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Khanal P, Patil VS, Bhattacharya K, Patil BM. Multifaceted targets of cannabidiol in epilepsy: Modulating glutamate signaling and beyond. Comput Biol Med 2024; 179:108898. [PMID: 39047503 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Cannabidiol has been reported to interact with broad-spectrum biological targets with pleiotropic pharmacology including epilepsy although a cohesive mechanism is yet to be determined. Even though some studies propose that cannabidiol may manipulate glutamatergic signals, there is insufficient evidence to support cannabidiol direct effect on glutamate signaling, which is important in intervening epilepsy. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the epilepsy-related targets for cannabidiol, assess the differentially expressed genes with its treatment, and identify the possible glutamatergic signaling target. In this study, the epileptic protein targets of cannabidiol were identified using the Tanimoto coefficient and similarity index-based targets fishing which were later overlapped with the altered expression, epileptic biomarkers, and genetically altered proteins in epilepsy. The common proteins were then screened for possible glutamatergic signaling targets with differentially expressed genes. Later, molecular docking and simulation were performed using AutoDock Vina and GROMACS to evaluate binding affinity, ligand-protein stability, hydrophilic interaction, protein compactness, etc. Cannabidiol identified 30 different epilepsy-related targets of multiple protein classes including G-protein coupled receptors, enzymes, ion channels, etc. Glutamate receptor 2 was identified to be genetically varied in epilepsy which was targeted by cannabidiol and its expression was increased with its treatment. More importantly, cannabidiol showed a direct binding affinity with Glutamate receptor 2 forming a stable hydrophilic interaction and comparatively lower root mean squared deviation and residual fluctuations, increasing protein compactness with broad conformational changes. Based on the cheminformatic target fishing, evaluation of differentially expressed genes, molecular docking, and simulations, it can be hypothesized that cannabidiol may possess glutamate receptor 2-mediated anti-epileptic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pukar Khanal
- KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi, 590010, India; Silicon Script Sciences Private Limited, Bharatpur, Ghorahi, Dang, Nepal.
| | - Vishal S Patil
- KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi, 590010, India
| | | | - B M Patil
- KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi, 590010, India; PRES's Pravara Rural College of Pharmacy Pravaranagar, Loni, Maharashtra, India
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Guldager MB, Biojone C, da Silva NR, Godoy LD, Joca S. New insights into the involvement of serotonin and BDNF-TrkB signalling in cannabidiol's antidepressant effect. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111029. [PMID: 38762160 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid devoid of psychostimulant properties and is currently under investigation as a potential antidepressant drug. However, the mechanisms underlying CBD's antidepressant effects are not yet well understood. CBD targets include a variety of receptors, enzymes, and transporters, with different binding-affinities. Neurochemical and pharmacological evidence indicates that both serotonin and BDNF-TrkB signalling in the prefrontal cortex are necessary for the antidepressant effects induced by CBD in animal models. Herein, we reviewed the current literature to dissect if these are independent mechanisms or if CBD-induced modulation of the serotonergic neurotransmission could mediate its neuroplastic effects through subsequent regulation of BDNF-TrkB signalling, thus culminating in rapid neuroplastic changes. It is hypothesized that: a) CBD interaction with serotonin receptors on neurons of the dorsal raphe nuclei and the resulting disinhibition of serotonergic neurons would promote rapid serotonin release in the PFC and hence its neuroplastic and antidepressant effects; b) CBD facilitates BDNF-TRKB signalling, especially in the PFC, which rapidly triggers neurochemical and neuroplastic effects. These hypotheses are discussed with perspectives for new drug development and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Bock Guldager
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Caroline Biojone
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicole Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Livea Dornela Godoy
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Pierce ZP, Bogatz AS, Johnson ER, Lear BE, Nelson CC, Black JM. RETRACTED: Left hemisphere lateralization of the limbic system and frontoparietal network (FPN) correlates with positive and negative symptom improvement following cannabidiol (CBD) administration in psychosis and ultra-high risk (UHR) populations: A voxel-wise meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 175:160-169. [PMID: 38735261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the authors when they discovered and reported to the editors that articles containing population samples drawn from similar cohorts of healthy participants without psychosis were erroneously included in the psychosis subgroup of the meta-analysis. This error in the systematic review processes ultimately affects the findings in the meta-analysis. The authors deeply apologize for this error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary P Pierce
- Community Behavioral Health Center, Riverside Community Care, Milford, MA, USA; Cell to Society Lab, Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.
| | - Andrew S Bogatz
- Cell to Society Lab, Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Emily R Johnson
- Cell to Society Lab, Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Primary Care Department, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brianna E Lear
- Cell to Society Lab, Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Collin C Nelson
- Community Behavioral Health Center, Riverside Community Care, Milford, MA, USA
| | - Jessica M Black
- Cell to Society Lab, Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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Gudmundson AT, Koo A, Virovka A, Amirault AL, Soo M, Cho JH, Oeltzschner G, Edden RAE, Stark CEL. Meta-analysis and open-source database for in vivo brain Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy in health and disease. Anal Biochem 2023; 676:115227. [PMID: 37423487 PMCID: PMC10561665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Proton (1H) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive tool capable of quantifying brain metabolite concentrations in vivo. Prioritization of standardization and accessibility in the field has led to the development of universal pulse sequences, methodological consensus recommendations, and the development of open-source analysis software packages. One on-going challenge is methodological validation with ground-truth data. As ground-truths are rarely available for in vivo measurements, data simulations have become an important tool. The diverse literature of metabolite measurements has made it challenging to define ranges to be used within simulations. Especially for the development of deep learning and machine learning algorithms, simulations must be able to produce accurate spectra capturing all the nuances of in vivo data. Therefore, we sought to determine the physiological ranges and relaxation rates of brain metabolites which can be used both in data simulations and as reference estimates. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we've identified relevant MRS research articles and created an open-source database containing methods, results, and other article information as a resource. Using this database, expectation values and ranges for metabolite concentrations and T2 relaxation times are established based upon a meta-analyses of healthy and diseased brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T Gudmundson
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Annie Koo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Anna Virovka
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa L Amirault
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Madelene Soo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jocelyn H Cho
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Gunasekera B, Wilson R, O'Neill A, Blest-Hopley G, O'Daly O, Bhattacharyya S. Cannabidiol attenuates insular activity during motivational salience processing in patients with early psychosis. Psychol Med 2023; 53:4732-4741. [PMID: 35775365 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722001672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying the antipsychotic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) remain unclear but growing evidence indicates that dysfunction in the insula, a key brain region involved in the processing of motivationally salient stimuli, may have a role in the pathophysiology of psychosis. Here, we investigate whether the antipsychotic mechanisms of CBD are underpinned by their effects on insular activation, known to be involved in salience processing. METHODS A within-subject, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of 19 healthy controls and 15 participants with early psychosis was conducted. Administration of a single dose of CBD was compared with placebo in psychosis participants while performing the monetary incentive delay task, an fMRI paradigm. Anticipation of reward and loss were used to contrast motivationally salient stimuli against a neutral control condition. RESULTS No group differences in brain activation between psychosis patients compared with healthy controls were observed. Attenuation of insula activation was observed following CBD, compared to placebo. Sensitivity analyses controlling for current cannabis use history did not affect the main results. CONCLUSION Our findings are in accordance with existing evidence suggesting that CBD modulates brain regions involved in salience processing. Whether such effects underlie the putative antipsychotic effects of CBD remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Gunasekera
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Robin Wilson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Aisling O'Neill
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Grace Blest-Hopley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Owen O'Daly
- Department of Neuroimaging, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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van Boxel R, Gangadin SS, Janssen H, van der Steur S, van der Vinne LJC, Dortants L, Pelgrim TAD, Draisma LWR, Tuura R, van der Meer P, Batalla A, Bossong MG. The impact of cannabidiol treatment on resting state functional connectivity, prefrontal metabolite levels and reward processing in recent-onset patients with a psychotic disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:93-101. [PMID: 37207437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.019] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The first clinical trials with cannabidiol (CBD) as treatment for psychotic disorders have shown its potential as an effective and well-tolerated antipsychotic agent. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the antipsychotic profile of CBD are currently unclear. Here we investigated the impact of 28-day adjunctive CBD or placebo treatment (600 mg daily) on brain function and metabolism in 31 stable recent-onset psychosis patients (<5 years after diagnosis). Before and after treatment, patients underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) session including resting state functional MRI, proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and functional MRI during reward processing. Symptomatology and cognitive functioning were also assessed. CBD treatment significantly changed functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN; time × treatment interaction p = 0.037), with increased connectivity in the CBD (from 0.59 ± 0.39 to 0.80 ± 0.32) and reduced connectivity in the placebo group (from 0.77 ± 0.37 to 0.62 ± 0.33). Although there were no significant treatment effects on prefrontal metabolite concentrations, we showed that decreased positive symptom severity over time was associated with both diminishing glutamate (p = 0.029) and N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA; neuronal integrity marker) levels (p = 0.019) in the CBD, but not the placebo group. CBD treatment did not have an impact on brain activity patterns during reward anticipation and receipt or functional connectivity in executive and salience networks. Our results show that adjunctive CBD treatment of recent-onset psychosis patients induced changes in DMN functional connectivity, but not prefrontal metabolite concentrations or brain activity during reward processing. These findings suggest that DMN connectivity alteration may be involved in the therapeutic effects of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben van Boxel
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Shiral S Gangadin
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Section of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hella Janssen
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne van der Steur
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lucia J C van der Vinne
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lon Dortants
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Teuntje A D Pelgrim
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Luc W R Draisma
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruth Tuura
- Center of MR Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pim van der Meer
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Albert Batalla
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs G Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Gudmundson AT, Koo A, Virovka A, Amirault AL, Soo M, Cho JH, Oeltzschner G, Edden RA, Stark C. Meta-analysis and Open-source Database for In Vivo Brain Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Health and Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.10.528046. [PMID: 37205343 PMCID: PMC10187197 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.10.528046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Proton ( 1 H) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive tool capable of quantifying brain metabolite concentrations in vivo . Prioritization of standardization and accessibility in the field has led to the development of universal pulse sequences, methodological consensus recommendations, and the development of open-source analysis software packages. One on-going challenge is methodological validation with ground-truth data. As ground-truths are rarely available for in vivo measurements, data simulations have become an important tool. The diverse literature of metabolite measurements has made it challenging to define ranges to be used within simulations. Especially for the development of deep learning and machine learning algorithms, simulations must be able to produce accurate spectra capturing all the nuances of in vivo data. Therefore, we sought to determine the physiological ranges and relaxation rates of brain metabolites which can be used both in data simulations and as reference estimates. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we've identified relevant MRS research articles and created an open-source database containing methods, results, and other article information as a resource. Using this database, expectation values and ranges for metabolite concentrations and T 2 relaxation times are established based upon a meta-analyses of healthy and diseased brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T. Gudmundson
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
| | - Annie Koo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Anna Virovka
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Alyssa L. Amirault
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Madelene Soo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Jocelyn H. Cho
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
| | - Richard A.E. Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
| | - Craig Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
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Serrano-Jiménez E, de Lucas-Moreno MG. [Use of psychoactive substances as a treatment for psychosis]. Rev Neurol 2023; 76:361-370. [PMID: 37231549 PMCID: PMC10478129 DOI: 10.33588/rn.7611.2023077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychotic disorders are considered chronic mental health issues. Although it has been demonstrated that these disorders can present with a wide range of symptoms, pharmacological treatment is based on the use of typical and atypical antipsychotics, whose main mechanism of action is dopaminergic blockade, limiting their effect to the improvement of positive symptoms, without improving the rest of the symptoms and giving rise to a large number of serious adverse effects. For this reason, new therapeutic targets other than the dopaminergic system are being studied. The main objective of this review is to test whether these psychoactive substances used in clinical practice could provide additional benefits as an adjunctive treatment for people with psychotic disorders. DEVELOPMENT For this systematic review, a literature search was conducted in the databases PsycINFO, Medline, Psicodoc, PubMed and Google Scholar. Altogether 28 articles were included in the review. One of the main findings is that cannabidiol is more effective for improving positive symptoms and psychopathology; modafinil, for cognitive symptoms, motor and emotional functioning and quality of life; and ketamine, for negative symptoms. In addition, all the substances showed a good tolerability and safety profile, especially in comparison to antipsychotics. CONCLUSION The results obtained open up the possibility of having a guideline for clinicians/health professionals on the use of cannabidiol, modafinil and ketamine as adjunctive treatment for patients with psychotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Serrano-Jiménez
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, España
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur, Vigo, España
- CT Madrid. Fundación FAER, Madrid, España
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Martin F, Dubertret C, Le Strat Y, Mallet J. Le potentiel thérapeutique du cannabidiol chez les sujets présentant un trouble du spectre psychotique : une revue systématique de la littérature sur les essais contrôlés randomisés. ANNALES MÉDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES, REVUE PSYCHIATRIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
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Jeon KH, Park SH, Bae WJ, Kim SW, Park HJ, Kim S, Kim TH, Jeon SH, Park I, Park HJ, Kwon Y. Cannabidiol, a Regulator of Intracellular Calcium and Calpain. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:119-125. [PMID: 35196129 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant components of Cannabis and has long been used in Cannabis-based preparations. Recently, CBD has become a promising pharmacological agent because of its beneficial properties in the pathophysiology of several diseases. Although CBD is a kind of cannabinoid and acts on cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), molecular targets involved in diverse therapeutic properties of CBD have not been identified because CBD also interacts with other molecular targets. Considering that CBD alters the intracellular calcium level by which calpain activity is controlled, and both CBD and calpain are associated with various diseases related to calcium signaling, including neurological disorders, this review provides an overview of calpain and calcium signaling as possible molecular targets of CBD. As calpain is known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of neurological disease, a deeper understanding of its relationship with CBD will be meaningful. To understand the role of CBD as a calpain regulator, in silico structural analysis on the binding mode of CBD with calpain was performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hwa Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Drug Development Research Core Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyuck Park
- Institute of Cannabis Research, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Pueblo, Colorado, USA
| | - Woong Jin Bae
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Green Medicine Co., Ltd., Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Park
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soomin Kim
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Seung Hwan Jeon
- Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilbum Park
- Yuhan Care Co., Ltd., Yuhan Care R&D Center, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Je Park
- Yuhan Care Co., Ltd., Yuhan Natural Product R&D Center, Andong, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjoo Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Drug Development Research Core Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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11
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Davies C, Bossong MG, Martins D, Wilson R, Appiah-Kusi E, Blest-Hopley G, Allen P, Zelaya F, Lythgoe DJ, Brammer M, Perez J, McGuire P, Bhattacharyya S. Hippocampal Glutamate, Resting Perfusion and the Effects of Cannabidiol in Psychosis Risk. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2023; 4:sgad022. [PMID: 39145348 PMCID: PMC11207663 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Preclinical and human data suggest that psychosis onset involves hippocampal glutamatergic dysfunction, driving hyperactivity and hyperperfusion in a hippocampal-midbrain-striatal circuit. Whether glutamatergic dysfunction is related to cerebral perfusion in patients at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis, and whether cannabidiol (CBD) has ameliorative effects on glutamate or its relationship with perfusion remains unknown. Methods Using a double-blind, parallel-group design, 33 CHR patients were randomized to a single 600 mg dose of CBD or placebo; 19 healthy controls did not receive any drug. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure glutamate concentrations in left hippocampus. We examined differences relating to CHR status (controls vs placebo), effects of CBD (placebo vs CBD), and linear between-group effects, such that placebo>CBD>controls or controls>CBD>placebo. We also examined group × glutamate × cerebral perfusion (measured using Arterial Spin Labeling) interactions. Results Compared to controls, CHR-placebo patients had significantly lower hippocampal glutamate (P =.015) and a significant linear relationship was observed across groups, such that glutamate was highest in controls, lowest in CHR-placebo, and intermediate in CHR-CBD (P =.031). Moreover, there was a significant interaction between group (controls vs CHR-placebo), hippocampal glutamate, and perfusion in the putamen and insula (P FWE =.012), with a strong positive correlation in CHR-placebo vs a negative correlation in controls. Conclusions Our findings suggest that hippocampal glutamate is lower in CHR patients and may be partially normalized by a single dose of CBD. Furthermore, we provide the first in vivo evidence of an abnormal relationship between hippocampal glutamate and perfusion in the striatum and insula in CHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Davies
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Matthijs G Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Martins
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Robin Wilson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Appiah-Kusi
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Grace Blest-Hopley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Allen
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Fernando Zelaya
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - David J Lythgoe
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Brammer
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Jesus Perez
- CAMEO Early Intervention Service, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Research (IBSAL), Department of Medicine, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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12
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Temmermand R, Barrett JE, Fontana ACK. Glutamatergic systems in neuropathic pain and emerging non-opioid therapies. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106492. [PMID: 36228868 PMCID: PMC10413816 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, a disease of the somatosensory nervous system, afflicts many individuals and adequate management with current pharmacotherapies remains elusive. The glutamatergic system of neurons, receptors and transporters are intimately involved in pain but, to date, there have been few drugs developed that therapeutically modulate this system. Glutamate transporters, or excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), remove excess glutamate around pain transmitting neurons to decrease nociception suggesting that the modulation of glutamate transporters may represent a novel approach to the treatment of pain. This review highlights and summarizes (1) the physiology of the glutamatergic system in neuropathic pain, (2) the preclinical evidence for dysregulation of glutamate transport in animal pain models, and (3) emerging novel therapies that modulate glutamate transporters. Successful drug discovery requires continuous focus on basic and translational methods to fully elucidate the etiologies of this disease to enable the development of targeted therapies. Increasing the efficacy of astrocytic EAATs may serve as a new way to successfully treat those suffering from this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhea Temmermand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - James E Barrett
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Andréia C K Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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13
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Knight S, McCutcheon R, Dwir D, Grace AA, O'Daly O, McGuire P, Modinos G. Hippocampal circuit dysfunction in psychosis. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:344. [PMID: 36008395 PMCID: PMC9411597 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite strong evidence of the neurodevelopmental origins of psychosis, current pharmacological treatment is not usually initiated until after a clinical diagnosis is made, and is focussed on antagonising striatal dopamine receptors. These drugs are only partially effective, have serious side effects, fail to alleviate the negative and cognitive symptoms of the disorder, and are not useful as a preventive treatment. In recent years, attention has turned to upstream brain regions that regulate striatal dopamine function, such as the hippocampus. This review draws together these recent data to discuss why the hippocampus may be especially vulnerable in the pathophysiology of psychosis. First, we describe the neurodevelopmental trajectory of the hippocampus and its susceptibility to dysfunction, exploring this region's proneness to structural and functional imbalances, metabolic pressures, and oxidative stress. We then examine mechanisms of hippocampal dysfunction in psychosis and in individuals at high-risk for psychosis and discuss how and when hippocampal abnormalities may be targeted in these groups. We conclude with future directions for prospective studies to unlock the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies targeting hippocampal circuit imbalances to prevent or delay the onset of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Knight
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Robert McCutcheon
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniella Dwir
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anthony A Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Owen O'Daly
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Gemma Modinos
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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14
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Kirkland AE, Fadus MC, Gruber SA, Gray KM, Wilens TE, Squeglia LM. A scoping review of the use of cannabidiol in psychiatric disorders. Psychiatry Res 2022; 308:114347. [PMID: 34952255 PMCID: PMC8799523 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a fast-growing avenue for research in psychiatry, and clinicians are challenged with understanding the implications of CBD for treating mental health disorders. The goal of this review is to serve as a guide for mental health professionals by providing an overview of CBD and a synthesis the current evidence within major psychiatric disorders. PubMed and PsycINFO were searched for articles containing the terms "cannabidiol" in addition to major psychiatric disorders and symptoms, yielding 2952 articles. Only randomized controlled trials or within-subject studies investigating CBD as a treatment option for psychiatric disorders (N = 16) were included in the review. Studies were reviewed for psychotic disorders (n = 6), anxiety disorders (n = 3), substance use disorders (tobacco n = 3, cannabis n = 2, opioid n = 1), and insomnia (n = 1). There were no published studies that met inclusion criteria for alcohol or stimulant use disorder, PTSD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or mood disorders. Synthesis of the CBD literature indicates it is generally safe and well tolerated. The most promising preliminary findings are related to the use of CBD in psychotic symptoms and anxiety. There is currently not enough high-quality evidence to suggest the clinical use of CBD for any psychiatric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Kirkland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
| | - Matthew C Fadus
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Staci A Gruber
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin M Gray
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Timothy E Wilens
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Center for Addiction Medicine Co-Director, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lindsay M Squeglia
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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15
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Dyck GJB, Maayah ZH, Eurich DT, Dyck JRB. Understanding the Potential Benefits of Cannabidiol for Patients With Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2022; 3:sgab053. [PMID: 39144756 PMCID: PMC11205871 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Research suggests that cannabis-derived delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol can be linked to the worsening of psychosis and/or other symptoms of schizophrenia. However, studies have shown that another major cannabinoid found in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), may be a potential alternative or adjunctive treatment for psychosis and schizophrenia. As such, herein we review the relevant literature relating to the safety and efficacy of CBD treatment in patients with schizophrenia, including the effects of CBD in treating the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of the disorder, as well as the molecular mechanisms by which CBD can reduce schizophrenic symptoms. The potential utility of CBD for mitigating cannabis cravings and cannabis withdrawal in this patient population will also be reviewed. Lastly, the dosing, method of drug delivery, length of treatment, and adverse effects of CBD in patients with schizophrenia are discussed. Thus, the goal of this narrative review is to help clinicians and researchers better understand the risks and benefits of this potential therapy for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrison J B Dyck
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zaid H Maayah
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Dean T Eurich
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jason R B Dyck
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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16
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Chesney E, Oliver D, McGuire P. Cannabidiol (CBD) as a novel treatment in the early phases of psychosis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1179-1190. [PMID: 34255100 PMCID: PMC9110455 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05905-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological interventions available for individuals in the early stages of psychosis are extremely limited. For those at clinical high risk for psychosis, there is no licensed treatment available. For those with first-episode psychosis, all licensed antipsychotic medications act via dopamine D2 receptors. While treatment with antipsychotics is transformative in some patients, in others, it is ineffective. In addition, these medications can often cause adverse effects which make patients reluctant to take them. This is a particular problem in the early phases of psychosis, when patients are being treated for the first time, as unpleasant experiences may colour their future attitude towards treatment. Recent research has suggested that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, may have antipsychotic effects and relatively few adverse effects and could therefore be an ideal treatment for the early phases of psychosis, when minimising adverse effects is a clinical priority. In this review, we consider CBD's potential as a treatment in the clinical high risk and first-episode stages of psychosis. First, we describe the limitations of existing treatments at these two stages. We then describe what is known of CBD's mechanisms of action, effectiveness as a treatment for psychosis, adverse effects and acceptability to patients. We discuss how some of the outstanding issues about the utility of CBD in the early phases of psychosis may be resolved through ongoing clinical trials. Finally, we consider the impact of recreational cannabis use and over-the-counter cannabinoids preparations and discuss the potential therapeutic role of other compounds that modulate the endocannabinoid system in psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Chesney
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Dominic Oliver
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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17
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Poulia N, Delis F, Brakatselos C, Ntoulas G, Asprogerakas MZ, Antoniou K. CBD Effects on Motor Profile and Neurobiological Indices Related to Glutamatergic Function Induced by Repeated Ketamine Pre-Administration. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:746935. [PMID: 34776964 PMCID: PMC8578683 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.746935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence and experimental studies have shown the psychotomimetic properties induced by ketamine. Moreover, acute or chronic ketamine (KET) administration has been widely used for modeling schizophrenia-like symptomatology and pathophysiology. Several studies have reported the antipsychotic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), while there is limited information on the cannabidiol effect on KET-induced schizophrenia-like impairments. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to evaluate neuroplastic changes induced by repeated KET administration, which is used as an experimental model of schizophrenia—with a behavioral focus on positive-like symptomatology– and to assess the modulatory role of CBD treatment. The present findings have shown a robust increase in motor activity in KET-treated rats, following a 10-day period of chronic administration at the sub-anesthetic dose of 30 mg/kg (i.p), that was reversed to normal by subsequent chronic CBD treatment. Concerning the expression of glutamate receptors, the current findings have shown region-dependent KET-induced constitutional alterations in NMDA and AMPA receptors that were modified by subsequent CBD treatment. Additionally, repeated KET administration increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation state in all regions examined, apart from the ventral hippocampus that was modulated by subsequent CBD treatment. The present results show, for the first time, a stimulated motor output coupled with a specific glutamatergic-related status and ERK1/2 activation following chronic KET administration that were attenuated by CBD treatment, in a region-dependent manner. These findings provide novel information concerning the antipsychotic potential of CBD using a specific design of chronic KET administration, thus contributing to experimental approaches that mirror the symptomatology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafsika Poulia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - George Ntoulas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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18
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Stark T, Di Martino S, Drago F, Wotjak CT, Micale V. Phytocannabinoids and schizophrenia: Focus on adolescence as a critical window of enhanced vulnerability and opportunity for treatment. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105938. [PMID: 34655773 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The recent shift in socio-political debates and growing liberalization of Cannabis use across the globe has raised concern regarding its impact on vulnerable populations such as adolescents. Concurrent with declining perception of Cannabis harms, more adolescents are using it daily in several countries and consuming marijuana strains with high content of psychotropic delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These dual, related trends seem to facilitate the development of compromised social and cognitive performance at adulthood, which are described in preclinical and human studies. Cannabis exerts its effects via altering signalling within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which modulates the stress circuitry during the neurodevelopment. In this context early interventions appear to circumvent the emergence of adult neurodevelopmental deficits. Accordingly, Cannabis sativa second-most abundant compound, cannabidiol (CBD), emerges as a potential therapeutic agent to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. We first focus on human and preclinical studies on the long-term effects induced by adolescent THC exposure as a "critical window" of enhanced neurophysiological vulnerability, which could be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and related primary psychotic disorders. Then, we focus on adolescence as a "window of opportunity" for early pharmacological treatment, as novel risk reduction strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, we review current preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of CBD in terms of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms treatment, safety profile, and molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Department of Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Central Nervous System Diseases Research (CNSDR), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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19
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Ahmed S, Roth RM, Stanciu CN, Brunette MF. The Impact of THC and CBD in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:694394. [PMID: 34366924 PMCID: PMC8343183 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.694394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: People with schizophrenia are more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) and experience worse outcomes with use. Yet as cannabis is legalized for medical and recreational use, there is interest in its therapeutic potential. Objectives: To conduct a systematic review summarizing the design and results of controlled trials using defined doses of THC and CBD in schizophrenia. Method: A keyword search of eight online literature databases identified 11 eligible reports. Results: One placebo controlled trial (13 stable patients without CUD) found that intravenous THC increased psychosis and worsened learning/recall. Two reports of a functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) study of smoked or oral THC in 12 abstinent patients with schizophrenia and CUD found no change in symptoms and cognition, and an amelioration of impaired resting state brain function in areas implicated in reward function and the default mode network. One 4 week trial in acutely psychotic inpatients without CUD (mean age 30 y) found 800 mg CBD to be similarly efficacious to amisupride in improving psychosis and cognition. Two 6 week studies of CBD augmentation of antipsychotics in stable outpatients reported mixed results: CBD 600 mg was not more effective than placebo; CBD 1,000 mg reduced symptoms in a sample that did not exclude cannabis use and CUD. A brain fMRI and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of single dose CBD in a sample that did not exclude CUD and cannabis use found that CBD improved symptoms and brain function during a learning/recall task and was associated with increased hippocampal glutamate. Discussion: There is substantial heterogeneity across studies in dose, method of drug delivery, length of treatment, patient age, whether patients with cannabis use/CUD were included or excluded, and whether patients were using antipsychotic medication. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence for an effect of THC or CBD on symptoms, cognition, and neuroimaging measures of brain function in schizophrenia. At this time, research does not support recommending medical cannabis (THC or CBD) for treating patients with schizophrenia. Further research should examine THC and CBD in schizophrenia with and without comorbid CUD and consider the role of CBD in mitigating symptom exacerbation from THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland, VT, United States
- Vermont Hub-and-Spoke System of Care, West Ridge Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland, VT, United States
| | - Robert M. Roth
- New Hampshire Hospital, Concord, NH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Corneliu N. Stanciu
- New Hampshire Hospital, Concord, NH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Mary F. Brunette
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
- Bureau of Mental Health Services, Concord, NH, United States
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan H Young
- Academic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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