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Girard R, Nalven T, Spillane NS. The protective role of valuing cultural activities on cannabis use in reserve-Dwelling First Nation youth. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38349771 PMCID: PMC11323220 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2024.2313453] [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] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis legalization and use across North America disproportionately negatively affects North American Indigenous (NAI) youth. Cultural activities may function as an alternative reinforcer to protect against substance use and promote engagement in substance-free activities. The present study explored the role of valuing cultural activities on positive cannabis expectancies and past-month cannabis use. This was a secondary data analysis of data from one NAI adolescent population reporting any past-month cannabis use. 106 NAI adolescents (50% female) from a Canadian reserve community completed surveys in spring 2017. The Institutional Review Board, tribal chief, and council approved this study and informed consent, assent, and parental permission were obtained from participants. Linear regression results revealed significant main effects of positive cannabis expectancies (b = 2.926, SE = 1.198, p = .017, 95%CI[0.542, 5.309]) and valuing cultural activities (b= -0.471,SE = 0.234, p=.048, 95%CI[-0.937, -0.005]) on cannabis use, but no significant interaction between cannabis expectancies and valuing cultural activities. Previous research found valuing cultural activities significantly moderates the relationship between positive alcohol expectancies and alcohol use. Divergent findings may relate to the different historical significance of alcohol versus cannabis. Alcohol was used as a method to colonize NAIs. Thus, our non-significant interaction may result from cannabis not holding the same historical significance in comparison to alcohol for First Nation people, although this is only a hypothesis and should be confirmed with a follow up study. Despite this, calls from Indigenous communities emphasize the need for strength-based approaches and our results indicate that valuing culture is still significantly related to reduced cannabis use, independent of cannabis expectancies.
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Nannini DR, Zheng Y, Joyce BT, Gao T, Liu L, Jacobs DR, Schreiner P, Liu C, Horvath S, Lu AT, Yaffe K, Sidney S, Greenland P, Lloyd-Jones DM, Hou L. Marijuana use and DNA methylation-based biological age in young adults. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:134. [PMID: 36289503 PMCID: PMC9609285 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01359-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marijuana is the third most commonly used drug in the USA and efforts to legalize it for medical and recreational use are growing. Despite the increase in use, marijuana's effect on aging remains understudied and understanding the effects of marijuana on molecular aging may provide novel insights into the role of marijuana in the aging process. We therefore sought to investigate the association between cumulative and recent use of marijuana with epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) as estimated from blood DNA methylation. RESULTS A random subset of participants from The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study with available whole blood at examination years (Y) 15 and Y20 underwent epigenomic profiling. Four EAA estimates (intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration, extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration, PhenoAge acceleration, and GrimAge acceleration) were calculated from DNA methylation levels measured at Y15 and Y20. Ever use and cumulative marijuana-years were calculated from the baseline visit to Y15 and Y20, and recent marijuana use (both any and number of days of use in the last 30 days) were calculated at Y15 and Y20. Ever use of marijuana and each additional marijuana-year were associated with a 6-month (P < 0.001) and a 2.5-month (P < 0.001) higher average in GrimAge acceleration (GAA) using generalized estimating equations, respectively. Recent use and each additional day of recent use were associated with a 20-month (P < 0.001) and a 1-month (P < 0.001) higher GAA, respectively. A statistical interaction between marijuana-years and alcohol consumption on GAA was observed (P = 0.011), with nondrinkers exhibiting a higher GAA (β = 0.21 [95% CI 0.05, 0.36], P = 0.008) compared to heavy drinkers (β = 0.05 [95% CI - 0.09, 0.18], P = 0.500) per each additional marijuana-year. No associations were observed for the remaining EAA estimates. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest cumulative and recent marijuana use are associated with age-related epigenetic changes that are related to lifespan. These observed associations may be modified by alcohol consumption. Given the increase in use and legalization, these findings provide novel insight on the effect of marijuana use on the aging process as captured through blood DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew R Nannini
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Yinan Zheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Brian T Joyce
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Tao Gao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David R Jacobs
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Pamela Schreiner
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ake T Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Sidney
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Philip Greenland
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Donald M Lloyd-Jones
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Lifang Hou
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Metrik J, Patel S. Alcohol and Cannabinoids - From the Editors. Alcohol Res 2022; 42:10. [PMID: 35821767 PMCID: PMC9232221 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v42.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Metrik
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island,Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Prakash S, Carter WG. The Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabis-Derived Phytocannabinoids and Resveratrol in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Literature Review of Pre-Clinical Studies. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11121573. [PMID: 34942876 PMCID: PMC8699487 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are no pharmacological treatments able to reverse nigral degeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD), hence the unmet need for the provision of neuroprotective agents. Cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids (CDCs) and resveratrol (RSV) may be useful neuroprotective agents for PD due to their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. To evaluate this, we undertook a systematic review of the scientific literature to assess the neuroprotective effects of CDCs and RSV treatments in pre-clinical in vivo animal models of PD. The literature databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science core collection were systematically searched to cover relevant studies. A total of 1034 publications were analyzed, of which 18 met the eligibility criteria for this review. Collectively, the majority of PD rodent studies demonstrated that treatment with CDCs or RSV produced a significant improvement in motor function and mitigated the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Biochemical analysis of rodent brain tissue suggested that neuroprotection was mediated by anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. This review highlights the neuroprotective potential of CDCs and RSV for in vivo models of PD and therefore suggests their potential translation to human clinical trials to either ameliorate PD progression and/or be implemented as a prophylactic means to reduce the risk of development of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wayne G. Carter
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)-1332-724738; Fax: +44-(0)-1332-724626
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Ellis RJ, Peterson SN, Li Y, Schrier R, Iudicello J, Letendre S, Morgan E, Tang B, Grant I, Cherner M. Recent cannabis use in HIV is associated with reduced inflammatory markers in CSF and blood. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2020; 7:7/5/e809. [PMID: 32554630 PMCID: PMC7309527 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether cannabis may reduce HIV-related persistent inflammation, we evaluated the relationship of cannabis use in people with HIV (PWH) to inflammatory cytokines in CSF and blood plasma. METHODS We measured a panel of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-16, C-reactive protein [CRP], IL-6, interferon gamma-induced protein [IP]-10, soluble CD14, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type II [sTNFRII]) in CSF and blood plasma in PWH and HIV- individuals who did or did not use cannabis at various levels of exposure. Participants in this observational cohort were recruited from community sources and underwent lumbar puncture and phlebotomy. Cannabis use parameters were characterized by self-report based on a semistructured timeline follow-back interview. Cytokines were measured using commercially available immunoassays. Data were analyzed using factor analysis. RESULTS Participants were 35 PWH and 21 HIV- individuals, mean (SD) age 45.4 (14.5) years, 41 cannabis ever users, and 15 never users. PWH and HIV- were not different in recency, cumulative months, grams, or density of cannabis use. A factor analysis using CSF biomarkers yielded a factor loading on CRP, IL-16, and sTNFRII that was significantly associated with recency of cannabis use (more recent use associated with lower factor 1 values, reflecting less inflammation; r = 0.331 [95% CI 0.0175, 0.586]). In particular, more recent cannabis use was related to lower IL-16 levels (r = 0.549 [0.282, 0.737]). Plasma biomarkers yielded a factor loading on sTNFRII and IP-10 that was associated with more recent cannabis use (more recent use related to less inflammation; r = 0.374 [0.0660, 0.617]). CONCLUSIONS Recent cannabis use was associated with lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers, both in CSF and blood, but in different patterns. These results are consistent with compartmentalization of immune effects of cannabis. The principal active components of cannabis are highly lipid soluble and sequestered in brain tissue; thus, our findings are consistent with specific anti-neuroinflammatory effects that may benefit HIV neurologic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Ellis
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego.
| | - Scott N Peterson
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Yueling Li
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego.
| | - Rachel Schrier
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Jenny Iudicello
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Scott Letendre
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Erin Morgan
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Bin Tang
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Igor Grant
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego
| | - Mariana Cherner
- From the Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry (R.J.E.), University of California, San Diego; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (S.N.P.); LECOM health - Millcreek Community Hospital (Y.L.), Erie, PA; Department of Pathology (R.S.), Department of Psychiatry (J.I., E.M., B.T., I.G., M.C.), and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry (S.L.), University of California, San Diego
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Chung T, Harris RA. Cannabis and Alcohol: From Basic Science to Public Policy. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:1829-1833. [PMID: 31265135 PMCID: PMC6721966 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and
Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - R. Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
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Karoly HC, Bidwell LC, Mueller RL, Hutchison KE. Investigating the Relationships Between Alcohol Consumption, Cannabis Use, and Circulating Cytokines: A Preliminary Analysis. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:531-539. [PMID: 29286537 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, human and animal studies have converged to support altered inflammatory signaling as a molecular mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Alcohol binds to receptors on immune cells, triggering signaling pathways that produce pro-inflammatory cytokines. Chronic inflammation is associated with tissue damage, which may contribute to negative effects of AUD. Conversely, cannabis is associated with decreased inflammatory signaling, and animal studies suggest that cannabinoids may impact alcohol-induced inflammation. Thus, the impact of cannabis on inflammation in AUDs in humans warrants examination. METHODS We explored the relationship between self-reported alcohol and cannabis use and circulating levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-1β in the blood. Among 66 regular drinkers (mean age = 30.08), we examined circulating cytokines and administered questionnaires assessing alcohol consumption and days of cannabis use over the past 90 days. We examined whether alcohol consumption, cannabis use, and gender were associated with changes in circulating cytokines, and whether there was a significant interaction between alcohol and cannabis use predicting blood levels of circulating cytokines. RESULTS A positive association between alcohol and IL-6 emerged. We also observed a negative association between cannabis and IL-1β. Follow-up moderation analyses indicated a cannabis by alcohol interaction predicting circulating IL-6, such that cannabis nonusers showed a stronger relationship between alcohol and IL-6 compared to cannabis users. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that cannabinoid compounds may serve to mitigate inflammation associated with alcohol use. In addition, the present results provide data to inform future investigations, with the goal of ultimately leveraging knowledge of the role of inflammation in AUDs to develop more effective treatments focused on novel immune targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C Karoly
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience , University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - L Cinnamon Bidwell
- Institute of Cognitive Science , University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Raeghan L Mueller
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience , University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Kent E Hutchison
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience , University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
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Novel detection of post-translational modifications in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells after chronic alcohol exposure: Role of inflammation regulator H4K12ac. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11236. [PMID: 28894190 PMCID: PMC5593989 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous reports on epigenetic mechanisms involved in alcohol abuse have focus on hepatic and neuronal regions, leaving the immune system and specifically monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) understudied. Our lab has previously shown histone deacetylases are modulated in cells derived from alcohol users and after in vitro acute alcohol treatment of human MDDCs. In the current study, we developed a novel screening tool using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FT-ICR MS) and single cell imaging flow cytometry to detect post-translational modifications (PTMs) in human MDDCs due to chronic alcohol exposure. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, in vitro chronic alcohol exposure of MDDCs modulates H3 and H4 and induces a significant increase in acetylation at H4K12 (H4K12ac). Moreover, the Tip60/HAT inhibitor, NU9056, was able to block EtOH-induced H4K12ac, enhancing the effect of EtOH on IL-15, RANTES, TGF-β1, and TNF-α cytokines while restoring MCP-2 levels, suggesting that H4K12ac may be playing a major role during inflammation and may serve as an inflammation regulator or a cellular stress response mechanism under chronic alcohol conditions.
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Goyal H, Guerreso K, Smith B, Harper K, Patel S, Patel A, Parikh P. Severity and outcomes of acute alcoholic pancreatitis in cannabis users. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:60. [PMID: 28815220 PMCID: PMC5539398 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2017.06.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most commonly and widely used illicit drug in the world and is also the most commonly used drug of abuse in alcohol drinkers. Experimental studies have shown conflicting results of the effects of cannabis on the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). The purpose of this study is to ascertain the clinical effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use on severity at presentation and outcomes of acute alcoholic pancreatitis (AAP). METHODS A retrospective review was conducted on the patients discharged with principle or secondary diagnosis of AP using ICD-9 & ICD-10 codes during the time period from January 2006 to December 2015 at a large community-based hospital in Central Georgia. Patients with alcoholic pancreatitis with cannabis (CB+) and without cannabis (CB-) use were identified and were matched with sex and age. RESULTS Our study findings showed that a greater percentage of CB+ patients did not have a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score (P=0.043), had a lower BISAP score (P=0.031), and had a significantly lower BUN level (P=0.033), but there was no difference in the Balthazar Index and revised Atlanta classification severity between the two groups. CB+ patients tended to need less ICU care than CB- patients (P=0.059). CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we found that CB+ patients had less severe presentation of AAP indicating that cannabis could modulate the inflammatory effect of alcohol on the pancreas. Further large scale prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Goyal
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | | | - Betsy Smith
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | | | - Sheetal Patel
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Akash Patel
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Puja Parikh
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
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Parira T, Laverde A, Agudelo M. Epigenetic Interactions between Alcohol and Cannabinergic Effects: Focus on Histone Modification and DNA Methylation. JOURNAL OF ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPENDENCE 2017; 5:259. [PMID: 28730160 PMCID: PMC5515243 DOI: 10.4172/2329-6488.1000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic studies have led to a more profound understanding of the mechanisms involved in chronic conditions. In the case of alcohol addiction, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 16 million adults suffer from Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs). Even though therapeutic interventions like behavioral therapy and medications to prevent relapse are currently available, no robust cure exists, which stems from the lack of understanding the mechanisms of action of alcohol and the lack of development of precision medicine approaches to treat AUDs. Another common group of addictive substance, cannabinoids, have been studied extensively to reveal they work through cannabinoid receptors. Therapeutic applications have been found for the cannabinoids and a deeper understanding of the endocannabinoid system has been gained over the years. Recent reports of cannabinergic mechanisms in AUDs has opened an exciting realm of research that seeks to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of alcohol-induced end organ diseases and hopefully provide insight into new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AUDs. To date, several epigenetic mechanisms have been associated with alcohol and cannabinoids independently. Therefore, the scope of this review is to compile the most recent literature regarding alcohol and cannabinoids in terms of a possible epigenetic connection between the endocannabinoid system and alcohol effects. First, we will provide an overview of epigenetics, followed by an overview of alcohol and epigenetic mechanisms with an emphasis on histone modifications and DNA methylations. Then, we will provide an overview of cannabinoids and epigenetic mechanisms. Lastly, we will discuss evidence of interactions between alcohol and cannabinergic pathways and possible insights into the novel epigenetic mechanisms underlying alcohol-cannabinergic pathway activity. Finalizing the review will be a discussion of future directions and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiyash Parira
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
| | - Alejandra Laverde
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
| | - Marisela Agudelo
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
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Figueroa G, Parira T, Laverde A, Casteleiro G, El-Mabhouh A, Nair M, Agudelo M. Characterization of Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells by Imaging Flow Cytometry: A Comparison between Two Monocyte Isolation Protocols. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27805582 DOI: 10.3791/54296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells of the immune system that play a crucial role in lymphocyte responses, host defense mechanisms, and pathogenesis of inflammation. Isolation and study of DCs have been important in biological research because of their distinctive features. Although they are essential key mediators of the immune system, DCs are very rare in blood, accounting for approximately 0.1 - 1% of total blood mononuclear cells. Therefore, alternatives for isolation methods rely on the differentiation of DCs from monocytes isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The utilization of proper isolation techniques that combine simplicity, affordability, high purity, and high yield of cells is imperative to consider. In the current study, two distinct methods for the generation of DCs will be compared. Monocytes were selected by adherence or negatively enriched using magnetic separation procedure followed by differentiation into DCs with IL-4 and GM-CSF. Monocyte and MDDC viability, proliferation, and phenotype were assessed using viability dyes, MTT assay, and CD11c/ CD14 surface marker analysis by imaging flow cytometry. Although the magnetic separation method yielded a significant higher percentage of monocytes with higher proliferative capacity when compared to the adhesion method, the findings have demonstrated the ability of both techniques to simultaneously generate monocytes that are capable of proliferating and differentiating into viable CD11c+ MDDCs after seven days in culture. Both methods yielded > 70% CD11c+ MDDCs. Therefore, our results provide insights that contribute to the development of reliable methods for isolation and characterization of human DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Figueroa
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University
| | - Tiyash Parira
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University
| | - Alejandra Laverde
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University
| | - Gianna Casteleiro
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University
| | | | - Madhavan Nair
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University
| | - Marisela Agudelo
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University;
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Morales P, Hernandez-Folgado L, Goya P, Jagerovic N. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonists and antagonists: a patent update. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:843-56. [PMID: 27215781 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2016.1193157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Modulation of the CB2 receptor is an interesting approach for pain and inflammation, arthritis, addictions, neuroprotection, and cancer, among other possible therapeutic applications, and is devoid of central side effects. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the novel scaffolds for CB2 ligands and the diverse therapeutic applications for CB2 modulators disclosed in patents published since 2012. EXPERT OPINION Structural diversity of CB2 modulator scaffolds characterized the patent literature. Several CB2 agonists reached clinical Phase II for pain management and inflammation. Other therapeutic applications need to be explored such as neuroprotection and/or neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- a Instituto de Química Médica , Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Madrid , Spain
| | - Laura Hernandez-Folgado
- a Instituto de Química Médica , Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Madrid , Spain
| | - Pilar Goya
- a Instituto de Química Médica , Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Madrid , Spain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- a Instituto de Química Médica , Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Madrid , Spain
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Agudelo M, Figueroa G, Yndart A, Casteleiro G, Muñoz K, Samikkannu T, Atluri V, Nair MP. Alcohol and Cannabinoids Differentially Affect HIV Infection and Function of Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells (MDDC). Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1452. [PMID: 26733986 PMCID: PMC4686798 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, alcohol has been known to induce inflammation while cannabinoids have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory role. For instance cannabinoids have been shown to reduce susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and attenuate HIV replication in macrophages. Recently, we demonstrated that alcohol induces cannabinoid receptors and regulates cytokine production by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC). However, the ability of alcohol and cannabinoids to alter MDDC function during HIV infection has not been clearly elucidated yet. In order to study the potential impact of alcohol and cannabinoids on differentiated MDDC infected with HIV, monocytes were cultured for 7 days with GM-CSF and IL-4, differentiated MDDC were infected with HIV-1Ba-L and treated with EtOH (0.1 and 0.2%), THC (5 and 10 μM), or JWH-015 (5 and 10 μM) for 4–7 days. HIV infection of MDDC was confirmed by p24 and Long Terminal Repeats (LTR) estimation. MDDC endocytosis assay and cytokine array profiles were measured to investigate the effects of HIV and substances of abuse on MDDC function. Our results show the HIV + EtOH treated MDDC had the highest levels of p24 production and expression when compared with the HIV positive controls and the cannabinoid treated cells. Although both cannabinoids, THC and JWH-015 had lower levels of p24 production and expression, the HIV + JWH-015 treated MDDC had the lowest levels of p24 when compared to the HIV + THC treated cells. In addition, MDDC endocytic function and cytokine production were also differentially altered after alcohol and cannabinoid treatments. Our results show a differential effect of alcohol and cannabinoids, which may provide insights into the divergent inflammatory role of alcohol and cannabinoids to modulate MDDC function in the context of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisela Agudelo
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gloria Figueroa
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adriana Yndart
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gianna Casteleiro
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
| | - Karla Muñoz
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
| | - Thangavel Samikkannu
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
| | - Venkata Atluri
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
| | - Madhavan P Nair
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
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