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Foyzun T, Whiting M, Velasco KK, Jacobsen JC, Connor M, Grimsey NL. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the cannabinoid CB 2 receptor: Molecular pharmacology and disease associations. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2391-2412. [PMID: 38802979 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical evidence implicating cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) in various diseases has led researchers to question whether CB2 genetics influence aetiology or progression. Associations between conditions and genetic loci are often studied via single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) prevalence in case versus control populations. In the CNR2 coding exon, ~36 SNPs have high overall population prevalence (minor allele frequencies [MAF] ~37%), including non-synonymous SNP (ns-SNP) rs2501432 encoding CB2 63Q/R. Interspersed are ~27 lower frequency SNPs, four being ns-SNPs. CNR2 introns also harbour numerous SNPs. This review summarises CB2 ns-SNP molecular pharmacology and evaluates evidence from ~70 studies investigating CB2 genetic variants with proposed linkage to disease. Although CNR2 genetic variation has been associated with a wide variety of conditions, including osteoporosis, immune-related disorders, and mental illnesses, further work is required to robustly validate CNR2 disease links and clarify specific mechanisms linking CNR2 genetic variation to disease pathophysiology and potential drug responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahira Foyzun
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maddie Whiting
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kate K Velasco
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jessie C Jacobsen
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark Connor
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha L Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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2
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Endocannabinoid System: Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16020148. [PMID: 37017445 PMCID: PMC9966761 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCB) has been studied to identify the molecular structures present in Cannabis sativa. eCB consists of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands, and the associated enzymatic apparatus responsible for maintaining energy homeostasis and cognitive processes. Several physiological effects of cannabinoids are exerted through interactions with various receptors, such as CB1 and CB2 receptors, vanilloid receptors, and the recently discovered G-protein-coupled receptors (GPR55, GPR3, GPR6, GPR12, and GPR19). Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidoylglycerol (2-AG), two small lipids derived from arachidonic acid, showed high-affinity binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. eCB plays a critical role in chronic pain and mood disorders and has been extensively studied because of its wide therapeutic potential and because it is a promising target for the development of new drugs. Phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids have shown varied affinities for eCB and are relevant to the treatment of several neurological diseases. This review provides a description of eCB components and discusses how phytocannabinoids and other exogenous compounds may regulate the eCB balance. Furthermore, we show the hypo- or hyperfunctionality of eCB in the body and how eCB is related to chronic pain and mood disorders, even with integrative and complementary health practices (ICHP) harmonizing the eCB.
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Hosseinzadeh Anvar L, Ahmadalipour A. Fatty acid amide hydrolase C385A polymorphism affects susceptibility to various diseases. Biofactors 2023; 49:62-78. [PMID: 36300805 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is an important neuromodulatory system with its extensive network of receptors throughout the human body that has complex actions in the nervous system, immune system, and all of the body's other organs. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an important membrane-bound homodimeric degrading enzyme that controls the biological activity of N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) in the eCB system and other relevant bioactive lipids. It has been shown that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FAAH are associated with various phenotypes and diseases including cardiovascular, endocrine, drug abuse, and neuropsychiatric disorders. A common functional and most studied polymorphism of this gene is C385A (rs324420), which results in the replacement of a conserved proline to threonine in the FAAH enzyme structure, leads to a reduction of the activity and expression of FAAH, compromises the inactivation of AEA and causes higher synaptic concentrations of AEA that can be associated with several various phenotypes. The focus of this review is on evidence-based studies on the associations of the FAAH C385A polymorphism and the various diseases or traits. Although there was variability in the results of these reports, the overall consensus is that the FAAH C385A genotype can affect susceptibility to some multifactorial disorders and can be considered a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hosseinzadeh Anvar
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmadalipour
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Yang C, Nolte IM, Ma Y, An X, Bosker FJ, Li J. The associations of CNR1 SNPs and haplotypes with vulnerability and treatment response phenotypes in Han Chinese with major depressive disorder: A case-control association study. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1752. [PMID: 34355541 PMCID: PMC8457701 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding how genetic polymorphisms are associated with the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) may aid in diagnosis and the development of personalized treatment strategies. CNR1 is the gene coding Cannabinoid type 1 receptor which is highly involved in emotional processing and in regulating neurotransmitter releases. We aimed to investigate the associations of CNR1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with MDD susceptibility and treatment response. METHODS The study reported data on 181 Han Chinese with MDD and 80 healthy controls. The associations of CNR1 genetic polymorphisms with MDD susceptibility and treatment response were examined, wherein the MDD patients were subgrouped further by responding to antidepressant treatment, compared with healthy controls separately. RESULTS The CNR1 SNPs rs806367 and rs6454674 and haplotype C-T-T-C of rs806366, rs806367, rs806368, and rs806370 were associated with increased susceptibility for MDD and antidepressant treatment resistance, but the association was not detected in other SNPs or the haplotype block of rs806368 and rs806370. CONCLUSION The CNR1 is a promising candidate for the genetic association study of MDD. Larger and well-characterized samples are required to confirm the genetic association of CNR1 with MDD because of the limitations such as relatively small sample size and lack of information for correcting confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghao Yang
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin, China.,University Centre of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilja M Nolte
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yanyan Ma
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuguang An
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fokko J Bosker
- University Centre of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Research School Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jie Li
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Circulating endocannabinoids and prospective risk for depression in trauma-injury survivors. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100304. [PMID: 33614866 PMCID: PMC7876629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological mechanisms associated with response to trauma may impact risk for depression. One such mechanism is endocannabinoid signaling (eCB), a neuromodulatory system comprised of the CB1 subtype of cannabinoid receptors (CB1R), encoded by the CNR1 gene, and two primary endogenous ligands: 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA), hydrolyzed by monoacylglycerol lipase (gene name MGLL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (gene name FAAH). Preclinical data suggest that eCB/CB1R signaling acts as a stress buffer and its loss or suppression increases depression-like behaviors. We examined circulating concentrations of the eCBs (2-AG and AEA) days and six months after a traumatic injury as a marker of eCB/CB1R signaling and as predictors of Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale-Revised [CESD-R] scores as a measure of depression severity six months after injury. We also explored associations of CNR1, FAAH, and MGLL genetic variance with depression severity at six months. Results from hierarchical multiple linear regressions showed that higher 2-AG serum concentrations after trauma predicted greater depression at six months (β = 0.23, p = 0.007); neither AEA after trauma, nor 2-AG and AEA at six months were significant predictors (p's > 0.305). Carriers of minor allele for the putative single nucleotide polymorphism in the CNR1 gene rs806371 (β = 0.19, p = 0.024) experienced greater depression at six months. These data suggest that the eCB signaling system is highly activated following trauma and that eCB/CB1R activity contributes to long-term depression risk.
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Peiró AM, García-Gutiérrez MS, Planelles B, Femenía T, Mingote C, Jiménez-Treviño L, Martínez-Barrondo S, García-Portilla MP, Saiz PA, Bobes J, Manzanares J. Association of cannabinoid receptor genes ( CNR1 and CNR2) polymorphisms and panic disorder. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2020; 33:256-265. [PMID: 32114795 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2020.1732358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Panic disorder (PD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks along with sudden onset of apprehension, fear or terror. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a role in stress recovery, regulating anxiety. The aim of this study was to analyze potential genetic alterations in key ECS targets in patients suffering from panic disorders.Design and methods: We analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the cannabinoid receptors (CNR1; CNR2) and the endocannabinoid hydrolytic enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) genes in 164 Spanish PD patients and 320 matched controls.Results: No significant differences were observed in the SNPs of the CNR2 and FAAH genes tested. However, when analyzing genotype-by-sex interaction at A592G (rs2501431) and C315T (rs2501432) in the CNR2 gene, the presence of the G-allele in males was associated with a protective haplotype. Genotyping analysis revealed that variants in CNR1 confer vulnerability to PD, with a significantly increased risk associated with the G-allele (rs12720071) and C-allele (rs806368). This finding was consistent when analyzing genotype-by-sex interaction, where females presented a greater PD risk.Conclusions: Polymorphisms at the CNR1 gene may be a risk factor for PD contributing to sex-specific dysfunction in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Peiró
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit and Neuropharmacology on Pain and Functional Diversity (NED), Department of Health of Alicante - General Hospital, ISABIAL, Alicante, Spain
| | - María S García-Gutiérrez
- Neuroscience Institute, Alicante, Miguel Hernández University, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.,Cooperative Networking in Health Research (RETICS-addictive disorders), Health Institute Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Teresa Femenía
- Neuroscience Institute, Alicante, Miguel Hernández University, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Luis Jiménez-Treviño
- Psychiatry Department, Medicine Faculty, University of Oviedo; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM); University Institute of Neuroscience of Asturias, INEUROPA; Health Service of Asturias, SESPA, Asturias, Spain
| | - Sara Martínez-Barrondo
- Psychiatry Department, Medicine Faculty, University of Oviedo; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM); University Institute of Neuroscience of Asturias, INEUROPA; Health Service of Asturias, SESPA, Asturias, Spain
| | - M Paz García-Portilla
- Psychiatry Department, Medicine Faculty, University of Oviedo; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM); University Institute of Neuroscience of Asturias, INEUROPA; Health Service of Asturias, SESPA, Asturias, Spain
| | - Pilar A Saiz
- Psychiatry Department, Medicine Faculty, University of Oviedo; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM); University Institute of Neuroscience of Asturias, INEUROPA; Health Service of Asturias, SESPA, Asturias, Spain
| | - Julio Bobes
- Psychiatry Department, Medicine Faculty, University of Oviedo; Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM); University Institute of Neuroscience of Asturias, INEUROPA; Health Service of Asturias, SESPA, Asturias, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Neuroscience Institute, Alicante, Miguel Hernández University, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.,Cooperative Networking in Health Research (RETICS-addictive disorders), Health Institute Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
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Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Jurado-Barba R, Rubio G, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Endocannabinoid System Components as Potential Biomarkers in Psychiatry. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:315. [PMID: 32395111 PMCID: PMC7197485 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The high heterogeneity of psychiatric disorders leads to a lack of diagnostic precision. Therefore, the search of biomarkers is a fundamental aspect in psychiatry to reach a more personalized medicine. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has gained increasing interest due to its involvement in many different functional processes in the brain, including the regulation of emotions, motivation, and cognition. This article reviews the role of the main components of the ECS as biomarkers in certain psychiatric disorders. Studies carried out in rodents evaluating the effects of pharmacological and genetic manipulation of cannabinoid receptors or endocannabinoids (eCBs) degrading enzymes were included. Likewise, the ECS-related alterations occurring at the molecular level in animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neuropathological aspects of psychiatric disorders were reviewed. Furthermore, clinical studies evaluating gene or protein alterations in post-mortem brain tissue or in vivo blood, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed. Also, the results from neuroimaging studies using positron emission tomography (PET) or functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) were included. This review shows the close involvement of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1r) in stress regulation and the development of mood disorders [anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder (BD)], in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or eating disorders (i.e. anorexia and bulimia nervosa). On the other hand, recent results reveal the potential therapeutic action of the endocannabinoid tone manipulation by inhibition of eCBs degrading enzymes, as well as by the modulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2r) activity on anxiolytic, antidepressive, or antipsychotic associated effects. Further clinical research studies are needed; however, current evidence suggests that the components of the ECS may become promising biomarkers in psychiatry to improve, at least in part, the diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Jurado-Barba
- Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Educación y Salud, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Rubio
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Romero-Sanchiz P, Nogueira-Arjona R, Pastor A, Araos P, Serrano A, Boronat A, Garcia-Marchena N, Mayoral F, Bordallo A, Alen F, Suárez J, de la Torre R, Pavón FJ, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. Plasma concentrations of oleoylethanolamide in a primary care sample of depressed patients are increased in those treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-type antidepressants. Neuropharmacology 2019; 149:212-220. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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9
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Depression as a Neuroendocrine Disorder: Emerging Neuropsychopharmacological Approaches beyond Monoamines. Adv Pharmacol Sci 2019; 2019:7943481. [PMID: 30719038 PMCID: PMC6335777 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7943481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is currently recognized as a crucial problem in everyday clinical practice, in light of ever-increasing rates of prevalence, as well as disability, morbidity, and mortality related to this disorder. Currently available antidepressant drugs are notoriously problematic, with suboptimal remission rates and troubling side-effect profiles. Their mechanisms of action focus on the monoamine hypothesis for depression, which centers on the disruption of serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. Nevertheless, views on the pathophysiology of depression have evolved notably, and the comprehension of depression as a complex neuroendocrine disorder with important systemic implications has sparked interest in a myriad of novel neuropsychopharmacological approaches. Innovative pharmacological targets beyond monoamines include glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, various endocrine axes, as well as several neurosteroids, neuropeptides, opioids, endocannabinoids and endovanilloids. This review summarizes current knowledge on these pharmacological targets and their potential utility in the clinical management of depression.
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Mato S, Pilar-Cuéllar F, Valdizán EM, González-Maeso J, Rodríguez-Puertas R, Meana J, Sallés J, Crespo-Facorro B, Pazos Á. Selective up-regulation of cannabinoid CB 1 receptor coupling to Go-proteins in suicide victims with mood disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:258-265. [PMID: 30099006 PMCID: PMC6263149 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Brain endocannabinoid system is proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of affective disorders. In the present study, we analyzed the functionality of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 receptor) at different transduction levels in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of depressed suicide victims. We examined stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding, activation of Gα protein subunits and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2, as well as [3H]CP55,940 binding, in PFC homogenates from suicide victims with major depression (MD) and matched control subjects. CB1 receptor-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was significantly greater in the PFC of MD compared with matched controls (23%, p < 0.05). This increase was most evident in the PFC from MD subgroup with negative blood test for antidepressants (AD) at the time of death (AD-free) (38%, p < 0.05), being absent when comparing the AD-treated MD cases with their controls. The density of CB1 receptors and their coupling to adenylyl cyclase were similar between MD and control cases, regardless of the existence of AD intake. Analysis of [35S]GTPγS-labelled Gα subunits allowed for the detection of upregulated CB1 receptor coupling to Gαo, but not to Gαi1, Gαi2, Gαi3, Gαz subunits, in the PFC from AD-free MD suicides. These results suggest that increased CB1 receptor functionality at the Gαi/o protein level in the PFC of MD subjects is due to enhanced coupling to Gαo proteins and might be modulated by AD intake. These data provide new insights into the role of endocannabinoid neurotransmission in the pathobiology of MD and suggest its regulation by ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Mato
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Fuencisla Pilar-Cuéllar
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of Cantabria (IBBTEC), E-39011 Santander, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elsa M Valdizán
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of Cantabria (IBBTEC), E-39011 Santander, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier González-Maeso
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48940 Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Javier Meana
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), E-28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Joan Sallés
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), E-28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, E-48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), E-28029 Madrid, Spain; Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Santander, Spain
| | - Ángel Pazos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of Cantabria (IBBTEC), E-39011 Santander, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), E-28029 Madrid, Spain.
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11
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The endocannabinoid system in mental disorders: Evidence from human brain studies. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:97-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Gerra MC, Jayanthi S, Manfredini M, Walther D, Schroeder J, Phillips KA, Cadet JL, Donnini C. Gene variants and educational attainment in cannabis use: mediating role of DNA methylation. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:23. [PMID: 29353877 PMCID: PMC5802451 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and sociodemographic risk factors potentially associated with cannabis use (CU) were investigated in 40 cannabis users and 96 control subjects. DNA methylation analyses were also performed to explore the possibility of epigenetic changes related to CU. We conducted a candidate gene association study that included variants involved in the dopaminergic (ANKK1, NCAM1 genes) and endocannabinoid (CNR1, CNR2 gene) pathways. Sociodemographic data included gender, marital status, level of education, and body mass index. We used MeDIP-qPCR to test whether variations in DNA methylation might be associated with CU. We found a significant association between SNP rs1049353 of CNR1 gene (p = 0.01) and CU. Differences were also observed related to rs2501431 of CNR2 gene (p = 0.058). A higher education level appears to decrease the risk of CU. Interestingly, females were less likely to use cannabis than males. There was a significantly higher level of DNA methylation in cannabis users compared to controls in two of the genes tested: hypermethylation at exon 8 of DRD2 gene (p = 0.034) and at the CpG-rich region in the NCAM1 gene (p = 0.0004). Both genetic variants and educational attainment were also related to CU. The higher rate of DNA methylation, evidenced among cannabis users, may be either a marker of CU or a consequence of long-term exposure to cannabis. The identified genetic variants and the differentially methylated regions may represent biomarkers and/or potential targets for designs of pharmacological therapeutic agents. Our observations also suggest that educational programs may be useful strategies for CU prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carla Gerra
- 0000 0004 1758 0937grid.10383.39Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fMolecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Matteo Manfredini
- 0000 0004 1758 0937grid.10383.39Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Donna Walther
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fMolecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jennifer Schroeder
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fOffice of the Clinical Director, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Karran A. Phillips
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fOffice of the Clinical Director, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Claudia Donnini
- 0000 0004 1758 0937grid.10383.39Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 and mu-Opioid Receptor Polymorphisms Are Associated With Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2017; 112:933-939. [PMID: 28349993 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2017.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder defined by recurrent, unexplained episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. Our aim was to investigate whether CVS and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this condition are associated with selected variations in genes encoding the components of the endogenous cannabinoid and opioid systems. METHODS This case-control study included 65 patients with CVS-16 male and 49 female, and 1,092 healthy controls-525 male and 567 female from the 1000 Genomes Project. CVS subjects filled out study-specific questionnaires. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding cannabinoid receptors (CNR1 and CNR2), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) were analyzed using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Correlations between SNP's and clinical characteristics of CVS were ascertained. RESULTS Our study disclosed an increased risk of CVS among individuals with AG and GG genotypes of CNR1 rs806380 (P<0.01), whereas the CC genotype of CNR1 rs806368 and AG and GG genotypes of OPRM1 rs1799971 were associated with a decreased risk of CVS (P<0.05). In addition, AG and GG genotypes of OPRM1 rs1799971 were correlated with migraine episodes, AG and GG of OPRM1 rs1799971, and CT and CC of CNR1 rs806368 with a family history of migraines (second degree relatives), and CT and CC of CNR1 rs2023239 with a positive response to therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our results show for the first time that the variations in CNR1 and OPRM1 genes are associated with CVS and that different genotypes may contribute to the risk of CVS.
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Lester KJ, Coleman JRI, Roberts S, Keers R, Breen G, Bögels S, Creswell C, Hudson JL, McKinnon A, Nauta M, Rapee RM, Schneider S, Silverman WK, Thastum M, Waite P, Wergeland GJH, Eley TC. Genetic variation in the endocannabinoid system and response to Cognitive Behavior Therapy for child anxiety disorders. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2017; 174:144-155. [PMID: 27346075 PMCID: PMC5324578 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Extinction learning is an important mechanism in the successful psychological treatment of anxiety. Individual differences in response and relapse following Cognitive Behavior Therapy may in part be explained by variability in the ease with which fears are extinguished or the vulnerability of these fears to re-emerge. Given the role of the endocannabinoid system in fear extinction, this study investigates whether genetic variation in the endocannabinoid system explains individual differences in response to CBT. Children (N = 1,309) with a primary anxiety disorder diagnosis were recruited. We investigated the relationship between variation in the CNR1, CNR2, and FAAH genes and change in primary anxiety disorder severity between pre- and post-treatment and during the follow-up period in the full sample and a subset with fear-based anxiety disorder diagnoses. Change in symptom severity during active treatment was nominally associated (P < 0.05) with two SNPs. During the follow-up period, five SNPs were nominally associated with a poorer treatment response (rs806365 [CNR1]; rs2501431 [CNR2]; rs2070956 [CNR2]; rs7769940 [CNR1]; rs2209172 [FAAH]) and one with a more favorable response (rs6928813 [CNR1]). Within the fear-based subset, the effect of rs806365 survived multiple testing corrections (P < 0.0016). We found very limited evidence for an association between variants in endocannabinoid system genes and treatment response once multiple testing corrections were applied. Larger, more homogenous cohorts are needed to allow the identification of variants of small but statistically significant effect and to estimate effect sizes for these variants with greater precision in order to determine their potential clinical utility. © 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Lester
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- King's College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Jonathan R I Coleman
- King's College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Susanna Roberts
- King's College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Robert Keers
- King's College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Gerome Breen
- King's College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | - Susan Bögels
- Research Institute Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cathy Creswell
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Jennifer L Hudson
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna McKinnon
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maaike Nauta
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald M Rapee
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Silvia Schneider
- Department of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Wendy K Silverman
- Yale University School of Medicine, Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mikael Thastum
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Polly Waite
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Gro Janne H Wergeland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thalia C Eley
- King's College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
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15
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Fitzgibbon M, Finn DP, Roche M. High Times for Painful Blues: The Endocannabinoid System in Pain-Depression Comorbidity. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 19:pyv095. [PMID: 26342110 PMCID: PMC4815466 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression and pain are two of the most debilitating disorders worldwide and have an estimated cooccurrence of up to 80%. Comorbidity of these disorders is more difficult to treat, associated with significant disability and impaired health-related quality of life than either condition alone, resulting in enormous social and economic cost. Several neural substrates have been identified as potential mediators in the association between depression and pain, including neuroanatomical reorganization, monoamine and neurotrophin depletion, dysregulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and neuroinflammation. However, the past decade has seen mounting evidence supporting a role for the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system in affective and nociceptive processing, and thus, alterations in this system may play a key role in reciprocal interactions between depression and pain. This review will provide an overview of the preclinical evidence supporting an interaction between depression and pain and the evidence supporting a role for the endocannabinoid system in this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology (Ms Fitzgibbon and Dr Roche), and Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Dr Finn), School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research (Ms Fitzgibbon, Dr Finn, and Dr Roche), National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
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16
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Di Marzo V, Centonze D. Placebo effects in a multiple sclerosis spasticity enriched clinical trial with the oromucosal cannabinoid spray (THC/CBD): dimension and possible causes. CNS Neurosci Ther 2015; 21:215-21. [PMID: 25475413 PMCID: PMC6495119 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory authorities admit clinical studies with an initial enrichment phase to select patients that respond to treatment before randomization (Enriched Design Studies; EDSs). The trial period aims to prevent long-term drug exposure risks in patients with limited chances of improvement while optimizing costs. In EDSs for symptom control therapies providing early improvements and without a wash-out period, it is difficult to show further improvements and thus large therapeutic gains versus placebo. Moreover, in trials with cannabinoids, the therapeutic gains can be further biased in the postenrichment randomized phase because of carryover and other effects. The aims of the present review article are to examine the placebo effects in the enrichment and postenrichment phases of an EDS with Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (THC/CBD) oromucosal spray in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity and to discuss the possible causes of maintained efficacy after randomization in the placebo-allocated patients. The overall mean therapeutic gain of THC/CBD spray over placebo in resistant MS spasticity after 16 weeks can be estimated as a ~1.27-point improvement on the spasticity 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; ~-20.1% of the baseline NRS score). We conclude that careful interpretation of the results of EDSs is required, especially when cannabinoid-based medications are being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research GroupInstitute of Biomolecular ChemistryConsiglio Nazionale delle RicerchePozzuoliNaplesItaly
| | - Diego Centonze
- Department of Systems MedicineMultiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research CenterTor Vergata UniversityRomeItaly
- IRCCS Santa Lucia FoundationRomeItaly
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Zajkowska ZE, Englund A, Zunszain PA. Towards a personalized treatment in depression: endocannabinoids, inflammation and stress response. Pharmacogenomics 2014; 15:687-98. [PMID: 24798725 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.14.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex nature of depression is mirrored by difficulties in tailoring its treatment. Key underlying mechanisms of this mental disorder include elevated inflammation and a dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. More recently, the endocannabinoid system has been proposed as another important component in the pathogenesis of depression, and strong evidence suggests that all three systems communicate with each other. A growing number of genetic studies have investigated polymorphisms in depression in each of these systems separately. However, no study to date has looked at these genes in conjunction. In this article we will review the crosstalk between the endocannabinoid system, immune system and HPA axis; and discuss the evidence of gene polymorphisms and their relation to the risk of depression and its treatment. We propose future directions where genes of these three systems are considered from a joint perspective to improve prediction of treatment response, taking into account potentially overlooked genetic variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna E Zajkowska
- Section of Stress, Psychiatry & Immunology, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
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18
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Arias B, Fabbri C, Serretti A, Drago A, Mitjans M, Gastó C, Catalán R, Fañanás L. DISC1-TSNAX and DAOA genes in major depression and citalopram efficacy. J Affect Disord 2014; 168:91-7. [PMID: 25043320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disease with high morbidity and still unsatisfying treatment response. Both MDD pathogenesis and antidepressant effect are supposed to be strongly affected by genetic polymorphisms. Among promising candidate genes, distrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), translin-associated factor X (TSNAX) and D-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA) were suggested since their regulator role in neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity and neurotransmission, and previous evidence of cross-involvement in major psychiatric diseases. METHODS The present paper investigated the role of 13 SNPs within the reported genes in MDD susceptibility through a case-control (n=320 and n=150, respectively) study and in citalopram efficacy (n=157). Measures of citalopram efficacy were response (4th week) and remission (12th week). Pharmacogenetic findings were tested in the STAR(⁎)D genome-wide dataset (n=1892) for replication. RESULTS Evidence of association among rs3738401 (DISC1), rs1615409 and rs766288 (TSNAX) and MDD was found (p=0.004, p=0.0019, and p=0.008, respectively). A trend of association between remission and DISC1 rs821616 and DAOA rs778294 was detected, and confirmation was found for rs778294 by repeated-measure ANOVA (p=0.0008). In the STAR(⁎)D a cluster of SNPs from 20 to 40Kbp from DISC1 findings in the original sample was associated with citalopram response, as well as rs778330 (12,325bp from rs778294). LIMITATIONS Relatively small size of the original sample and focus on only three candidate genes. CONCLUSIONS The present study supported a role of DISC1-TSNAX variants in MDD susceptibility. On the other hand, genetic regions around DAOA rs778294 and DISC1 rs6675281-rs1000731 may influence citalopram efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Arias
- Unitat d'Antropologia (Dep de Biologia Animal) Facultat de Biologia and Institut de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Antonio Drago
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Mitjans
- Unitat d'Antropologia (Dep de Biologia Animal) Facultat de Biologia and Institut de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristóbal Gastó
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Centre de Salut Mental Esquerre de l´Eixample, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona. Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Catalán
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Centre de Salut Mental Esquerre de l´Eixample, Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona. Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lourdes Fañanás
- Unitat d'Antropologia (Dep de Biologia Animal) Facultat de Biologia and Institut de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Thompson MD, Cole DEC, Capra V, Siminovitch KA, Rovati GE, Burnham WM, Rana BK. Pharmacogenetics of the G protein-coupled receptors. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1175:189-242. [PMID: 25150871 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0956-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacogenetics investigates the influence of genetic variants on physiological phenotypes related to drug response and disease, while pharmacogenomics takes a genome-wide approach to advancing this knowledge. Both play an important role in identifying responders and nonresponders to medication, avoiding adverse drug reactions, and optimizing drug dose for the individual. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the primary target of therapeutic drugs and have been the focus of these studies. With the advance of genomic technologies, there has been a substantial increase in the inventory of naturally occurring rare and common GPCR variants. These variants include single-nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion or deletions that have potential to alter GPCR expression of function. In vivo and in vitro studies have determined functional roles for many GPCR variants, but genetic association studies that define the physiological impact of the majority of these common variants are still limited. Despite the breadth of pharmacogenetic data available, GPCR variants have not been included in drug labeling and are only occasionally considered in optimizing clinical use of GPCR-targeted agents. In this chapter, pharmacogenetic and genomic studies on GPCR variants are reviewed with respect to a subset of GPCR systems, including the adrenergic, calcium sensing, cysteinyl leukotriene, cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, and the de-orphanized receptors such as GPR55. The nature of the disruption to receptor function is discussed with respect to regulation of gene expression, expression on the cell surface (affected by receptor trafficking, dimerization, desensitization/downregulation), or perturbation of receptor function (altered ligand binding, G protein coupling, constitutive activity). The large body of experimental data generated on structure and function relationships and receptor-ligand interactions are being harnessed for the in silico functional prediction of naturally occurring GPCR variants. We provide information on online resources dedicated to GPCRs and present applications of publically available computational tools for pharmacogenetic studies of GPCRs. As the breadth of GPCR pharmacogenomic data becomes clearer, the opportunity for routine assessment of GPCR variants to predict disease risk, drug response, and potential adverse drug effects will become possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles D Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 1A8,
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20
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Hillard CJ, Liu QS. Endocannabinoid signaling in the etiology and treatment of major depressive illness. Curr Pharm Des 2014; 20:3795-811. [PMID: 24180398 PMCID: PMC4002665 DOI: 10.2174/13816128113196660735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to examine human and preclinical data that are relevant to the following hypotheses. The first hypothesis is that deficient CB1R-mediated signaling results in symptoms that mimic those seen in depression. The second hypothesis is that activation of CB1R-mediated signaling results in behavioral, endocrine and other effects that are similar to those produced by currently used antidepressants. The third hypothesis is that conventional antidepressant therapies act through enhanced CB1R mediated signaling. Together the available data indicate that activators of CB1R signaling, particularly inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase, should be considered for clinical trials for the treatment of depression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology
- Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/enzymology
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/pathology
- Cannabis
- Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy
- Depressive Disorder, Major/etiology
- Depressive Disorder, Major/genetics
- Depressive Disorder, Major/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endocannabinoids/genetics
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Humans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Neurogenesis/drug effects
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qing-song Liu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226.
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21
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El-Hage W, Leman S, Camus V, Belzung C. Mechanisms of antidepressant resistance. Front Pharmacol 2013; 4:146. [PMID: 24319431 PMCID: PMC3837246 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the most frequent and severe mental disorder. Since the discovery of antidepressant (AD) properties of the imipramine and then after of other tricyclic compounds, several classes of psychotropic drugs have shown be effective in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). However, there is a wide range of variability in response to ADs that might lead to non response or partial response or in increased rate of relapse or recurrence. The mechanisms of response to AD therapy are poorly understood, and few biomarkers are available than can predict response to pharmacotherapy. Here, we will first review markers that can be used to predict response to pharmacotherapy, such as markers of drug metabolism or blood-brain barrier (BBB) function, the activity of specific brain areas or neurotransmitter systems, hormonal dysregulations or plasticity, and related molecular targets. We will describe both clinical and preclinical studies and describe factors that might affect the expression of these markers, including environmental or genetic factors and comorbidities. This information will permit us to suggest practical recommendations and innovative treatment strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam El-Hage
- INSERM 930, Faculté de Sciences et Techniques, Université François Rabelais Tours, France ; Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Tours, Centre Expert Dépression Résistante, Fondation FondaMental Tours, France
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22
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Hill MN, Patel S. Translational evidence for the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in stress-related psychiatric illnesses. BIOLOGY OF MOOD & ANXIETY DISORDERS 2013; 3:19. [PMID: 24286185 PMCID: PMC3817535 DOI: 10.1186/2045-5380-3-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence over the past decade has highlighted an important role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in the regulation of stress and emotional behavior across divergent species, from rodents to humans. The general findings from this work indicate that the eCB system plays an important role in gating and buffering the stress response, dampening anxiety and regulating mood. Work in rodents has allowed researchers to determine the neural mechanisms mediating this relationship while work in human populations has demonstrated the possible importance of this system in stress-related psychiatric diseases, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety and major depression. These stress-protective effects of eCB signaling appear to be primarily mediated by their actions within corticolimbic structures, particularly the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date discussion of the current level of knowledge in this field, as well as address the current gaps in knowledge and specific areas of research that require attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Departments of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary AB T2N4N1, Canada.
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Mitjans M, Serretti A, Fabbri C, Gastó C, Catalán R, Fañanás L, Arias B. Screening genetic variability at the CNR1 gene in both major depression etiology and clinical response to citalopram treatment. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 227:509-19. [PMID: 23407780 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-2995-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of major depression (MD) as well as in the mediation of antidepressant drug effects. OBJECTIVES To analyze CNR1 gene variants in MD and clinical response to citalopram (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors [SSRI]). METHODS The role of CNR1 gene (rs806368, rs1049353, rs806371, rs806377 and rs1535255) was investigated in 319 outpatients with MD and 150 healthy individuals. A subsample of 155 depressive patients were treated with citalopram and evaluated for response (fourth week) and remission (12th week) by the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). RESULTS We observed a higher frequency of rs806371 G carriers in MD patients with both presence of melancholia (p = 0.018) and psychotic symptoms (p = 0.007) than in controls. Haplotype frequency distributions between MD sample and controls showed a significant difference for Block 1 (rs806368-rs1049353-rs806371) (p = 0.008). This haplotype finding was consistent when we compared controls with MD subsample stratified by melancholia (p = 0.0009) and psychotic symptoms (p = 0.014). The TT homozygous of the rs806368 and rs806371 presented more risk of no Remission than the C carriers (p = 0.008 and 0.012, respectively). Haplotype frequency distributions according to Remission status showed a significant difference for Block 1 (p = 0.032). Also, we observed significant effect of time-sex-genotype interaction for the rs806368, showing that the C carrier men presented a better response to antidepressant treatment throughout the follow-up than TT homozygous men and women group (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest an effect of CNR1 gene in the etiology of MD and clinical response to citalopram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Mitjans
- Unitat d'Antropologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona/Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Av. Diagonal, 643 2on pis, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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