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Fang F, Quach B, Lawrence KG, van Dongen J, Marks JA, Lundgren S, Lin M, Odintsova VV, Costeira R, Xu Z, Zhou L, Mandal M, Xia Y, Vink JM, Bierut LJ, Ollikainen M, Taylor JA, Bell JT, Kaprio J, Boomsma DI, Xu K, Sandler DP, Hancock DB, Johnson EO. Trans-ancestry epigenome-wide association meta-analysis of DNA methylation with lifetime cannabis use. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:124-133. [PMID: 37935791 PMCID: PMC11078760 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02310-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is widely used worldwide, yet its links to health outcomes are not fully understood. DNA methylation can serve as a mediator to link environmental exposures to health outcomes. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of peripheral blood-based DNA methylation and lifetime cannabis use (ever vs. never) in a meta-analysis including 9436 participants (7795 European and 1641 African ancestry) from seven cohorts. Accounting for effects of cigarette smoking, our trans-ancestry EWAS meta-analysis revealed four CpG sites significantly associated with lifetime cannabis use at a false discovery rate of 0.05 ( p < 5.85 × 10 - 7 ) : cg22572071 near gene ADGRF1, cg15280358 in ADAM12, cg00813162 in ACTN1, and cg01101459 near LINC01132. Additionally, our EWAS analysis in participants who never smoked cigarettes identified another epigenome-wide significant CpG site, cg14237301 annotated to APOBR. We used a leave-one-out approach to evaluate methylation scores constructed as a weighted sum of the significant CpGs. The best model can explain 3.79% of the variance in lifetime cannabis use. These findings unravel the DNA methylation changes associated with lifetime cannabis use that are independent of cigarette smoking and may serve as a starting point for further research on the mechanisms through which cannabis exposure impacts health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Bryan Quach
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kaitlyn G Lawrence
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jenny van Dongen
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jesse A Marks
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sara Lundgren
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mingkuan Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Veronika V Odintsova
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ricardo Costeira
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Linran Zhou
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Meisha Mandal
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Yujing Xia
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jacqueline M Vink
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura J Bierut
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Miina Ollikainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jack A Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Dana B Hancock
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Eric O Johnson
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Fellow Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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2
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Stachowicz K. Deciphering the mechanisms of reciprocal regulation or interdependence at the cannabinoid CB1 receptors and cyclooxygenase-2 level: Effects on mood, cognitive implications, and synaptic signaling. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 155:105439. [PMID: 37898448 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
The lipid endocannabinoid system refers to endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), the enzymes involved in their synthesis and metabolism, and the G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (GPCRs), CB1, and CB2. CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) are distributed in the brain at presynaptic terminals. Their activation induces inhibition of neurotransmitter release, which are gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Postsynaptically localized CB1Rs regulate the activity of selected ion channels and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). CB2Rs are mainly peripheral and will not be considered here. Anandamide metabolism, mediated by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), generates anandamide-derived prostanoids. In addition, COX-2 regulates the formation of CB1 ligands, which reduce excitatory transmission in the hippocampus (HC). The role of CB1Rs and COX-2 has been described in anxiety, depression, and cognition, among other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, affecting neurotransmission and behavior of the synapses. This review will analyze common pathways, mechanisms, and behavioral effects of manipulation at the CB1Rs/COX-2 level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Stachowicz
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacoslogy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
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3
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Walton NL, Antonoudiou P, Maguire JL. Neurosteroid influence on affective tone. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105327. [PMID: 37499891 PMCID: PMC10528596 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Affective disorders such as depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent psychiatric illnesses and causes of disability worldwide. The recent FDA-approval of a novel antidepressant treatment, ZULRESSO® (Brexanolone), a synthetic neurosteroid has fueled interest into the role of neurosteroids in the pathophysiology of depression as well as the mechanisms mediating the antidepressant effects of these compounds. The majority of studies examining the impact of neurosteroids on affective states have relied on the administration of exogenous neurosteroids; however, neurosteroids can also be synthesized endogenously from cholesterol or steroid hormone precursors. Despite the well-established influence of exogenous neurosteroids on affective states, we still lack an understanding of the role of endogenous neurosteroids in modulating affective tone. This review aims to summarize the current literature supporting the influence of neurosteroids on affective states in clinical and preclinical studies, as well as recent evidence suggesting that endogenous neurosteroids may set a baseline affective tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najah L Walton
- Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pantelis Antonoudiou
- Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jamie L Maguire
- Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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4
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Syed SA, Singh J, Elkholy H, Palavra IR, Tomicevic M, Eric AP, da Costa MP, Guloksuz S, Radhakrishnan R. International perspective on physician knowledge, attitude and practices related to medical cannabis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.26.23293157. [PMID: 37546945 PMCID: PMC10402227 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.26.23293157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Background The trends of recreational use of cannabis and use of cannabis for medical indications (i.e. "medical cannabis") have grown in recent years. Despite that, there is still limited scientific evidence to guide clinical decision-making and the strength of evidence for the medical use of cannabis is currently considered to be low. In contrast, there's growing evidence for negative health outcomes related to use of cannabis. In this rapidly shifting landscape, the role of physician's attitudes regarding the therapeutic value of cannabis has become essential. This study aimed to characterize knowledge/experience, attitudes, and potential predictors of clinical practice regarding medical cannabis. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of physicians from 17 countries between 2016-2018. The survey comprised of 28 questions designed to explore physician knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the use of medical cannabis. Descriptive statistics were used to examine willingness to recommend medical cannabis for medical and psychiatric indications, followed by regression analysis to identify predictors of physician willingness to recommend medical cannabis. Results A total of 323 physicians responded to the survey. Mean age was 35.4± 9.5 years, with 10.04 ±8.6 years of clinical experience. 53 percent of physicians were women. Clinical experience with medical cannabis was overall limited (51.4% noted never having recommended medical cannabis; 33% noted inadequate knowledge regarding medical cannabis). Overall willingness to recommend medical cannabis was highest for chemotherapy-induced nausea, refractory chronic neuropathic pain, and spasticity in amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Conclusion This international study examining knowledge, attitudes and practices related to medical cannabis among physicians revealed that there are significant gaps in domain-specific knowledge related to medical cannabis. There is wide variability in willingness to recommend medical cannabis that is not consistent with the current strength of evidence. This study thus highlights the need for greater education related to domain-specific knowledge about medical cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jatinder Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, PA, USA
| | - Hussien Elkholy
- Neurology and Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Marko Tomicevic
- University Hospital Dubrava, Department of Psychiatry Av, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anamarija Petek Eric
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J.J. Strossmayer University Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mariana Pinto da Costa
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sinan Guloksuz
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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5
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Sorkhou M, Johnstone S, Kivlichan AE, Castle DJ, George TP. Does cannabis use predict aggressive or violent behavior in psychiatric populations? A systematic review. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2022; 48:631-643. [PMID: 36137273 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2118060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background: Despite an increase in information evaluating the therapeutic and adverse effects of cannabinoids, many potentially important clinical correlates, including violence or aggression, have not been adequately investigated.Objectives: In this systematic review, we examine the published evidence for the relationship between cannabis and aggression or violence in individuals with psychiatric disorders.Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, articles in English were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO from database inception to January 2022. Data for aggression and violence in people with psychiatric diagnoses were identified during the searches.Results: Of 391 papers identified within the initial search, 15 studies met inclusion criteria. Cross-sectional associations between cannabis use and aggression or violence in samples with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were found. Moreover, a longitudinal association between cannabis use and violence and aggression was observed in psychotic-spectrum disorders. However, the presence of uncontrolled confounding factors in the majority of included studies precludes any causal conclusions.Conclusion: Although cannabis use is associated with aggression or violence in individuals with PTSD or psychotic-spectrum disorders, causal conclusions cannot be drawn due to methodological limitations observed in the current literature. Well-controlled, longitudinal studies are needed to ascertain whether cannabis plays a causal role on subsequent violence or aggression in mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sorkhou
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Samantha Johnstone
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - David J Castle
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tony P George
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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6
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Vaziri-harami R, Vaziri-harami S, Tarom M. Prevalence of anxiety and depression among engineering students consuming cannabis. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 80:104144. [PMID: 36045802 PMCID: PMC9422071 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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7
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Bright U, Akirav I. Modulation of Endocannabinoid System Components in Depression: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5526. [PMID: 35628337 PMCID: PMC9146799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is characterized by continuous low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in enjoyable activities. First-line medications for mood disorders mostly target the monoaminergic system; however, many patients do not find relief with these medications, and those who do suffer from negative side effects and a discouragingly low rate of remission. Studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in the etiology of depression and that targeting the ECS has the potential to alleviate depression. ECS components (such as receptors, endocannabinoid ligands, and degrading enzymes) are key neuromodulators in motivation and cognition as well as in the regulation of stress and emotions. Studies in depressed patients and in animal models for depression have reported deficits in ECS components, which is motivating researchers to identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers within the ECS. By understanding the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression, we enhance our understanding of which brain targets they hit, what biological processes they alter, and eventually how to use this information to design better therapeutic options. In this article, we discuss the literature on the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components of specific depression-like behaviors and phenotypes in rodents and then describe the findings in depressed patients. A better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression may direct future research efforts to enhance diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Bright
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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8
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al’Absi M, DeAngelis B, Fiecas M, Budney A, Allen S. Effects of regular cannabis and nicotine use on acute stress responses: chronic nicotine, but not cannabis use, is associated with blunted adrenocortical and cardiovascular responses to stress. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1551-1561. [PMID: 35275227 PMCID: PMC9248975 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabis is one of the most prevalent substances used by tobacco smokers and, in light of the growing list of states and territories legalizing cannabis, it is expected that co-use of cannabis and nicotine will escalate significantly and will lead to continuing challenges with tobacco use. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to examine the interactive effects of chronic cannabis and nicotine use on adrenocortical, cardiovascular, and psychological responses to stress and to explore sex differences in these effects. METHODS Participants (N = 231) included cannabis-only users, nicotine-only users, co-users of both substances, and a non/light-user comparison group. After attending a medical screening session, participants completed a laboratory stress session during which they completed measures of subjective states, cardiovascular responses, and salivary cortisol during baseline (rest) and after exposure to acute stress challenges. RESULTS Nicotine use, but not cannabis use, was associated with blunted cortisol and cardiovascular responses to stress across both men and women. Men exhibited larger cortisol responses to stress than women. Co-users had significantly larger stress-related increases in cannabis craving than cannabis-only users. Cannabis users reported smaller increases in anxiety during stress than cannabis non/light-users, and both male nicotine-only users and male cannabis-only users experienced significantly smaller increases in stress than their non/light-user control counterparts. CONCLUSIONS This study replicates and extends earlier research on the impacts of sex and nicotine use on stress responses, and it provides novel findings suggesting that when co-used with nicotine, cannabis use may not confer additional alterations to physiological nor subjective responses to stress. Co-use, however, was associated with enhanced stress-related craving for cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa al’Absi
- Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
| | - Briana DeAngelis
- Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
| | - Mark Fiecas
- School of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Sharon Allen
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Moore CF, Stiltner JW, Davis CM, Weerts EM. Translational models of cannabinoid vapor exposure in laboratory animals. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:63-89. [PMID: 33136615 PMCID: PMC8079522 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most frequently used psychoactive substances in the world. The most common route of administration for cannabis and cannabinoid constituents such as Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is via smoking or vapor inhalation. Preclinical vapor models have been developed, although the vaporization devices and delivery methods vary widely across laboratories. This review examines the emerging field of preclinical vapor models with a focus on cannabinoid exposure in order to (1) summarize vapor exposure parameters and other methodological details across studies; (2) discuss the pharmacological and behavioral effects produced by exposure to vaporized cannabinoids; and (3) compare behavioral effects of cannabinoid vapor administration with those of other routes of administration. This review will serve as a guide for past and current vapor delivery methods in animals, synergize findings across studies, and propose future directions for this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F. Moore
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jeffrey W. Stiltner
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Catherine M. Davis
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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10
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Selloni A, Bhatia G, Ranganathan M, De Aquino JP. Multimodal Correlates of Cannabis Use among U.S. Veterans with Bipolar Disorder: An Integrated Study of Clinical, Cognitive, and Functional Outcomes. J Dual Diagn 2022; 18:81-91. [PMID: 35430960 PMCID: PMC9794455 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2022.2053264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Cannabis use (CU) is common among persons with bipolar disorder (BD). Evidence suggests that CU is associated with poorer outcomes among persons with BD; however, these findings remain inconsistent. The present exploratory study aims to examine clinical, functional, and cognitive correlates of CU among persons with BD. Methods: U.S. veterans with BD type I who participated in a large-scale, nationwide study were categorized into four groups: current CU, past CU, past other drug use, and no drug use. Bivariate analyses, univariate analyses of covariance, and Levene's Test for Equality of Variance were used to compare groups on clinical, cognitive, and functional measures. Results: Of 254 (84.6% male) veterans with BD type I included in the analyses, 13 (5.1%) had current CU, 37 (14.5%) past CU, 77 (30.3%) past other drug use, and 127 (50%) reported no drug use. BD with CU was associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and experiencing lifetime suicidal ideation. Notably, current CU was associated with higher working memory performance, compared to both past CU and no drug use. Likewise, current CU was associated with higher functional capacity, compared to past CU as well as no drug use. Conclusions: These findings contribute to the growing literature on the complex effects of cannabis on BD. As the commercialization and legalization of cannabis increases, further research in this area is warranted to quantify posed risks to this population, and thereby guide clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Selloni
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Building 36/116A4, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | | | - Mohini Ranganathan
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Building 36/116A4, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Joao P. De Aquino
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, Building 36/116A4, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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11
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Amminger GP, Lin A, Kerr M, Weller A, Spark J, Pugh C, O'Callaghan S, Berger M, Clark SR, Scott JG, Baker A, McGregor I, Cotter D, Sarnyai Z, Thompson A, Yung AR, O'Donoghue B, Killackey E, Mihalopoulos C, Yuen HP, Nelson B, McGorry PD. Cannabidiol for at risk for psychosis youth: A randomized controlled trial. Early Interv Psychiatry 2022; 16:419-432. [PMID: 34190422 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No biological treatment has been firmly established for the at-risk stage of psychotic disorder. In this study we aim to test if subthreshold psychotic symptoms can be effectively treated with cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound of the plant Cannabis sativa. The question has taken on increased importance in the wake of evidence questioning both the need and efficacy of specific pharmacological interventions in the ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis group. METHODS Three-arm randomized controlled trial of 405 patients (135 per arm) aged 12-25 years who meet UHR for psychosis criteria. The study includes a 6-week lead-in phase during which 10% of UHR individuals are expected to experience symptom remission. Participants will receive CBD (per oral) at doses 600 or 1000 mg per day (fixed schedule) for 12 weeks. Participants in the third arm of the trial will receive matching placebo capsules. Primary outcome is severity of positive psychotic symptoms as measured by the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States at 12 weeks. We hypothesize that CBD will be significantly more effective than placebo in improving positive psychotic symptoms in UHR patients. All participants will also be followed up 6 months post baseline to evaluate if treatment effects are sustained. CONCLUSION This paper reports on the rationale and protocol of the Cannabidiol for At Risk for psychosis Youth (CanARY) study. This study will test CBD for the first time in the UHR phase of psychotic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Paul Amminger
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Melissa Kerr
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amber Weller
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica Spark
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Charlotte Pugh
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Sally O'Callaghan
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maximus Berger
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott R Clark
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Brisbane, Australia.,Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Australia
| | - Andrea Baker
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Iain McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Andrew Thompson
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alison R Yung
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Brian O'Donoghue
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eoin Killackey
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Hok Pan Yuen
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Barnaby Nelson
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Patrick D McGorry
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia.,The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Inflammation and Nitro-oxidative Stress as Drivers of Endocannabinoid System Aberrations in Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:3485-3503. [PMID: 35347586 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02800-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of the endocannabinoid ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylgycerol (2-AG), their target cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and the enzymes involved in their synthesis and metabolism (N-acyltransferase and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the case of AEA and diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in the case of 2-AG). The origins of ECS dysfunction in major neuropsychiatric disorders remain to be determined, and this paper explores the possibility that they may be associated with chronically increased nitro-oxidative stress and activated immune-inflammatory pathways, and it examines the mechanisms which might be involved. Inflammation and nitro-oxidative stress are associated with both increased CB1 expression, via increased activity of the NADPH oxidases NOX4 and NOX1, and increased CNR1 expression and DNA methylation; and CB2 upregulation via increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, binding of the transcription factor Nrf2 to an antioxidant response element in the CNR2 promoter region and the action of miR-139. CB1 and CB2 have antagonistic effects on redox signalling, which may result from a miRNA-enabled negative feedback loop. The effects of inflammation and oxidative stress are detailed in respect of AEA and 2-AG levels, via effects on calcium homeostasis and phospholipase A2 activity; on FAAH activity, via nitrosylation/nitration of functional cysteine and/or tyrosine residues; and on 2-AG activity via effects on MGLL expression and MAGL. Finally, based on these detailed molecular neurobiological mechanisms, it is suggested that cannabidiol and dimethyl fumarate may have therapeutic potential for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
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13
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Gender Differences in Dual Diagnoses Associated with Cannabis Use: A Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12030388. [PMID: 35326345 PMCID: PMC8946108 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender differences in psychiatric disorders and drug use are well known. Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug among young people. In recent years, its use has been related to the development of psychiatric pathologies; however, few studies have incorporated the gender perspective as of yet. The present work analyses the literature to determine the existence of gender differences in the development of psychotic, depressive and anxious symptoms associated with cannabis use. First, we describe cannabis misuse and its consequences, paying special attention to adolescent subjects. Second, the main gender differences in psychiatric disorders, such as psychosis, depression, anxiety and cannabis use disorders, are enumerated. Subsequently, we discuss the studies that have evaluated gender differences in the association between cannabis use and the appearance of psychotic, depressive and anxious symptoms; moreover, we consider the possible explanations for the identified gender differences. In conclusion, the studies referred to in this review reveal the existence of gender differences in psychiatric symptoms associated with cannabis use, although the direction of such differences is not always clear. Future research is necessary to discern the causal relationship between cannabis use and the development of psychiatric symptoms, as well as the gender differences found.
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Anglin DM, Tikhonov AA, Tayler R, DeVylder J. The role of aberrant salience in the association between cannabis use frequency and psychotic experiences among racial and ethnic minoritized youth. Schizophr Res 2021; 238:36-43. [PMID: 34583102 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Prior studies have shown cannabis use is correlated with psychotic symptoms, but few have explored potential underlying mechanisms. The present study examined whether aberrant salience explains the association between cannabis use frequency and psychotic experiences (PE) while accounting for the mediating role of anxiety in this association. A US urban undergraduate sample of 816 racial and ethnic minorities contributed data used in linear regression models to determine associations between recent (3 months) cannabis use frequency, aberrant salience, anxiety, positive subscale Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) items, and distressing positive PQ items. Results from hierarchical linear regression and mediation models using Hayes PROCESS application indicated the association between cannabis use frequency and PE was significantly explained by higher aberrant salience and anxiety. Furthermore, anxiety's indirect association with cannabis use frequency and PE significantly occurred through aberrant salience's indirect association with cannabis use frequency and PE (i.e., serial mediation). A similar pattern emerged for distressing PE. We also found earlier age of cannabis use onset (age 12-14) was associated with a higher number of PE and distressing PE and that this was partially explained by higher aberrant salience. Anxiety's indirect association between earlier age of onset and PE/distressing PE only occurred through aberrant salience (i.e., serial mediation). Aberrant salience may be the part of psychosis proneness most directly connected to why earlier initiation of cannabis use is a risk factor for psychotic disorders. This should be explored further in future longitudinal work with clinical high-risk populations and among minoritized youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidre M Anglin
- Department of Psychology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, North Academic Center, New York, NY 10031, United States of America; The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
| | - Aleksandr A Tikhonov
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 53 Avenue E, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Rachel Tayler
- Department of Psychology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, North Academic Center, New York, NY 10031, United States of America
| | - Jordan DeVylder
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, 113 W 60th Street, New York, NY 10023, United States of America
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15
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Sultan AA, Hird MA, Dimick MK, MacIntosh BJ, Goldstein BI. Cannabis use and resting state functional connectivity in adolescent bipolar disorder. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E559-E567. [PMID: 34625488 PMCID: PMC8526158 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.200228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents with bipolar disorder have high rates of cannabis use, and cannabis use is associated with increased symptom severity and treatment resistance in bipolar disorder. Studies have identified anomalous resting-state functional connectivity among reward networks in bipolar disorder and cannabis use independently, but have yet to examine their convergence. METHODS Participants included 134 adolescents, aged 13 to 20 years: 40 with bipolar disorder and lifetime cannabis use, 31 with bipolar disorder and no history of cannabis use, and 63 healthy controls without lifetime cannabis use. We used a seed-to-voxel analysis to assess the restingstate functional connectivity of the amygdala, the nucleus accumbens and the orbitofrontal cortex, regions implicated in bipolar disorder and cannabis use. We used a generalized linear model to explore bivariate correlations for each seed, controlling for age and sex. RESULTS We found 3 significant clusters. Resting-state functional connectivity between the left nucleus accumbens seed and the left superior parietal lobe was negative in adolescents with bipolar disorder and no history of cannabis use, and positive in healthy controls. Resting-state functional connectivity between the right orbitofrontal cortex seed and the right lateral occipital cortex was positive in adolescents with bipolar disorder and lifetime cannabis use, and negative in healthy controls and adolescents with bipolar disorder and no history of cannabis use. Resting-state functional connectivity between the right orbitofrontal cortex seed and right occipital pole was positive in adolescents with bipolar disorder and lifetime cannabis use, and negative in adolescents with bipolar disorder and no history of cannabis use. LIMITATIONS The study did not include a cannabis-using control group. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary evidence of cannabis-related differences in functional reward circuits in adolescents with bipolar disorder. Further studies are necessary to evaluate whether the present findings reflect consequences of or predisposition to cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysha A Sultan
- From the Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Dimick, Goldstein); the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, (Goldstein); the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, (MacIntosh); and the Hurvitz Brain Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, (MacIntosh, Goldstein) Toronto, Ont. Canada
| | - Megan A Hird
- From the Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Dimick, Goldstein); the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, (Goldstein); the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, (MacIntosh); and the Hurvitz Brain Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, (MacIntosh, Goldstein) Toronto, Ont. Canada
| | - Mikaela K Dimick
- From the Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Dimick, Goldstein); the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, (Goldstein); the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, (MacIntosh); and the Hurvitz Brain Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, (MacIntosh, Goldstein) Toronto, Ont. Canada
| | - Bradley J MacIntosh
- From the Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Dimick, Goldstein); the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, (Goldstein); the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, (MacIntosh); and the Hurvitz Brain Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, (MacIntosh, Goldstein) Toronto, Ont. Canada
| | - Benjamin I Goldstein
- From the Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Dimick, Goldstein); the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, (Sultan, Hird, Dimick, Goldstein); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, (Goldstein); the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, (MacIntosh); and the Hurvitz Brain Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, (MacIntosh, Goldstein) Toronto, Ont. Canada.
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16
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Gómez-Caballero A, Elejaga-Jimeno A, García Del Caño G, Unceta N, Guerreiro A, Saumell-Esnaola M, Sallés J, Goicolea MA, Barrio RJ. Solid-phase synthesis of imprinted nanoparticles as artificial antibodies against the C-terminus of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor: exploring a viable alternative for bioanalysis. Mikrochim Acta 2021; 188:368. [PMID: 34618242 PMCID: PMC8497319 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-021-05029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
The production of artificial anti-CB1 antibodies in nanoparticle format is described using the solid-phase imprinting approach. Instead of whole protein imprinting, a linear C-terminus sequence of the receptor comprising 15 amino acids (458-KVTMSVSTDTSAEAL-472) has been used as template, in accordance with the epitope imprinting approach. This sequence is located intracellularly, and it is involved in coupling to Gi/o proteins, being responsible for CB1 receptor desensitisation and internalisation. Developed molecularly imprinted materials were found to be in the nanometre scale, with a particle size of 126.4 ± 10.5 nm at pH 3 (25 ºC) and spherical shape. It was also observed that the size was sensible to temperature changes being reduced to 106.3 ± 15.2 nm at 35 °C. Lower critical solution temperature of this polymer was found to be ≈ 33.4 °C. The affinity and selectivity of the artificial antibody were assessed through dot blot and Western blot experiments. For the latter, recombinant fusion proteins GST-CB1414-472 and GST-CB1414-442 were produced to work respectively as target and negative control proteins. The control protein did not carry the target epitope for being devoid of last 30 amino acids at the C-terminus. The results demonstrated that the anti-CB1 material recognised selectively the target protein, thanks to the presence of the 15-amino acid sequence selected as epitope, which revealed that binding occurred at the C-terminus of the receptor itself. The methodology presented may pave the way for the development of novel imprinted nanomaterials for other proteins included in the superfamily of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Gómez-Caballero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Spain.
| | - Ainhoa Elejaga-Jimeno
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Spain
| | - Gontzal García Del Caño
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Spain
| | - Nora Unceta
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Spain
| | | | - Miquel Saumell-Esnaola
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Spain
| | - Joan Sallés
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Aránzazu Goicolea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Spain
| | - Ramón J Barrio
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01006, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Spain
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17
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Clary KL, Habbal M, Smith DC, Fratila I. The Green Sheep: Exploring the Perceived Risks and Benefits of Cannabis Among Young Military Members and Veterans. CANNABIS (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) 2021; 4:31-46. [PMID: 37287531 PMCID: PMC10212263 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Medical and recreational cannabis are becoming more accessible and socially accepted across the United States. Emerging adults (EAs; 18 to 29) are the largest group of cannabis users. Studies have found that veterans are more likely to report cannabis use compared to nonveterans. While research exists on the use levels of cannabis, limited knowledge is available on the perceived risks and benefits of using cannabis among EA military and veteran populations. Helping professionals encounter veterans who use cannabis and must consider military cultural factors and attitudes towards cannabis that may influence or exacerbate cannabis use. We conducted a qualitative study with 23 EA veteran and military members with high-risk substance use and asked about their thoughts on the acceptability, risks, and perceived benefits associated with cannabis. Two qualitative coders used NVivo to find themes following the six steps of thematic analysis. Results provide in-depth understanding of EA military members and veterans' perceptions of cannabis. Overall, we found participants were receptive to using cannabis for pain ailments, mental health issues, and as an alternative to benzodiazepines, opioids, and alcohol. However, they acknowledged restrictions are needed to moderate cannabis use and mitigate negative outcomes. Lastly, participants recognized the incongruence of cannabis use with military job responsibilities and expectations. These findings shed light on potential risk and protective factors related to using cannabis for recreational or medical reasons and should be considered when consulting EA military members and veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Habbal
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Douglas C. Smith
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Iulia Fratila
- Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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18
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The Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder Comorbidity in Individuals With Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ADDICTION 2021. [DOI: 10.1097/cxa.0000000000000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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al'Absi M, Allen AM. Impact of Acute and Chronic Cannabis Use on Stress Response Regulation: Challenging the Belief That Cannabis Is an Effective Method for Coping. Front Psychol 2021; 12:687106. [PMID: 34276511 PMCID: PMC8283823 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.687106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although research has only recently started to examine the impact of cannabis use on stress response, there is some evidence that indicates acute and chronic impacts of cannabis on these processes. In this paper, we review processes involved in regulating the stress response and we review the influence of acute and chronic exposure to cannabis on patterns and regulation of the stress response. We also highlight the role of stress as a risk factor for initiation and maintenance of cannabis use. In this context, we examine moderating variables, including sex and life adversity. In light of recent observations indicating increasing prevalence of cannabis use during pregnancy, we provide additional focus on cannabis use in this vulnerable population, including how acute and chronic stress may predispose some individuals to use cannabis during pregnancy. While this line of research is in its infancy, we review available articles that focus on the perinatal period and that examined the association between cannabis use and various life stressors, including partner violence, job loss, and lack of housing. We also review psychiatric co-morbidities (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety). A better understanding of the way stress and cannabis use relate within the general population, as well as within certain subgroups that may be at a greater risk of using and/or at greater risk for adverse outcomes of use, may lead to the development of novel prevention and intervention approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa al'Absi
- Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
| | - Alicia M Allen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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20
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Baumgartner C, Schaub MP, Wenger A, Malischnig D, Augsburger M, Walter M, Berger T, Stark L, Ebert DD, Keough MT, Haug S. CANreduce 2.0 Adherence-Focused Guidance for Internet Self-Help Among Cannabis Users: Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e27463. [PMID: 33929333 PMCID: PMC8122293 DOI: 10.2196/27463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite increasing demand for treatment among cannabis users in many countries, most users are not in treatment. Internet-based self-help offers an alternative for those hesitant to seek face-to-face therapy, though low effectiveness and adherence issues often arise. Objective Through adherence-focused guidance enhancement, we aimed to increase adherence to and the effectiveness of internet-based self-help among cannabis users. Methods From July 2016 to May 2019, cannabis users (n=775; male: 406/575, 70.6%, female: 169/575, 29.4%; age: mean 28.3 years) not in treatment were recruited from the general population and were randomly assigned to (1) an adherence-focused guidance enhancement internet-based self-help intervention with social presence, (2) a similar intervention with an impersonal service team, and (3) access to internet as usual. Controls who were placed on a waiting list for the full intervention after 3 months underwent an assessment and had access to internet as usual. The primary outcome measurement was cannabis-use days over the preceding 30 days. Secondary outcomes included cannabis-dependence severity, changes in common mental disorder symptoms, and intervention adherence. Differences between the study arms in primary and secondary continuous outcome variables at baseline, posttreatment, and follow-up were tested using pooled linear models. Results All groups exhibited reduced cannabis-use days after 3 months (social presence: –8.2 days; service team: –9.8 days; internet as usual: –4.2 days). The participants in the service team group (P=.01, d=.60) reported significantly fewer cannabis-use days than those in the internet as usual group; the reduction of cannabis use in the social presence group was not significant (P=.07, d=.40). There was no significant difference between the 2 intervention groups regarding cannabis-use reduction. The service team group also exhibited superior improvements in cannabis-use disorder, cannabis-dependence severity, and general anxiety symptoms after 3 months to those in the internet as usual group. Conclusions The adherence-focused guidance enhancement internet-based self-help intervention with an impersonal service team significantly reduced cannabis use, cannabis-use disorder, dependence severity, and general anxiety symptoms. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN11086185; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11086185
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Baumgartner
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiciton, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Patrick Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiciton, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Wenger
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiciton, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Doris Malischnig
- Institute for Addiction Prevention, Addiction and Drug Coordination Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mareike Augsburger
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiciton, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Walter
- University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lars Stark
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Daniel Ebert
- Department for Sport and Health Sciences, Chair for Psychology and Digital Mental Health Care, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Severin Haug
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiciton, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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21
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Onaemo VN, Fawehinmi TO, D'Arcy C. Comorbid Cannabis Use Disorder with Major Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis of Nationally Representative Epidemiological Surveys. J Affect Disord 2021; 281:467-475. [PMID: 33360749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown a high degree of comorbidity between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and other mental illnesses. However, there is a paucity of research on the comorbidity between CUD with major depression (MD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence and strength of association between co-morbid CUD with MD and GAD. METHODS An extensive search of Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and grey literature were conducted to cover articles published between January 1st, 1980, and July 31st, 2020. Inclusion criteria were publications in English Language, original research, nationally representative samples, and non-clinical randomly selected adult populations. A systematic review and meta-analysis for the prevalence and ORs for comorbid CUD with MD or GAD were done. RESULTS A total of 67 articles were identified by the electronic searches. A full-text review yielded 8 publications on nationally representative epidemiological surveys. 12-month and lifetime comorbidity estimates were extracted and used for the meta-analysis. CUD was strongly associated with MDE (OR 3.22; 2.31 - 4.49) and with GAD (OR 2.99; 2.14 - 4.16). LIMITATIONS Limitations of this study include the heterogeneity observed due to the combination of studies from different geographic regions with different modifications of diagnostic criteria and varied response rates. This was addressed with a random-effects model. CONCLUSION This review confirms the evidence of high prevalence and a 3-fold comorbid association between CUD with MD and CUD with GAD. Implementation of evidence-based policy interventions with effective, integrated management of comorbid CUDs with psychiatric disorders may contribute to positive patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian N Onaemo
- Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Health, 3475 Albert Street, Regina, Canada, S4S 6X6; School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada.
| | - Timothy O Fawehinmi
- Government of Nunavut, Department of Health, Iqaluit, Nunavut. X0A 0H0, Nunavut, Canada
| | - Carl D'Arcy
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4, Canada
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22
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Graczyk M, Łukowicz M, Dzierzanowski T. Prospects for the Use of Cannabinoids in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:620073. [PMID: 33776815 PMCID: PMC7994770 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.620073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests an essential role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating cognitive abilities, mood, stress, and sleep. The psychoactive effects of cannabis are described as euphoric, calming, anxiolytic, and sleep-inducing and positively affect the mood, but can also adversely affect therapy. The responses to cannabinoid medications depend on the patient's endocannabinoid system activity, the proportion of phytocannabinoids, the terpenoid composition, and the dose used. There is some evidence for a therapeutic use of phytocannabinoids in psychiatric conditions. THC and CBD may have opposing effects on anxiety. Current guidelines recommend caution in using THC in patients with anxiety or mood disorders. In a small number of clinical trials, cannabinoids used to treat cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, Crohn's disease, and chronic neuropathic pain report decreases in anxiety or depression symptoms and presented sedative and anxiolytic effects. Several studies have investigated the influence of potential genetic factors on psychosis and schizophrenia development after cannabis use. THC may increase the risk of psychosis, especially in young patients with an immature central nervous system. There is limited evidence from clinical trials that cannabinoids are effective therapy for sleep disorders associated with concomitant conditions. There is evidence for a possible role of cannabis as a substitute for alcohol and drugs, also in the context of the risks of opioid use (e.g., opioid-related mortality). In this narrative review of the recent evidence, we discuss the prospects of using the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids in treating mental and psychiatric disorders. However, this evidence is weak for some clinical conditions and well-designed randomized controlled trials are currently lacking. Furthermore, some disorders may be worsened by cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Graczyk
- Department of Palliative Care, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Łukowicz
- Department of Rehabilitation, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Gruca Orthopedic and Trauma Teaching Hospital in Otwock, Otwock, Poland
| | - Tomasz Dzierzanowski
- Laboratory of Palliative Medicine, Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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23
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Brunt TM, Bossong MG. The neuropharmacology of cannabinoid receptor ligands in central signaling pathways. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 55:909-921. [PMID: 32974975 PMCID: PMC9291836 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is a complex neuronal system involved in a number of biological functions, like attention, anxiety, mood, memory, appetite, reward, and immune responses. It is at the centre of scientific interest, which is driven by therapeutic promise of certain cannabinoid ligands and the changing legalization of herbal cannabis in many countries. The endocannabinoid system is a modulatory system, with endocannabinoids as retrograde neurotransmitters rather than direct neurotransmitters. Neuropharmacology of cannabinoid ligands in the brain can therefore be understood in terms of their modulatory actions through other neurotransmitter systems. The CB1 receptor is chiefly responsible for effects of endocannabinoids and analogous ligands in the brain. An overview of the neuropharmacology of several cannabinoid receptor ligands, including endocannabinoids, herbal cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid receptor ligands is given in this review. Their mechanism of action at the endocannabinoid system is described, mainly in the brain. In addition, effects of cannabinoid ligands on other neurotransmitter systems will also be described, such as dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, noradrenaline, opioid, and GABA. In light of this, therapeutic potential and adverse effects of cannabinoid receptor ligands will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor M. Brunt
- Department of Psychiatry Amsterdam Institute for Addiction ResearchAmsterdam UMCUniversity of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs G. Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
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Effects of ∆ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on aversive memories and anxiety: a review from human studies. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:420. [PMID: 32842985 PMCID: PMC7448997 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02813-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may stem from the formation of aberrant and enduring aversive memories. Some PTSD patients have recreationally used Cannabis, probably aiming at relieving their symptomatology. However, it is still largely unknown whether and how Cannabis or its psychotomimetic compound Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) attenuates the aversive/traumatic memory outcomes. Here, we seek to review and discuss the effects of THC on aversive memory extinction and anxiety in healthy humans and PTSD patients. METHODS Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Central Register for Controlled Trials databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed published studies and randomized controlled trials in humans published in English between 1974 and July 2020, including those using only THC and THC combined with cannabidiol (CBD). The effect size of the experimental intervention under investigation was calculated. RESULTS At low doses, THC can enhance the extinction rate and reduce anxiety responses. Both effects involve the activation of cannabinoid type-1 receptors in discrete components of the corticolimbic circuitry, which could couterbalance the low "endocannabinoid tonus" reported in PTSD patients. The advantage of associating CBD with THC to attenuate anxiety while minimizing the potential psychotic or anxiogenic effect produced by high doses of THC has been reported. The effects of THC either alone or combined with CBD on aversive memory reconsolidation, however, are still unknown. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence from healthy humans and PTSD patients supports the THC value to suppress anxiety and aversive memory expression without producing significant adverse effects if used in low doses or when associated with CBD. Future studies are guaranteed to address open questions related to their dose ratios, administration routes, pharmacokinetic interactions, sex-dependent differences, and prolonged efficacy.
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Rohleder C, Pahlisch F, Graf R, Endepols H, Leweke FM. Different pharmaceutical preparations of Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol differentially affect its behavioral effects in rats. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12745. [PMID: 30938471 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Based on the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, the primary pro-psychotic ingredient of Cannabis sativa, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC), is used in preclinical as well as clinical research to mimic schizophrenia-like symptoms. While it is common to administer lipid-based formulations of Δ-9-THC in human studies orally, intraperitoneal injections of water-based solutions are used in animal models. Because of the poor water solubility of Δ-9-THC, solubilizers such as ethanol and/or emulsifiers are needed for these preparations. In order to test whether a lipid-based solvent would be superior over a water-based vehicle in rats, we compared the effects on locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reaction, as well as pharmacokinetic data obtained from rats' serum and brain tissue samples. Up to 50 mg/kg Δ-9-THC in the lipid-based formulation was not able to induce any behavioral alterations, while already 5 mg/kg of the water-based Δ-9-THC preparation significantly reduced locomotor activity. This also induced a small but significant PPI reduction, which was prepulse intensity dependent. Interestingly, the reflexive motor response to the startle stimulus was not affected by the water-based Δ-9-THC solution. Analysis of serum and brain Δ-9-THC levels by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that although the final concentration reached in the brain was comparable for both pharmaceutical preparations, the water-based formulation achieved a faster kinetic. We, therefore, conclude that the slope of the Δ-9-THC concentration-time curve and the resulting cannabinoid receptor type 1 activation per time unit are responsible for the induction of behavioral alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrin Rohleder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimHeidelberg University Mannheim Germany
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular ImagingFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne Cologne Germany
- Department of Multimodal ImagingMax‐Planck‐Institute for Neurological Research Cologne Germany
- Brain and Mind CentreThe University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Franziska Pahlisch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimHeidelberg University Mannheim Germany
| | - Rudolf Graf
- Department of Multimodal ImagingMax‐Planck‐Institute for Neurological Research Cologne Germany
| | - Heike Endepols
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular ImagingFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne Cologne Germany
- Department of Multimodal ImagingMax‐Planck‐Institute for Neurological Research Cologne Germany
- Department of Nuclear MedicineFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne Cologne Germany
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbHInstitute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Nuclear Chemistry (INM‐5), Wilhelm‐Johnen‐Straße Jülich Germany
| | - F. Markus Leweke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimHeidelberg University Mannheim Germany
- Brain and Mind CentreThe University of Sydney Sydney Australia
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Etyemez S, Currie TT, Hamilton JE, Weaver MF, Findley JC, Soares J, Selek S. Cannabis use: A co-existing condition in first-episode bipolar mania patients. J Affect Disord 2020; 263:289-291. [PMID: 31818791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An association between first-episode presentation of bipolar mania and concurrent cannabis use disorder has been well established in the current literature (Bally et al., 2014, Baethge et al., 2008). Previous studies have shown that 30-70% of patients admitted for a first manic episode had concurrent cannabis use (Bally et al., 2014). The exact mechanism of this association has yet to be confirmed. AIMS We aim to evaluate the prevalence of cannabis use in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) admitted to UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC) for a first manic episode. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, 15,969 inpatient records of patients admitted to HCPC between 2012-2013 were examined to identify patients admitted with a first manic episode according to ICD-9 criteria (single episode mania). The prevalence of multiple sociodemographic and clinical variables including cannabis positivity in urine drug screening (UDS) were examined. RESULTS Twenty patients were admitted for a first manic episode. Half of the patients were females; mean age was 28.65 ± 10.56 years and mean length of stay (LOS) was 7.15 ± 3.72 days. Fifteen patients received a UDS. Of these fifteen, seven were positive for cannabinoids (47%). One patient was positive for phencyclidine (in addition to cannabis) and one patient was positive for amphetamine (but not cannabis). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of cannabis use was higher in first-episode mania patients compared to the general population. The influence of cannabis on the first episode of mania requires additional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semra Etyemez
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Terrence T Currie
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Jane E Hamilton
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Michael F Weaver
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - J Chase Findley
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Jair Soares
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Salih Selek
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Nettis MA, Pariante CM, Mondelli V. Early-Life Adversity, Systemic Inflammation and Comorbid Physical and Psychiatric Illnesses of Adult Life. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 44:207-225. [PMID: 30895531 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2019_89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the evidence of increased immune activation in patients with schizophrenia has suggested a role for the immune system in the development of psychosis. However, what is causing this increased immune activation and how this leads to the development of psychopathology remain still unclear. In this chapter we discuss the evidence about the role of childhood trauma as possible underlying cause of the increased immune activation in patients with schizophrenia. According to preclinical and clinical models, early adverse events can disrupt the homeostatic control of immune responses and lead to enduring inflammatory dysregulation at a peripheral and central level. In fact, persisting systemic inflammation may facilitate peripheral tissues damage and breach the blood-brain barrier, leading to microglia activation and to neuroinflammation.Such chronic immune dysregulation also appear to partially explain the frequent comorbidity between psychosis and metabolic abnormalities, which have previously mainly considered as side effect of antipsychotic treatment.Overall, this evidence suggests that early stress may contribute to development of schizophrenia spectrum disorders through a modulation of the peripheral and central immune system and support the immune pathways as possible future therapeutic approach for psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Nettis
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK.
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK.
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute , London, UK.
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Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in anxiety, depression, and dysregulation of emotion in humans. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2020; 33:20-42. [PMID: 31714262 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review is to summarize most recent evidence published in the last 18 months on medical and recreational use of cannabis and cannabinoids in relation to anxiety, depression (unipolar and bipolar), and dysregulation of emotions as part of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and emotionally instable personality disorders. It also covers the investigation of endocannabinoids as potential biomarkers in these conditions. This is important with increasing medicinal use of cannabinoids and growing social tolerance towards recreational cannabis use. RECENT FINDINGS There is some recent evidence suggesting cannabinoids, cannabidiol or cannabidiol-enriched cannabis preparations have anxiolytic properties. In addition, depression may be worsened by cannabis use, however, randomized controlled trials (RCT) are lacking. New evidence also suggests that cannabidiol or cannabidiol-enriched cannabis use for PTSD and emotion regulation can induce hyporesponse to fear and stress. Further, several lines of evidence point to the endocannabinoid system as a key player in some of the reviewed disorders, in particular anxiety and PTSD. SUMMARY The most recent evidence for a therapeutic use of cannabinoids in the reviewed conditions is weak and lacking well designed RCTs. However, there is some indication of the role of the endocannabinoid system in these conditions that warrant further studies.
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Kynurenines and the Endocannabinoid System in Schizophrenia: Common Points and Potential Interactions. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24203709. [PMID: 31619006 PMCID: PMC6832375 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia, which affects around 1% of the world’s population, has been described as a complex set of symptoms triggered by multiple factors. However, the exact background mechanisms remain to be explored, whereas therapeutic agents with excellent effectivity and safety profiles have yet to be developed. Kynurenines and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) play significant roles in both the development and manifestation of schizophrenia, which have been extensively studied and reviewed previously. Accordingly, kynurenines and the ECS share multiple features and mechanisms in schizophrenia, which have yet to be reviewed. Thus, the present study focuses on the main common points and potential interactions between kynurenines and the ECS in schizophrenia, which include (i) the regulation of glutamatergic/dopaminergic/γ-aminobutyric acidergic neurotransmission, (ii) their presence in astrocytes, and (iii) their role in inflammatory mechanisms. Additionally, promising pharmaceutical approaches involving the kynurenine pathway and the ECS will be reviewed herein.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bipolar disorder (BD) is a debilitating, lifelong neuropsychiatric illness characterised by unsteady mood states which vacillate from (hypo)mania to depression. Despite the availability of pharmaceutical agents which can be effective in ameliorating the acute affective symptoms and prevent episodic relapse, BD is inadequately treated in a subset of patients. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is known to exert neuromodulatory effects on other neurotransmitter systems critical in governing emotions. Several studies ranging from clinical to molecular, as well as anecdotal evidence, have placed a spotlight on the potential role of the ECS in the pathophysiology of BD. In this perspective, we present advantages and disadvantages of cannabis use in the management of illness course of BD and provide mechanistic insights into how this system might contribute to the pathophysiology of BD. RESULTS We highlight the putative role of selective cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonists in BD and briefly discuss findings which provide a rationale for targeting the ECS to assuage the symptoms of BD. Further, data encourage basic and clinical studies to determine how cannabis and cannabinoids (CBs) can affect mood and to investigate emerging CB-based options as probable treatment approaches. CONCLUSION The probable role of the ECS has been almost neglected in BD; however, from data available which suggest a role of ECS in mood control, it is justified to support conducting comprehensive studies to determine whether ECS manipulation could positively affect BD. Based on the limited available data, we suggest that activation of CB2 may stabilise mood in this disorder.
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The Potential of Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Psychosis and Addiction: Who Benefits Most? A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8071058. [PMID: 31330972 PMCID: PMC6678854 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8071058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) system plays an important role in the pathophysiology of both psychotic disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs). The non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound, cannabidiol (CBD) is a highly promising tool in the treatment of both disorders. Here we review human clinical studies that investigated the efficacy of CBD treatment for schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and their comorbidity. In particular, we examined possible profiles of patients who may benefit the most from CBD treatment. CBD, either as monotherapy or added to regular antipsychotic medication, improved symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, with particularly promising effects in the early stages of illness. A potential biomarker is the level of anandamide in blood. CBD and THC mixtures showed positive effects in reducing short-term withdrawal and craving in cannabis use disorders. Studies on schizophrenia and comorbid substance use are lacking. Future studies should focus on the effects of CBD on psychotic disorders in different stages of illness, together with the effects on comorbid substance use. These studies should use standardized measures to assess cannabis use. In addition, future efforts should be taken to study the relationship between the eCB system, GABA/glutamate, and the immune system to reveal the underlying neurobiology of the effects of CBD.
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De Aquino JP, Sofuoglu M, Stefanovics E, Rosenheck R. Adverse Consequences of Co-Occurring Opioid Use Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder Compared to Opioid Use Disorder Only. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2019; 45:527-537. [PMID: 31112429 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1607363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: While there is growing interest in the possibility that cannabis may be a partial substitute for opioids, studies have yet to examine whether individuals with co-occurring opioid and cannabis use disorders (OUD and CUD) have less risk of negative outcomes than those with OUD only. Objective: This study sought to compare the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with co-occurring OUD and CUD to patients with OUD only, CUD only, and patients with any other drug use disorders. We hypothesized that co-occurring OUD and CUD would be associated with lower risk of inpatient admissions and emergency department (ED) visits, lower rates of homelessness, and fewer opioid prescriptions. Methods: Comparisons were based on bivariate analyses, logistic and linear multiple regression models of National Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data from Fiscal Year 2012. Results: Of the 234,181 (94% male) patients diagnosed with drug use disorders, 8.6% were diagnosed with co-occurring OUD and CUD; 33.3% with OUD only; 26.5% with CUD only; and 31.6% with other drug use disorders. Compared to the OUD only group (Mean = 4.8 (SD = 8.84)), the group with co-occurring OUD and CUD was associated with a lower number of opioid prescriptions (Mean = 3.79 (SD = 8.22)) (d = -0.16), but higher likelihood of inpatient psychiatric admission (RR = 1.95) and homelessness (RR = 1.52), and no significant difference in ED visits. Conclusions: These data highlight the need to further investigate whether the complex effects of cannabis use on patients with OUD are counterbalanced by potential benefits of reduced in opioid prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao P De Aquino
- a Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Mehmet Sofuoglu
- a Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA.,b U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, New England Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System , West Haven , CT , USA
| | - Elina Stefanovics
- a Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA.,b U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, New England Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System , West Haven , CT , USA
| | - Robert Rosenheck
- a Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA.,b U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, New England Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System , West Haven , CT , USA
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Khoury JM, Neves MDCLD, Roque MAV, Queiroz DADB, Corrêa de Freitas AA, de Fátima Â, Moreira FA, Garcia FD. Is there a role for cannabidiol in psychiatry? World J Biol Psychiatry 2019; 20:101-116. [PMID: 28112021 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2017.1285049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding whether cannabidiol (CBD) is useful and safe for the treatment of psychiatric disorders is essential to empower psychiatrists and patients to take good clinical decisions. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review regarding the benefits and adverse events (AEs) of CBD in the treatment of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder and substance-use disorders. METHODS We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Scielo, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases. Evidence was classified according to the WFSBP task forces standards. RESULTS Bibliographic research yielded 692 records. After analysis, we included six case reports and seven trials, comprising 201 subjects. Most the studies published presented several drawbacks and did not reach statistical significance. We have not found evidence regarding major depressive and bipolar disorders. The level of evidence for cannabis withdrawal is B; cannabis addiction is C2; treatment of positive symptoms in schizophrenia and anxiety in social anxiety disorder is C1. Discrete or no AEs were reported. The most frequently reported AEs are sedation and dizziness. CONCLUSIONS The evidence regarding efficacy and safety of CBD in psychiatry is still scarce. Further larger well-designed randomised controlled trials are required to assess the effects of CBD in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Machado Khoury
- a Department of Mental Health , Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) , Belo Horizonte , MG , Brazil.,b Postgraduation Program in Molecular Medicine , School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) , Belo Horizonte , MG , Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ângelo de Fátima
- c Department of Chemistry , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) , Belo Horizonte , MG , Brazil
| | - Fabrício A Moreira
- d Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) , Belo Horizonte , MG , Brazil
| | - Frederico Duarte Garcia
- a Department of Mental Health , Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) , Belo Horizonte , MG , Brazil.,b Postgraduation Program in Molecular Medicine , School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) , Belo Horizonte , MG , Brazil.,e INCT de Medicina Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) , Belo Horizonte , MG , Brazil.,f Unité Inserm U1073 , Rouen , France
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How effective and safe is medical cannabis as a treatment of mental disorders? A systematic review. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 269:87-105. [PMID: 30706168 PMCID: PMC6595000 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-019-00984-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a review of systematic reviews (SRs) and randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) to analyze efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medication in patients with mental disorders. Five data bases were systematically searched (2006-August 2018); 4 SRs (of 11 RCTs) and 14 RCTs (1629 participants) were included. Diagnoses were: dementia, cannabis and opioid dependence, psychoses/schizophrenia, general social anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, anorexia nervosa, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Tourette`s disorder. Outcome variables were too heterogeneous to conduct a meta-analysis. A narrative synthesis method was applied. The study quality was assessed using the risk-of-bias tool and SIGN-checklists. THC- and CBD-based medicines, given as adjunct to pharmaco- and psychotherapy, were associated with improvements of several symptoms of mental disorders, but not with remission. Side effects occurred, but severe adverse effects were mentioned in single cases only. In order to provide reliable treatment recommendations, more and larger RCTs with follow-up assessments, consistent outcome measures and active comparisons are needed.
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Ortiz-Medina MB, Perea M, Torales J, Ventriglio A, Vitrani G, Aguilar L, Roncero C. Cannabis consumption and psychosis or schizophrenia development. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2018; 64:690-704. [PMID: 30442059 DOI: 10.1177/0020764018801690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Cannabis consumption produces psychopathology, in some cases psychotic episodes, which are of our interest in this work. However, the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis has not been fully elucidated. The objectives of this work are to (1) review the current state of knowledge on the association of cannabis use with the risk of the development of psychosis or psychotic symptoms in people without schizophrenia and (2) assess the consistency of the hypothesis that cannabis use is associated with increased risk of psychosis in people without schizophrenia. METHOD: This work included research done in humans until May 2018 with the keywords 'cannabis' and 'psychosis', published in English and Spanish, in the PubMed database. RESULTS: In all, 66 papers were analyzed, of which 23 were cohort trials and 43 were reviews. CONCLUSION: Cannabis use doubles the risk of developing psychosis in vulnerable people. There even exists a relationship regarding the dose used and the age of first use. Gene-environment interactions that modulate the association between cannabis use and the presence of psychosis have also been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Bettina Ortiz-Medina
- 1 Area of Research, Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University Asuncion, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.,2 Hospital de Clínicas, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Asuncion, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Marta Perea
- 3 Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Public Health Agency of Barcelona (ASPB), CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain.,4 Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Julio Torales
- 2 Hospital de Clínicas, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Asuncion, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.,5 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Asuncion, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- 6 Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Vitrani
- 6 Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Lourdes Aguilar
- 7 Psychiatric Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex, Salamanca, Spain.,8 Institute of Biomedicine of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlos Roncero
- 3 Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Public Health Agency of Barcelona (ASPB), CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain.,7 Psychiatric Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex, Salamanca, Spain.,8 Institute of Biomedicine of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Sbarski B, Akirav I. Chronic exposure to cannabinoids before an emotional trauma may have negative effects on emotional function. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 28:955-969. [PMID: 30026011 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Chronic direct activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1r) may lead to downregulation of CB1r which may in turn result in a depression-like phenotype in certain individuals. We examined the effects of chronic cannabinoid receptor activation before exposure to an emotional traumatic event on CB1r expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and CA1 and on protracted anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. We used exposure to severe shock and situational reminders (SRs) in an inhibitory apparatus as a model for emotional trauma. Chronic treatment with the CB1/2 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (1.2 mg/kg, i.p.) before shock exposure had differential effects on depression- and anxiety-like behavioral measures depending on withdrawal periods. In the 24 hrs withdrawal condition, WIN55,212-2 enhanced fear retrieval and impaired extinction, increased anhedonia and despair, but had a therapeutic effect in the startle test. In the 10 days withdrawal condition, WIN55,212-2 enhanced fear retrieval and impaired extinction without preventing the shock/SR-induced negative effects on anhedonia or startle response, but had a therapeutic effect in the despair test. Chronic treatment with WIN55,212-2 was found to down regulate CB1r protein levels in the BLA in the 10 days withdrawal condition, and to upregulate CB1r protein levels in the 24 hrs condition. In the CA1, rats chronically injected with vehicle or WIN55,212-2 demonstrated downregulation of CB1r protein levels. Chronic exposure to cannabinoids prior to an emotional trauma may have deleterious effects on emotional function suggesting that direct CB1/2 receptor activation may not be an optimal way to manipulate the endocannabinoid system in stressful individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Sbarski
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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Singh S, Balhara YPS. A review of Indian research on co-occurring cannabis use disorders& psychiatric disorders. Indian J Med Res 2018; 146:186-195. [PMID: 29265019 PMCID: PMC5761028 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_791_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Cannabis is a widely used illicit drug and its use is often associated with co-occurring psychiatric disorders. This systematic review was aimed to provide information on the published Indian studies on co-occurring cannabis use disorders and psychiatric disorders. METHODS An electronic search of available Indian literature using relevant search terms was carried out in May 2015 and 52 articles in English language published from India were included in the current review. RESULTS Studies on cannabis and associated psychotic disorders (n=16) chiefly described acute episodes with predominant positive symptoms, following cannabis use. Some studies (n=6) observed an overall increased prevalence of all psychiatric disorders and symptoms owing to cannabis use, while others (n=14) elaborated on high rates of substance use in those with psychiatric disorders. The effect of cannabis use on cognitive function was the focus of some of the Indian studies (n=7). All these studies barring one had all male subjects, and a single study described the service delivery model for those with dual diagnosis disorders in India. Most of the research used cross-sectional observational design and focussed on treatment-seeking population. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS A review of Indian literature on cannabis use and its association with psychiatric disorders indicates a high co-prevalence of psychotic disorders, especially in vulnerable individuals as well as high rates of co-occurrence of other psychiatric comorbidities. However, there is limited focus on exploring the aetiological association between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders; understanding the neurobiology of this association and management-related issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Yatan Pal Singh Balhara
- Department of Psychiatry; National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Duperrouzel J, Hawes SW, Lopez-Quintero C, Pacheco-Colón I, Comer J, Gonzalez R. The association between adolescent cannabis use and anxiety: A parallel process analysis. Addict Behav 2018; 78:107-113. [PMID: 29149635 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Associations between anxiety symptoms and cannabis use have been previously explored, yet the directionality of these associations remains highly debatable. The present study aims to prospectively examine patterns of cannabis use and anxiety during adolescence focusing on their co-development and bidirectional influences. METHODS Adolescents (n=250) of predominantly Hispanic ethnicity, aged 14-17 at baseline, exposed to drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes completed three (bi-annual) assessments across a 1-year period. Latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) and parallel process growth curves were conducted to examine potential associations in the joint development of anxiety and cannabis use. RESULTS Our results suggest that, during adolescence, early cannabis use has a greater influence on prospective reports of anxiety, than vice versa. Specifically, adolescents exhibiting higher initial levels of cannabis use displayed more persisting self-reported anxiety across time, as compared to those with less frequent use (b=0.28, p=0.024). In contrast, early levels of anxiety were not found to influence rates of change in cannabis use. These analyses considered concurrent depression, alcohol, and nicotine use. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that prevention and targeted intervention programs for cannabis use in adolescence would benefit from anxiety management strategies; in order to reduce subsequent anxiety associated with cannabis use. Future studies should continue to employ longitudinal designs across larger time periods and aim to replicate these findings with more diverse samples.
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40
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Endocannabinoid control of glutamate NMDA receptors: the therapeutic potential and consequences of dysfunction. Oncotarget 2018; 7:55840-55862. [PMID: 27323834 PMCID: PMC5342457 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is probably the most important excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. The glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a calcium-gated channel that coordinates with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to establish the efficiency of the synaptic transmission. Cross-regulation between these receptors requires the concerted activity of the histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1) and of the sigma receptor type 1 (σ1R). Essential brain functions like learning, memory formation and consolidation, mood and behavioral responses to exogenous stimuli depend on the activity of NMDARs. In this biological context, endocannabinoids are released to retain NMDAR activity within physiological limits. The efficacy of such control depends on HINT1/σ1R assisting in the physical coupling between cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) and NMDARs to dampen their activity. Subsequently, the calcium-regulated HINT1/σ1R protein tandem uncouples CB1Rs to prevent NMDAR hypofunction. Thus, early recruitment or a disproportionate cannabinoid induced response can bring about excess dampening of NMDAR activity, impeding its adequate integration with GPCR signaling. Alternatively, this control circuit can apparently be overridden in situations where bursts of NMDAR overactivity provoke convulsive syndromes. In this review we will discuss the possible relevance of the HINT1/σ1R tandem and its use by endocannabinoids to diminish NMDAR activity and their implications in psychosis/schizophrenia, as well as in NMDAR-mediated convulsive episodes.
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Hudson R, Rushlow W, Laviolette SR. Phytocannabinoids modulate emotional memory processing through interactions with the ventral hippocampus and mesolimbic dopamine system: implications for neuropsychiatric pathology. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:447-458. [PMID: 29063964 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4766-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Growing clinical and preclinical evidence suggests a potential role for the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) as a pharmacotherapy for various neuropsychiatric disorders. In contrast, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, is associated with acute and neurodevelopmental propsychotic side effects through its interaction with central cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs). CB1R stimulation in the ventral hippocampus (VHipp) potentiates affective memory formation through inputs to the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system, thereby altering emotional salience attribution. These changes in DA activity and salience attribution, evoked by dysfunctional VHipp regulatory actions and THC exposure, could predispose susceptible individuals to psychotic symptoms. Although THC can accelerate the onset of schizophrenia, CBD displays antipsychotic properties, can prevent the acquisition of emotionally irrelevant memories, and reverses amphetamine-induced neuronal sensitization through selective phosphorylation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) molecular signaling pathway. This review summarizes clinical and preclinical evidence demonstrating that distinct phytocannabinoids act within the VHipp and associated corticolimbic structures to modulate emotional memory processing through changes in mesolimbic DA activity states, salience attribution, and signal transduction pathways associated with schizophrenia-related pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Hudson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter Rushlow
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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42
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Recherche d’association entre abus de cannabis et bipolarité : étude sur un échantillon de patients hospitalisés pour un trouble bipolaire. Encephale 2018; 44:14-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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43
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Szutorisz H, Hurd YL. High times for cannabis: Epigenetic imprint and its legacy on brain and behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:93-101. [PMID: 28506926 PMCID: PMC5682234 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Extensive debates continue regarding marijuana (Cannabis spp), the most commonly used illicit substance in many countries worldwide. There has been an exponential increase of cannabis studies over the past two decades but the drug's long-term effects still lack in-depth scientific data. The epigenome is a critical molecular machinery with the capacity to maintain persistent alterations of gene expression and behaviors induced by cannabinoids that have been observed across the individual's lifespan and even into the subsequent generation. Though mechanistic investigations regarding the consequences of developmental cannabis exposure remain sparse, human and animal studies have begun to reveal specific epigenetic disruptions in the brain and the periphery. In this article, we focus attention on long-term disturbances in epigenetic regulation in relation to prenatal, adolescent and parental germline cannabinoid exposure. Expanding knowledge about the protracted molecular memory could help to identify novel targets to develop preventive strategies and treatments for behaviors relevant to neuropsychiatric risks associated with developmental cannabis exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Szutorisz
- Friedman Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Friedman Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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44
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Bourque J, Afzali MH, O'Leary-Barrett M, Conrod P. Cannabis use and psychotic-like experiences trajectories during early adolescence: the coevolution and potential mediators. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2017; 58:1360-1369. [PMID: 28677235 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The authors sought to model the different trajectories of psychotic-like experiences (PLE) during adolescence and to examine whether the longitudinal relationship between cannabis use and PLE is mediated by changes in cognitive development and/or change in anxiety or depression symptoms. METHODS A total of 2,566 youths were assessed every year for 4-years (from 13- to 16-years of age) on clinical, substance use and cognitive development outcomes. Latent class growth models identified three trajectories of PLE: low decreasing (83.9%), high decreasing (7.9%), and moderate increasing class (8.2%). We conducted logistic regressions to investigate whether baseline levels and growth in cannabis use were associated with PLE trajectory membership. Then, we examined the effects of potential mediators (growth in cognition and anxiety/depression) on the relationship between growth in cannabis use and PLE trajectory. RESULTS A steeper growth in cannabis use from 13- to 16-years was associated with a higher likelihood of being assigned to the moderate increasing trajectory of PLE [odds ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-6.03], when controlling for cumulative cigarette use. Growth in depression symptoms, not anxiety or change in cognitive functioning, mediated the relationship between growth in cannabis use and the PLE moderate increasing group (indirect effect: 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03-0.11). CONCLUSIONS Depression symptoms partially mediated the longitudinal link between cannabis use and PLE in adolescents, suggesting that there may be a preventative effect to be gained from targeting depression symptoms, in addition to attempting to prevent cannabis use in youth presenting increasing psychotic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiane Bourque
- Centre de recherche CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Patricia Conrod
- Centre de recherche CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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45
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Lippard ETC, Mazure CM, Johnston JAY, Spencer L, Weathers J, Pittman B, Wang F, Blumberg HP. Brain circuitry associated with the development of substance use in bipolar disorder and preliminary evidence for sexual dimorphism in adolescents. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:777-791. [PMID: 27870392 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders and mood disorders are highly comorbid and confer a high risk for adverse outcomes. However, data are limited on the neurodevelopmental basis of this comorbidity. Substance use initiation typically occurs during adolescence, and sex-specific developmental mechanisms are implicated. In this preliminary study, we review the literature and investigate regional gray matter volume (GMV) associated with subsequent substance use problems in adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) and explore these associations for females and males. Thirty adolescents with DSM-IV-diagnosed BD and minimal alcohol/substance exposure completed baseline structural magnetic resonance imaging scans. At follow-up (on average 6 years post baseline), subjects were administered the CRAFFT interview and categorized into those scoring at high ( ≥ 2: CRAFFTHIGH ) vs. low ( < 2: CRAFFTLOW ) risk for alcohol/substance problems. Lower GMV in prefrontal, insular, and temporopolar cortices were observed at baseline among adolescents with BD reporting subsequent alcohol and cannabis use compared to adolescents with BD who did not (P < 0.005, clusters ≥ 20 voxels). Lower dorsolateral prefrontal GMV was associated with future substance use in both females and males. In females, lower orbitofrontal and insula GMV was associated with future substance use, while in males, lower rostral prefrontal GMV was associated with future use. Lower orbitofrontal, insular, and temporopolar GMV was observed in those who transitioned to smoking tobacco. Findings indicate that GMV development is associated with risk for future substance use problems in adolescents with BD, with results implicating GMV development in regions subserving emotional regulation in females and regions subserving executive processes and attention in males. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T C Lippard
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Carolyn M Mazure
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Women's Health Research at Yale, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Linda Spencer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Judah Weathers
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hilary P Blumberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Women's Health Research at Yale, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Busquets-Garcia A, Soria-Gómez E, Redon B, Mackenbach Y, Chaouloff F, Varilh M, Ferreira G, Piazza PV, Marsicano G, Marsicano G. Pregnenolone blocks cannabinoid-induced acute psychotic-like states in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1594-1603. [PMID: 28220044 PMCID: PMC5447368 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis-induced acute psychotic-like states (CIAPS) represent a growing health issue, but their underlying neurobiological mechanisms are poorly understood. The use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines against CIAPS is limited by side effects and/or by their ability to tackle only certain aspects of psychosis. Thus, safer wide-spectrum treatments are currently needed. Although the blockade of cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) had been suggested as a therapeutical means against CIAPS, the use of orthosteric CB1 receptor full antagonists is strongly limited by undesired side effects and low efficacy. The neurosteroid pregnenolone has been recently shown to act as a potent endogenous allosteric signal-specific inhibitor of CB1 receptors. Thus, we tested in mice the potential therapeutic use of pregnenolone against acute psychotic-like effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis. We found that pregnenolone blocks a wide spectrum of THC-induced endophenotypes typically associated with psychotic-like states, including impairments in cognitive functions, somatosensory gating and social interaction. In order to capture THC-induced positive psychotic-like symptoms (e.g. perceptual delusions), we adapted a behavioral paradigm based on associations between different sensory modalities and selective devaluation, allowing the measurement of mental sensory representations in mice. Acting at hippocampal CB1 receptors, THC impaired the correct processing of mental sensory representations (reality testing) in an antipsychotic- and pregnenolone-sensitive manner. Overall, this work reveals that signal-specific inhibitors mimicking pregnenolone effects can be considered as promising new therapeutic tools to treat CIAPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnau Busquets-Garcia
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Edgar Soria-Gómez
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Bastien Redon
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Yarmo Mackenbach
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Francis Chaouloff
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Marjorie Varilh
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Guillaume Ferreira
- University of Bordeaux, France,INRA, Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pier-Vincenzo Piazza
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France,University of Bordeaux, France,Correspondence to Giovanni Marsicano: Giovanni Marsicano DVM, PhD, NeuroCentre Magendie, U1215 INSERM Université Bordeaux 2, Group “Endocannabinoids and Neuroadaptation”, 146, rue Léo Saignat, 33077 Bordeaux, France, Tel. Office ++33 5 5757 3756, Tel mobile ++33 6 7523 3536, Tel. home ++33 9 5019 5703, Fax ++33 5 5757 3751,
| | - G Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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D'Addario C, Micale V, Di Bartolomeo M, Stark T, Pucci M, Sulcova A, Palazzo M, Babinska Z, Cremaschi L, Drago F, Carlo Altamura A, Maccarrone M, Dell'Osso B. A preliminary study of endocannabinoid system regulation in psychosis: Distinct alterations of CNR1 promoter DNA methylation in patients with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2017; 188:132-140. [PMID: 28108228 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence supports the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in psychosis vulnerability. We here evaluated the transcriptional regulation of ECS components in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from subjects suffering from bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, focusing in particular on the effects of DNA methylation. We observed selective alterations of DNA methylation at the promoter of CNR1, the gene coding for the type-1 cannabinoid receptor, in schizophrenic patients (N=25) with no changes in any other disorder. We confirmed the regulation of CNR1 in a well-validated animal model of schizophrenia, induced by prenatal methylazoxymethanol (MAM) acetate exposure (N=7 per group) where we found, in the prefrontal cortex, a significant increase in CNR1 expression and a consistent reduction in DNA methylation at specific CpG sites of gene promoter. Overall, our findings suggest a selective dysregulation of ECS in psychosis, and highlight the evaluation of CNR1 DNA methylation levels in PBMCs as a potential biomarker for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- CEITEC/Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mariangela Pucci
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Mariacarlotta Palazzo
- Centro Sant'Ambrogio, Ordine Ospedaliero San Giovanni di Dio-Fatebenefratelli, Cernusco sul Naviglio, Italy
| | - Zuzana Babinska
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Cremaschi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Carlo Altamura
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Stanford University, CA, USA.
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Richards JR. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: A disorder of the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system? Med Hypotheses 2017; 103:90-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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49
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Lipids in psychiatric disorders and preventive medicine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:336-362. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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50
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Thomazeau A, Bosch-Bouju C, Manzoni O, Layé S. Nutritional n-3 PUFA Deficiency Abolishes Endocannabinoid Gating of Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:2571-2579. [PMID: 26946127 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially docosahexaenoic acid, is critical during perinatal brain development. How early postnatal n-3 PUFA deficiency impacts on hippocampal synaptic plasticity is mostly unknown. Here we compared activity-dependent plasticity at excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in weaned pups whose mothers were fed with an n-3 PUFA-balanced or n-3 PUFA-deficient diet. Normally, endogenous cannabinoids (eCB) produced by the post-synapse dually control network activity by mediating the long-term depression of inhibitory inputs (iLTD) and positively gating NMDAR-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory inputs. We found that both iLTD and LTP were impaired in n-3 PUFA-deficient mice. Pharmacological dissection of the underlying mechanism revealed that impairment of NMDAR-dependent LTP was causally linked to and attributable to the ablation of eCB-mediated iLTD and associated to disinhibitory gating of excitatory synapses. The data shed new light on how n-3 PUFAs shape synaptic activity in the hippocampus and provide a new synaptic substrate to the cognitive impairments associated with perinatal n-3 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Thomazeau
- Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, INRA, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.,Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Clémentine Bosch-Bouju
- Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, INRA, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.,Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Manzoni
- Aix-Marseille Université.,INSERM.,INMED UMR S 901, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Sophie Layé
- Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, INRA, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.,Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, UMR 1286, Bordeaux University, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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