised: 10/03/2003] [Accepted: 10/23/2003] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study addressed the hypothesis that exaggerated mood and cortisol changes during the first 24h of smoking abstinence are associated with early relapse. Salivary cortisol levels and mood reports were measured during 24-h ad libitum smoking and the first 24-h abstinence period of a quit attempt. Seventy-two habitual smokers (34 women and 38 men) who were interested in smoking cessation participated. Cotinine concentrations in saliva and expired carbon monoxide were measured before and after abstinence and 1 week after the quit date to verify smoking status. Abstinence produced significant withdrawal symptoms in all participants and reduced cotinine and carbon monoxide levels. While participants showed the expected diurnal changes in cortisol levels, those who relapsed within the first week post quitting exhibited a greater drop in morning cortisol concentrations during abstinence relative to their ad libitum smoking levels. Participants who relapsed reported greater withdrawal symptoms, craving for cigarettes, and distress, and they also reported greater reduction in positive affect during the first 24-h period of abstinence than those who maintained abstinence. These results support the hypothesis that early relapse is associated with exaggerated mood and adrenocortical perturbations observed during the first day of abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa al'Absi
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812-2487, USA.
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Houshyar H, Gomez F, Manalo S, Bhargava A, Dallman MF. Intermittent morphine administration induces dependence and is a chronic stressor in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2003; 28:1960-72. [PMID: 12915862 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although constant treatment with morphine (implanted pellets) does not activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, intermittent injections of morphine may constitute a chronic stressor in rats. To test this hypothesis, we compared the effects of morphine in escalating doses (10-40 mg/kg, s.c.) or saline injected twice daily for 4 days on energy balance, hormones, HPA responses to novel restraint and central corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) mRNA 12 h and 8 days after the last morphine injection in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Weight gain stopped at the onset of morphine, weight loss was marked 36 h postmorphine; thereafter, body weight gain paralleled saline controls. At 12 h, insulin, leptin, and testosterone concentrations were reduced but normalized by 8 days. Restraint and tail nicks caused facilitated ACTH responses at 12 h, under-responsiveness at 8 days. CRF mRNA, measured only at 12 h, was increased in the paraventricular (PVN) and Barrington's nuclei (BAR), decreased in the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (BNST) and unchanged in the amygdala (CeA) in morphine-treated rats. After stress, CRF mRNA increased in PVN in both groups, increased in BAR and decreased in BNST in saline but not morphine groups, and was unchanged in CeA in both groups. Results from all variables characterize intermittent morphine injections as a chronic stressor. In contrast to constant treatment, injected morphine probably allows some withdrawal during each 12 h interval, causing repeated stress. Drug addicts treat themselves intermittently, and stress causes relapse after withdrawal. Thus, intermittent morphine, itself, may promote relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Houshyar
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0444, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Camí
- Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Gerra G, Ceresini S, Esposito A, Zaimovic A, Moi G, Bussandri M, Raggi MA, Molina E. Neuroendocrine and behavioural responses to opioid receptor-antagonist during heroin detoxification: relationship with personality traits. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2003; 18:261-9. [PMID: 12920386 DOI: 10.1097/00004850-200309000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated clinical, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine consequences of rapid opioid detoxification (ROD) in heroin-dependent individuals, affected, or not, by comorbid antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Thirty-two patients underwent ROD and subsequent treatment with daily naltrexone: 3 days detoxification procedures were performed utilizing clonidine, baclofen, oxazepam and ketoprofene, without anaesthesia. Withdrawal symptoms, mood changes, cardiovascular indexes (heart rate, blood pressure), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT) were evaluated during naloxone-naltrexone administration on the second day of detoxification treatment. The patients were divided into two groups following DSM-IV criteria for ASPD. Group A comprised 14 ASPD patients and group B comprised 18 patients without ASPD. Slight and transient withdrawal symptoms and mood changes were demonstrated on the second day in the whole sample of patients, in association with a significant, but moderate, elevation of heart rate, blood pressure, NE (two-fold), EPI (five-fold), ACTH (two-fold) and CORT (two-fold) plasma levels, in response to opioid receptor-antagonist administration. When evaluated separately in ASPD (group A) and non-ASPD patients (group B), significantly higher withdrawal symptoms and mood changes, heart rate, blood pressure, NE, ACTH and cortisol levels were observed in ASPD subjects. By contrast, no differences were found in EPI responses to naloxone-naltrexone administration between group A and B patients. The significant differences demonstrated in clinical and neuroendocrine responses to opioid receptor-antagonist administration, in relation to personality traits, could be due to reduced alpha-adrenergic receptor sensitivity, which was previously reported in ASPD, with a possible impairment of clonidine action. Our study suggests that a detailed diagnostic assessment before detoxification procedure may help to predict treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Gerra
- Addiction Research Center of Parma, Via Spalato 2, 43100 Parma, Italy.
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al'Absi M, Amunrud T, Wittmers LE. Psychophysiological effects of nicotine abstinence and behavioral challenges in habitual smokers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002; 72:707-16. [PMID: 12175468 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(02)00739-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that psychophysiological responses to behavioral challenges are enhanced by short-term abstinence from smoking. Blood pressure (BP), salivary cortisol levels, and withdrawal symptoms were measured after a period of smoking abstinence (18 h) or ad libitum smoking, during rest, and in response to acute behavioral challenges. Thirty habitual smokers (15 women and 15 men) participated in two laboratory sessions conducted on two separate days (after abstinence or ad libitum smoking). Cotinine concentrations in saliva and expired carbon monoxide were measured in both conditions. Abstinence produced significant withdrawal symptoms in all participants, with women reporting greater desire to smoke than men. Participants showed greater systolic BP responses to the behavioral challenges in the abstinence condition than the control condition. They also showed worse cognitive performance on the challenges in the abstinence than in the ad libitum condition. Men had greater salivary cortisol levels than women, and both men and women showed the expected decline in cortisol levels across time, but showed no difference between the abstinence and ad libitum smoking conditions in the laboratory or during ambulatory measurements. These results indicate that abstinence alters mood, performance, and BP responses to acute challenges but not adrenocortical responses. It is possible that these changes mediate stress-related vulnerability to smoking relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa al'Absi
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, 10 University Avenue, Duluth 55812-2487, USA.
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Bearn J, Buntwal N, Papadopoulos A, Checkley S. Salivary cortisol during opiate dependence and withdrawal. Addict Biol 2001; 6:157-162. [PMID: 11341855 DOI: 10.1080/13556210020040235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Seventeen inpatients (14 men, three women) with opiate dependence and polysubstance misuse participated in a longitudinal study of salivary cortisol secretion during and after lofexidine detoxification treatment. Both opiate withdrawal symptoms and salivary cortisol were measured every morning for up to 25 days. Results were compared with a control group of 10 normal volunteers. There was an 80% reduction in withdrawal symptom severity between the first 12 days and the subsequent 12 days of treatment. Salivary cortisol fell from a mean of 22.3 nm/l over days 1-12 to 18.5 nm/l during days 13-25, a reduction of 17%. Salivary cortisol concentration correlated significantly with withdrawal symptom severity. Salivary cortisol levels remained significantly higher than controls for the duration of the study. The study supports a role for hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activation in opiate withdrawal. The contribution of persistant dysregulation of the HPA, found in this study, to the vulnerability for relapse after abstinence has been achieved, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Bearn
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, London
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Pickworth WB, Fant RV. Endocrine effects of nicotine administration, tobacco and other drug withdrawal in humans. Psychoneuroendocrinology 1998; 23:131-41. [PMID: 9621394 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4530(97)00075-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The focus of this manuscript is on the effects of smoking and tobacco withdrawal on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA). A variety of studies have shown that nicotine administered intravenously or through intense cigarette smoking can induce changes in hormones associated with the HPA. Administration of, and abrupt cessation from, other drugs of abuse has also been shown to affect levels of these hormones. Additionally, many of the symptoms of stress and tobacco withdrawal overlap suggesting that the hormonal changes seen during periods of stress may be observed during tobacco abstinence. These findings led to a study of the effects of tobacco withdrawal on plasma ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin levels. The results indicated tobacco cessation caused small and transient effects on plasma hormone levels which were not significantly influenced by nicotine replacement and were not related to other signs of withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- W B Pickworth
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Addiction Research Center, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Pickworth WB, Baumann MH, Fant RV, Rothman RB, Henningfield JE. Endocrine responses during acute nicotine withdrawal. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1996; 55:433-7. [PMID: 8951985 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(96)00114-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Acute administration of nicotine increases cortisol and prolactin but the endocrine effects of tobacco withdrawal are unknown. In a residential, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, volunteers smoked ad lib for 4 days and underwent monitored tobacco abstinence for 3 days. On no-smoking days, patches delivering 0, 10, 20, or 30 mg nicotine were applied for 16 h. Daily plasma samples were analyzed for ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin. During nicotine abstinence (0 mg patch), circulating levels of ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin did not significantly change from ad lib smoking levels. Over all the patch conditions there was a significant effect of day, with modest but significant elevations of cortisol and ACTH levels on the second no-smoking day (Wed, 37 h abstinent). Prolactin levels increased during nicotine abstinence, but this effect was not significant. The observed endocrine changes did not correlate with physiologic, performance, or subjective measures of tobacco withdrawal. Our data indicate endocrine changes during acute tobacco withdrawal are transient and small. Thus, the present results do not support the use of ACTH as a treatment for tobacco cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- W B Pickworth
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Addiction Research Center, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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