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Thomas F, Kayser O. Improving CBCA synthase activity through rational protein design. J Biotechnol 2023; 363:40-49. [PMID: 36681096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Global interest for the minor cannabinoid cannabichromene (CBC) is growing steadily, as potential pharmaceutical applications continue to emerge. Due to low-yielding and unspecific extraction processes from its plant host Cannabis sativa, a biotechnological production is desirable. The complete heterologous biosynthesis of several other cannabinoids has recently been demonstrated as an accessible platform. However, the enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of CBC precursor cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) suffers from comparatively low catalytic efficiency, has not been crystallized, and remains poorly characterized. This study contributes to overcoming these challenges in three unique aspects. A deep‑learning‑assisted prediction of the CBCA synthase crystal structure using DeepMinds AlphaFold is performed and evaluated. The predicted CBCA synthase structure scored considerably higher in various quality assessments than the alternative template‑based homology modeling approach. A robust and practical understanding of crucial structure-function relationships for CBCA synthase is provided and a new binding mode for the substrate uncovered. Rational design approaches and computational analyses to suggest CBCAS variants with facilitated activity are applied. Through subsequent screening the substrate conversion of those variants is compared to the native enzyme. The best variant presented in this study increases CBCA production from crude lysate 22-fold and is one of five positions where substitutions had a significantly favorable impact on product formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Thomas
- Department of Technical Biochemistry, TU Dortmund University, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Oliver Kayser
- Department of Technical Biochemistry, TU Dortmund University, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.
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2
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Bala R, Singh V, Rajender S, Singh K. Environment, Lifestyle, and Female Infertility. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:617-638. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00279-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Chye Y, Kirkham R, Lorenzetti V, McTavish E, Solowij N, Yücel M. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Brain Morphology: A Review of the Evidence. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 6:627-635. [PMID: 32948510 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis and cannabinoid-based products are increasingly being accepted and commodified globally. Yet there is currently limited understanding of the effect of the varied cannabinoid compounds on the brain. Exogenous cannabinoids interact with the endogenous cannabinoid system that underpins vital functions in the brain and body, and they are thought to perturb key brain and cognitive function. However, much neuroimaging research has been confined to observational studies of cannabis users, without examining the specific role of the various cannabinoids (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, etc.). This review summarizes the brain structural imaging evidence to date associated with cannabis use, its major cannabinoids (e.g., Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol), and synthetic cannabinoid products that have emerged as recreational drugs. In doing so, we seek to highlight some of the key issues to consider in understanding cannabinoid-related brain effects, emphasizing the dual neurotoxic and neuroprotective role of cannabinoids, and the need to consider the distinct role of the varied cannabinoids in establishing their effect on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Chye
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Kirkham
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eugene McTavish
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia; Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Lewis M, Yang Y, Wasilewski E, Clarke HA, Kotra LP. Chemical Profiling of Medical Cannabis Extracts. ACS OMEGA 2017; 2:6091-6103. [PMID: 30023762 PMCID: PMC6044620 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b00996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Medical cannabis has been legally available for patients in a number of countries. Licensed producers produce a variety of cannabis strains with different concentrations of phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids in medical cannabis are decarboxylated when subjected to heating for consumption by the patients or when extracted for preparing cannabis derivative products. There is little understanding of the true chemical composition of cannabis extracts, changes occurring during heating of the extracts, and their relevance to pharmacological effects. We investigated the extract from a popular commercial strain of medical cannabis, prior to and after decarboxylation, to understand the chemical profiles. A total of up to 62 compounds could be identified simultaneously in the extract derived from commercial cannabis, including up to 23 phytocannabinoids. Upon heating, several chemical changes take place, including the loss of carboxylic group from the acidic phytocannabinoids. This investigation attempts to reveal the chemical complexity of commercial medical cannabis extracts and the differences in the chemical composition of the native extract and the one subjected to heat. Comprehensive chemical analyses of medical cannabis extracts are needed for standardization, consistency, and, more importantly, an informed employment of this substance for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa
M. Lewis
- Centre
for Molecular Design and Preformulations, and Division of
Experimental Therapeutics, Toronto General Research Institute, Department of Anesthesia
and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto
General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L7
| | - Yi Yang
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3M2
| | - Ewa Wasilewski
- Centre
for Molecular Design and Preformulations, and Division of
Experimental Therapeutics, Toronto General Research Institute, Department of Anesthesia
and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto
General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L7
| | - Hance A. Clarke
- Centre
for Molecular Design and Preformulations, and Division of
Experimental Therapeutics, Toronto General Research Institute, Department of Anesthesia
and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto
General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L7
- Department
of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, University
of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1E2
| | - Lakshmi P. Kotra
- Centre
for Molecular Design and Preformulations, and Division of
Experimental Therapeutics, Toronto General Research Institute, Department of Anesthesia
and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto
General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L7
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3M2
- E-mail: . Tel. (416) 581-7601. #5-356, PMCRT/MaRS Center,
101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L7
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Kelly C, Castellanos FX, Tomaselli O, Lisdahl K, Tamm L, Jernigan T, Newman E, Epstein JN, Molina BSG, Greenhill LL, Potkin SG, Hinshaw S, Swanson JM. Distinct effects of childhood ADHD and cannabis use on brain functional architecture in young adults. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2016; 13:188-200. [PMID: 27995073 PMCID: PMC5153452 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
One of the most salient long-term implications of a childhood diagnosis of ADHD is an increased risk for substance use, abuse, or dependence in adolescence and adulthood. The extent to which cannabis use affects ADHD-related alterations in brain functional organization is unknown, however. To address this research gap, we recruited a sample of 75 individuals aged 21-25 years with and without a childhood diagnosis of ADHD Combined Type, who were either frequent users or non-users of cannabis. These participants have been followed longitudinally since age 7-9.9 years as part of a large multi-site longitudinal study of ADHD, the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA). We examined task-independent intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) within 9 functional networks using a 2 × 2 design, which compared four groups of participants: (1) individuals with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD who currently use cannabis (n = 23); (2) individuals with ADHD who do not currently use cannabis (n = 22); (3) comparisons who currently use cannabis (n = 15); and (4) comparisons who do not currently use cannabis (n = 15). The main effects of childhood ADHD were primarily weakened iFC in networks supporting executive function and somatomotor control. Contrary to expectations, effects of cannabis use were distinct from those of diagnostic group and no interactions were observed. Exploratory brain-behavior analyses suggested that ADHD-related effects were primarily linked with poorer neurocognitive performance. Deficits in the integrity of functional networks supporting executive function and somatomotor control are consistent with the phenotypic and neurocognitive features of ADHD. Our data suggest that cannabis use does not exacerbate ADHD-related alterations, but this finding awaits replication in a larger sample. Longitudinal neuroimaging studies are urgently required to delineate the neurodevelopmental cascade that culminates in positive and negative outcomes for those diagnosed with ADHD in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Kelly
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Study Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - F Xavier Castellanos
- Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Study Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Olivia Tomaselli
- Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Study Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; National Adoption & Fostering Team, Michael Rutter Center, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK
| | - Krista Lisdahl
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Psychology Department, 2441 E. Hartford Ave, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Leanne Tamm
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, ML10006 Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Terry Jernigan
- Center for Human Development, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Erik Newman
- Center for Human Development, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeffery N Epstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Brooke S G Molina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Steven G Potkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Hinshaw
- Department of Psychology, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - James M Swanson
- Child Development Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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El Marroun H, Tiemeier H, Franken IHA, Jaddoe VWV, van der Lugt A, Verhulst FC, Lahey BB, White T. Prenatal Cannabis and Tobacco Exposure in Relation to Brain Morphology: A Prospective Neuroimaging Study in Young Children. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:971-9. [PMID: 26422004 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use during pregnancy has been associated with negative behavioral outcomes and psychopathology in offspring. However, there has been little research evaluating alterations in brain structure as a result of maternal cannabis use. In this prospective study, we investigated the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and brain morphology in young children. METHODS We matched 96 children prenatally exposed to tobacco only (without cannabis) with 113 unexposed control subjects on the basis of age and gender and subsequently selected 54 children exposed to prenatal cannabis (mostly combined with tobacco exposure). These children (aged 6 to 8 years) were part of a population-based study in the Netherlands, the Generation R Study, and were followed from pregnancy onward. We assessed brain volumetric measures and cortical thickness in magnetic resonance imaging scans using FreeSurfer. We performed vertexwise analyses in FreeSurfer and linear regression analyses adjusting for relevant covariates using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTS Prenatal cannabis exposure was not associated with global brain volumes, such as total brain volume, gray matter volume, or white matter volume. However, prenatal cannabis exposure was associated with differences in cortical thickness: compared with nonexposed control subjects, cannabis-exposed children had thicker frontal cortices. Prenatal tobacco exposure compared with nonexposed control subjects was associated with cortical thinning, primarily in the superior frontal and superior parietal cortices. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest an association between prenatal cannabis exposure and cortical thickness in children. Further research is needed to explore the causal nature of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan El Marroun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Generation R Study Group, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingmar H A Franken
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- Generation R Study Group, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Departments of Pediatrics, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aad van der Lugt
- Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin B Lahey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Departments of Pediatrics, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Scott-Goodwin A, Puerto M, Moreno I. Toxic effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 61:120-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Biobanking of Cerebrospinal Fluid for Biomarker Analysis in Neurological Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 864:79-93. [PMID: 26420615 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-20579-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reflects pathophysiological aspects of neurological diseases, where neuroprotective strategies and biomarkers are urgently needed. Therefore, biobanking is very relevant for biomarker discovery and evaluation for these neurological diseases.An important aspect of CSF biobanking is quality control, needed for e.g. consistent patient follow-up and the exchange of patient samples between research centers. Systematic studies to address effects of pre-analytical and storage variation on a broad range of CSF proteins are needed and initiated.Important features of CSF biobanking are intensive collaboration in international networks and the tight application of standardized protocols. The current adoption of standardized protocols for CSF and blood collection and for biobanking of these samples, as presented in this chapter, enables biomarker studies in large cohorts of patients and controls.In conclusion, biomarker research in neurodegenerative diseases has entered a new era due to the collaborative and multicenter efforts of many groups. The streamlining of biobanking procedures, including sample collection, quality control, and the selection of optimal control groups for investigating biomarkers is an important improvement to perform high quality biomarker studies.
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9
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Lubman DI, Cheetham A, Yücel M. Cannabis and adolescent brain development. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 148:1-16. [PMID: 25460036 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Heavy cannabis use has been frequently associated with increased rates of mental illness and cognitive impairment, particularly amongst adolescent users. However, the neurobiological processes that underlie these associations are still not well understood. In this review, we discuss the findings of studies examining the acute and chronic effects of cannabis use on the brain, with a particular focus on the impact of commencing use during adolescence. Accumulating evidence from both animal and human studies suggests that regular heavy use during this period is associated with more severe and persistent negative outcomes than use during adulthood, suggesting that the adolescent brain may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of cannabis exposure. As the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in brain development, it is plausible that prolonged use during adolescence results in a disruption in the normative neuromaturational processes that occur during this period. We identify synaptic pruning and white matter development as two processes that may be adversely impacted by cannabis exposure during adolescence. Potentially, alterations in these processes may underlie the cognitive and emotional deficits that have been associated with regular use commencing during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan I Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health and Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ali Cheetham
- Turning Point, Eastern Health and Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Victoria, Australia; Monash Clinical & Imaging Neuroscience, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Jaques SC, Kingsbury A, Henshcke P, Chomchai C, Clews S, Falconer J, Abdel-Latif ME, Feller JM, Oei JL. Cannabis, the pregnant woman and her child: weeding out the myths. J Perinatol 2014; 34:417-24. [PMID: 24457255 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2013.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To review and summarise the literature reporting on cannabis use within western communities with specific reference to patterns of use, the pharmacology of its major psychoactive compounds, including placental and fetal transfer, and the impact of maternal cannabis use on pregnancy, the newborn infant and the developing child. Review of published articles, governmental guidelines and data and book chapters. Although cannabis is one of the most widely used illegal drugs, there is limited data about the prevalence of cannabis use in pregnant women, and it is likely that reported rates of exposure are significantly underestimated. With much of the available literature focusing on the impact of other illicit drugs such as opioids and stimulants, the effects of cannabis use in pregnancy on the developing fetus remain uncertain. Current evidence indicates that cannabis use both during pregnancy and lactation, may adversely affect neurodevelopment, especially during periods of critical brain growth both in the developing fetal brain and during adolescent maturation, with impacts on neuropsychiatric, behavioural and executive functioning. These reported effects may influence future adult productivity and lifetime outcomes. Despite the widespread use of cannabis by young women, there is limited information available about the impact perinatal cannabis use on the developing fetus and child, particularly the effects of cannabis use while breast feeding. Women who are using cannabis while pregnant and breast feeding should be advised of what is known about the potential adverse effects on fetal growth and development and encouraged to either stop using or decrease their use. Long-term follow-up of exposed children is crucial as neurocognitive and behavioural problems may benefit from early intervention aimed to reduce future problems such as delinquency, depression and substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Jaques
- Department of Newborn Care, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - A Kingsbury
- Mater Miseriacordiae Health Service Brisbane, Mater Mothers' Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - P Henshcke
- Mercy Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - S Clews
- The Langton Centre, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
| | - J Falconer
- The Langton Centre, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
| | - M E Abdel-Latif
- The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - J M Feller
- 1] The Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia [2] School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - J L Oei
- 1] Department of Newborn Care, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW, Australia [2] School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Update on the role of cannabinoid receptors after ischemic stroke. Mediators Inflamm 2012; 2012:824093. [PMID: 22577257 PMCID: PMC3337695 DOI: 10.1155/2012/824093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are considered as key mediators in the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis. In particular, they have been shown to reduce the ischemic injury after acute cardiovascular events, such as acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. These protective and anti-inflammatory properties on peripheral tissues and circulating inflammatory have been demonstrated to involve their binding with both selective cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) transmembrane receptors. On the other hands, the recent discoveries of novel different classes of cannabinoids and receptors have increased the complexity of this system in atherosclerosis. Although only preliminary data have been reported on the activities of novel cannabinoid receptors, several studies have already investigated the role of CB1 and CB2 receptors in ischemic stroke. While CB1 receptor activation has been shown to directly reduce atherosclerotic plaque inflammation, controversial data have been shown on neurotransmission and neuroprotection after stroke. Given its potent anti-inflammatory activities on circulating leukocytes, the CB2 activation has been proven to produce protective effects against acute poststroke inflammation. In this paper, we will update evidence on different cannabinoid-triggered avenues to reduce inflammation and neuronal injury in acute ischemic stroke.
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Sarne Y, Asaf F, Fishbein M, Gafni M, Keren O. The dual neuroprotective-neurotoxic profile of cannabinoid drugs. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1391-401. [PMID: 21323910 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01280.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that cannabinoid drugs have neuroprotective properties and suggested that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms. On the other hand, neurotoxic effects of cannabinoids in vitro and in vivo were also described. Several possible explanations for these dual, opposite effects of cannabinoids on cellular fate were suggested, and it is conceivable that various factors may determine the final outcome of the cannabinoid effect in vivo. In the current review, we focus on one of the possible reasons for the dual neuroprotective/neurotoxic effects of cannabinoids in vivo, namely, the opposite effects of low versus high doses of cannabinoids. While many studies reported neuroprotective effects of the conventional doses of cannabinoids in various experimental models for acute brain injuries, we have shown that a single administration of an extremely low dose of Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (3-4 orders of magnitude lower than the conventional doses) to mice induced long-lasting mild cognitive deficits that affected various aspects of memory and learning. These findings led to the idea that this low dose of THC, which induces minor damage to the brain, may activate preconditioning and/or postconditioning mechanisms and thus will protect the brain from more severe insults. Indeed, our recent findings support this assumption and show that a pre- or a postconditioning treatment with extremely low doses of THC, several days before or after brain injury, provides effective long-term cognitive neuroprotection. The future therapeutical potential of these findings is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Sarne
- The Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases and The Mauerberger Chair in Neuropharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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13
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Abstract
Illicit substance use is not uncommon in women of childbearing age. The direct effects of illicit substance use on the mother, pregnancy and the fetus are not well understood, in contrast to the indirect effects of social disadvantage and intercurrent medical and psychiatric illness, which are well documented. We have undertaken a review of the current literature regarding the effects of illicit substance use in pregnancy and include a suggested approach to identification and management of at-risk women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Scott
- Department of Internal Medicine and Aged Care, Obstetric Medicine Unit, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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