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Ezzati MR, Ezzati MJ, Fattahi M, Mozafari R, Azizbeigi R, Haghparast A. The role of D1-like dopamine receptors within the ventral tegmental area in the cannabidiol's inhibitory effects on the methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in rats. Brain Res Bull 2024; 216:111038. [PMID: 39097033 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111038] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive drug extracted from marijuana. It is well established that CBD attenuates the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse, although its mechanism of action is not fully understood. The current study tries to clarify the role of D1-like dopamine receptors (D1R) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the inhibitory effects of the CBD on the acquisition and expression of methamphetamine (METH)-conditioned place preference (CPP). In the CPP training, adult male Wistar rats were conditioned with subcutaneous administration of METH (1 mg/kg) for five days. Three groups of animals were treated with multiple doses of SCH23390 (as a D1R antagonist; 0.25, 1, and 4 μg/0.3 μl saline) in the VTA, respectively, before intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of CBD (10 μg/5 μl DMSO) in the acquisition phase. In the second experiment of the study, rats received SCH23390 in the VTA before ICV administration of CBD (50 μg/5 μl DMSO) in the expression of METH CPP. Here, the current study demonstrated that CBD inhibits the acquisition and expression of METH CPP, while microinjection of D1R antagonists (1 and 4 μg) into the VTA significantly reduced CBD's suppressive effect on the acquisition and expression of METH place preference. Furthermore, this research demonstrated that either SCH23390 or CBD alone does not lead to place preference in the CPP paradigm. Based on these data, this study suggests that pharmacological manipulations of D1R may alter the CBD's effect on METH-conditioned preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Ezzati
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Ezzati
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Fattahi
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Mozafari
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Azizbeigi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Brakatselos C, Polissidis A, Ntoulas G, Asprogerakas MZ, Tsarna O, Vamvaka-Iakovou A, Nakas G, Delis A, Tzimas P, Skaltsounis L, Silva J, Delis F, Oliveira JF, Sotiropoulos I, Antoniou K. Multi-level therapeutic actions of cannabidiol in ketamine-induced schizophrenia psychopathology in male rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01977-1. [PMID: 39242923 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01977-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Repeated administration of ketamine (KET) has been used to model schizophrenia-like symptomatology in rodents, but the psychotomimetic neurobiological and neuroanatomical underpinnings remain elusive. In parallel, the unmet need for a better treatment of schizophrenia requires the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-addictive phytocannabinoid has been linked to antipsychotic effects with unclear mechanistic basis. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the neurobiological substrate of repeated KET administration model and to evaluate CBD's antipsychotic potential and neurobiological basis. CBD-treated male rats with and without prior repeated KET administration underwent behavioral analyses, followed by multilevel analysis of different brain areas including dopaminergic and glutamatergic activity, synaptic signaling, as well as electrophysiological recordings for the assessment of corticohippocampal and corticostriatal network activity. Repeated KET model is characterized by schizophrenia-like symptomatology and alterations in glutamatergic and dopaminergic activity mainly in the PFC and the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), through a bi-directional pattern. These observations are accompanied by glutamatergic/GABAergic deviations paralleled to impaired function of parvalbumin- and cholecystokinin-positive interneurons, indicative of excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance. Moreover, CBD counteracted the schizophrenia-like behavioral phenotype as well as reverted prefrontal abnormalities and ventral hippocampal E/I deficits, while partially modulated dorsostriatal dysregulations. This study adds novel insights to our understanding of the KET-induced schizophrenia-related brain pathology, as well as the CBD antipsychotic action through a region-specific set of modulations in the corticohippocampal and costicostrtiatal circuitry of KET-induced profile contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies focused on the ECS and E/I imbalance restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Brakatselos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexia Polissidis
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
- Department of Science and Mathematics, ACG-Research Center, Deree - American College of Greece, 15342, Athens, Greece
| | - George Ntoulas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michail-Zois Asprogerakas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Olga Tsarna
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anastasia Vamvaka-Iakovou
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Gerasimos Nakas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anastasios Delis
- Center of Basic Research, Biological Imaging Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Tzimas
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Leandros Skaltsounis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Joana Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Joao Filipe Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- IPCA-EST-2Ai, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Campus of IPCA, Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Ioannis Sotiropoulos
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
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DeVuono MV, Nashed MG, Sarikahya MH, Kocsis A, Lee K, Vanin SR, Hudson R, Lonnee EP, Rushlow WJ, Hardy DB, Laviolette SR. Prenatal tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol exposure produce sex-specific pathophysiological phenotypes in the adolescent prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106588. [PMID: 38960101 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106588] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical evidence has demonstrated an increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders following prenatal cannabinoid exposure. However, given the phytochemical complexity of cannabis, there is a need to understand how specific components of cannabis may contribute to these neurodevelopmental risks later in life. To investigate this, a rat model of prenatal cannabinoid exposure was utilized to examine the impacts of specific cannabis constituents (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]; cannabidiol [CBD]) alone and in combination on future neuropsychiatric liability in male and female offspring. Prenatal THC and CBD exposure were associated with low birth weight. At adolescence, offspring displayed sex-specific behavioural changes in anxiety, temporal order and social cognition, and sensorimotor gating. These phenotypes were associated with sex and treatment-specific neuronal and gene transcriptional alterations in the prefrontal cortex, and ventral hippocampus, regions where the endocannabinoid system is implicated in affective and cognitive development. Electrophysiology and RT-qPCR analysis in these regions implicated dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system and balance of excitatory and inhibitory signalling in the developmental consequences of prenatal cannabinoids. These findings reveal critical insights into how specific cannabinoids can differentially impact the developing fetal brains of males and females to enhance subsequent neuropsychiatric risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieka V DeVuono
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.
| | - Mina G Nashed
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Mohammed H Sarikahya
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Andrea Kocsis
- Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Sebastian R Vanin
- Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Eryn P Lonnee
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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Briânis RC, Moreira FA, Iglesias LP. Cannabidiol and addiction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 177:319-333. [PMID: 39029990 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been investigated for several therapeutic applications, having reached the clinics for the treatment of certain types of epilepsies. This chapter reviews the potential of CBD for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). We will present a brief introduction on SUD and current treatments. In the second part, preclinical and clinical studies with CBD are discussed, focusing on its potential therapeutic application for SUD. Next, we will consider the potential molecular mechanism of action of CBD in SUD. Finally, we will summarize the main findings and perspectives in this field. There is a lack of studies on CBD and SUD in comparison to the extensive literature investigating the use of this phytocannabinoid for other neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy. However, the few studies available do suggest a promising role of CBD in the pharmacotherapy of SUD, particularly related to cocaine and other psychostimulant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayssa C Briânis
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabrício A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lia P Iglesias
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Pedrazzi JFC, Hassib L, Ferreira FR, Hallak JC, Del-Bel E, Crippa JA. Therapeutic potential of CBD in Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 177:149-203. [PMID: 39029984 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Despite extensive research, effective pharmacological interventions for ASD remain limited. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotomimetic compound of the Cannabis sativa plant, has potential therapeutic effects on several neurological and psychiatric disorders. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, maintaining homeostasis, participating in social and behavioral processing, and neuronal development and maturation with great relevance to ASD. Furthermore, preliminary findings from clinical trials indicate that CBD may have a modulatory effect on specific ASD symptoms and comorbidities in humans. Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests that CBD may influence the gut microbiota, with implications for the bidirectional communication between the gut and the central nervous system. CBD is a safe drug with low induction of side effects. As it has a multi-target pharmacological profile, it becomes a candidate compound for treating the central symptoms and comorbidities of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- João F C Pedrazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Hassib
- Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jaime C Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Del-Bel
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Science and Technology, Translational Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Cannabinoid Research, Mental Health Building, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José A Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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6
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Fabris D, Lisboa JR, Guimarães FS, Gomes FV. Cannabidiol as an antipsychotic drug. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 177:295-317. [PMID: 39029989 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major phytocannabinoid in the Cannabis sativa plant. In contrast to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce the typical psychotomimetic effects of the plant. In addition, CBD has attracted increased interest due to its potential therapeutic effects in various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Several studies have proposed that CBD has pharmacological properties similar to atypical antipsychotics. Despite accumulating evidence supporting the antipsychotic potential of CBD, the mechanisms of action in which this phytocannabinoid produces antipsychotic effects are still not fully elucidated. Here, we focused on the antipsychotic properties of CBD indicated by a series of preclinical and clinical studies and the evidence currently available about its possible mechanisms. Findings from preclinical studies suggest that CBD effects may depend on the animal model (pharmacological, neurodevelopmental, or genetic models for schizophrenia), dose, treatment schedule (acute vs. repeated) and route of administration (intraperitoneal vs local injection into specific brain regions). Clinical studies suggest a potential role for CBD in the treatment of psychotic disorders. However, future studies with more robust sample sizes are needed to confirm these positive findings. Overall, although more studies are needed, current evidence indicates that CBD may be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Fabris
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João Roberto Lisboa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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Acuña AM, Park C, Leyrer-Jackson JM, Olive MF. Promising immunomodulators for management of substance and alcohol use disorders. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:867-884. [PMID: 38803314 PMCID: PMC11216154 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2360653] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The neuroimmune system has emerged as a novel target for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs), with immunomodulation producing encouraging therapeutic benefits in both preclinical and clinical settings. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe the mechanism of action and immune response to methamphetamine, opioids, cocaine, and alcohol. We then discuss off-label use of immunomodulators as adjunctive therapeutics in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, demonstrating their potential efficacy in affective and behavioral disorders. We then discuss in detail the mechanism of action and recent findings regarding the use of ibudilast, minocycline, probenecid, dexmedetomidine, pioglitazone, and cannabidiol to treat (SUDs). These immunomodulators are currently being investigated in clinical trials described herein, specifically for their potential to decrease substance use, withdrawal severity, central and peripheral inflammation, comorbid neuropsychiatric disorder symptomology, as well as their ability to improve cognitive outcomes. EXPERT OPINION We argue that although mixed, findings from recent preclinical and clinical studies underscore the potential benefit of immunomodulation in the treatment of the behavioral, cognitive, and inflammatory processes that underlie compulsive substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Acuña
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology Area, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Connor Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine – Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jonna M. Leyrer-Jackson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine – Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - M. Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology Area, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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Mirmohammadi M, Eskandari K, Koruji M, Shabani R, Ahadi R, Haghparast A. Intra-Accumbal D1- But not D2-Like Dopamine Receptor Antagonism Reverses the Inhibitory Effects of Cannabidiol on Extinction and Reinstatement of Methamphetamine Seeking Behavior in Rats. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:89-110. [PMID: 36048545 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0017] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive psychostimulant that facilitates dopamine transmission to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), resulting in alterations in the mesocorticolimbic brain regions. Cannabidiol (CBD) is considered the second most abundant component of cannabis and is believed to decrease the METH effects. Reversing psychostimulant-induced abnormalities in the mesolimbic dopamine system is the main mechanism for this effect. Various other mechanisms have been proposed: increasing endocannabinoid system activity and modulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate neurons in NAc. However, the exact CBD action mechanisms in reducing drug addiction and relapse vulnerability remain unclear. Methods and Results: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administrating 5, 10, and 50 μg/5 μL CBD solutions on the extinction period and reinstatement phase of a METH-induced conditioned place preference. This research also aimed to examine the NAc D1-like dopamine receptor (D1R) and D2-like dopamine receptor (D2R) roles in the effects of CBD on these phases, as mentioned earlier, using SCH23390 and sulpiride microinjections as an antagonist of D1R and D2R. The obtained results showed that microinjection of CBD (10 and 50 μg/5 μL, ICV) suppressed the METH-induced reinstatement and significantly decreased mean extinction latency in treated groups compared to both vehicles and/or untreated control groups. In addition, the results demonstrated that administrating intra-accumbal SCH23390 (1 and 4 μg/0.5 μL saline) reversed the inhibitory effects of CBD on extinction and reinstatement phases while different doses of sulpiride (0.25, 1, and 4 μg/0.5 μL; dimethyl sulfoxide 12%) could not alter the CBD effects. Conclusions: In summary, this study showed that CBD made shorter extinction latencies and suppressed the METH reinstatement, in part, by interacting with D1R but not D2R in the NAc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboobeh Mirmohammadi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiarash Eskandari
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Shabani
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahadi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Martinez Naya N, Kelly J, Corna G, Golino M, Polizio AH, Abbate A, Toldo S, Mezzaroma E. An Overview of Cannabidiol as a Multifunctional Drug: Pharmacokinetics and Cellular Effects. Molecules 2024; 29:473. [PMID: 38257386 PMCID: PMC10818442 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis Sativa, has garnered increasing attention for its diverse therapeutic potential. This comprehensive review delves into the complex pharmacokinetics of CBD, including factors such as bioavailability, distribution, safety profile, and dosage recommendations, which contribute to the compound's pharmacological profile. CBD's role as a pharmacological inhibitor is explored, encompassing interactions with the endocannabinoid system and ion channels. The compound's anti-inflammatory effects, influencing the Interferon-beta and NF-κB, position it as a versatile candidate for immune system regulation and interventions in inflammatory processes. The historical context of Cannabis Sativa's use for recreational and medicinal purposes adds depth to the discussion, emphasizing CBD's emergence as a pivotal phytocannabinoid. As research continues, CBD's integration into clinical practice holds promise for revolutionizing treatment approaches and enhancing patient outcomes. The evolution in CBD research encourages ongoing exploration, offering the prospect of unlocking new therapeutic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Martinez Naya
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Jazmin Kelly
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Giuliana Corna
- Interventional Cardiology Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1199, Argentina;
| | - Michele Golino
- Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 2110 Varese, Italy
| | - Ariel H. Polizio
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Antonio Abbate
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
- Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA;
| | - Stefano Toldo
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (N.M.N.); (J.K.); (A.H.P.); (A.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Eleonora Mezzaroma
- School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
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10
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Schouten M, Dalle S, Mantini D, Koppo K. Cannabidiol and brain function: current knowledge and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1328885. [PMID: 38288087 PMCID: PMC10823027 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1328885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, commonly known as cannabis or hemp. Although currently available CBD products do not meet the safety standards of most food safety authorities to be approved as a dietary supplement or food additive, CBD has been gaining widespread attention in recent years due to its various potential health benefits. While primarily known for its therapeutic effects in managing epileptic seizures, psychosis, anxiety, (neuropathic) pain, and inflammation, CBD's influence on brain function has also piqued the interest of researchers and individuals seeking to enhance cognitive performance. The primary objective of this review is to gather, synthesize, and consolidate scientifically proven evidence on the impact of CBD on brain function and its therapeutic significance in treating neurological and mental disorders. First, basic background information on CBD, including its biomolecular properties and mechanisms of action is presented. Next, evidence for CBD effects in the human brain is provided followed by a discussion on the potential implications of CBD as a neurotherapeutic agent. The potential effectiveness of CBD in reducing chronic pain is considered but also in reducing the symptoms of various brain disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the implications of using CBD to manage psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, anxiety and fear, depression, and substance use disorders are explored. An overview of the beneficial effects of CBD on aspects of human behavior, such as sleep, motor control, cognition and memory, is then provided. As CBD products remain largely unregulated, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns associated with their use, including product quality, consistency, and safety. Therefore, this review discusses the need for responsible research and regulation of CBD to ensure its safety and efficacy as a therapeutic agent for brain disorders or to stimulate behavioral and cognitive abilities of healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek Schouten
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Dalle
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dante Mantini
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Koppo
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Pérez-Valenzuela E, Hudson R, Uzuneser T, De Felice M, Szkudlarek H, Rushlow W, Laviolette SR. Sex-Dependent Synergism of an Edible THC: CBD Formulation in Reducing Anxiety and Depressive-like Symptoms Following Chronic Stress. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:2059-2078. [PMID: 37702237 PMCID: PMC11333796 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230912101441] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has shown therapeutic potential in mood and anxiety-related pathologies. However, the two primary constituents of cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produce distinct effects on molecular pathways in neural circuits associated with affective disorders. Moreover, it has been proposed that the combination of THC: and CBD may have unique synergistic properties. In the present study, the effects of a 1:100 THC: CBD ratio edible formulation were tested in behavioural, neuronal and molecular assays for anxiety and depressive-like endophenotypes. Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were stressed for 14 days. Then, for three weeks, open field, elevated plus maze, light/dark box, social interaction, sucrose preference, and the forced swim test were performed 90 minutes after acute consumption of CBD (30 mg/kg), THC (0.3 mg/kg), or 1:100 combination of THC:CBD. After behavioural tests, in vivo, neuronal electrophysiological analyses were performed in the ventral tegmental area and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Furthermore, western-blot experiments examined the expression of biomarkers associated with mood and anxiety disorders, including protein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), BDNF, mTOR, D1, and D2 receptor in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and PFC.Edible THC:CBD produces significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects only in stressed male rats. In most cases, the combination of THC and CBD had stronger effects than either phytochemical alone. These synergistic effects are associated with alterations in Akt/GSK3 and D2-R expression in NAc and BDNF expression in PFC. Furthermore, THC:CBD reverses chronic stress-induced alterations in PFC neuronal activity. These findings demonstrate a novel synergistic potential for THC:CBD edible formulations in stress-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Pérez-Valenzuela
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Taygun Uzuneser
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Hanna Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Walter Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven R. Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
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12
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Fusse EJ, Scarante FF, Vicente MA, Marrubia MM, Turcato F, Scomparin DS, Ribeiro MA, Figueiredo MJ, Brigante TAV, Guimarães FS, Campos AC. Anxiogenic doses of rapamycin prevent URB597-induced anti-stress effects in socially defeated mice. Neurosci Lett 2024; 818:137519. [PMID: 37852528 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress modulates the endocannabinoid system, particularly anandamide (AEA) signaling in brain regions associated with emotional distress. The mTOR protein regulates various neuroplastic processes in the brain disrupted by stress, including adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This kinase has been implicated in multiple effects of cannabinoid drugs and the anti-stress behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Therefore, our hypothesis is that enhancing AEA signaling via pharmacological inhibition of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme induces an anti-stress behavioral effect through an mTOR-dependent mechanism. To test this hypothesis, male C57Bl6 mice were exposed to social defeat stress (SDS) for 7 days and received daily treatment with either vehicle or different doses of the FAAH inhibitor, URB597 (0.1; 0.3; 1 mg/Kg), alone or combined with rapamycin. The results suggested that URB597 induced an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in mice subjected to SDS (with the intermediate dose of 0.3 mg/kg being anxiolytic, and the higher tested dose of 1 mg/Kg being anxiogenic). In a second independent experiment, rapamycin treatment induced an anxiogenic-like response in control mice. However, in the presence of rapamycin, the anxiolytic dose of URB597 treatment failed to reduce stress-induced anxiety behaviors in mice. SDS exposure altered the hippocampal expression of the mTOR scaffold protein Raptor. Furthermore, the anxiogenic dose of URB597 decreased the absolute number of migrating doublecortin (DCX)-positive cells in the dentate gyrus, suggesting an anti-anxiety effect independent of newly generated/immature neurons. Therefore, our results indicate that in mice exposed to repeated psychosocial stress, URB597 fails to counteract the anxiogenic-like response induced by the pharmacological dampening of mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo J Fusse
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Franciele F Scarante
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maria A Vicente
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mariana M Marrubia
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Flávia Turcato
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Davi S Scomparin
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Melissa A Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maria J Figueiredo
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tamires A V Brigante
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alline C Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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Vitale G, Terrone G, Vitale S, Vitulli F, Aiello S, Bravaccio C, Pisano S, Bove I, Rizzo F, Seetahal-Maraj P, Wiese T. The Evolving Landscape of Therapeutics for Epilepsy in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3241. [PMID: 38137462 PMCID: PMC10741146 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem genetic disorder characterized by benign tumor growth in multiple organs, including the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. Pathogenesis stems from mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene, which encode the proteins hamartin and tuberin, respectively. These proteins form a complex that inhibits the mTOR pathway, a critical regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Disruption of the tuberin-hamartin complex leads to overactivation of mTOR signaling and uncontrolled cell growth, resulting in hamartoma formation. Neurological manifestations are common in TSC, with epilepsy developing in up to 90% of patients. Seizures tend to be refractory to medical treatment with anti-seizure medications. Infantile spasms and focal seizures are the predominant seizure types, often arising in early childhood. Drug-resistant epilepsy contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches for epilepsy and other neurological features of TSC. While narrative reviews on TSC exist, this review uniquely synthesizes key advancements across the areas of TSC neuropathology, conventional and emerging pharmacological therapies, and targeted treatments. The review is narrative in nature, without any date restrictions, and summarizes the most relevant literature on the neurological aspects and management of TSC. By consolidating the current understanding of TSC neurobiology and evidence-based treatment strategies, this review provides an invaluable reference that highlights progress made while also emphasizing areas requiring further research to optimize care and outcomes for TSC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vitale
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), F. Hoffmann–La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gaetano Terrone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Samuel Vitale
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesca Vitulli
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Dental Sciences, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy (I.B.)
| | - Salvatore Aiello
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Simone Pisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Ilaria Bove
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Dental Sciences, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy (I.B.)
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | | | - Thomas Wiese
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), F. Hoffmann–La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
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Colodete DAE, Silva NR, Pedrazzi JFC, Fogaça MV, Cortez I, Del-Bel EA, Breuer A, Mechoulam R, Gomes FV, Guimarães FS. Behavioral effects induced by the cannabidiol analogs HU-502 and HU-556. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:213-224. [PMID: 37171460 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid that lacks the psychotomimetic properties of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive Cannabis sativa component. Cannabidiol has several potential therapeutic properties, including anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic; however, cannabidiol has low oral bioavailability, which can limit its clinical use. Here, we investigated if two cannabidiol analogs, HU-502 and HU-556, would be more potent than cannabidiol in behavioral tests predictive of anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic effects. Different doses (0.01-3 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) of HU-556 and HU-502 were tested in male Swiss mice submitted to the elevated plus maze (EPM), forced swimming test (FST), and amphetamine-induced-prepulse inhibition (PPI) disruption and hyperlocomotion. Cannabidiol is effective in these tests at a dose range of 15-60 mg/kg in mice. We also investigated if higher doses of HU-556 (3 and 10 mg/kg) and HU-502 (10 mg/kg) produced the cannabinoid tetrad (hypolocomotion, catalepsy, hypothermia, and analgesia), which is induced by THC-like compounds. HU-556 (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) increased the percentage of open arm entries (but not time) in the EPM, decreased immobility time in the FST, and attenuated amphetamine-induced PPI disruption. HU-502 (1 and 3 mg/kg) decreased amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion and PPI impairment. HU-556, at high doses, caused catalepsy and hypolocomotion, while HU-502 did not. These findings suggest that similar to cannabidiol, HU-556 could induce anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic-like effects and that HU-502 has antipsychotic properties. These effects were found at a dose range devoid of cannabinoid tetrad effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora A E Colodete
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo
| | - Nicole R Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo
| | - João Francisco C Pedrazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo
| | - Manoela V Fogaça
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo
| | - Isadora Cortez
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo
| | - Elaine A Del-Bel
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Aviva Breuer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo
| | - Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel
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15
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Mohammadi M, Eskandari K, Azizbeigi R, Haghparast A. The inhibitory effect of cannabidiol on the rewarding properties of methamphetamine in part mediates by interacting with the hippocampal D1-like dopamine receptors. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 126:110778. [PMID: 37100273 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a potential treatment to decrease the rewarding properties of psychostimulants. However, the exact mechanism and distinct neuroanatomical areas responsible for the CBD's effects remain unclear. Indicatively, the D1-like dopamine receptors (D1R) in the hippocampus (HIP) are essential for expressing and acquiring drug-associated conditioned place preference (CPP). Therefore, given that involving D1Rs in reward-related behaviors and the encouraging results of CBD in attenuating the psychostimulant's rewarding effects, the present study sought to investigate the role of D1Rs of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in the inhibitory effects of CBD on the acquisition and expression of METH-induced CPP. To this end, over a 5-day conditioning period by METH (1 mg/kg; sc), different groups of rats were given intra-DG SCH23390 (0.25, 1, or 4 μg/0.5 μl, saline) as a D1Rs antagonist before ICV administration of CBD (10 μg/5 μl, DMSO12%). In addition, a different set of animals, after the conditioning period, received a single dose of SCH23390 (0.25, 1, or 4 μg/0.5 μl) before CBD (50 μg/5 μl) administration on the expression day. The results showed that SCH23390 (1 and 4 μg) significantly reduced the suppressive effects of CBD on the acquisition of METH place preference (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the highest dose of SCH23390 (4 μg) in the expression phase remarkably abolished the preventive effects of CBD on the expression of METH-seeking behavior (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the current study revealed that CBD's inhibitory effect on rewarding properties of METH partially acts through D1Rs in the DG area of the HIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Mohammadi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Kiarash Eskandari
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Azizbeigi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Fritz M, Soravia SM, Dudeck M, Malli L, Fakhoury M. Neurobiology of Aggression-Review of Recent Findings and Relationship with Alcohol and Trauma. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030469. [PMID: 36979161 PMCID: PMC10044835 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Aggression can be conceptualized as any behavior, physical or verbal, that involves attacking another person or animal with the intent of causing harm, pain or injury. Because of its high prevalence worldwide, aggression has remained a central clinical and public safety issue. Aggression can be caused by several risk factors, including biological and psychological, such as genetics and mental health disorders, and socioeconomic such as education, employment, financial status, and neighborhood. Research over the past few decades has also proposed a link between alcohol consumption and aggressive behaviors. Alcohol consumption can escalate aggressive behavior in humans, often leading to domestic violence or serious crimes. Converging lines of evidence have also shown that trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could have a tremendous impact on behavior associated with both alcohol use problems and violence. However, although the link between trauma, alcohol, and aggression is well documented, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and their impact on behavior have not been properly discussed. This article provides an overview of recent advances in understanding the translational neurobiological basis of aggression and its intricate links to alcoholism and trauma, focusing on behavior. It does so by shedding light from several perspectives, including in vivo imaging, genes, receptors, and neurotransmitters and their influence on human and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fritz
- School of Health and Social Sciences, AKAD University of Applied Sciences, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah-Maria Soravia
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Manuela Dudeck
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Lindenallee 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany
| | - Layal Malli
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
| | - Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon
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Pintori N, Caria F, De Luca MA, Miliano C. THC and CBD: Villain versus Hero? Insights into Adolescent Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065251. [PMID: 36982327 PMCID: PMC10048857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used drug of abuse worldwide. It is well established that the most abundant phytocannabinoids in this plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two compounds have remarkably similar chemical structures yet vastly different effects in the brain. By binding to the same receptors, THC is psychoactive, while CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Lately, a variety of hemp-based products, including CBD and THC, have become widely available in the food and health industry, and medical and recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in many states/countries. As a result, people, including youths, are consuming CBD because it is considered “safe”. An extensive literature exists evaluating the harmful effects of THC in both adults and adolescents, but little is known about the long-term effects of CBD exposure, especially in adolescence. The aim of this review is to collect preclinical and clinical evidence about the effects of cannabidiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758633
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Jîtcă G, Ősz BE, Vari CE, Rusz CM, Tero-Vescan A, Pușcaș A. Cannabidiol: Bridge between Antioxidant Effect, Cellular Protection, and Cognitive and Physical Performance. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020485. [PMID: 36830042 PMCID: PMC9952814 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The literature provides scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of cannabidiol (CBD), and these effects extend beyond epilepsy treatment (e.g., Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes), notably the influence on oxidative status, neurodegeneration, cellular protection, cognitive function, and physical performance. However, products containing CBD are not allowed to be marketed everywhere in the world, which may ultimately have a negative effect on health as a result of the uncontrolled CBD market. After the isolation of CBD follows the discovery of CB1 and CB2 receptors and the main enzymatic components (diacylglycerol lipase (DAG lipase), monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL), fatty acid amino hydrolase (FAAH)). At the same time, the antioxidant potential of CBD is due not only to the molecular structure but also to the fact that this compound increases the expression of the main endogenous antioxidant systems, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), through the nuclear complex erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/Keep1. Regarding the role in the control of inflammation, this function is exercised by inhibiting (nuclear factor kappa B) NF-κB, and also the genes that encode the expression of molecules with a pro-inflammatory role (cytokines and metalloproteinases). The other effects of CBD on cognitive function and physical performance should not be excluded. In conclusion, the CBD market needs to be regulated more thoroughly, given the previously listed properties, with the mention that the safety profile is a very good one.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Jîtcă
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Bianca E. Ősz
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Camil E. Vari
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Carmen-Maria Rusz
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, I.O.S.U.D, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Amelia Tero-Vescan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Amalia Pușcaș
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
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19
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Kayir H, Ruffolo J, McCunn P, Khokhar JY. The Relationship Between Cannabis, Cognition, and Schizophrenia: It's Complicated. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 63:437-461. [PMID: 36318403 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_396] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of cannabis use, especially in the context of schizophrenia, have gained increased importance with the legalization of cannabis in North America and across the globe. Cannabis use has multifaceted impacts on cognition in schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects. Healthy subjects, particularly those who initiated cannabis use at earlier ages and used high-potency cannabis for longer durations, exhibited poorer cognition mainly in working memory and attention. Cannabis use in schizophrenia has been associated with symptom exacerbation, longer and more frequent psychotic episodes, and poorer treatment outcomes. However, cannabis-using patients have better overall cognitive performance compared to patients who were not cannabis users. Interestingly, these effects were only apparent in lifetime cannabis users, but not in current (or within last 6 months) users. Moreover, higher frequency and earlier age of cannabis use initiation (i.e., before 17 years of age) were associated with better cognitive performance, although they had an earlier illness onset. Three possible hypotheses seem to come forward to explain this paradox. First, some components of cannabis may have antipsychotic or cognitive-enhancing properties. Secondly, chronic cannabis use may alter endocannabinoid signaling in the brain which could be a protective factor for developing psychosis or cognitive impairments. A third explanation could be their representation of a phenotypically distinct patient group with more intact cognitive functioning and less neurodevelopmental pathology. Multiple factors need to be considered to understand the complex relationship between cannabis, cognitive function, and schizophrenia. In short, age at initiation, duration and rate of cannabis use, abstinence duration, co-use of substances and alcohol, prescribed medications, relative cannabinoid composition and potency of cannabis, presence of genetic and environmental vulnerability factors are prominent contributors to the variability in outcomes. Animal studies support the disruptive effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration during adolescence on attention and memory performance. They provide insights about interaction of cannabinoid receptors with other neurotransmitter systems, such as GABA and glutamate, and other regulatory molecules, such as PSD95 and synaptophysin. Cannabidiol (CBD), on the other hand, can improve cognitive deficits seen in neurodevelopmental and chemically-induced animal models of schizophrenia. Future studies focusing on bridging the translational gaps between human and animal studies, through the use of translationally relevant methods of exposure (e.g., vaping), consistent behavioral assessments, and congruent circuit interrogations (e.g., imaging) will help to further clarify this complex picture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Kayir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Ruffolo
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Patrick McCunn
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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20
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Singh A, Hadjinicolaou A, Peters JM, Salussolia CL. Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Treatment, Maintenance, and Future Directions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:733-748. [PMID: 37041855 PMCID: PMC10083014 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s347327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurogenetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, skin, and central nervous system. The neurologic manifestations have the highest morbidity and mortality, in particular in children. Clinically, patients with TSC often present with new-onset seizures within the first year of life. TSC-associated epilepsy is often difficult to treat and refractory to multiple antiseizure medications. Refractory TSC-associated epilepsy is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental comorbidities, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention hyperactivity disorder. An increasing body of research suggests that early, effective treatment of TSC-associated epilepsy during critical neurodevelopmental periods can potentially improve cognitive outcomes. Therefore, it is important to treat TSC-associated epilepsy aggressively, whether it be with pharmacological therapy, surgical intervention, and/or neuromodulation. This review discusses current and future pharmacological treatments for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as the importance of early surgical evaluation for refractory epilepsy in children with TSC and consideration of neuromodulatory interventions in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Singh
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aristides Hadjinicolaou
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jurriaan M Peters
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine L Salussolia
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Correspondence: Catherine L Salussolia, 3 Blackfan Circle, Center for Life Sciences 14060, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, Tel +617-355-7970, Email
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21
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Oliveira BSAD, Milanezi DS, Gonzaga PDV, Detoni FR, Soriano RN. The gut microbiota in neurodegenerative diseases: revisiting possible therapeutic targets for cannabidiol. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12172. [PMID: 36544841 PMCID: PMC9761731 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential to improve the efficacy of treatments and, consequently, patients' lives. Unfortunately, traditional therapeutic strategies have not been effective. There is therefore an urgent need to discover or develop alternative treatment strategies. Recently, some pieces of the puzzle appear to emerge: on a hand, the gut microbiota (GM) has gained attention since intestinal dysbiosis aggravates and generates some of the pathological processes of AD; on the other hand, cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid, attenuates intestinal inflammation and possesses neuroprotective properties. Intestinal dysbiosis (increased population of proinflammatory bacteria) in AD increases plasma lipopolysaccharide and Aβ peptide levels, both responsible for increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). A leaky BBB may facilitate the entry of peripheral inflammatory mediators into the central nervous system and ultimately aggravate neuroinflammation and neuronal death due to chronic activation of glial cells. Studies investigating the GM reported a strong relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and AD. In this review we conjecture that the GM is a promising therapeutic target for CBD in the context of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debora Sandrini Milanezi
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG, 35032-620, Brazil
| | - Priscila do Val Gonzaga
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG, 35032-620, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Rabello Detoni
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG, 35032-620, Brazil
| | - Renato Nery Soriano
- Division of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Basic Life Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG, 35020-360, Brazil
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22
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Roser P, Habermeyer B, Scherbaum N, Lay B. Cannabidiol use among patients with substance use disorders. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2120425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Roser
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Services Aargau, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Zurich, Windisch, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-Hospital Essen, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Habermeyer
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Services Aargau, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Zurich, Windisch, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-Hospital Essen, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Barbara Lay
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Services Aargau, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Zurich, Windisch, Switzerland
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Pedrazzi JFC, Ferreira FR, Silva-Amaral D, Lima DA, Hallak JEC, Zuardi AW, Del-Bel EA, Guimarães FS, Costa KCM, Campos AC, Crippa ACS, Crippa JAS. Cannabidiol for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: hope or hype? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2713-2734. [PMID: 35904579 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06196-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose symptoms include impaired communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, and varying levels of intellectual disability. ASD is observed in early childhood and is one of the most severe chronic childhood disorders in prevalence, morbidity, and impact on society. It is usually accompanied by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and epilepsy. The treatment of ASD has low efficacy, possibly because it has a heterogeneous nature, and its neurobiological basis is not clearly understood. Drugs such as risperidone and aripiprazole are the only two drugs available that are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration, primarily for treating the behavioral symptoms of this disorder. These drugs have limited efficacy and a high potential for inducing undesirable effects, compromising treatment adherence. Therefore, there is great interest in exploring the endocannabinoid system, which modulates the activity of other neurotransmitters, has actions in social behavior and seems to be altered in patients with ASD. Thus, cannabidiol (CBD) emerges as a possible strategy for treating ASD symptoms since it has relevant pharmacological actions on the endocannabinoid system and shows promising results in studies related to disorders in the central nervous system. OBJECTIVES Review the preclinical and clinical data supporting CBD's potential as a treatment for the symptoms and comorbidities associated with ASD, as well as discuss and provide information with the purpose of not trivializing the use of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- João F C Pedrazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Frederico R Ferreira
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Danyelle Silva-Amaral
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Lima
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antônio W Zuardi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine A Del-Bel
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Physiology, and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karla C M Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alline C Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C S Crippa
- Graduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, Neuropediatric Center of the Hospital of Clinics (CENEP), Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - José A S Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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24
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Paulus V, Billieux J, Benyamina A, Karila L. Cannabidiol in the context of substance use disorder treatment: A systematic review. Addict Behav 2022; 132:107360. [PMID: 35580370 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant. CBD has received significant medical attention in relation to its anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic characteristics. An increasing number of studies focusing on the anti-addictive properties of CBD have recently been published. In this systematic review, we aim to offer a comprehensive overview of animal and human studies regarding the impact of CBD on substance use disorders (SUDs). METHODS A systematic search was performed on the PubMed database in February 2021. We included all articles assessing the effects of CBD on substance use disorders. RESULTS The current systematic review suggests that CBD might offer promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of SUD, based on available animal and human studies. Animal studies showed a positive impact of CBD in the context of alcohol, opioids, and methamphetamine use (e.g., diminishing of drug-seeking behaviors). The results for cocaine use were mixed among reviewed studies, and CBD was not found to have an effect in animal studies on cannabis use. No animal study was identified that focused on the impact of CBD on nicotine use. Human studies showed a positive impact of CBD in the context of nicotine, cannabis, and opioid use (e.g., frequency and quantity of consumption). In contrast, CBD was not found to have an effect in human studies on cocaine or alcohol use. No human study was identified that investigated the impact of CBD on methamphetamine use. CONCLUSIONS CBD might offer promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of SUD, especially for nicotine, cannabis, and opioid use disorders, based on available human studies. The available research evidence is, however, sparse and more research on humans is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Paulus
- Hôpital Universitaire Paul Brousse (AP-HP), UR PSYCOMADD, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France; Faculty of Medicine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Hôpital Universitaire Paul Brousse (AP-HP), UR PSYCOMADD, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Laurent Karila
- Hôpital Universitaire Paul Brousse (AP-HP), UR PSYCOMADD, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.
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25
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Cannabidiol (CBD) drives sex-dependent impairments in omission, but has no effect on reinforcer devaluation. Behav Brain Res 2022; 434:114023. [PMID: 35901956 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Habits are inflexible behaviors that persist despite changes in outcome value. While habits allow for efficient responding, neuropsychiatric diseases such as drug addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder are characterized by overreliance on habits. Recently, the commercially popular drug cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a potential treatment for addictive behaviors, though it is not entirely clear how it exerts this therapeutic effect. As brain endocannabinoids play a key role in habit formation, we sought to determine how CBD modifies goal-directed behaviors and habit formation. To explore this, mice were administered CBD (20mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle as a control and trained on random interval (RI30/60) or random ratio (RR10/20) schedules designed to elicit habitual or goal-directed lever pressing, respectively. Mice were tested for habitual responding using probe trials following reinforcer-specific devaluation as well as omission trials, where mice had to withhold responding to earn rewards. We found that while CBD had little effect on operant behaviors or reward devaluation, CBD inhibited goal-directed behavior in a sex-specific and contextdependent manner during the omission task. Beyond drug treatment, we found an effect of sex throughout training, reward devaluation, and omission. This work provides evidence that CBD has no effect on habit formation in a reward devaluation paradigm. However, the omission results suggest that CBD may slow learning of novel actionoutcome contingencies or decrease goal-directed behavior. This work calls for further examination of sex-dependent outcomes of CBD treatment and highlights the importance of investigating sex effects in habit-related experiments.
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26
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Dias Viegas FP, Gontijo VS, de Freitas Silva M, Cristancho Ortiz CJ, Franco GDRR, Ernesto JT, Damasio CM, Fernandes Silva IM, Campos TG, Viegas C. Curcumin, Resveratrol and Cannabidiol as Natural Key Prototypes in Drug Design for Neuroprotective Agents. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1297-1328. [PMID: 34825873 PMCID: PMC9881080 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210712152532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), represent a great challenge in different scientific fields, such as neuropharmacology, medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and medicine, as all these pathologies remain incurable, with high socioeconomic impacts and high costs for governmental health services. Due to their severity and multifactorial pathophysiological complexity, the available approved drugs for clinic have not yet shown adequate effectiveness and exhibited very restricted options in the therapeutic arsenal; this highlights the need for continued drug discovery efforts in the academia and industry. In this context, natural products, such as curcumin (1), resveratrol (2) and cannabidiol (CBD, 3) have been recognized as important sources, with promising chemical entities, prototype models and starting materials for medicinal organic chemistry, as their molecular architecture, multifunctional properties and single chemical diversity could facilitate the discovery, optimization and development of innovative drug candidates with improved pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics compared to the known drugs and, perhaps, provide a chance for discovering novel effective drugs to combat NDs. In this review, we report the most recent efforts of medicinal chemists worldwide devoted to the exploration of curcumin (1), resveratrol (2) and cannabidiol (CBD, 3) as starting materials or privileged scaffolds in the design of multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) with potential therapeutic properties against NDs, which have been published in the scientific literature during the last 10 years of research and are available in PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia P. Dias Viegas
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; ,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Federal University of Alfenas, 37133-840, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Silva Gontijo
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; ,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil;
| | - Matheus de Freitas Silva
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; ,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Federal University of Alfenas, 37133-840, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Cindy Juliet Cristancho Ortiz
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; ,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Federal University of Alfenas, 37133-840, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Graziella dos Reis Rosa Franco
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; ,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Federal University of Alfenas, 37133-840, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Januário Tomás Ernesto
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; ,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil;
| | - Caio Miranda Damasio
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil;
| | - Isabela Marie Fernandes Silva
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil;
| | - Thâmara Gaspar Campos
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil;
| | - Claudio Viegas
- PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; ,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; ,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Federal University of Alfenas, 37133-840, Alfenas, Brazil,Address correspondence to this author at the PeQuiM - Laboratory of Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37133-840, Brazil; Tel: +55 35 37011880; E-mail:
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Metz VG, da Rosa JLO, Rossato DR, Burger ME, Pase CS. Cannabidiol treatment prevents drug reinstatement and the molecular alterations evoked by amphetamine on receptors and enzymes from dopaminergic and endocannabinoid systems in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 218:173427. [PMID: 35810923 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In psychostimulant drug addiction, relapse is the most concerning outcome to be managed, considering there is no approved treatment for this neuropsychiatric condition. Here, we investigated the effects of the CBD treatment on the relapse behavior triggered by stress, after being submitted to the amphetamine (AMPH)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. To elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying the CBD treatment, we evaluated the neuroadaptations on dopaminergic and endocannabinoid targets in the ventral striatum (VS) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain. Animals received d,l-AMPH (4 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle in the CPP paradigm for 8 days. Following the first CPP test, animals were treated with CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or its vehicle for 5 days and subsequently submitted to forced swim stress protocol to induce AMPH-CPP relapse. Behavioral findings showed that CBD treatment prevented AMPH-reinstatement, also exerting anxiolytic activity. At the molecular level, in the VTA, CBD restored the CB1R levels decreased by AMPH-exposure, increased NAPE-PLD, and decreased FAAH levels. In the VS, the increase of D1R and D2R, as well as the decrease of DAT levels induced by AMPH were restored by CBD treatment. The current outcomes evidence a substantial preventive action of the CBD on the AMPH-reinstatement evoked by stress, also involving neuroadaptations in both dopaminergic and endocannabinoid systems in brain areas closely involved in the addiction. Although further studies are needed, these findings support the therapeutic potential of CBD in AMPH-relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícia Garzella Metz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Camila Simonetti Pase
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
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28
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Gunasekera B, Diederen K, Bhattacharyya S. Cannabinoids, reward processing, and psychosis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1157-1177. [PMID: 33644820 PMCID: PMC9110536 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that an overlap exists between the neurobiology of psychotic disorders and the effects of cannabinoids on neurocognitive and neurochemical substrates involved in reward processing. AIMS We investigate whether the psychotomimetic effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the antipsychotic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) are underpinned by their effects on the reward system and dopamine. METHODS This narrative review focuses on the overlap between altered dopamine signalling and reward processing induced by cannabinoids, pre-clinically and in humans. A systematic search was conducted of acute cannabinoid drug-challenge studies using neuroimaging in healthy subjects and those with psychosis RESULTS: There is evidence of increased striatal presynaptic dopamine synthesis and release in psychosis, as well as abnormal engagement of the striatum during reward processing. Although, acute THC challenges have elicited a modest effect on striatal dopamine, cannabis users generally indicate impaired presynaptic dopaminergic function. Functional MRI studies have identified that a single dose of THC may modulate regions involved in reward and salience processing such as the striatum, midbrain, insular, and anterior cingulate, with some effects correlating with the severity of THC-induced psychotic symptoms. CBD may modulate brain regions involved in reward/salience processing in an opposite direction to that of THC. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence to suggest modulation of reward processing and its neural substrates by THC and CBD. Whether such effects underlie the psychotomimetic/antipsychotic effects of these cannabinoids remains unclear. Future research should address these unanswered questions to understand the relationship between endocannabinoid dysfunction, reward processing abnormalities, and psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Gunasekera
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box P067, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Kelly Diederen
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box P067, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Box P067, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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29
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Sharifi A, Karimi-Haghighi S, Shabani R, Asgari HR, Ahadi R, Haghparast A. Cannabidiol impairs the rewarding effects of methamphetamine: Involvement of dopaminergic receptors in the nucleus accumbens. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 113:110458. [PMID: 34662693 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol, as component of cannabis, can potentially hinder the rewarding impact of drug abuse; however, its mechanism is ambiguous. Moreover, the nucleus accumbens (NAc), as a key area in the reward circuit, extensively receives dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmentum area. To elucidate the role of accumbal D1 and D2 dopamine receptor families in Cannabidiol's inhibitory impact on the acquisition and expression phases of methamphetamine (MET), the conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure as a common method to assay reward characteristics of drugs was carried out. Six groups of rats were treated by various doses of SCH23390 or Sulpiride (0.25, 1, and 4 μg/0.5 μL) in the NAc as D1 or D2 dopamine receptor family antagonists, respectively, prior to infusion of Cannabidiol (10 μg/5 μL) in the lateral ventricle (LV) over conditioning phase in the acquisition experiments. In the second step of the study, animals received SCH23390 or Sulpiride in the NAc before Cannabidiol (50 μg/5 μL) infusion into the LV in the expression phase of MET to illuminate the influence of SCH23390 or Sulpiride on the inhibitory impact of Cannabidiol on the expression of MET-induced CPP. Intra-NAc administration of either SCH23390 or Sulpiride impaired Cannabidiol's suppressive impact on the expression phase, while just Sulpiride could suppress the Cannabidiol's impact on the acquisition phase of the MET-induced CPP. Also, the inhibitory impact of Sulpiride was stranger in both phases of MET reward. It seems that Cannabidiol prevents the expression and acquisition phases of MET-induced CPP partly through the dopaminergic system in the NAc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asrin Sharifi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Karimi-Haghighi
- Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Shabani
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Asgari
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahadi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Luján MÁ, Alegre-Zurano L, Martín-Sánchez A, Cantacorps L, Valverde O. CB1 receptor antagonist AM4113 reverts the effects of cannabidiol on cue and stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 113:110462. [PMID: 34688811 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
No pharmacological treatments are yet approved for patients with cocaine use disorders. Cannabidiol, a constituent of the C. sativa plant has shown promising results in rodent models of drug addiction. However, the specific effects and mechanisms of action of cannabidiol in rodent operant models of extinction-based abstinence and drug-seeking relapse remain unclear. Cannabidiol (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected during extinction training to male CD-1 mice previously trained to self-administer cocaine (0.75 mg/kg/infusion). Then, we evaluated the reinstatement of cocaine seeking induced by cues and stressful stimuli (footshock). We found that cannabidiol (10 and 20 mg/kg) did not modulate extinction learning. After cannabidiol 20 mg/kg treatment, increased levels of CB1 receptor protein were found in the prelimbic and orbitofrontal regions of the prefrontal cortex, and in the ventral striatum; an effect paralleled by a reduction of striatal ∆FosB accumulation and an increment of GluR2 AMPA receptor subunits. Furthermore, cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking was attenuated by cannabidiol. Unexpectedly, cannabidiol 20 mg/kg facilitated stress-induced restoration of cocaine-seeking behaviour. To ascertain the participation of CB1 receptors in these behavioural changes, we administered the CB1 antagonist AM4113 (5 mg/kg) before each reinstatement session. Both, the attenuation of cue-induced reinstatement and the facilitation of stress-induced reestablishment were abolished by AM4113 in cannabidiol 20 mg/kg-treated mice. Our results reveal a series of complex CB1-related changes induced by cannabidiol with a varying impact on the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour that could limit its therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á Luján
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Alegre-Zurano
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Martín-Sánchez
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lídia Cantacorps
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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Li HC, Zhang JM, Xu R, Wang YH, Xu W, Chen R, Wan XM, Zhang HL, Wang L, Wang XJ, Jiang LH, Liu B, Zhao Y, Chen YY, Dai YP, Li M, Zhang HQ, Yang Z, Bai L, Zhang J, Wang HB, Tian JW, Zhao YL, Cen XB. mTOR regulates cocaine-induced behavioural sensitization through the SynDIG1-GluA2 interaction in the nucleus accumbens. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:295-306. [PMID: 34522005 PMCID: PMC8792044 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00760-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioral sensitization is a progressive increase in locomotor or stereotypic behaviours in response to drugs. It is believed to contribute to the reinforcing properties of drugs and to play an important role in relapse after cessation of drug abuse. However, the mechanism underlying this behaviour remains poorly understood. In this study, we showed that mTOR signaling was activated during the expression of behavioral sensitization to cocaine and that intraperitoneal or intra-nucleus accumbens (NAc) treatment with rapamycin, a specific mTOR inhibitor, attenuated cocaine-induced behavioural sensitization. Cocaine significantly modified brain lipid profiles in the NAc of cocaine-sensitized mice and markedly elevated the levels of phosphatidylinositol-4-monophosphates (PIPs), including PIP, PIP2, and PIP3. The behavioural effect of cocaine was attenuated by intra-NAc administration of LY294002, an AKT-specific inhibitor, suggesting that PIPs may contribute to mTOR activation in response to cocaine. An RNA-sequencing analysis of the downstream effectors of mTOR signalling revealed that cocaine significantly decreased the expression of SynDIG1, a known substrate of mTOR signalling, and decreased the surface expression of GluA2. In contrast, AAV-mediated SynDIG1 overexpression in NAc attenuated intracellular GluA2 internalization by promoting the SynDIG1-GluA2 interaction, thus maintaining GluA2 surface expression and repressing cocaine-induced behaviours. In conclusion, NAc SynDIG1 may play a negative regulatory role in cocaine-induced behavioural sensitization by regulating synaptic surface expression of GluA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-chun Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Jia-mei Zhang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Rui Xu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yong-hai Wang
- grid.440761.00000 0000 9030 0162Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005 China
| | - Wei Xu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Rong Chen
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Xue-mei Wan
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Hao-luo Zhang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Liang Wang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Xiao-jie Wang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Lin-hong Jiang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Bin Liu
- grid.440761.00000 0000 9030 0162Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005 China
| | - Ying Zhao
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yuan-yuan Chen
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yan-ping Dai
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Min Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Hua-qin Zhang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Zhen Yang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Histology and Imaging Platform, Core Facilities of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Lin Bai
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Histology and Imaging Platform, Core Facilities of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Jie Zhang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Histology and Imaging Platform, Core Facilities of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Hong-bo Wang
- grid.440761.00000 0000 9030 0162Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005 China
| | - Jing-wei Tian
- grid.440761.00000 0000 9030 0162Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005 China
| | - Ying-lan Zhao
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Xiao-bo Cen
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
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Karimi-Haghighi S, Razavi Y, Iezzi D, Scheyer AF, Manzoni O, Haghparast A. Cannabidiol and substance use disorder: Dream or reality. Neuropharmacology 2022; 207:108948. [PMID: 35032495 PMCID: PMC9157244 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major constituents of Cannabis sativa L. that lacks psychotomimetic and rewarding properties and inhibits the rewarding and reinforcing effects of addictive drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine (METH), and morphine. Additionally, CBD's safety profile and therapeutic potential are currently evaluated in several medical conditions, including pain, depression, movement disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, and substance use disorder. There is no effective treatment for substance use disorders such as addiction, and this review aims to describe preclinical and clinical investigations into the effects of CBD in various models of opioid, psychostimulant, cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine abuse. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of CBD on drug abuse disorders are reviewed. METHODS The current review considers and summarizes the preclinical and clinical investigations into CBD's effects in various models of drug abuse include opioids, psychostimulants, cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine. RESULTS Several preclinical and clinical studies have proposed that CBD may be a reliable agent to inhibit the reinforcing and rewarding impact of drugs. CONCLUSIONS While the currently available evidence converges to suggest that CBD could effectively reduce the rewarding and reinforcing effects of addictive drugs, more preclinical and clinical studies are needed before CBD can be added to the therapeutic arsenal for treating addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Karimi-Haghighi
- Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Razavi
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Daniela Iezzi
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Andrew F Scheyer
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Manzoni
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Cannabidiol but not cannabidiolic acid reduces behavioural sensitisation to methamphetamine in rats, at pharmacologically effective doses. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1593-1603. [PMID: 35435462 PMCID: PMC9110442 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are non-psychoactive components of the cannabis plant. CBD has been well characterised to have anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity, whereas the behavioural effects of CBDA are less clear. Preclinical and clinical data suggests that CBD has antipsychotic properties and reduces methamphetamine self-administration in rats. An animal model that is commonly used to mimic the neurochemical changes underlying psychosis and drug dependence is methamphetamine (METH) sensitisation, where repeated administration of the psychostimulant progressively increases the locomotor effects of METH. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether CBD or CBDA attenuate METH-induced sensitisation of locomotor hyperactivity in rats. METHODS Eighty-six male Sprague Dawley rats underwent METH sensitisation protocol where they were subjected to daily METH (1 mg/kg on days 2 and 8, 5 mg/kg on days 3-7; i.p.) injections for 7 days. After 21 days of withdrawal, rats were given a prior injection of CBD (0, 40 and 80 mg/kg; i.p.) or CBDA (0, 0.1, 10 and 1000 µg/kg; i.p.) and challenged with acute METH (1 mg/kg; i.p.). Locomotor activity was then measured for 60 min. RESULTS Rats displayed robust METH sensitisation as evidenced by increased locomotor activity to METH challenge in METH-pretreated versus SAL-pretreated rats. CBD (40 and 80 mg/kg) reduced METH-induced sensitisation. There was no effect of any CBDA doses on METH sensitisation or acute METH-induced hyperactivity. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that CBD, but not CBDA, reduces METH sensitisation of locomotor activity in rats at pharmacologically effective doses, thus reinforcing evidence that CBD has anti-addiction and antipsychotic properties.
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Maia LO, Glass M, Jutras-Aswad D, Fischer B. Co-exposure of cannabinoids with amphetamines and biological, behavioural and health outcomes: a scoping review of animal and human studies. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1211-1230. [PMID: 34613429 PMCID: PMC9110457 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05960-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The growing prevalence of psychostimulant (including amphetamine) use and associated health harms, with limited treatment options, present a global challenge. There is an increasing availability and medical applications of cannabinoids, and growing interest in their therapeutic potential for addictive disorders. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to review available data regarding cannabis/cannabinoid co-use or exposure on amphetamine-related outcomes. METHODS Towards the present scoping review, we systematically searched four databases (Medline, Web-of-Science, CINAHL Plus and PsycInfo) using cannabis/cannabinoid and amphetamine text-terms identifying peer-reviewed, English-language studies published in 2000-2020 involving multiple methods approaches among both human and animal study samples, assessing the association of co-use/administration of cannabis/cannabinoids products with non-medical amphetamines on biological, behavioural or health outcomes. RESULTS Twenty-five articles were included. Pre-clinical studies (n = 15) found mostly protective effects of single or repeated cannabinoids administration on rodents in amphetamine addiction models, amphetamine-induced models of human mental disorders (e.g. schizophrenia) and amphetamine-induced neurotoxicity. Human studies (n = 10) were more heterogeneously designed (e.g. cross-sectional, case-control, longitudinal) and assessed natural ongoing cannabis and methamphetamine use or dependence, showing mostly enhanced harms in a diversity of outcomes (e.g. mental health, methamphetamine use, cognition). CONCLUSIONS While human studies suggest cannabis use as an adverse risk factor among non-medical amphetamine users, pre-clinical studies suggest therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol, to alleviate amphetamine addiction and harms, including treatment outcomes. Given increasing psychostimulant harms but lack of care options, rigorous, high-quality design studies should aim to translate and investigate pre-clinical study results for potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids for amphetamine use/abuse in human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland 1023 New Zealand
| | - Lucas O. Maia
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health & Addiction, Simon Fraser University, 515 W. Hastings Street,, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3 Canada
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054 Otago New Zealand
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Universite de Montreal (CHUM), 1051 Rue Sanguinet, Montréal, QC H2X 3E4 Canada ,Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Benedikt Fischer
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand. .,Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health & Addiction, Simon Fraser University, 515 W. Hastings Street,, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5K3, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8Th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), R. Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, Sao Paulo, 785 05403-903, Brazil.
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Ledesma JC, Manzanedo C, Aguilar MA. Cannabidiol prevents several of the behavioral alterations related to cocaine addiction in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110390. [PMID: 34157334 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine dependence is a highly prevalent disease in modern society and lacks an effective treatment. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, has been shown to be a promising tool in the management of some neuropsychiatric disorders, including cocaine abuse. However, its therapeutic effects on the behavioral outcomes related to cocaine addiction remain unclear. The present research evaluates the effects of CBD (30, 60 and 120 mg/kg; injected intraperitoneally) on the acquisition, expression, extinction and reinstatement of cocaine (10 mg/kg)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP; Study 1); cocaine (25 mg/kg)-induced locomotor stimulation (Study 2); and cocaine withdrawal symptoms (Study 3) in male C57BL/6 J mice. The results show that CBD does not possess motivational properties in itself and does not modify the acquisition, expression or extinction of cocaine-induced CPP. Interestingly, when administered during the extinction phase of the cocaine-induced CPP, CBD (30 and 60 mg/kg) prevented priming-induced reinstatement of CPP. Moreover, CBD abolished cocaine-induced hyperactivity without altering the spontaneous locomotion of the animals. Furthermore, CBD (120 mg/kg) reduced the memory deficits induced by cocaine withdrawal in the object recognition test, though it did not reverse depressive-like symptoms measured in the tail suspension test. Overall, our data suggest that CBD can prevent the development of cocaine addiction, and, when administered during cocaine abstinence, may be of help in avoiding relapse to drug-seeking and in ameliorating the memory disturbances provoked by chronic consumption of cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Ledesma
- Unit of Research 'Neurobehavioural mechanisms and endophenotypes of addictive behaviour', Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Manzanedo
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Investigación Psicobiología de las Drogodependencias, Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - María A Aguilar
- Unit of Research 'Neurobehavioural mechanisms and endophenotypes of addictive behaviour', Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Valencia, 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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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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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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Metz VG, da Rosa JLO, Rossato DR, Milanesi LH, Burger ME, Pase CS. Cannabidiol prevents amphetamine relapse and modulates D1- and D2-receptor levels in mesocorticolimbic brain areas of rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 50:23-33. [PMID: 33951588 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine (AMPH) is an addictive psychostimulant highly used worldwide and its consumption is related to neurotoxic effects. Currently, there is no pharmacotherapy approved for treating AMPH or other psychostimulant drug addiction. Different studies have shown promising properties of cannabidiol (CBD) for treating many neurological and psychiatric diseases, and recently, CBD is being considered a potential strategy for the treatment of drug addiction disorders. Thus, we investigated possible CBD beneficial effects on relapse symptoms following AMPH re-exposure considering drug relapse is the most difficult clinical factor to control during addiction treatment. Rats received d,l-AMPH (4 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle in the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm (8 days), when each experimental group was re-assigned to receive CBD at two different doses (5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p) or control, for 5 days. Subsequently, animals were re-exposed to AMPH-CPP (4 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 additional days to assess relapse behavior. Besides locomotor and anxiety-like behaviors, dopaminergic molecular parameters were quantified in both prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum. Regarding molecular levels, CBD modulated at basal levels the dopaminergic targets (D1R, D2R, DAT, and TH) in the assessed brain areas, preventing AMPH relapse and decreasing anxiety-like behavior per se and in AMPH-CPP animals. The current findings give evidence about CBD-induced AMPH-relapse prevention, which may be linked to dopaminergic mesocorticolimbic system modulation. Although future and clinical studies are needed, our outcomes show that CBD may be a useful alternative to prevent AMPH relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícia Garzella Metz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Domenika Rubert Rossato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Laura Hautrive Milanesi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marilise Escobar Burger
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | - Camila Simonetti Pase
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
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Reversing the Psychiatric Effects of Neurodevelopmental Cannabinoid Exposure: Exploring Pharmacotherapeutic Interventions for Symptom Improvement. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157861. [PMID: 34360626 PMCID: PMC8346164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental exposure to psychoactive compounds in cannabis, specifically THC, is associated with a variety of long-term psychopathological outcomes. This increased risk includes a higher prevalence of schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders, and cognitive impairments. Clinical and pre-clinical research continues to identify a wide array of underlying neuropathophysiological sequelae and mechanisms that may underlie THC-related psychiatric risk vulnerability, particularly following adolescent cannabis exposure. A common theme among these studies is the ability of developmental THC exposure to induce long-term adaptations in the mesocorticolimbic system which resemble pathological endophenotypes associated with these disorders. This narrative review will summarize recent clinical and pre-clinical evidence that has elucidated these THC-induced developmental risk factors and examine how specific pharmacotherapeutic interventions may serve to reverse or perhaps prevent these cannabis-related risk outcomes.
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Schubert-Bast S, Strzelczyk A. Review of the treatment options for epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex: towards precision medicine. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:17562864211031100. [PMID: 34349839 PMCID: PMC8290505 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211031100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which encode proteins that antagonise the mammalian isoform of the target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) - a key mediator of cell growth and metabolism. TSC is characterised by the development of benign tumours in multiple organs, together with neurological manifestations including epilepsy and TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND). Epilepsy occurs frequently and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, the management is challenging due to the intractable nature of the seizures. Preventative epilepsy treatment is a key aim, especially as patients with epilepsy may be at a higher risk of developing severe cognitive and behavioural impairment. Vigabatrin given preventatively reduces the risk and severity of epilepsy although the benefits for TAND are inconclusive. These promising results could pave the way for evaluating other treatments in a preventative capacity, especially those that may address the underlying pathophysiology of TSC, including everolimus, cannabidiol and the ketogenic diet (KD). Everolimus is an mTOR inhibitor approved for the adjunctive treatment of refractory TSC-associated seizures that has demonstrated significant reductions in seizure frequency compared with placebo, improvements that were sustained after 2 years of treatment. Highly purified cannabidiol, recently approved in the US as Epidiolex® for TSC-associated seizures in patients ⩾1 years of age, and the KD, may also participate in the regulation of the mTOR pathway. This review focusses on the pivotal clinical evidence surrounding these potential targeted therapies that may form the foundation of precision medicine for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as other current treatments including anti-seizure drugs, vagus nerve stimulation and surgery. New future therapies are also discussed, together with the potential for preventative treatment with targeted therapies. Due to advances in understanding the molecular genetics and pathophysiology, TSC represents a prototypic clinical syndrome for studying epileptogenesis and the impact of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, Frankfurt am Main, 60528, Germany
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Schlag AK, Hindocha C, Zafar R, Nutt DJ, Curran HV. Cannabis based medicines and cannabis dependence: A critical review of issues and evidence. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:773-785. [PMID: 33593117 PMCID: PMC8278552 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120986393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis has been legalised for medical use in an ever-increasing number of countries. A growing body of scientific evidence supports the use of medical cannabis for a range of therapeutic indications. In parallel with these developments, concerns have been expressed by many prescribers that increased use will lead to patients developing cannabis use disorder. Cannabis use disorder has been widely studied in recreational users, and these findings have often been projected onto patients using medical cannabis. However, studies exploring medical cannabis dependence are scarce and the appropriate methodology to measure this construct is uncertain. This article provides a narrative review of the current research to discern if, how and to what extent, concerns about problems of dependence in recreational cannabis users apply to prescribed medical users. We focus on the main issues related to medical cannabis and dependence, including the importance of dose, potency, cannabinoid content, pharmacokinetics and route of administration, frequency of use, as well as set and setting. Medical and recreational cannabis use differs in significant ways, highlighting the challenges of extrapolating findings from the recreational cannabis literature. There are many questions about the potential for medical cannabis use to lead to dependence. It is therefore imperative to address these questions in order to be able to minimise harms of medical cannabis use. We draw out seven recommendations for increasing the safety of medical cannabis prescribing. We hope that the present review contributes to answering some of the key questions surrounding medical cannabis dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Schlag
- Drug Science, St Peter’s House, London, UK
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Chandni Hindocha
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- University College Hospital National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Rayyan Zafar
- Drug Science, St Peter’s House, London, UK
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Drug Science, St Peter’s House, London, UK
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - H Valerie Curran
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- University College Hospital National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Salviato BZ, Raymundi AM, Rodrigues da Silva T, Salemme BW, Batista Sohn JM, Araújo FS, Guimarães FS, Bertoglio LJ, Stern CA. Female but not male rats show biphasic effects of low doses of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on anxiety: can cannabidiol interfere with these effects? Neuropharmacology 2021; 196:108684. [PMID: 34181978 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main phytocannabinoid present in the Cannabis sativa. It can produce dose-dependent anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects in males. THC effects on anxiety have scarcely been studied in females, despite their higher prevalence of anxiety disorders. Cannabidiol, another phytocannabinoid, has been reported to attenuate anxiety and some THC-induced effects. The present study aimed to investigate the behavioral and neurochemical effects of THC administered alone or combined with CBD in naturally cycling female rats tested in the elevated plus-maze. Systemically administered THC produced biphasic effects in females, anxiolytic at low doses (0.075 or 0.1 mg/kg) and anxiogenic at a higher dose (1.0 mg/kg). No anxiety changes were observed in males treated with the same THC dose range. The anxiogenic effect of THC was prevented by co-administration of CBD (1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg). CBD (3.0 mg/kg) caused an anxiolytic effect. At a lower dose (1.0 mg/kg), it facilitated the anxiolytic effect of the low THC dose. The anxiogenic effect of THC was accompanied by increased dopamine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). In contrast, its anxiolytic effect was associated with increased mPFC serotonin concentrations. The anxiolytic effect of CBD was accompanied by increased mPFC serotonin turnover. Together, these results indicate that female rats are susceptible to the biphasic effects of low THC doses on anxiety. These effects could depend on mPFC and NAc dopaminergic and serotoninergic neurotransmissions. CBD could minimize potential THC high-dose side effects whereas enhancing the anxiolytic action of its low doses in females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Maria Raymundi
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Leandro José Bertoglio
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
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Gunasekera B, Davies C, Martin-Santos R, Bhattacharyya S. The Yin and Yang of Cannabis: A Systematic Review of Human Neuroimaging Evidence of the Differential Effects of Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2021; 6:636-645. [PMID: 33414100 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been the most investigated cannabinoids at the human and preclinical levels, although the neurobiological mechanisms underlying their effects remain unclear. Human experimental evidence complemented by observational studies suggests that THC may have psychotogenic effects while CBD may have antipsychotic effects. However, whether their effects on brain function are consistent with their opposing behavioral effects remains unclear. To address this, here we synthesize neuroimaging evidence investigating the acute effects of THC and CBD on human brain function using a range of neuroimaging techniques, with an aim to identify the key brain substrates where THC and CBD have opposing effects. After a systematic search, a review of the available studies indicated marked heterogeneity. However, an overall pattern of opposite effect profiles of the two cannabinoids was evident with some degree of consistency, primarily attributed to the head-to-head challenge studies of THC and CBD. While head-to-head comparisons are relatively few, collectively the evidence suggests that opposite effects of THC and CBD may be present in the striatum, parahippocampus, anterior cingulate/medial prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, with opposite effects less consistently identified in other regions. Broadly, THC seems to increase brain activation and blood flow, whereas CBD seems to decrease brain activation and blood flow. Given the sparse evidence, there is a particular need to understand the mechanisms underlying their opposite behavioral effects because it may not only offer insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of psychotic disorders but also suggest potentially novel targets and biomarkers for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Gunasekera
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Cathy Davies
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Rocio Martin-Santos
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Role of Cannabidiol in the Therapeutic Intervention for Substance Use Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:626010. [PMID: 34093179 PMCID: PMC8173061 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.626010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug treatments available for the management of substance use disorders (SUD) present multiple limitations in efficacy, lack of approved treatments or alarming relapse rates. These facts hamper the clinical outcome and the quality of life of the patients supporting the importance to develop new pharmacological agents. Lately, several reports suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) presents beneficial effects relevant for the management of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer's diseases. Furthermore, there is a large body of evidence pointing out that CBD improves cognition, neurogenesis and presents anxiolytic, antidepressant, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective effects suggesting potential usefulness for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases and SUD. Here we review preclinical and clinical reports regarding the effects of CBD on the regulation of the reinforcing, motivational and withdrawal-related effects of different drugs of abuse such as alcohol, opioids (morphine, heroin), cannabinoids, nicotine, and psychostimulants (cocaine, amphetamine). Furthermore, a special section of the review is focused on the neurobiological mechanisms that might be underlying the 'anti-addictive' action of CBD through the regulation of dopaminergic, opioidergic, serotonergic, and endocannabinoid systems as well as hippocampal neurogenesis. The multimodal pharmacological profile described for CBD and the specific regulation of addictive behavior-related targets explains, at least in part, its therapeutic effects on the regulation of the reinforcing and motivational properties of different drugs of abuse. Moreover, the remarkable safety profile of CBD, its lack of reinforcing properties and the existence of approved medications containing this compound (Sativex®, Epidiolex®) increased the number of studies suggesting the potential of CBD as a therapeutic intervention for SUD. The rising number of publications with substantial results on the valuable therapeutic innovation of CBD for treating SUD, the undeniable need of new therapeutic agents to improve the clinical outcome of patients with SUD, and the upcoming clinical trials involving CBD endorse the relevance of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de 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, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de 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, San Juan de 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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Zada S, Hwang JS, Ahmed M, Lai TH, Pham TM, Elashkar O, Kim DR. Cross talk between autophagy and oncogenic signaling pathways and implications for cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188565. [PMID: 33992723 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved metabolic process involved in the degradation of intracellular components including proteins and organelles. Consequently, it plays a critical role in recycling metabolic energy for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in response to various stressors. In cancer, autophagy either suppresses or promotes cancer progression depending on the stage and cancer type. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer metastasis are directly mediated by oncogenic signal proteins including SNAI1, SLUG, ZEB1/2, and NOTCH1, which are functionally correlated with autophagy. In this report, we discuss the crosstalk between oncogenic signaling pathways and autophagy followed by possible strategies for cancer treatment via regulation of autophagy. Although autophagy affects EMT and cancer metastasis, the overall signaling pathways connecting cancer progression and autophagy are still illusive. In general, autophagy plays a critical role in cancer cell survival by providing a minimum level of energy via self-digestion. Thus, cancer cells face nutrient limitations and challenges under stress during EMT and metastasis. Conversely, autophagy acts as a potential cancer suppressor by degrading oncogenic proteins, which are essential for cancer progression, and by removing damaged components such as mitochondria to enhance genomic stability. Therefore, autophagy activators or inhibitors represent possible cancer therapeutics. We further discuss the regulation of autophagy-dependent degradation of oncogenic proteins and its functional correlation with oncogenic signaling pathways, with potential applications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahib Zada
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seok Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahmoud Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Trang Huyen Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Trang Minh Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Omar Elashkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok Ryong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea.
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Komeili G, Haghparast E, Sheibani V. Marijuana improved motor impairments and changes in synaptic plasticity-related molecules in the striatum in 6-OHDA-treated rats. Behav Brain Res 2021; 410:113342. [PMID: 33961911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Using marijuana has become popular and is allowed for medical purposes in some countries. The effect of marijuana on Parkinson's disease is controversial and Medical marijuana may benefit for motor and non-motor symptoms of patients with Parkinson's disease. No research has been conducted to fully prove the benefits, risks, and uses of marijuana as a treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease. In the present study, several different approaches, including behavioral measures and the western blot method for protein level assay, were used to investigate whether exposure to marijuana affects the motor and synaptic plasticity impairment induced by 6-OHDA. Marijuana consumption significantly decreased apomorphine-induced contralateral rotation, beam travel time, beam freeze time, and catalepsy time, but significantly increased latency to fall in the rotarod test, balance time, and protein level of PSD-95 and dopamine receptor D1 in the 6-OHDA + marijuana group. These results suggest that marijuana may be helpful for motor disorders and synaptic changes in patients with Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Komeili
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Elham Haghparast
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Hassanlou AA, Jamali S, RayatSanati K, Mousavi Z, Haghparast A. Cannabidiol modulates the METH-induced conditioned place preference through D2-like dopamine receptors in the hippocampal CA1 region. Brain Res Bull 2021; 172:43-51. [PMID: 33862125 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The main problem with addiction is a relapse with a high rate in methamphetamine (METH) abusers. Using addictive drugs repetitively will cause the reward. METH reward is due to an increase in dopamine levels, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a modulatory role in reward through CB1 receptors. On the other hand, the hippocampus plays an important role in learning and memory, so it is involved in the neuroplasticity caused by METH abuse. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to reduce the effects of METH through different mechanisms such as increasing the ECS activity, regulating emotional memory in the ventral hippocampus through D2-like dopamine receptors, and decreasing the mesolimbic dopaminergic activity. The present study tried to find out the role of hippocampal CA1 D2-like dopamine receptors (D2R) in the effects of cannabidiol on the acquisition and expression of METH-induced conditioned place preference (METH-CPP) in rats by using microinjection of sulpiride as a D2R antagonist. For this purpose, different groups of animals received different doses of sulpiride (0.25, 1, and 4 μg/0.5 μL DMSO; CA1), once prior to the injection of CBD (10 μg/5 μL for acquisition and 50 μg/5 μL for expression; ICV) and once in the absence of CBD. Control groups were also considered. In brief, findings showed that cannabidiol decreases METH-induced CPP. Intra-CA1 administration of sulpiride reversed the decreasing effects of cannabidiol on METH-induced CPP in both acquisition and expression phases but more prominent in the expression phase. The results showed that sulpiride did not affect the METH-induced CPP in the absence of cannabidiol. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that cannabidiol decreased METH-induced CPP in part through interaction with hippocampal CA1 D2-dopamine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arash Hassanlou
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shole Jamali
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia RayatSanati
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Mousavi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Misganaw D. Heteromerization of dopaminergic receptors in the brain: Pharmacological implications. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105600. [PMID: 33836279 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine exerts its physiological effects through two subtypes of receptors, i.e. the receptors of the D1 family (D1R and D5R) and the D2 family (D2R, D3R, and D4R), which differ in their pattern of distribution, affinity, and signaling. The D1-like subfamily (D1R and D5R) are coupled to Gαs/olf proteins to activate adenylyl cyclase whereas the D2-like receptors are coupled to Gαi/o subunits and suppress the activity of adenylyl cyclase. Dopamine receptors are capable of forming homodimers, heterodimers, and higher-order oligomeric complexes, resulting in a change in the individual protomers' recognition, signaling, and pharmacology. Heteromerization has the potential to modify the canonical pharmacological features of individual monomeric units such as ligand affinity, activation, signaling, and cellular trafficking through allosteric interactions, reviving the field and introducing a new pharmacological target. Since heteromers are expressed and formed in a tissue-specific manner, they could provide the framework to design selective and effective drug candidates, such as brain-penetrant heterobivalent drugs and interfering peptides, with limited side effects. Therefore, heteromerization could be a promising area of pharmacology research, as it could contribute to the development of novel pharmacological interventions for dopamine dysregulated brain disorders such as addiction, schizophrenia, cognition, Parkinson's disease, and other motor-related disorders. This review is articulated based on the three criteria established by the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology for GPCR heterodimers (IUPHAR): evidence of co-localization and physical interactions in native or primary tissue, presence of a new physiological and functional property than the individual protomers, and loss of interaction and functional fingerprints upon heterodimer disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desye Misganaw
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Dessie, Ethiopia.
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Goldstein Ferber S, Weller A, Yadid G, Friedman A. Discovering the Lost Reward: Critical Locations for Endocannabinoid Modulation of the Cortico-Striatal Loop That Are Implicated in Major Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1867. [PMID: 33668515 PMCID: PMC7918043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression, the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in the Western world, is characterized by increased negative affect (i.e., depressed mood, cost value increase) and reduced positive affect (i.e., anhedonia, reward value decrease), fatigue, loss of appetite, and reduced psychomotor activity except for cases of agitative depression. Some forms, such as post-partum depression, have a high risk for suicidal attempts. Recent studies in humans and in animal models relate major depression occurrence and reoccurrence to alterations in dopaminergic activity, in addition to other neurotransmitter systems. Imaging studies detected decreased activity in the brain reward circuits in major depression. Therefore, the location of dopamine receptors in these circuits is relevant for understanding major depression. Interestingly, in cortico-striatal-dopaminergic pathways within the reward and cost circuits, the expression of dopamine and its contribution to reward are modulated by endocannabinoid receptors. These receptors are enriched in the striosomal compartment of striatum that selectively projects to dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra compacta and is vulnerable to stress. This review aims to show the crosstalk between endocannabinoid and dopamine receptors and their vulnerability to stress in the reward circuits, especially in corticostriatal regions. The implications for novel treatments of major depression are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari Goldstein Ferber
- Department of Psychology and the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (S.G.F.); (A.W.)
| | - Aron Weller
- Department of Psychology and the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (S.G.F.); (A.W.)
| | - Gal Yadid
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
| | - Alexander Friedman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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O'Sullivan SE, Stevenson CW, Laviolette SR. Could Cannabidiol Be a Treatment for Coronavirus Disease-19-Related Anxiety Disorders? Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2021; 6:7-18. [PMID: 33614948 PMCID: PMC7891214 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)-related anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are likely to be a significant long-term issue emerging from the current pandemic. We hypothesize that cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical isolated from Cannabis sativa with reported anxiolytic properties, could be a therapeutic option for the treatment of COVID-19-related anxiety disorders. In the global over-the-counter CBD market, anxiety, stress, depression, and sleep disorders are consistently the top reasons people use CBD. In small randomized controlled clinical trials, CBD (300-800 mg) reduces anxiety in healthy volunteers, patients with social anxiety disorder, those at clinical high risk of psychosis, in patients with Parkinson's disease, and in individuals with heroin use disorder. Observational studies and case reports support these findings, extending to patients with anxiety and sleep disorders, Crohn's disease, depression, and in PTSD. Larger ongoing trials in this area continue to add to this evidence base with relevant patient cohorts, sample sizes, and clinical end-points. Pre-clinical studies reveal the molecular targets of CBD in these indications as the cannabinoid receptor type 1 and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (mainly in fear memory processing), serotonin 1A receptor (mainly in anxiolysis) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (mainly in the underpinning anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects). Observational and pre-clinical data also support CBD's therapeutic value in improving sleep (increased sleep duration/quality and reduction in nightmares) and depression, which are often comorbid with anxiety. Together these features of CBD make it an attractive novel therapeutic option in COVID-related PTSS that merits investigation and testing through appropriately designed randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carl W. Stevenson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Steven R. Laviolette
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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