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Aspera-Werz RH, Mück J, Linnemann C, Herbst M, Ihle C, Histing T, Nussler AK, Ehnert S. Nicotine and Cotinine Induce Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation-Potential Risk for Impaired Wound Healing in Smokers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122424. [PMID: 36552632 PMCID: PMC9774423 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Smoking undoubtedly affects human health. Investigating 2318 representative patients at a level 1 trauma center identified delayed wound healing, tissue infections, and/or sepsis as main complications in smokers following trauma and orthopedic surgery. Therefore, smoking cessation is strongly advised to improve the clinical outcome in these patients, although smoking cessation often fails despite nicotine replacement therapy raising the need for specific interventions that may reduce the complication rate. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. In diabetics, delayed wound healing and infections/sepsis are associated with increased neutrophilic PADI4 expression and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The aim was to investigate if similar mechanisms hold for smokers. Indeed, our results show higher PADI4 expression in active and heavy smokers than non-smokers, which is associated with an increased complication rate. However, in vitro stimulation of neutrophils with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) only moderately induced NET formation despite accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Physiological levels of nicotine and its main metabolite cotinine more effectively induced NET formation, although they did not actively induce the formation of ROS, but interfered with the activity of enzymes involved in anti-oxidative defense and NET formation. In summary, we propose increased formation of NETs as possible triggers for delayed wound healing, tissue infections, and/or sepsis in smokers after a major trauma and orthopedic surgery. Smoking cessation might reduce this effect. However, our data show that smoking cessation supported by nicotine replacement therapy should be carefully considered as nicotine and its metabolite cotinine effectively induced NET formation in vitro, even without active formation of ROS.
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Keizer I, Gex-Fabry M, Croquette P, Humair JP, Khan AN. Tobacco craving and withdrawal symptoms in psychiatric patients during a motivational enhancement intervention based on a 26-hour smoking abstinence period. Tob Prev Cessat 2020; 5:22. [PMID: 32411885 PMCID: PMC7205071 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/109785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In psychiatric patients, tobacco withdrawal symptoms are frequently seen as a barrier to smoking cessation; however, further studies are warranted in this specific population. METHODS Patients receiving in- or out-patient mental health care participated in a motivational enhancement program including a 26-hour tobacco abstinence experience with professional support and optional nicotine replacement therapy. The study included 174 subjects, of whom 159 were evaluated 1 week before and at the end of the 26-hour abstinence period. Repeated assessments included the Minnesota Nicotine Tobacco Withdrawal Scale Revised (MNWS-R), two items of the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale (MPSS) regarding craving, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21), and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). RESULTS More than half the participants (52.3%) succeeded in 26-hour smoking abstinence. Craving was the most frequent MNWS-R withdrawal symptom (28.3% scored ≥3 on a 0–4 scale). Comparison of pre- and post-intervention data revealed significant improvements in 13 of 16 MNWS-R symptoms as well as craving (MPSS) and well-being, and significant decreases in anxiety and depression. Increasing MNWS-R craving scores and greater depression were both significantly associated with lower success in the 26-hour smoking abstinence period. CONCLUSIONS The negative effects of tobacco withdrawal symptoms in psychiatric patients may be substantially overestimated. Participation in a supportive structured motivational intervention with a 26-hour smoking cessation experience was well tolerated and contributed to temporary improvements in mental state. Craving is an interesting symptom to evaluate during smoking cessation attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineke Keizer
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Gex-Fabry
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrice Croquette
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Paul Humair
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Carrefour Addictions, CIPRET, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aqal N Khan
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
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Yeung V, Sharpe L, Geers A, Colagiuri B. Choice, Expectations, and the Placebo Effect for Sleep Difficulty. Ann Behav Med 2020; 54:94-107. [PMID: 31504091 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choice has been found to facilitate placebo effects for single-session treatments where standard placebo treatment without choice failed to elicit a placebo effect. However, it is unknown whether choice can enhance the placebo effect for treatments occurring over a period of days and where placebo effects are readily established without choice. PURPOSE We tested whether single or daily choice between two (placebo) treatments enhanced the placebo effect for sleep difficulty relative to no choice and no treatment over a 1 week period. METHODS One-hundred and seventeen volunteers self-identifying with sleep difficulty were recruited under the guise of a hypnotic trial and randomized to one of the four groups. Self-reported outcomes included insomnia severity, fatigue, total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency (SOL), perceived sleep quality (PSQ), and treatment satisfaction. Objective TST and SOL were assessed in a subsample via actigraphy. RESULTS Overall, placebo treatment significantly improved insomnia severity, fatigue, and PSQ, confirming a placebo effect on these outcomes. However, both traditional and Bayesian analysis indicated no benefit of choice on the placebo effect on any sleep outcome. Mediation analysis of the overall placebo effect indicated that expectancy completely mediated the placebo effects for insomnia severity and PSQ and partially mediated the placebo effect for fatigue. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that choice does not enhance the placebo effect over longer treatment periods (up to 7 days) when placebo effects are readily established without choice. As such, any benefit of choice on placebo effects may be confined to quite specific circumstances. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION ACTRN12618001199202.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Yeung
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise Sharpe
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Geers
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ben Colagiuri
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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4
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[Smoking cessation: A challenge for cardiologists and pulmonologists]. Rev Mal Respir 2019; 36:527-537. [PMID: 31006577 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In addition to public health measures that need to be strongly supported politically, smoking is also a major medical issue. Tobacco dependence is a chronic disease, and, given its extremely addictive nature, treatment for tobacco dependence must be addressed actively by all health professionals. Because smoking is a major contributor to many of the pathologies their specialties address, cardiologists and pulmonologists must be at the forefront of this care. In this review we analyse the current state of smoking cessation treatment and its inadequacies, the limiting impact that doctors' own smoking has, as well as the misconceptions held by smokers and sometimes by doctors as well, which act as brakes on smoking cessation. Smoking cessation must become a treatment delivered in real clinical practice and any doctor must know how to manage it fluently. Do not be satisfied with simply advising smokers to quit. Learn how to approach the subject with smokers effectively, know how the various pharmacotherapies are used and know how to organize smoking cessation follow-up, an essential guarantee of success. If optimal management of this major pathological factor is a role for all doctors, it is of course especially so for our two specialties. It's up to us, cardiologists and pulmonologists, to take up this challenge.
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Alghamdi F, Alhussien A, Alohali M, Alatawi A, Almusned T, Fecteau S, Habib SS, Bashir S. Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on the number of smoked cigarettes in tobacco smokers. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212312. [PMID: 30763404 PMCID: PMC6375608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies reported that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) reduced craving and cigarette smoking. We aimed to evaluate whether 3 sessions of tDCS over the DLPFC modulate cigarette smoking which is a critical factor in tobacco smokers. METHODS In a double-blinded, sham-controlled, parallel experimental study, 22 participants who wished to quit smoking received tDCS with the cathodal over the right DLPFC and anodal over the left DLPFC based on the 10-20 EEG international system (F4, F3) at an intensity of 1.5 mA for 20 minutes during three consecutive days. For sham stimulation, the electrodes placement was the same as for the active stimulation. RESULTS For the short time interval (8 days after the end of the tDCS regimen), the number of smoked cigarettes was reduced similarly in the active and sham groups (p < 0.001). Also, at the long time-interval (4 months after the end of the tDCS regimen) as compared to pre-tDCS, there was no significant difference in the number of smoked cigarettes in the active (p = 0.806) or the sham (p = 0.573) groups. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences between the active and sham tDCS groups on cigarette smoking. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that 3 sessions of tDCS over the right and left DLPFC may reduce number of smoked cigarettes for short-time period but might not be significantly more effective than sham to decrease cigarette smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Alghamdi
- Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alhussien
- Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshal Alohali
- Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Tariq Almusned
- Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Shirley Fecteau
- Laboratory of Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, CERVO Brain Research Center, Medical School, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Shahid Bashir
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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« Substances addictives » : une nouvelle série thématique. Rev Mal Respir 2018; 35:589-591. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Kawai A, Kurita M, Nishino S, Hirata E, Sato T, Okubo Y. Need for medication to complement catecholamines in smoking cessation of hardcore smokers. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017; 13:2419-2424. [PMID: 29075117 PMCID: PMC5609788 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s144181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many smokers find it difficult to stop smoking without assistance. The antidepressants bupropion and nortriptyline can aid smoking cessation. The main aim of this study was to understand the pathophysiology of smoking cessation better based on biological backgrounds. We investigated the following biological markers for any alterations during smoking cessation in the absence of pharmacotherapy: the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA), the noradrenaline metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Assessment and blood sampling were performed at a baseline (the start) time point and at a critical time point during smoking cessation. Seven of 30 smokers quit during a 16-week follow-up period; these smokers were defined as remission group from tobacco dependence. The remaining 23 smokers were categorized as hardcore smokers. The smoking group was compared with 23 non-smokers matched for age and gender. We compared blood levels of biological markers in each of the three groups. The hardcore smoker group showed significant decreases in HVA and MHPG levels between baseline and the critical time point (p=0.018 and p=0.033, respectively). However, the remission from tobacco dependence group exhibited no significant changes in any of the biomarkers examined. They had lower scores on the Minnesota nicotine withdrawal scale than the hardcore smoker group (p=0.002). The hardcore smoker group had higher MHPG and BDNF levels than the non-smoker group (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). Hardcore smokers experience severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine withdrawal is associated with catecholamine deficiency. The resulting withdrawal symptoms make quitting difficult for hardcore smokers. These hardcore smokers may require medication to compensate for the catecholamine deficit. Non-nicotinic medications such as bupropion, nortriptyline, or varenicline may be required to bolster the catecholamine deficit in hardcore smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Kawai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku.,Total Health Clinic, Nanyo
| | - Masatake Kurita
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku.,Natori Station Front Clinic, Natori.,Laboratory of Pharmacotherapy of Life-Style Related Diseases, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi
| | - Satoshi Nishino
- Natori Station Front Clinic, Natori.,Laboratory of Pharmacotherapy of Life-Style Related Diseases, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi
| | | | | | - Yoshiro Okubo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku
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Schedlowski M, Enck P, Rief W, Bingel U. Neuro-Bio-Behavioral Mechanisms of Placebo and Nocebo Responses: Implications for Clinical Trials and Clinical Practice. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 67:697-730. [PMID: 26126649 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The placebo effect has often been considered a nuisance in basic and particularly clinical research. This view has gradually changed in recent years due to deeper insight into the neuro-bio-behavioral mechanisms steering both the placebo and nocebo responses, the evil twin of placebo. For the neuroscientist, placebo and nocebo responses have evolved as indispensable tools to understand brain mechanisms that link cognitive and emotional factors with symptom perception as well as peripheral physiologic systems and end organ functioning. For the clinical investigator, better understanding of the mechanisms driving placebo and nocebo responses allow the control of these responses and thereby help to more precisely define the efficacy of a specific pharmacological intervention. Finally, in the clinical context, the systematic exploitation of these mechanisms will help to maximize placebo responses and minimize nocebo responses for the patient's benefit. In this review, we summarize and critically examine the neuro-bio-behavioral mechanisms underlying placebo and nocebo responses that are currently known in terms of different diseases and physiologic systems. We subsequently elaborate on the consequences of this knowledge for pharmacological treatments of patients and the implications for pharmacological research, the training of healthcare professionals, and for the health care system and future research strategies on placebo and nocebo responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology (M.S.) and Department of Neurology (U.B.), University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine VI, Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (P.E.); and Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany (W.R.)
| | - Paul Enck
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology (M.S.) and Department of Neurology (U.B.), University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine VI, Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (P.E.); and Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany (W.R.)
| | - Winfried Rief
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology (M.S.) and Department of Neurology (U.B.), University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine VI, Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (P.E.); and Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany (W.R.)
| | - Ulrike Bingel
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology (M.S.) and Department of Neurology (U.B.), University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine VI, Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (P.E.); and Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany (W.R.)
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9
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Weimer K, Colloca L, Enck P. Age and sex as moderators of the placebo response – an evaluation of systematic reviews and meta-analyses across medicine. Gerontology 2015; 61:97-108. [PMID: 25427869 DOI: 10.1159/000365248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Predictors of the placebo response (PR) in randomized controlled trials (RCT) have been searched for ever since RCT have become the standard for testing novel therapies and age and gender are routinely documented data in all trials irrespective of the drug tested, its indication, and the primary and secondary end points chosen. To evaluate whether age and gender have been found to be reliable predictors of the PR across medical subspecialties, we extracted 75 systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions performed in major medical areas (neurology, psychiatry, internal medicine) known for high PR rates. The literature database used contains approximately 2,500 papers on various aspects of the genuine PR. These ‘meta-analyses’ were screened for statistical predictors of the PR across multiple RCT, including age and gender, but also other patient-based and design-based predictors of higher PR rates. Retrieved papers were sorted for areas and disease categories. Only 15 of the 75 analyses noted an effect of younger age to be associated with higher PR, and this was predominantly in psychiatric conditions but not in depression, and internal medicine but not in gastroenterology. Female gender was associated with higher PR in only 3 analyses. Among the patient-based predictors, the most frequently noted factor was lower symptom severity at baseline, and among the design- based factors, it was a randomization ratio that selected more patients to drugs than to placebo, more frequent study visits, and more recent trials that were associated with higher PR rates. While younger age may contribute to the PR in some conditions, sex does not. There is currently no evidence that the PR is different in the elderly. PR are, however, markedly influenced by the symptom severity at baseline, and by the likelihood of receiving active treatment in placebo- controlled trials.
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Rebgetz S, Hides L, Kavanagh DJ. Systematic analysis of changes in cannabis use among participants in control conditions of randomised controlled trials. Addict Behav Rep 2015. [PMID: 29531984 PMCID: PMC5845928 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cannabis remains the most used illegal substance across the globe, and negative outcomes and disorders are common. A spotlight therefore falls on reductions in cannabis use in people with cannabis use disorder. Current estimates of unassisted cessation or reduction in cannabis use rely on community surveys, and few studies focus on individuals with disorder. A key interest of services and researchers is to estimate effect size of reductions in consumption among treatment seekers who do not obtain treatment. Effects within waiting list or information-only control conditions of randomised controlled trials offer an opportunity to study this question. Method This paper examines the extent of reductions in days of cannabis use in the control groups of randomised controlled trials on treatment of cannabis use disorders. A systematic literature search was performed to identify trials that reported days of cannabis use in the previous 30 (or equivalent). Results Since all but one of the eight identified studies had delayed treatment controls, results could only be summarised across 2-4 months. Average weighted days of use in the previous 30 days fell from 24.5 to 19.9, and a meta-analysis using a random effects model showed an average reduction of 0.442 SD. However, every study had at least one significant methodological issue. Conclusions While further high-quality data is needed to confirm the observed effects, these results provide a baseline from which researchers and practitioners can estimate the extent of change required to detect effects of cannabis treatments in services or treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Rebgetz
- Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation and School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Redcliffe-Caboolture Mental Health Service, QLD, Australia
| | - Leanne Hides
- Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation and School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David J. Kavanagh
- Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation and School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia.
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Enck P, Weimer K, Klosterhalfen S. Are all placebo respondents non-smokers? Med Hypotheses 2014; 83:355-8. [PMID: 24996480 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In smoking cessation trials, placebo response rates are reported to be rather low, and they are lowest when compared to the placebo response rates of treatment of other addictions. We hypothesized that high placebo response rates in trials outside of cessation treatment may predict low participation of smokers, and that non-smoking may be a behavioral marker of the placebo response. METHODS We re-analyzed raw data from a randomized controlled drug trial in functional dyspepsia (n=315) for the number of smokers and non-smokers in both treatment arms (drug, placebo) and varied the responder definition in a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS An equal number of smokers and non-smokers were assigned to drug and placebo. With the pre-defined responder definition (40% symptom improvement of a patient-reported outcome scale), 3% of placebo responders were smokers, but around 20% of patients among the placebo non-responder, and the drug responders and non-responders. With a more restrictive response definition (50% improvement) none of the placebo responders (n=29) was a smoker while the percentage of smokers remained similar in all other groups (p<.001). Age and gender did not affect this distribution. CONCLUSION Non-smoking behavior may be association with higher placebo response rates and may indicate a biomarker for reward sensitivity of the nicotine-dopamine pathway. Common genotypes may underlie both behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Enck
- Department of Internal Medicine VI: Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Katja Weimer
- Department of Internal Medicine VI: Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sibylle Klosterhalfen
- Department of Internal Medicine VI: Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
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12
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Gray KM, Carpenter MJ, Baker NL, DeSantis SM, Kryway E, Hartwell KJ, McRae-Clark AL, Brady KT. A double-blind randomized controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine in cannabis-dependent adolescents. Am J Psychiatry 2012; 169:805-12. [PMID: 22706327 PMCID: PMC3410961 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.12010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preclinical findings suggest that the over-the-counter supplement N-acetylcysteine (NAC), via glutamate modulation in the nucleus accumbens, holds promise as a pharmacotherapy for substance dependence. The authors investigated NAC as a novel cannabis cessation treatment in adolescents, a vulnerable group for whom existing treatments have shown limited efficacy. METHOD In an 8-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, treatment-seeking cannabis-dependent adolescents (ages 15-21 years; N=116) received NAC (1200 mg) or placebo twice daily as well as a contingency management intervention and brief (<10 minutes) weekly cessation counseling. The primary efficacy measure was the odds of negative weekly urine cannabinoid test results during treatment among participants receiving NAC compared with those receiving placebo, in an intent-to-treat analysis. The primary tolerability measure was frequency of adverse events, compared by treatment group. RESULTS Participants receiving NAC had more than twice the odds, compared with those receiving placebo, of having negative urine cannabinoid test results during treatment (odds ratio=2.4, 95% CI=1.1-5.2). Exploratory secondary abstinence outcomes favored NAC but were not statistically significant. NAC was well tolerated, with minimal adverse events. CONCLUSIONS This is the first randomized controlled trial of pharmacotherapy for cannabis dependence in any age group to yield a positive primary cessation outcome in an intent-to-treat analysis. Findings support NAC as a pharmacotherapy to complement psychosocial treatment for cannabis dependence in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Gray
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
,Corresponding author: Medical University of South Carolina Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 67 President Street, MSC861 Charleston, SC USA 29425 Phone:(843) 792-6330 FAX: (843) 792-8206
| | | | - Nathaniel L. Baker
- Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Stacia M. DeSantis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | - Karen J. Hartwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
,Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center Charleston, SC USA
| | | | - Kathleen T. Brady
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
,Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center Charleston, SC USA
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