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Santarossa TM, So R, Smyth DP, Gustavsen DS, Tsuyuki DRT. Medical Cannabis Use in Canadians With Multiple Sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 59:103638. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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A Critical Review of the Role of the Cannabinoid Compounds Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) and their Combination in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25214930. [PMID: 33113776 PMCID: PMC7663366 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many people with MS (pwMS) use unregulated cannabis or cannabis products to treat the symptoms associated with the disease. In line with this, Sativex, a synthetic combination of cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) has been approved to treat symptoms of spasticity. In animals, CBD is effective in reducing the amounts of T-cell infiltrates in the spinal cord, suggesting CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. By doing this, CBD has shown to delay symptom onset in animal models of multiple sclerosis and slow disease progression. Importantly, combinations of CBD and Δ9-THC appear more effective in treating animal models of multiple sclerosis. While CBD reduces the amounts of cell infiltrates in the spinal cord, Δ9-THC reduces scores of spasticity. In human studies, the results are less encouraging and conflict with the findings in animals. Drugs which deliver a combination of Δ9-THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio appear to be only moderately effective in reducing spasticity scores, but appear to be almost as effective as current front-line treatments and cause less severe side effects than other treatments, such as baclofen (a GABA-B receptor agonist) and tizanidine (an α2 adrenergic receptor agonist). The findings of the studies reviewed suggest that cannabinoids may help treat neuropathic pain in pwMS as an add-on therapy to already established pain treatments. It is important to note that treatment with cannabinoid compounds may cause significant cognitive dysfunction. Long term double-blind placebo studies are greatly needed to further our understanding of the role of cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis treatment.
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Borgan F, Beck K, Butler E, McCutcheon R, Veronese M, Vernon A, Howes OD. The effects of cannabinoid 1 receptor compounds on memory: a meta-analysis and systematic review across species. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3257-3270. [PMID: 31165913 PMCID: PMC6828623 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05283-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE While cannabis-based medicinal products have been shown to be effective for numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders, the evidence base regarding their adverse cognitive effects is poorly understood. The cannabinoid 1 receptor modulates memory performance via intracellular and extracellular mechanisms that alter synaptic transmission and plasticity. While previous literature has consistently shown that chronic cannabis users exhibit marked cognitive impairments, mixed findings have been reported in the context of placebo-controlled experimental trials. It is therefore unclear whether these compounds inherently alter cognitive processes or whether individuals who are genetically predisposed to use cannabis may have underlying cognitive deficits. OBJECTIVE We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of full and partial cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) agonists, antagonists, and negative allosteric modulators on non-spatial and spatial memory. METHODS In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched for studies examining the effects of CB1R agonists, antagonists, and negative allosteric modulators on memory performance. RESULTS We systematically reviewed 195 studies investigating the effects of cannabinoid compounds on memory. In humans (N = 35 studies, comprising N = 782 subjects), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (1.5-5 mg/kg) relative to placebo impaired performance on non-spatial memory tests, whereas only high THC doses (67 mg/kg) impaired spatial memory. Similarly, THC (0.2-4 mg/kg) significantly impaired visuospatial memory in monkeys and non-human primates (N = 8 studies, comprising N = 71 subjects). However, acute THC (0.002-10 mg/kg) had no effect on non-spatial (N = 6 studies, comprising 117 subjects; g = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.18 to 3.63, p = 0.08) or spatial memory (9 studies, comprising 206 subjects; g = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.09 to 2.58, p = 0.43). However, acute, full CB1R agonists significantly impaired non-spatial memory (N = 23 studies, 519 subjects; g = - 1.39, 95% CI - 2.72 to - 0.06, p = 0.03). By contrast, the chronic administration of CB1R agonists had no effect on non-spatial memory (N = 5 studies, comprising 146 subjects; g = - 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.32 to 1.22, p = 0.94). Moreover, the acute administration of CB1R antagonists had no effect on non-spatial memory in rodents (N = 9 studies, N = 149 subjects; g = 0.40, 95% CI - 0.11 to 0.92, p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS The acute administration of THC, partial CB1R agonist, significantly impaired non-spatial memory in humans, monkeys, and non-human primates but not rodents. However, full CB1R agonists significantly impaired non-spatial memory in a dose-dependent manner but CB1R antagonists had no effect on non-spatial memory in rodents. Moreover, chronic THC administration did not significantly impair spatial or non-spatial memory in rodents, and there is inconclusive evidence on this in humans. Our findings highlight species differences in the effects of cannabinoid compounds on memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Borgan
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park Road, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Katherine Beck
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park Road, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Emma Butler
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park Road, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Robert McCutcheon
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park Road, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Mattia Veronese
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Oliver D Howes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park Road, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, Faculty of Medicine, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Schabas AJ, Vukojevic V, Taylor C, Thu Z, Badyal A, Chan JK, Devonshire V, Traboulsee A, Sayao AL, Carruthers R. Cannabis-based product use in a multiple sclerosis cohort. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2019; 5:2055217319869360. [PMID: 31598330 PMCID: PMC6764052 DOI: 10.1177/2055217319869360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to characterize the use of cannabis-based products (CBPs) by multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who attend the University of British Columbia Hospital (UBCH) MS clinic. Methods All patients attending the UBCH MS clinic from January to March 2018 were invited to participate in an anonymous survey that included: patient demographics (sex, age and employment status), self-reported MS-specific data (subtype, disease duration, previous and current disease modifying therapies, symptomatic medications) and CBP use (formulation, frequency, perceived benefits/side-effects). A second cohort of retrospective patient data (CBP use, sex, age, disease subtype and Expanded Disability Status Scale) was extracted from the UBCH MS clinic electronic medical record (EMR). Results Of 600 surveys distributed, 188 were returned with completed CBP usage. CBP use was daily for 19% (n = 37), weekly for 6% (n = 11), monthly for 4% (n = 7), rarely for 21% (n = 39) and 50% (n = 94) never used. Of the CBP users (daily, weekly and monthly), CBP use included: oral (n = 43/55), smoked/vaporized (n = 42/55), topical (n = 14/55) and mucosal (n = 5/55). EMR data was available for 561 MS patients where cannabis use/non-use was documented. CBP users represented 19% (107/561). Conclusions CBP use is common based on volunteer reporting, with approximately one out of four patients who attend the UBCH MS clinic using CBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Schabas
- Department of Division of Neurology/Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - V Vukojevic
- Department of Division of Neurology/Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - C Taylor
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Z Thu
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Badyal
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - J K Chan
- Department of Division of Neurology/Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - V Devonshire
- Department of Division of Neurology/Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Traboulsee
- Department of Division of Neurology/Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - A L Sayao
- Department of Division of Neurology/Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - R Carruthers
- Department of Division of Neurology/Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
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Amato MP, Prestipino E, Bellinvia A. Identifying risk factors for cognitive issues in multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:333-347. [PMID: 30829076 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1590199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive impairment (CI) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has progressively regained clinical and research interest and is currently recognized as a debilitating and burdensome problem for these patients. Studying risk and protecting factors that may influence the development and course of CI is currently an area of increasing interest, due to the potential for preventive strategies. Areas covered: In this narrative review the authors briefly addressed the physiopathologic basis, assessment and management of CI in MS and then focused on identifying modifiable and not modifiable risk factors for CI in MS, providing an overview of the current knowledge in the field and indicating avenues for future research. Expert opinion: Improving our understanding of potentially modifiable environmental and lifestyle risk factors or protective factors for CI is important in order to prompt preventive strategies and orient patient counselling and clinical management. To this aim, we need to enhance the current level of evidence linking lifestyle factors to cognition and evaluate some factors that were only preliminary addressed in research. Moreover, we need to explore the role of each factor into the subject cognitive outcome, next to the possible interactions between different environmental factors as well as between environmental and genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Amato
- a NEUROFARBA Department, Neuroscience section , University of Florence , Florence , Italy.,b IRCSS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi , Florence , Italy
| | - Elio Prestipino
- a NEUROFARBA Department, Neuroscience section , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Angelo Bellinvia
- a NEUROFARBA Department, Neuroscience section , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
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Kalb R, Beier M, Benedict RH, Charvet L, Costello K, Feinstein A, Gingold J, Goverover Y, Halper J, Harris C, Kostich L, Krupp L, Lathi E, LaRocca N, Thrower B, DeLuca J. Recommendations for cognitive screening and management in multiple sclerosis care. Mult Scler 2018; 24:1665-1680. [PMID: 30303036 PMCID: PMC6238181 DOI: 10.1177/1352458518803785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To promote understanding of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS), recommend optimal screening, monitoring, and treatment strategies, and address barriers to optimal management. Methods: The National MS Society (“Society”) convened experts in cognitive dysfunction (clinicians, researchers, and lay people with MS) to review the published literature, reach consensus on optimal strategies for screening, monitoring, and treating cognitive changes, and propose strategies to address barriers to optimal care. Recommendations: Based on current evidence, the Society makes the following recommendations, endorsed by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and the International Multiple Sclerosis Cognition Society:
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Kalb
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meghan Beier
- Division of Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Leigh Charvet
- Department of Neurology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Anthony Feinstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - June Halper
- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses, Multiple Sclerosis Nurses International Certification Board, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Colleen Harris
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lori Kostich
- The Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Lauren Krupp
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Lathi
- The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care, Wellesley, MA, USA
| | | | - Ben Thrower
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA/Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John DeLuca
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Department of Neurology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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