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Eleftheriou G, Zandonella Callegher R, Butera R, De Santis M, Cavaliere AF, Vecchio S, Pistelli A, Mangili G, Bondi E, Somaini L, Gallo M, Balestrieri M, Albert U. Consensus Panel Recommendations for the Pharmacological Management of Pregnant Women with Depressive Disorders. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6565. [PMID: 37623151 PMCID: PMC10454549 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The initiative of a consensus on the topic of antidepressant and anxiolytic drug use in pregnancy is developing in an area of clinical uncertainty. Although many studies have been published in recent years, there is still a paucity of authoritative evidence-based indications useful for guiding the prescription of these drugs during pregnancy, and the data from the literature are complex and require expert judgment to draw clear conclusions. METHODS For the elaboration of the consensus, we have involved the scientific societies of the sector, namely, the Italian Society of Toxicology, the Italian Society of Neuropsychopharmacology, the Italian Society of Psychiatry, the Italian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Italian Society of Drug Addiction and the Italian Society of Addiction Pathology. An interdisciplinary team of experts from different medical specialties (toxicologists, pharmacologists, psychiatrists, gynecologists, neonatologists) was first established to identify the needs underlying the consensus. The team, in its definitive structure, includes all the representatives of the aforementioned scientific societies; the task of the team was the evaluation of the most accredited international literature as well as using the methodology of the "Nominal Group Technique" with the help of a systematic review of the literature and with various discussion meetings, to arrive at the drafting and final approval of the document. RESULTS The following five areas of investigation were identified: (1) The importance of management of anxiety and depressive disorders in pregnancy, identifying the risks associated with untreated maternal depression in pregnancy. (2) The assessment of the overall risk of malformations with the antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs used in pregnancy. (3) The evaluation of neonatal adaptation disorders in the offspring of pregnant antidepressant/anxiolytic-treated women. (4) The long-term outcome of infants' cognitive development or behavior after in utero exposure to antidepressant/anxiolytic medicines. (5) The evaluation of pharmacological treatment of opioid-abusing pregnant women with depressive disorders. CONCLUSIONS Considering the state of the art, it is therefore necessary in the first instance to frame the issue of pharmacological choices in pregnant women who need treatment with antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs on the basis of data currently available in the literature. Particular attention must be paid to the evaluation of the risk/benefit ratio, understood both in terms of therapeutic benefit with respect to the potential risks of the treatment on the pregnancy and on the fetal outcome, and of the comparative risk between the treatment and the absence of treatment; in the choice prescription, the specialist needs to be aware of both the potential risks of pharmacological treatment and the equally important risks of an untreated or undertreated disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Eleftheriou
- Italian Society of Toxicology (SITOX), via Giovanni Pascoli 3, 20129 Milan, Italy
- Poison Control Center, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zandonella Callegher
- Italian Society of Psychiatry (SIP), piazza Santa Maria della Pietà 5, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Raffaella Butera
- Italian Society of Toxicology (SITOX), via Giovanni Pascoli 3, 20129 Milan, Italy
- Poison Control Center, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco De Santis
- Italian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIGO), via di Porta Pinciana 6, 00187 Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Franca Cavaliere
- Italian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIGO), via di Porta Pinciana 6, 00187 Rome, Italy
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fatebenefratelli Gemelli, Isola Tiberina, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah Vecchio
- Italian Society of Toxicology (SITOX), via Giovanni Pascoli 3, 20129 Milan, Italy
- Ser.D Biella—Drug Addiction Service, 13875 Biella, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pistelli
- Italian Society of Toxicology (SITOX), via Giovanni Pascoli 3, 20129 Milan, Italy
- Division of Clinic Toxicology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mangili
- Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN), Corso Venezia 8, 20121 Milan, Italy
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Emi Bondi
- Italian Society of Psychiatry (SIP), piazza Santa Maria della Pietà 5, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24100 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Ser.D Biella—Drug Addiction Service, 13875 Biella, Italy
- Italian Society of Addiction Diseases (SIPAD), via Tagliamento 31, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariapina Gallo
- Poison Control Center, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
- Italian Society for Drug Addiction (SITD), via Roma 22, 12100 Cuneo, Italy
| | - Matteo Balestrieri
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Italian Society of Neuropsychopharmacology (SINPF), via Cernaia 35, 00158 Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Albert
- Italian Society of Psychiatry (SIP), piazza Santa Maria della Pietà 5, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Neuropsychopharmacology (SINPF), via Cernaia 35, 00158 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy
- Division of Clinic Psychiatry, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, 34148 Trieste, Italy
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Nava FA, Mangia A, Riglietta M, Somaini L, Foschi FG, Claar E, Maida I, Ucciferri C, Frigerio F, Hernandez C, Dovizio M, Perrone V, Degli Esposti L, Puoti M. Analysis of Patients' Characteristics and Treatment Profile of People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) with and without a Co-Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis C: A Real-World Retrospective Italian Analysis. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2023; 19:645-656. [PMID: 37560130 PMCID: PMC10408688 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s409134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads from contact with blood of an infected person. HCV infections are common among people who use drugs (PWUDs), when sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment for injected drugs. The advent of pangenotypic direct-antiviral agents (DAA) in 2017 transformed the treatment landscape for HCV, but PWUDs remain a complex and hard-to-treat population with high risk of HCV reinfection. The aim of this real-world analysis was to characterize the demographic and clinical features of PWUDs in Italy, also focusing on comorbidity profile, treatment with DAAs, resource consumptions for the National Health System (NHS). PATIENTS AND METHODS During 01/2011-06/2020, administrative databases of Italian healthcare entities, covering 3,900,000 individuals, were browsed to identify PWUDs with or without HCV infection. Among HCV+ patients, a further stratification was made into treated and untreated with DAAs. The date of PWUD or HCV first diagnosis or DAA first prescription was considered as index-date. Patients were then followed-up for one year. Alcohol-dependency was also investigated. RESULTS Total 3690 PWUDs were included, of whom 1141 (30.9%) PWUD-HCV+ and 2549 (69.1%) PWUD-HCV-. HCV-positive were significantly older (43.6 vs 38.5 years, p < 0.001), had a worse comorbidity profile (Charlson-index: 0.8 vs 0.4, p < 0.001), and high rates of psychiatric, respiratory, dermatological, musculoskeletal diseases and genitourinary (sexually transmitted) infections. Moreover, they received more drug prescriptions (other than DAAs, like anti-acids, antiepileptics, psycholeptics) and had undergone more frequent hospitalization, predominantly for hepatobiliary, respiratory system and mental disorders. DDA-untreated had significantly higher Charlson-index than DAA-treated (0.9 vs 0.6, p = 0.003). Alcoholism was found in 436 (11.8%) cases. CONCLUSION This Italian real-world analysis suggests that PWUDs with HCV infection, especially those untreated with DAAs, show an elevated drug consumption due to their complex clinical profile. These findings could help to ameliorate the healthcare interventions on PWUDs with HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Alfonso Nava
- U.O. Sanità Penitenziaria e Area Dipendenze, Azienda ULSS 6 Euganea, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mangia
- UOS Epatologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, S. Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ernesto Claar
- UOC Medicina Interna, Ospedale Evangelico “Villa Betania”, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ivana Maida
- UOC Malattie Infettive e Parassitarie, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudio Ucciferri
- Clinica di Malattie Infettive Ospedale “SS Annunziata”, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Candido Hernandez
- Gilead Sciences, Global Medical Affairs, Stockley Park, London, UB11 1BD, UK
| | - Melania Dovizio
- CliCon S.R.L. Società Benefit, Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Perrone
- CliCon S.R.L. Società Benefit, Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Degli Esposti
- CliCon S.R.L. Società Benefit, Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Puoti
- SC Malattie Infettive, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
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Guiraud J, Addolorato G, Aubin HJ, Bachelot S, Batel P, de Bejczy A, Benyamina A, Caputo F, Couderc M, Dematteis M, Goudriaan AE, Gual A, Lecoustey S, Lesch OM, Maremmani I, Nutt DJ, Paille F, Perney P, Rehm J, Rolland B, Scherrer B, Simon N, Söderpalm B, Somaini L, Sommer WH, Spanagel R, Walter H, van den Brink W. Sodium Oxybate for Alcohol Dependence: A Network Meta-Regression Analysis Considering Population Severity at Baseline and Treatment Duration. Alcohol Alcohol 2023; 58:125-133. [PMID: 36617267 PMCID: PMC10008102 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agac070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The estimated effect of sodium oxybate (SMO) in the treatment of alcohol dependence is heterogeneous. Population severity and treatment duration have been identified as potential effect modifiers. Population severity distinguishes heavy drinking patients with <14 days of abstinence before treatment initiation (high-severity population) from other patients (mild-severity population). Treatment duration reflects the planned treatment duration. This study aimed to systematically investigate the effect of these potential effect moderators on SMO efficacy in alcohol-dependent patients. METHODS Network meta-regression allows for testing potential effect modifiers. It was selected to investigate the effect of the above factors on SMO efficacy defined as continuous abstinence (abstinence rate) and the percentage of days abstinent (PDA). Randomized controlled trials for alcohol dependence with at least one SMO group conducted in high-severity and mild-severity populations were assigned to a high-severity and mild-severity group of studies, respectively. RESULTS Eight studies (1082 patients) were retained: four in the high-severity group and four in the mild-severity group. The high-severity group was associated with larger SMO effect sizes than the mild-severity group: abstinence rate risk ratio (RR) 3.16, P = 0.004; PDA +26.9%, P < 0.001. For PDA, longer treatment duration was associated with larger SMO effect size: +11.3% per extra month, P < 0.001. In the high-severity group, SMO showed benefit: abstinence rate RR 2.91, P = 0.03; PDA +16.9%, P < 0.001. In the mild-severity group, SMO showed benefit only in PDA for longer treatment duration: +23.9%, P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS In the retained studies with alcohol-dependent patients, high-severity population and longer treatment duration were associated with larger SMO effect sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Guiraud
- Corresponding author: Vergio, 31 rue Fernand Pelloutier, 92110 Clichy–France. E-mail: ;
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Henri-Jean Aubin
- French Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Universite Paris-Saclay, 94807, Villejuif, France
- Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University, 94804, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Philippe Batel
- Addiction Unit of Charente, Camille Claudel Hospital, 16400 La Couronne, France
| | - Andrea de Bejczy
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41328, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University, 94804, Villejuif, France
| | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS. Annunziata Hospital, University of Ferrara, 44042, Cento (Ferrara), Italy
- Centre for the Study and Treatment of Alcohol-Related Diseases, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44042, Cento (Ferrara), Italy
| | | | - Maurice Dematteis
- Grenoble Alpes University, Faculty of Medicine and Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Department of Pharmacology and Addiction Medicine, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 5, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arkin, Dept. of Research and Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1033 NN Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antoni Gual
- Emeritus Researcher, GRAC (Addictions Research Group), IDIBAPS, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Otto-Michael Lesch
- University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Department of Social Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Department of Neurosciences, Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London, W12 0NN, London, United Kingdom
| | - François Paille
- Department of Addiction Treatment, University Hospital, 54500, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Pascal Perney
- Department of Addiction Medicine, CHU Nîmes; French Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Universite Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94807, France
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, M5S2S1, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health & Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5T1P8, Canada; Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy Technical University Dresden, 01187, Dresden, Germany; Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Benjamin Rolland
- SUAL, HCL, CH Le Vinatier; Univ Lyon; UCBL; INSERM U1028; CNRS UMR5292, Centre de Recherche en Neuroscience de Lyon (CRNL), F-69678, Bron, France
| | - Bruno Scherrer
- Bruno Scherrer Conseil, 78730, Saint Arnoult en Yvelines, France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hop Sainte Marguerite, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, CAP-TV, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Bo Söderpalm
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41328, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Center, Local Health Unit, ASL Biella, 13875, Biella, Italy
| | - Wolfgang H Sommer
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, D-68159, Mannheim, Germany
- Bethanian Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, D-68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Henriette Walter
- University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Department of Social Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 5, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Guiraud J, Addolorato G, Antonelli M, Aubin HJ, de Bejczy A, Benyamina A, Cacciaglia R, Caputo F, Dematteis M, Ferrulli A, Goudriaan AE, Gual A, Lesch OM, Maremmani I, Mirijello A, Nutt DJ, Paille F, Perney P, Poulnais R, Raffaillac Q, Rehm J, Rolland B, Rotondo C, Scherrer B, Simon N, Skala K, Söderpalm B, Somaini L, Sommer WH, Spanagel R, Vassallo GA, Walter H, van den Brink W. Sodium oxybate for the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients: An international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1136-1145. [PMID: 35796481 PMCID: PMC9548946 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221104063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sodium oxybate (SMO) has been shown to be effective in the maintenance of abstinence (MoA) in alcohol-dependent patients in a series of small randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These results needed to be confirmed by a large trial investigating the treatment effect and its sustainability after medication discontinuation. AIMS To confirm the SMO effect on (sustained) MoA in detoxified alcohol-dependent patients. METHODS Large double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in detoxified adult alcohol-dependent outpatients (80% men) from 11 sites in four European countries. Patients were randomized to 6 months SMO (3.3-3.9 g/day) or placebo followed by a 6-month medication-free period. Primary outcome was the cumulative abstinence duration (CAD) during the 6-month treatment period defined as the number of days with no alcohol use. Secondary outcomes included CAD during the 12-month study period. RESULTS Of the 314 alcohol-dependent patients randomized, 154 received SMO and 160 received placebo. Based on the pre-specified fixed-effect two-way analysis of variance including the treatment-by-site interaction, SMO showed efficacy in CAD during the 6-month treatment period: mean difference +43.1 days, 95% confidence interval (17.6-68.5; p = 0.001). Since significant heterogeneity of effect across sites and unequal sample sizes among sites (n = 3-66) were identified, a site-level random meta-analysis was performed with results supporting the pre-specified analysis: mean difference +32.4 days, p = 0.014. The SMO effect was sustained during the medication-free follow-up period. SMO was well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Results of this large RCT in alcohol-dependent patients demonstrated a significant and clinically relevant sustained effect of SMO on CAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04648423.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Guiraud
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands,D&A Pharma, Paris, France,Julien Guiraud, D&A Pharma, 7 rue
d’Aguesseau, Paris 75008, France. Emails:
;
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol
Related Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology,
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy,Internal Medicine Unit,
Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology,
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Antonelli
- Internal Medicine Unit,
Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology,
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Henri-Jean Aubin
- French Institute of Health and Medical
Research (Inserm), Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations
(CESP), Universite Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France,Addiction Research and Treatment
Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Villejuif, France
| | - Andrea de Bejczy
- Section of Psychiatry and
Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy,
University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Addiction Research and Treatment
Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS.
Annunziata Hospital, Cento (Ferrara), University of Ferrara, Italy,Centre for the Study and Treatment of
Alcohol-Related Diseases, Department of Translational Medicine, University of
Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maurice Dematteis
- Department of Addiction Medicine,
Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, and Faculty of Medicine, Grenoble Alpes
University, France
| | - Anna Ferrulli
- Department of Endocrinology,
Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy,Department of Biomedical Sciences for
Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands,Arkin, Department of Research and
Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
| | - Antoni Gual
- Psychiatry Department, Neurosciences
Institute, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Otto-Michael Lesch
- University Clinic of Psychiatry and
Psychotherapy, Department of Social Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna,
Austria
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Santa Chiara University Hospital,
University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Mirijello
- Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS
Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza General Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG),
Italy
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology,
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - François Paille
- Department of Addiction Treatment,
University Hospital, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | | | | | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy
Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, Dalla Lana
School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Clinical Psychology &
Psychotherapy Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany,Department of International Health
Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow
State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Benjamin Rolland
- SUAL, HCL, CH Le Vinatier; Univ Lyon;
UCBL; INSERM U1028; CNRS UMR5292, Centre de Recherche en Neuroscience de Lyon
(CRNL), Bron, France
| | - Claudia Rotondo
- Centro di Riferimento Alcologico
della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Dipartimento di Salute Mentale, Roma, Italy
| | - Bruno Scherrer
- Bruno Scherrer Conseil, Saint Arnoult
en Yvelines, France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM,
IRD, SESSTIM, Hop Sainte Marguerite, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, CAP-TV,
Marseille, France
| | - Katrin Skala
- Department of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Center, Local
Health Unit, ASL Biella, Italy
| | - Wolfgang H Sommer
- Medical Faculty, Institute of
Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg,
Mannheim, Germany,Institute of Psychopharmacology,
Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology,
Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
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Somaini L, Vecchio S, Corte C, Coppola C, Mahony A, Pitts A, Cutuli M, Orso R, Littlewood R. Prolonged-Release Buprenorphine Therapy in Opioid Use Disorder Can Address Stigma and Improve Patient Quality of Life. Cureus 2021; 13:e18513. [PMID: 34754672 PMCID: PMC8568308 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) including opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is effective. Medication with the oral administration of methadone and buprenorphine has well-known limitations (establishing consistent optimal dosing levels, misuse, diversion, and accidental exposure). Treatment may require attendance at treatment services for collection and consumption of medication; this is associated with stigma and discrimination. Novel therapeutic options include approved, injectable, prolonged-release buprenorphine (PRB) products providing consistently optimal drug levels and less frequent dosing. This work assesses the lived experience of persons currently engaged in OUD therapy to define the potential value of novel therapeutic options in order to inform treatment decisions. One hundred and twenty-two people engaged with treatment services participated in this assessment. Seventy-two percent of participants believed that novel therapeutic options would improve quality of life and 67% stated it would reduce stigma and discrimination. Participants were neither concerned about the efficacy of (net score negative 30%), or lack of control over (net score negative 36%) treatment, nor about reduced contact with treatment services (net score negative 11%). Results from this assessment indicate that the provision of choice including novel therapeutic options is likely to improve quality of life and reduce the stigma of persons with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Biella, Biella, ITA
| | - Sarah Vecchio
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Biella, Biella, ITA
| | | | - Carmen Coppola
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Biella, Biella, ITA
| | | | | | - Manuela Cutuli
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Biella, Biella, ITA
| | - Rosetta Orso
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Biella, Biella, ITA
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Alho H, Dematteis M, Lembo D, Maremmani I, Roncero C, Somaini L. Opioid-related deaths in Europe: Strategies for a comprehensive approach to address a major public health concern. Int J Drug Policy 2019; 76:102616. [PMID: 31855706 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Use of illicit opioids and misuse of prescription opioids are the main causes of drug-related deaths across the world, and the continuing rise in opioid-related mortality, especially affecting North America, Australia and Europe, is a public health challenge. Strategies that may help to decrease the high levels of opioid-related mortality and morbidity and improve care across Europe include risk assessment and interventions to improve the use of opioid analgesics, e.g. prescription drug-monitoring programmes, education on pain management to reduce opioid prescribing, and the implementation of evidence-based primary prevention programmes to reduce the demand for opioids. For patients who develop opioid use disorder (a chronic and relapsing problematic use of opioids that causes clinical impairment or distress), treatment combining opiate receptor full or partial agonist medications for opioid-use disorder (MOUD) with psychosocial interventions is essential. However, in Europe a substantial proportion of the 1.3 million high-risk opioid users (defined as injecting drug use or regular use of opioids, mainly heroin) remain outside of dedicated treatment programmes. More widespread and easier access to MOUD could reduce mortality levels; via approaches such as primary care-led treatment models, and efforts to improve patient retention and adherence to treatment programmes. Other harm-reduction strategies, such as the use of MOUD at optimal doses, the provision of take-home naloxone, the introduction of supervised drug-consumption facilities, and patient education to reduce the risk of overdose may also be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannu Alho
- Department of Public Health Solutions, The Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute of Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Maurice Dematteis
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Grenoble Alpes University, France.
| | | | - Icro Maremmani
- Vincent P. Dole Dual Disorder Unit, Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Carlos Roncero
- Psychiatric Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex and Psychiatric Department, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Unit, Biella, Italy.
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Litwin AH, Drolet M, Nwankwo C, Torrens M, Kastelic A, Walcher S, Somaini L, Mulvihill E, Ertl J, Grebely J. Perceived barriers related to testing, management and treatment of HCV infection among physicians prescribing opioid agonist therapy: The C-SCOPE Study. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1094-1104. [PMID: 31074167 PMCID: PMC6771477 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this analysis was to evaluate perceived barriers related to HCV testing, management and treatment among physicians practicing in clinics offering opioid agonist treatment (OAT). C-SCOPE was a study consisting of a self-administered survey among physicians practicing at clinics providing OAT in Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States between April and May 2017. A 5-point Likert scale (1 = not a barrier, 3 = moderate barrier, 5 = extreme barrier) was used to measure responses to perceived barriers for HCV testing, evaluation and treatment across the domains of the health system, clinic and patient. Among the 203 physicians enrolled (40% USA, 45% Europe, 14% Australia/Canada), 21% were addiction medicine specialists, 29% psychiatrists and 69% were metro/urban. OAT physicians in this study reported poor access to on-site venepuncture (35%), point-of-care HCV testing (16%), and noninvasive liver disease assessment (25%). Only 30% of OAT physicians reported personally treating HCV infection. Major perceived health system barriers to HCV management included the lack of funding for noninvasive liver disease testing, long wait times to see an HCV specialist, lack of funding for new HCV therapies, and reimbursement restrictions based on drug/alcohol use. Major perceived clinic barriers included the lack of peer support programmes and/or HCV case managers to facilitate linkage to care, the need to refer people off-site for noninvasive liver disease staging, the lack of support for on-site phlebotomy and the lack of on-site delivery of HCV therapy. This study highlights several important modifiable barriers to enhance HCV testing, evaluation and treatment among PWID attending OAT clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain H. Litwin
- Department of MedicineUniversity of South Carolina School of Medicine ‐ Greenville and Prisma HealthGreenvilleSouth Carolina,Clemson University School of Health ResearchClemsonSouth Carolina
| | | | | | - Martha Torrens
- Department of PsychiatryInstitut de Neuropsiquiatria i AddiccionsHospital del Mar BarcelonaIMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques)Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Andrej Kastelic
- National Centre for the Treatment of Drug Addiction in LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre ‐ Ser.D ASL BI ‐ Local Health UnitBiellaItaly
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Stöver H, Meroueh F, Marco A, Keppler K, Saiz de la Hoya P, Littlewood R, Wright N, Nava F, Alam F, Walcher S, Somaini L. Offering HCV treatment to prisoners is an important opportunity: key principles based on policy and practice assessment in Europe. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:30. [PMID: 30621658 PMCID: PMC6323720 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prisoners have a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection but may find it difficult to access healthcare services. This may be related to risk behaviour including history of injecting drugs and marginalisation related to problem drug use/ opioid use disorder (OUD). Direct-acting antiviral products with superior efficacy and safety compared to interferon-based regimens offer HCV cure. Many citizens in Europe have been treated, although few received therapy in prisons. Methods Analysis of prisoner HCV treatment need and policy determinants of clinical practice was completed for 5 EU countries. Evidence was collected from national statistical sources and peer-reviewed publications to describe prison populations and HCV prevalence, to map national prison/ HCV health policy or guidance. A consensus of important principles for prisoner HCV care was developed. Results Data from published sources describing prisoner HCV prevalence is limited. Prisoner population requiring HCV treatment is not known; estimated numbers based on analysis of evidence: England and Wales, 9000, France, 8000, Spain, 6000, Italy, 6000, Germany, 6000. Treatment access: national law defines right to equivalent care in all countries implying access to HCV therapy in prison similar to community; useful prisoner HCV guidance facilitating treatment decisions present in: 4 of 5 national/ regional HCV policy documents, 4 of 5 national prison healthcare policies. Four of five had practical prison HCV clinical guidelines. Despite existence of policy, implementation of guidance, and so HCV treatment, is suboptimal in many locations. Conclusions Prison is an important location to detect, address and treat HCV infection in people who may be underserved for healthcare and find it difficult to navigate community treatment pathways. This is often related to problems with OUD and resulting social inequity. HCV management in prisons must be improved. Policy and clinical practice guidance must be set to promote treatment, and practical steps to make treatment easy should be followed including education to promote engagement, set-up of optimal screening and work up processes with modern tools to reduce time needed/ achieve efficiency; programs to make it easier to get specialists’ input include remote working and nurse-led services.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Stöver
- Institute of Addiction Research, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - F Meroueh
- Health Unit, Villeneuve les Maguelone, France
| | - A Marco
- Penitentiary Program, Catalan Health Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - N Wright
- Spectrum Community Health CIC, Wakefield, UK
| | - F Nava
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - F Alam
- Divisional Medical Director, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S Walcher
- CONCEPT, Addiction Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - L Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Biella, Italy
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Gerra MC, Manfredini M, Cortese E, Antonioni MC, Leonardi C, Magnelli F, Somaini L, Jayanthi S, Cadet JL, Donnini C. Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Cannabis Use: Preliminary Results for the Role of Parental Care Perception. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:670-680. [PMID: 30663487 PMCID: PMC7643561 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2018.1531430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulnerability to cannabis use (CU) initiation and problematic use have been shown to be affected by both genetic and environmental factors, with still inconclusive and uncertain evidence. OBJECTIVE Aim of the present study was to investigate the possible interplay between gene polymorphisms and psychosocial conditions in CU susceptibility. METHODS Ninety-two cannabis users and ninety-three controls have been included in the study. Exclusion criteria were serious mental health disorders and severe somatic disorders, use of other drugs and alcohol abuse; control subjects were not screened to remove Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) behaviors. A candidate gene association study was performed, including variants related to dopaminergic and endocannabinoids pathways. Adverse childhood experiences and quality of parental care have been retrospectively explored utilizing ACES (Adverse Children Experience Scale), CECA-q (Child Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire), PBI (Parental Bonding Instrument). RESULTS Our findings evidenced a significant association between rs1800497 Taq1A of ANKK1 gene and CU. Parental care was found to be protective factor, with emotional and physical neglect specifically influencing CU. Gender also played a role in CU, with males smoking more than females. However, when tested together genotypes and psychosocial variables, the significance of observed genetic differences disappeared. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm a significant role of Taq1A polymorphism in CU vulnerability. A primary role of environmental factors in mediating genetic risk has been highlighted: parental care could be considered the main target to design early prevention programs and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carla Gerra
- a Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability , University of Parma , Parma , Italy
| | - Matteo Manfredini
- a Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability , University of Parma , Parma , Italy
| | - Elena Cortese
- b Addiction Treatment Center, Local Health Service , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Claudio Leonardi
- b Addiction Treatment Center, Local Health Service , Rome , Italy
| | - Fernanda Magnelli
- d Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Service , Cosenza , Biella , Italy
| | - Lorenzo Somaini
- d Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Service , Cosenza , Biella , Italy
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- e Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch , NIDA Intramural Research Program , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- e Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch , NIDA Intramural Research Program , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Claudia Donnini
- a Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability , University of Parma , Parma , Italy
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Grebely J, Drolet M, Nwankwo C, Torrens M, Kastelic A, Walcher S, Somaini L, Mulvihill E, Ertl J, Liebert R, Litwin AH. Perceptions and self-reported competency related to testing, management and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection among physicians prescribing opioid agonist treatment: The C-SCOPE study. Int J Drug Policy 2018; 63:29-38. [PMID: 30476876 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated competency related to HCV testing, management and treatment among physicians practicing in clinics offering opioid agonist treatment (OAT). METHODS C-SCOPE is a study consisting of a self-administered survey among physicians practicing at clinics providing OAT in Australia, Canada, Europe and USA between April-May 2017. A 7-point scale was used to measure < average competence (score >4 of 7) related to HCV testing, management and treatment. RESULTS Among 203 physicians (40% USA, 45% Europe, 14% Australia/Canada) 21% were addiction medicine specialists, 29% psychiatrists, and 70% were metro/urban [mean PWID managed, 51; years of experience, 11]. The majority perceived HCV testing (82%) and treatment (85%) among PWID as important. The minority reported < average competence with respect to regular screening (12%) and interpretation of HCV test results (14%), while greater proportions reported < average competence in advising patients about new HCV therapies (28%), knowledge of new treatments (37%), and treatment/management of HCV (40%). In adjusted analysis, factors independently associated with < average self-reported competency related to the ability to treat HCV and manage side effects included fewer years in medical practice, fewer numbers of patients treated for HCV infection in the past six months, not having obtained information on screening, diagnosing or treatment of HCV, not having attended any training on HCV in the past year, and not having read or consulted AASLD/IDSA, EASL or other guidelines for HCV. CONCLUSION Physicians treating HCV infection among PWID attending OAT clinics recognized the importance of HCV testing and treatment. However, self-perceived competency related to HCV management and treatment was low, highlighting the importance of improved HCV education and training among physicians practicing in clinics offering OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | | | - Martha Torrens
- Department of Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrej Kastelic
- National Centre for the Treatment of Drug Addiction in Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre - Ser.D ASL BI - Local Health Unit, Biella, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Alain H Litwin
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA; Greenville Health System, Department of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA; Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, SC, USA
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Protti M, Catapano MC, Samolsky Dekel BG, Rudge J, Gerra G, Somaini L, Mandrioli R, Mercolini L. Determination of oxycodone and its major metabolites in haematic and urinary matrices: Comparison of traditional and miniaturised sampling approaches. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 152:204-214. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Dematteis M, Auriacombe M, D’Agnone O, Somaini L, Szerman N, Littlewood R, Alam F, Alho H, Benyamina A, Bobes J, Daulouede JP, Leonardi C, Maremmani I, Torrens M, Walcher S, Soyka M. Recommendations for buprenorphine and methadone therapy in opioid use disorder: a European consensus. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2017; 18:1987-1999. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2017.1409722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Dematteis
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Marc Auriacombe
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Addiction Psychiatry Team, SANPsy CNRS USR, Bordeaux, France
- Pôle Addictologie, CH Ch. Perrens and CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Oscar D’Agnone
- Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Brain Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Néstor Szerman
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Farrukh Alam
- Divisional Medical Director, Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hannu Alho
- Abdominal Center, University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Centre d’Enseignement, de Recherche et de Traitement des Addictions, AP-HP, Paris-Sud University Hospital Group, Paul Brousse site, Paris-Sud University, Villejuif, France
| | - Julio Bobes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo-CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jean Pierre Daulouede
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Addiction Psychiatry Team, SANPsy CNRS USR, Bordeaux, France
- Centre d׳Addictologie, BIZIA and CH Bayonne, Bayonne, France
| | - Claudio Leonardi
- Drug Addiction Department, Local Public Health ASL Rome 2, Rome, Italy
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Torrens
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Hospital del Mar, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institut), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Michael Soyka
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
- Medical Park Ciemseeblick, Bernau-Felden, Germany
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13
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Gerra LM, Gerra G, Mercolini L, Manfredini M, Somaini L, Pieri CM, Antonioni M, Protti M, Ossola P, Marchesi C. Increased oxytocin levels among abstinent heroin addicts: Association with aggressiveness, psychiatric symptoms and perceived childhood neglect. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 75:70-76. [PMID: 28093220 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A disruption of the oxytocin system seems to affect a variety of brain functions including emotions, mood and social behavior possibly underlying severe social deficits and susceptibility for substance use and mental health disorders. Early life adversity, such as insecure attachment in childhood, has been suggested to influence oxytocin tone contributing to a condition of neurobiological vulnerability. Aim of the present study was to investigate oxytocin serum levels in abstinent heroin addicted patients, in comparison with healthy controls, and the possible correlation with co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, aggressiveness and perception of parental neglect. Eighteen (18) abstinent patients, affected by heroin use disorders, and 18 control subjects, who never used drugs or abused alcohol, were included in the study and submitted to 1) collection of a blood sample for oxytocin assay, 2) Symptoms Check List 90 for psychiatric symptoms evaluation 3) Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory to measure aggressiveness 4) Child Experience of Care and Abuse-Questionnaire to retrospectively test the perception of parental neglect. Heroin exposure extent and heroin dosages were also recorded. Oxytocin serum levels were unexpectedly significantly higher among abstinent patients affected by heroin use disorders and positively correlated with psychiatric symptoms, aggressiveness and mother neglect scores. No correlation was evidenced between oxytocin and heroin exposure extent or dosages. Our findings appear to contradict the simplistic view of oxytocin as a pro-social hormone and confirm previous evidence concerning the peptide levels direct association with aggressive behavior and mood disorders. Considering a more complex mechanism, oxytocin would increase the sensitivity to social salience cues related to contextual or inter-individual factors, promoting pro-sociality in "safe" conditions and, in contrast, inducing more defensive and "anti-social" emotions and behaviors when the social cues are interpreted as "unsafe". This latter condition is often characterizing the clinical history of addicted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia M Gerra
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gilberto Gerra
- Drug Prevention and Health Branch, Division for Operations, United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Mercolini
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT) Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Service, Cossato, Biella, Italy.
| | - Chiara M Pieri
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Service, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maina Antonioni
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
| | - Michele Protti
- Laboratory of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT) Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Ossola
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Marchesi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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14
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Gerra G, Manfredini M, Somaini L, Milano G, Ciccocioppo R, Donnini C. Perceived parental care during childhood, ACTH, cortisol and nicotine dependence in the adult. Psychiatry Res 2016; 245:458-465. [PMID: 27631565 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies evidenced the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and tobacco smoking in adulthood. An appropriate parenting style has been found to be associated with children's less frequent tobacco consumption. Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity could represent the potential link between ACEs, mood disorders and smoking susceptibility. We studied a sample of 50 male smokers, affected by nicotine dependence and 50 controls who never smoked. Self-reported retrospective perception of neglect (Child Experience of Care and Abuse: CECA-Q questionnaire), age of smoking onset, number of cigarette/day, psychiatric symptoms (Symptoms Check List 90 scale: SCL 90) and basal level of ACTH and cortisol have been evaluated. Total SCL-90 scores, CECA-Q values and cortisol plasma level were significantly higher among smokers. Cortisol and ACTH values showed a significant direct correlation with CECA-Q and SCL90 total score and an inverse significant correlation with the age of smoking. Cortisol and ACTH did not correlate with the number of cigarette smoked. Once controlled for SCL90 and CECA-Q with multiple regression measures, the association between smoking and hormone levels reversed, suggesting that increased cortisol and ACTH basal levels were attributable to preexisting conditions such as early-life exposure to emotional neglect, psychological problems and a predisposition to addictive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Gerra
- Drug Prevention and Health Branch, Division for Operations, United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Center, Local Health Service, Cossato, Biella, Italy.
| | - Giulia Milano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Claudia Donnini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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15
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Maremmani I, Rolland B, Somaini L, Roncero C, Reimer J, Wright N, Littlewood R, Krajci P, Alho H, D'Agnone O, Simon N. Buprenorphine dosing choices in specific populations: review of expert opinion. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:1727-31. [PMID: 27376622 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1209486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment of opioid dependence with buprenorphine improves outcomes. Typical dosing ranges for all patients from clinical evidence and as defined in the product information are wide. For specific groups with complex clinical scenarios, there is no clear consensus on dosing choices to achieve best possible outcomes. AREAS COVERED The doses of buprenorphine used in 6 European countries was reviewed. A review of published evidence supported rapid induction with buprenorphine and the benefits of higher doses but did not identify clearly useful guidance on dosing choices for groups with complex clinical scenarios. An expert group of physicians with experience in addiction care participated in a discussion meeting to share clinical practice experience and develop a consensus on dosing choices. EXPERT OPINION There was general agreement that treatment outcomes can be improved by optimising buprenorphine doses in specific subgroups. Specific groups in whom buprenorphine doses may be too low and who could have better outcomes with optimised dosing were identified on the basis of clinical practice experience. These groups include people with severe addiction, high tolerance to opioids, and psychiatric comorbidities. In these groups it is recommended to review dosing choices to ensure buprenorphine dosing is sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Icro Maremmani
- a Department of Neurosciences, Santa Chiara University Hospital , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Benjamin Rolland
- b Departments of Addiction Medicine and Pharmacology, INSERM , University Hospital of Lille , Lille , France
| | | | - Carlos Roncero
- d Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Unit, Department of Psychiatry , Vall d'Hebron Hospital , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Jens Reimer
- e Director at Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research , University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martini Strasse , Germany
| | - Nat Wright
- f Spectrum Community Health CIC , Wakefield , UK
| | | | - Peter Krajci
- h Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Department of Substance Use Disorder Treatment , Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Hannu Alho
- i HA, Clinicum, University of Helsinki and University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Oscar D'Agnone
- j Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Brain Behaviour and Mental Health , University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| | - Nicolas Simon
- k Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Sainte Marguerite Hospital , Marseille , France.,l Department of Clinical Pharmacology , Medical School of Marseilles , Marseille , France.,m Aix Marseille University, INSERM, UMR 912 IRD, SESSTIM , Marseille , France
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16
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Reimer J, Wright N, Somaini L, Roncero C, Maremmani I, McKeganey N, Littlewood R, Krajci P, Alho H, D'Agnone O. The Impact of Misuse and Diversion of Opioid Substitution Treatment Medicines: Evidence Review and Expert Consensus. Eur Addict Res 2016; 22:99-106. [PMID: 26426530 DOI: 10.1159/000438988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Opioid substitution treatment (OST) improves outcomes in opioid dependence. However, controlled drugs used in treatment may be misused or diverted, resulting in negative treatment outcomes. This review defines a framework to assess the impact of misuse and diversion. METHODS A systematic review of published studies of misuse and diversion of OST medicines was completed; this evidence was paired with expert real-world experience to better understand the impact of misuse and diversion on the individual and on society. RESULTS Direct impact to the individual includes failure to progress in recovery and negative effects on health (overdose, health risks associated with injecting behaviour). Diversion of OST has impacts on a community that is beyond the intended OST recipient. The direct impact includes risk to others (unsupervised use; unintended exposure of children to diverted medication) and drug-related criminal behavior. The indirect impact includes the economic costs of untreated opioid dependence, crime and loss of productivity. CONCLUSION While treatment for opioid dependence is essential and must be supported, it is vital to reduce misuse and diversion while ensuring the best possible care. Understanding the impact of OST misuse and diversion is key to defining strategies to address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Reimer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Gerra G, Manfredini M, Somaini L, Maremmani I, Leonardi C, Donnini C. Sexual Dysfunction in Men Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment: Clinical History and Psychobiological Correlates. Eur Addict Res 2016; 22:163-75. [PMID: 26595117 DOI: 10.1159/000441470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A variety of studies evidenced a relationship between drug use disorders and sexual dysfunction. In particular, heroin and opioid agonist medications to treat heroin dependence have been found to be associated with erectile dysfunction and reduced libido. Controversial findings also indicate the possibility of factors other than the pharmacological effects of opioid drugs concurring to sexual dysfunction. With the present study, we investigated the link between sexual dysfunction and long-term exposure to opioid receptor stimulation (heroin dependence, methadone maintenance treatment, methadone dosage), the potentially related hormonal changes reflecting hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis function and prolactin (PRL) pituitary release, the role of adverse childhood experiences in the clinical history and the concomitant symptoms of comorbid mental health disorders in contributing to sexual problems. Forty male patients participating in a long-term methadone treatment program were included in the present study and compared with 40 healthy control subjects who never used drugs nor abused alcohol. All patients and controls were submitted to the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Child Experiences of Care and Abuse-Questionnaire (CECA-Q) and the Symptom Check List-90 Scale. A blood sample for testosterone and PRL assays was collected. Methadone dosages were recorded among heroin-dependent patients on maintenance treatment. Methadone patients scored significantly higher than controls on the 5-item rating ASEX scale, on CECA-Q and on Symptoms Check List 90 (SCL 90) scale. Testosterone plasma levels were significantly lower and PRL levels significantly higher in methadone patients with respect to the healthy control group. ASEX scores reflecting sexual dysfunction were directly and significantly correlated with CECA-Q neglect scores and SCL 90 psychiatric symptoms total score. The linear regression model, when applied only to addicted patients, showed that methadone dosages were not significantly correlated with sexual dysfunction scores except for 'erectile dysfunction', for which an inverse association was evidenced. Testosterone values showed a significant inverse correlation with ASEX sexual dysfunction scores, CECA-Q neglect scores and psychiatric symptom at SCL 90 among methadone patients. PRL levels were directly and significantly correlated with sexual dysfunction scores, psychiatric symptoms at SCL 90 and CECA-Q neglect scores. Both testosterone and PRL did not correlate with methadone dosages. The present findings appear to support the view of childhood adversities and comorbid psychiatric symptoms contributing to sexual dysfunction and related hormonal changes among methadone patients, challenging the assumption that attributes sexual problems entirely to the direct pharmacological effects of opioid agonist medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Gerra
- Drug Prevention and Health Branch, Division for Operations, United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
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Wright N, D'Agnone O, Krajci P, Littlewood R, Alho H, Reimer J, Roncero C, Somaini L, Maremmani I. Addressing misuse and diversion of opioid substitution medication: guidance based on systematic evidence review and real-world experience. J Public Health (Oxf) 2015; 38:e368-e374. [DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdv150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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de Guglielmo G, Melis M, De Luca MA, Kallupi M, Li HW, Niswender K, Giordano A, Senzacqua M, Somaini L, Cippitelli A, Gaitanaris G, Demopulos G, Damadzic R, Tapocik J, Heilig M, Ciccocioppo R. PPARγ activation attenuates opioid consumption and modulates mesolimbic dopamine transmission. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:927-37. [PMID: 25311134 PMCID: PMC4330506 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PPARγ is one of the three isoforms identified for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and is the receptor for the thiazolidinedione class of anti-diabetic medications including pioglitazone. PPARγ has been long studied for its role in adipogenesis and glucose metabolism, but the discovery of the localization in ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons opens new vistas for a potential role in the regulation of reward processing and motivated behavior in drug addiction. Here, we demonstrate that activation of PPARγ by pioglitazone reduces the motivation for heroin and attenuates its rewarding properties. These effects are associated with a marked reduction of heroin-induced increase in phosphorylation of DARPP-32 protein in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and with a marked and selective reduction of acute heroin-induced elevation of extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in the NAc shell, as measured by in vivo microdialysis. Through ex vivo electrophysiology in acute midbrain slices, we also show that stimulation of PPARγ attenuates opioid-induced excitation of VTA DA neurons via reduction of presynaptic GABA release from the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). Consistent with this finding, site-specific microinjection of pioglitazone into the RMTg but not into the VTA reduced heroin taking. Our data illustrate that activation of PPARγ may represent a new pharmacotherapeutic option for the treatment of opioid addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- INN, National Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marsida Kallupi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Hong Wu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Kevin Niswender
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Martina Senzacqua
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Health Local Unit, ASL 12 Biella, Biella, Italy
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | | | - Ruslan Damadzic
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jenica Tapocik
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Markus Heilig
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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de Guglielmo G, Melis M, De Luca MA, Kallupi M, Li HW, Niswender K, Giordano A, Senzacqua M, Somaini L, Cippitelli A, Gaitanaris G, Demopulos G, Damadzic R, Tapocik J, Heilig M, Ciccocioppo R. PPARc activation attenuates opioid consumption and modulates mesolimbic dopamine transmission. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:1052. [PMID: 25668637 PMCID: PMC4330520 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Touzeau D, Green JL, Maremmani I, Torrens M, Walcher S, Deruvo G, Somaini L, Martines D, Rossi P, Martinez-Riera R, Fonseca F. SY15-4 * PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS IN SOUTHERN EUROPE: FRANCE. Alcohol Alcohol 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agu052.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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22
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Moretti S, Castelli M, Franchi S, Raggi MA, Mercolini L, Protti M, Somaini L, Panerai AE, Sacerdote P. Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced anti-inflammatory responses in adolescent mice switch to proinflammatory in adulthood. J Leukoc Biol 2014; 96:523-34. [PMID: 24744434 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.3hi0713-406rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Marijuana abuse is prominent among adolescents. Although Δ(9)-THC, one of its main components, has been demonstrated to modulate immunity in adults, little is known about its impact during adolescence on the immune system and the long-lasting effects in adulthood. We demonstrate that 10 days of Δ(9)-THC treatment induced a similar alteration of macrophage and splenocyte cytokines in adolescent and adult mice. Immediately at the end of chronic Δ(9)-THC, a decrease of proinflammatory cytokines IL- 1β and TNF-α and an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production by macrophages were present as protein and mRNA in adolescent and adult mice. In splenocytes, Δ(9)-THC modulated Th1/Th2 cytokines skewing toward Th2: IFN-γ was reduced, and IL-4 and IL-10 increased. These effects were lost in adult animals, 47 days after the last administration. In contrast, in adult animals treated as adolescents, a perturbation of immune responses, although in an opposite direction, was present. In adults treated as adolescents, a proinflammatory macrophage phenotype was observed (IL-1β and TNF-α were elevated; IL-10 decreased), and the production of Th cytokines was blunted. IgM titers were also reduced. Corticosterone concentrations indicate a long-lasting dysregulation of HPA in adolescent mice. We measured blood concentrations of Δ(9)-THC and its metabolites, showing that Δ(9)-THC plasma levels in our mice are in the order of those achieved in human heavy smokers. Our data demonstrate that Δ(9)-THC in adolescent mice triggers immune dysfunctions that last long after the end of abuse, switching the murine immune system to proinflammatory status in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Moretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mara Castelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Franchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Augusta Raggi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy; and
| | - Laura Mercolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy; and
| | - Michele Protti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy; and
| | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Service, Cossato, Biella, Italy
| | - Alberto E Panerai
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Sacerdote
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy;
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Gerra G, Somaini L, Leonardi C, Cortese E, Maremmani I, Manfredini M, Donnini C. Association between gene variants and response to buprenorphine maintenance treatment. Psychiatry Res 2014; 215:202-7. [PMID: 24274990 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A variety of studies were addressed to differentiate responders and non-responders to substitution treatment among heroin dependent patients, without conclusive findings. In particular, preliminary pharmacogenetic findings have been reported to predict treatment effectiveness in mental health and substance use disorders. Aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association of buprenorphine (BUP) treatment outcome with gene variants that may affect kappa-opioid receptors and dopamine system function. One hundred and seven heroin addicts (West European, Caucasians) who underwent buprenorphine maintenance treatment were genotyped and classified into two groups (A and B) on the basis of treatment outcome. Non-responders to buprenorphine (group B) have been identified taking into account early drop out, continuous use of heroin, severe behavioral or psychiatric problems, misbehavior and diversion during the 6 months treatment period. No difference was evidenced between responders and non-responders to BUP in the frequency of kappa opioid receptor (OPRK1) 36G>T SNP. The frequency of dopamine transporter (DAT) gene polymorphism (SLC6A3/DAT1), allele 10, was evidently much higher in "non-responder" than in "responder" individuals (64.9% vs. 55.93%) whereas the frequency of the category of other alleles (6, 7 and 11) was higher in responder than in non-responder individuals (11.02% vs. 2.13% respectively). On one hand, the hypothesis that possible gene-related changes in kappa-opioid receptor could consistently affect buprenorphine pharmacological action and clinical effectiveness was not confirmed in our study, at least in relation to the single nucleotide polymorphism 36G>T. On the other hand, the possibility that gene-related dopamine changes could have reduced BUP effectiveness and impaired maintenance treatment outcome was cautiously supported by our findings. DAT1 gene variants such as allele 10, previously reported in association with personality and behavioral problems, would have influenced the effects of BUP-induced dopamine release, modulated through mu and kappa opioid receptors, and probably the related reinforcing capacity of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Gerra
- Drug Prevention and Health Branch, Division for Operations, United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Center, Local Health Service, Cossato 13836, Biella, Italy.
| | - Claudio Leonardi
- Addiction Treatment Center, Local Health Service, Rome C 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Cortese
- Addiction Treatment Center, Local Health Service, Rome C 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Department of Neurosciences, Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Manfredini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Claudia Donnini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
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Gerra G, Somaini L, Manfredini M, Raggi MA, Saracino MA, Amore M, Leonardi C, Cortese E, Donnini C. Dysregulated responses to emotions among abstinent heroin users: correlation with childhood neglect and addiction severity. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 48:220-8. [PMID: 24161666 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to investigate the subjective responses of abstinent heroin users to both neutral and negative stimuli and the related hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal reactions to emotional experience in relationship to their perception of childhood adverse experiences. Thirty male abstinent heroin dependents were included in the study. Emotional responses and childhood neglect perception were measured utilizing the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1 and the Child Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire. Neutral and unpleasant pictures selected from the International Affective Picture System and the Self-Assessment Manikin procedure have been used to determine ratings of pleasure and arousal. These ratings were compared with normative values obtained from healthy volunteers used as control. Blood samples were collected before and after the experimental sessions to determine both adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol plasma levels. Basal anxiety scores, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were higher in abstinent heroin users than in controls. Tests showed that anxiety scores did not change in controls after the vision of neutral slides, whilst they did in abstinent heroin addicts, increasing significantly; and increased less significantly after the unpleasant task, in comparison to controls. Abstinent heroin users showed significantly higher levels of parent antipathy and childhood emotional neglect perception than controls for both the father and the mother. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels did not significantly increase after unpleasant slide set viewing among addicted individuals, because of the significantly higher basal levels characterizing the addicted subjects in comparison with controls. Multiple regression correlation showed a significant relationship between childhood neglect perception, arousal reaction, impaired hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis response and addiction severity. Early adverse experiences seem to affect the entire interaction between hyper-arousal, reduced hormonal response to stress and addiction severity. Our findings, although obtained in a small number of subjects, indicate a significant link between the perception of parental style/care/support during childhood and the ability to cope with stressful emotional stimuli in adulthood and addiction severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gerra
- Drug Prevention and Health Branch, Division for Operations, United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime, 1400 Vienna, Austria
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Saracino MA, Iacono C, Somaini L, Gerra G, Ghedini N, Raggi MA. Multi-matrix assay of cortisol, cortisone and corticosterone using a combined MEPS-HPLC procedure. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2013; 88:643-8. [PMID: 24231793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The development and validation of a bioanalytical assay for the simultaneous determination of cortisol, cortisone and corticosterone levels in several matrices, such as saliva, plasma, blood and urine samples have been described. The method is based on a rapid test which combines a microextraction by packed sorbent procedure and liquid chromatography-diode array technique. Chromatographic separation of the analytes (cortisol, cortisone and corticosterone) and the internal standard (methylprednisolone) was achieved in less than 10min on a reversed-phase pentafluorophenyl column using a mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer and acetonitrile. The assay was performed after an innovative microextraction procedure by means of C8 sorbent which guaranteed good clean-up of the matrices and satisfactory extraction yield of the analytes. Moreover, the method gave linear results over a range of 5-100ngmL(-1) and showed good selectivity and precision. This method was successfully applied for quantifying corticosteroids in specific matrices derived from some healthy volunteers in comparison to two socially diversified groups, namely former heroin addicts undergoing opioid replacement therapy and poly-drug abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Saracino
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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de Guglielmo G, Cippitelli A, Somaini L, Gerra G, Li H, Stopponi S, Ubaldi M, Kallupi M, Ciccocioppo R. Pregabalin reduces cocaine self-administration and relapse to cocaine seeking in the rat. Addict Biol 2013; 18:644-53. [PMID: 22734646 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00468.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pregabalin (Lyrica™) is a structural analog of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is approved by the FDA for partial epilepsy, neuropathic pain and generalized anxiety disorders. Pregabalin also reduces excitatory neurotransmitter release and post-synaptic excitability. Recently, we demonstrated that pregabalin reduced alcohol intake and prevented relapse to the alcohol seeking elicited by stress or environmental stimuli associated with alcohol availability. Here, we sought to extend these findings by examining the effect of pregabalin on cocaine self-administration (0.25 mg/infusion) and on cocaine seeking elicited by both conditioned stimuli and stress, as generated by administration of yohimbine (1.25 mg/kg). The results showed that oral administration of pregabalin (0, 10 or 30 mg/kg) reduced self-administration of cocaine over an extended period (6 hours), whereas it did not modify self-administration of food. In cocaine reinstatement studies, pregabalin (10 and 30 mg/kg) abolished the cocaine seeking elicited by both the pharmacological stressor yohimbine and the cues predictive of cocaine availability. Overall, these results demonstrate that pregabalin may have potential in the treatment of some aspects of cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giordano de Guglielmo
- Pharmacology Unit; School of Pharmacy; University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri; Camerino; Italy
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- Pharmacology Unit; School of Pharmacy; University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri; Camerino; Italy
| | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre; Health Local Unit; Biella; Italy
| | - Gilberto Gerra
- Drug Prevention and Health Branch; Division for Operations; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; Vienna; Austria
| | - Hongwu Li
- Pharmacology Unit; School of Pharmacy; University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri; Camerino; Italy
| | - Serena Stopponi
- Pharmacology Unit; School of Pharmacy; University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri; Camerino; Italy
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- Pharmacology Unit; School of Pharmacy; University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri; Camerino; Italy
| | - Marsida Kallupi
- Pharmacology Unit; School of Pharmacy; University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri; Camerino; Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- Pharmacology Unit; School of Pharmacy; University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri; Camerino; Italy
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Stopponi S, de Guglielmo G, Somaini L, Cippitelli A, Cannella N, Kallupi M, Ubaldi M, Heilig M, Demopulos G, Gaitanaris G, Ciccocioppo R. Activation of PPARγ by pioglitazone potentiates the effects of naltrexone on alcohol drinking and relapse in msP rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2013; 37:1351-60. [PMID: 23550625 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pioglitazone is a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist used for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Previous studies conducted in our laboratory showed that activation of PPARγ by pioglitazone reduces alcohol drinking, stress-induced relapse, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome in rats. Pioglitazone was not able to prevent relapse elicited by alcohol cues. Conversely, the nonselective opioid antagonist naltrexone has been shown to reduce alcohol drinking and cue- but not stress-induced relapse in rodents. METHODS Based on these findings, this study was sought to determine the efficacy of pioglitazone and naltrexone combination on alcohol intake and relapse behavior. Genetically selected alcohol-preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) rats were used for the study. RESULTS Pioglitazone (10 and 30 mg/kg) and naltrexone (0.25 and 1.0 mg/kg) each individually reduced alcohol drinking in msP rats. The combination of the 2 drugs resulted in a more potent alcohol drinking reduction than single agents. Confirming previous studies, pioglitazone (10 and 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced relapse induced by the pharmacological stressor yohimbine (1.25 mg/kg) but not by cues predictive of alcohol availability. Conversely, naltrexone reduced reinstatement of drug seeking elicited by alcohol cues but not by yohimbine. CONCLUSIONS The drug combination was effective in reducing both relapse behaviors. These findings open new vistas in the use pioglitazone in combination with naltrexone for the treatment of alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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Mercolini L, Mandrioli R, Sorella V, Somaini L, Giocondi D, Serpelloni G, Raggi MA. Dried blood spots: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its main metabolites. J Chromatogr A 2013; 1271:33-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 11/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Stopponi S, Somaini L, Cippitelli A, de Guglielmo G, Kallupi M, Cannella N, Gerra G, Massi M, Ciccocioppo R. Pregabalin reduces alcohol drinking and relapse to alcohol seeking in the rat. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 220:87-96. [PMID: 21887495 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2457-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Pregabalin (Lyrica™) is a structural analogue of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) approved by FDA for partial epilepsy, neuropathic pain and recently generalized anxiety disorder. While the exact cellular mechanism of action of pregabalin is still unclear, evidence from several studies suggests that it reduces excitatory neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic excitability. OBJECTIVES Based on these mechanisms we sought interesting to evaluate the effect of pregabalin on alcohol-abuse-related behaviours. MATERIALS AND METHODS For this purpose, using genetically selected alcohol-preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) rats, we evaluated the effect of pregabalin on alcohol drinking and relapse to alcohol seeking elicited by environmental conditioning factors or stress. RESULTS Our results showed that treatment with pregabalin (0, 10, 30 and 60 mg/kg) given orally selectively reduced home cage alcohol drinking in msP rat. This effect was confirmed in self-administration experiments where pregabalin (0, 10 and 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced operant responding for alcohol but not for food. Using alcohol reinstatement models we also found that pregabalin (0, 10 and 30 mg/kg) abolished seeking behaviour elicited by the pharmacological stressor yohimbine as well as cues predictive of alcohol availability. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrate that pregabalin may have potential in the treatment of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
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Somaini L, Manfredini M, Amore M, Zaimovic A, Raggi MA, Leonardi C, Gerra ML, Donnini C, Gerra G. Psychobiological responses to unpleasant emotions in cannabis users. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2012; 262:47-57. [PMID: 21773812 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-011-0223-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Aim of this paper is to investigate the psychobiological reactions to experimentally induced negative emotional states in active marijuana-dependent smokers and whether changes in emotional reactivity were reversed by prolonged abstinence. Twenty-eight patients were randomly included into group A (fourteen active marijuana-dependent smokers) or group B (fourteen abstinent marijuana-dependent subjects). Emotional response evaluation of group B subjects was assessed after 6 months of abstinence. Fourteen healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex, were used as controls. Psychometric and emotional response evaluations were performed by administering Symptoms Check List-90 and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1 (STAI). Neutral and unpleasant set of pictures selected from the international affective picture system and the Self-Assesment Manikin procedure (SAM) have been used to determine ratings of pleasure and arousal. Before and after the experimental session, blood samples were collected to determine ACTH and cortisol plasma levels. Active cannabis users displayed significantly higher levels of pleasantness SAM scores and lower levels of arousal SAM scores compared to abstinent cannabis users and controls in response to emotional task. In a close parallel with psychological data, hormonal findings indicate a persistent hyperactivity of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in cannabis users, particularly among active marijuana smokers, and an impaired hormonal reaction to negative emotions, in comparison with healthy subjects. The capacity of the HPA axis to respond to stressful stimuli/negative emotions seems to be only partially recovered after 6 months of abstinence. Ours findings, although obtained in a small number of subjects, suggest an association between active cannabis use, subjective reduced sensitivity to negative emotions and threat and HPA axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Somaini
- Department of Addiction, Health Local Unit BI, Biella, Italy.
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Somaini L, Donnini C, Raggi MA, Amore M, Ciccocioppo R, Saracino MA, Kalluppi M, Malagoli M, Gerra ML, Gerra G. Promising medications for cocaine dependence treatment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 6:146-60. [PMID: 21599628 DOI: 10.2174/157488911795933893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine dependence is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and high vulnerability to relapse. Overall, cocaine remains one of the most used illicit drugs in the world. Given the difficulty of achieving sustained recovery, pharmacotherapy of cocaine addiction remains one of the most important clinical challenges. Recent advances in neurobiology, brain imaging and clinical trials suggest that certain medications show promise in the treatment of cocaine addiction. The pharmacotherapeutic approaches for cocaine dependence include medications able to target specific subtypes of dopamine receptors, affect different neurotransmitter systems (i.e. noradrenergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic and opioidergic pathways), and modulate neurological processes. The systematic reviews concerning the pharmacological treatment of cocaine dependence appear to indicate controversial findings and inconclusive results. The aim of future studies should be to identify the effective medications matching the specific needs of patients with specific characteristics, abandoning the strategies extended to the entire population of cocaine dependent patients. In the present review we summarize the current pharmacotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of cocaine dependence with a focus on the new patents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Unit SERT Cossato, Biella, Italy
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Saracino MA, Sammarco A, Somaini L, Gerra G, Raggi MA. Distribution of serotonin, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid and homovanillic acid in biological fluids of psycotic patients treated with clozapine. Pharmacopsychiatry 2011. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1292301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Stopponi S, Somaini L, Cippitelli A, Cannella N, Braconi S, Kallupi M, Ruggeri B, Heilig M, Demopulos G, Gaitanaris G, Massi M, Ciccocioppo R. Activation of nuclear PPARγ receptors by the antidiabetic agent pioglitazone suppresses alcohol drinking and relapse to alcohol seeking. Biol Psychiatry 2011; 69:642-9. [PMID: 21276964 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone belong to the class of thiazolidinediones (TZDs). They were first developed as antioxidants and then approved for the clinical treatment of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. TZDs bind with high affinity and activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) receptors, which in the brain are expressed both in neurons and in glia. METHODS We evaluated the effect of PPARγ activation by TZDs on alcohol drinking, relapse-like behavior, and withdrawal in the rat. We also tested the effect of TZDs on alcohol and saccharin self-administration. RESULTS We showed that activation of PPARγ receptors by pioglitazone (0, 10, and 30 mg/kg) and rosiglitazone (0, 10 and 30 mg/kg) given orally selectively reduced alcohol drinking. The effect was blocked by pretreatment with the selective PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (5 μg/rat) given into the lateral cerebroventricle, suggesting that this TZD's effect is mediated by PPARγ receptors in the central nervous system. Pioglitazone abolished reinstatement of alcohol seeking, a relapse-like behavior, induced by yohimbine, a pharmacologic stressor, but did not affect cue-induced relapse. In the self-administration experiments, pioglitazone reduced lever pressing for alcohol but not for saccharin. Finally, pioglitazone prevented the expression of somatic signs of alcohol withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new information about the role of brain PPARγ receptors and identify pioglitazone as candidate treatments for alcoholism and possibly other addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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Gerra G, Saenz E, Busse A, Maremmani I, Ciccocioppo R, Zaimovic A, Gerra ML, Amore M, Manfredini M, Donnini C, Somaini L. Supervised daily consumption, contingent take-home incentive and non-contingent take-home in methadone maintenance. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:483-9. [PMID: 21147192 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) has been found effective in treating heroin addiction. Serious consideration should be given to the modality of methadone distribution, as it influences not only treatment outcome but the attitudes of policy makers and the community, too. On one hand, the choice of take-home methadone removes the need for daily attendance at a methadone clinic, which seems to improve patients' quality of life. On the other, this method, because of its lack of supervision and the absence of strict consumption monitoring, runs the risk of methadone misuse and diversion. In this study, we compared A) supervised daily consumption, B) contingent take-home incentives and C) non-contingent take-home in methadone maintenance in three groups of heroin-addicted patients attending three different MMT programmes. Retention rates at 12 months were significantly higher in contingent take-home patients (group B) than in those with supervised daily consumption (group A) and the non-contingent take-home (group C). Retention rates were higher in group A than in group C patients. Compared to patients in groups A and B, those in group C showed fewer negative urinalyses and higher rates of self-reported diversion and episodes of crime or violence. Results indicate a more positive outcomes following take-home methadone associated with behavioural incentives and other measures that aim to facilitate treatment compliance than those following daily supervised consumption. By contrast, non-contingent take-home methadone given to non-stabilized patients is associated with a high rate of diversion, along with more crime episodes and maladaptive behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gerra
- Drug Prevention and Health Branch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, 1400, Austria.
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Franchi S, Sacerdote P, Moretti S, Gerra G, Leccese V, Tallone MV, Panerai AE, Somaini L. The effects of alcoholism pharmacotherapy on immune responses in alcohol-dependent patients. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2010; 23:847-55. [PMID: 20943056 DOI: 10.1177/039463201002300320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic alcohol use has profound modulatory effects on the immune system. Both the innate and the acquired immunity are compromised. The use of pharmacotherapy is increasingly applied to enhance the percentage of success in maintaining alcoholic patients in remission. Disulfiram, naltrexone and gamma hydroxybutiric acid are the drugs used for this purpose in Italian Addiction Services. In this study we analyze the effect of pharmacotherapy of alcohol dependence on immune responses in alcoholics. Six groups were studied. Group A included 10 patients who were still using alcohol. Group B consisted of 10 patients abstinent from alcohol in treatment only with group therapy. Groups C, D and E were composed of 10 patients each, treated for at least 6 months with oral doses of gamma hydroxybutiric acid, naltrexone or disulfiram respectively. Ten age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers who never misused alcohol were included as a control group. Lymphoproliferation and peripheral mononuclear cell production of the Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma, the Th2 cytokine IL-4, and of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-alpha were evaluated in all the patients and controls. The level of activity of the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis was assessed. Both ACTH and cortisol levels in plasma were elevated in alcoholic patients with no treatment. In this group a significant alteration of cytokine production was observed. TNF and IFN-gamma were lower than controls, while the Th2 cytokine IL-4 was increased. These altered levels state for a Th1/Th2 unbalance characterized by decreased Th1 response in the presence of Th2 predominance. In patients undergoing pharmacological treatment, none of the immune parameters were different from those observed in healthy controls, independently of the type of drug administered. These data indicate that pharmacotherapy more than group therapy treatment is able to ameliorate the immune system functioning in alcoholic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Franchi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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Somaini L, Donnini C, Manfredini M, Raggi MA, Saracino MA, Gerra ML, Amore M, Leonardi C, Serpelloni G, Gerra G. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), genetic polymorphisms and neurochemical correlates in experimentation with psychotropic drugs among adolescents. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 35:1771-8. [PMID: 21145351 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Revised: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and clinical data show frequent associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and substance abuse susceptibility particularly in adolescents. A large body of evidences suggests that the possible dysregulation of neuroendocrine responses as well as neurotransmitters function induced by childhood traumatic experiences and emotional neglect could constitute one of the essential biological changes implementing substance abuse vulnerability. Moreover, genotype variables and its environment interactions have been associated with an increased risk for early onset substance abuse. In this paper we present several data that support the hypothesis of the involvement of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in mediating the combined effect of early adverse experiences and gene variants affecting neurotransmission. The presented data also confirm the relationship between basal plasma levels of cortisol and ACTH, on the one hand, and retrospective measures of neglect during childhood on the other hand: the higher the mother and father neglect (CECA-Q) scores are, the higher the plasma levels of the two HPA hormones are. Furthermore, such positive relationship has been proved to be particularly effective and important when associated with the "S" promoter polymorphism of the gene encoding the 5-HTT transporter, both in homozygote and heterozygote individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre, Local Health Unit, Biella, Italy.
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Saracino MA, Gerra G, Somaini L, Colombati M, Raggi MA. Chromatographic analysis of serotonin, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid and homovanillic acid in dried blood spots and platelet poor and rich plasma samples. J Chromatogr A 2010; 1217:4808-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2010.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Revised: 05/14/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Gerra G, Zaimovic A, Castaldini L, Garofano L, Manfredini M, Somaini L, Leonardi C, Gerra ML, Donnini C. Relevance of perceived childhood neglect, 5-HTT gene variants and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation to substance abuse susceptibility. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2010; 153B:715-22. [PMID: 19824018 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.31038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The hypotheses of (1) gene x environment interaction in the susceptibility to experiment with drugs and (2) hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis involvement in mediating the effects of early adverse experiences and gene variants affecting serotonin function on substance abuse vulnerability were tested by investigating in 187 healthy adolescents the possible relevance of 5-HTT "S" polymorphism, childhood parental neglect reported retrospectively and HPA axis function to the susceptibility to experiment with illicit drugs. Higher frequency of the 5-HTT SS genotype seems to be associated with an increased susceptibility to use illegal psychotropic drugs among the adolescents. At the same time, reduced maternal care perception was found to represent a key intermediate factor of the association between SS polymorphism and drug use, suggesting that genetic factors and parental behavior concur to drug use susceptibility. Our results also confirm the relationship between basal plasma levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) on the one hand, and retrospective measures of neglect during childhood: the higher the mother and father neglect CECA-Q scores, the higher the plasma levels of the two HPA hormones. Such positive relationship has been proved to be particularly effective and important when associated to the S-allele, both in homozygote and heterozygote individuals. However, when tested together with genotype and parental neglect, the effect of HPA hormones such as cortisol and ACTH was not found to improve significantly the explanatory power of the risk model.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gerra
- Health and Human Development Section, Division for Operations, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Room D1438, P.O. Box 500, 1400 Vienna, Austria.
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Gerra G, Zaimovic A, Gerra M, Ciccocioppo R, Cippitelli A, Serpelloni G, Somaini L. Pharmacology and Toxicology of Cannabis Derivatives and Endocannabinoid Agonists. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 5:46-52. [DOI: 10.2174/157488910789753521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 08/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Gerra G, Maremmani I, Capovani B, Somaini L, Berterame S, Tomas-Rossello J, Saenz E, Busse A, Kleber H. Long-acting opioid-agonists in the treatment of heroin addiction: why should we call them "substitution"? Subst Use Misuse 2009; 44:663-71. [PMID: 19360539 DOI: 10.1080/10826080902810251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have documented the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of long-acting opioids (L-AOs), such as methadone and buprenorphine, in the treatment of heroin addiction. This article reviews the pharmacological differences between L-AO medications and short-acting opioids (heroin) in terms of reinforcing properties, pharmacokinetics, effects on the endocrine and immune systems. Given their specific pharmacological profile, L-AOs contribute to control addictive behavior, reduce craving, and restore the balance of disrupted endocrine function. The use of the term "substitution," referring to the fact that methadone or buprenorphine replace heroin in binding to brain opioid receptors, has been generalized to consider L-AOs as simple replacement of street drugs, thus contributing to the widespread misunderstanding of this treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gerra
- Health and Human Development Section Division for Operations, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria.
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Sacerdote P, Franchi S, Gerra G, Leccese V, Panerai AE, Somaini L. Buprenorphine and methadone maintenance treatment of heroin addicts preserves immune function. Brain Behav Immun 2008; 22:606-13. [PMID: 18294814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2007.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2007] [Revised: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 12/13/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Opiate addiction influences many physiological functions including immune responses. The objective of this study was to investigate the immune system function in heroin addicted patients submitted to methadone or buprenorphine maintenance treatment compared to untreated heroin addicts and healthy controls. Four groups were studied: group A included nine heroin addicted subjects, who were still injecting heroin; groups B and C were composed of 12 patients previously addicted to heroin, being treated with methadone (mean dosage 58+/-12.7 mg/day) or buprenorphine (mean dose 9.3+/-2.3mg/day) since at least 6 months; group D was composed of 15 sex and age matched healthy controls. Lymphoproliferation and peripheral mononuclear cell cultures production of the Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma, the Th2 cytokine IL-4, and of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha were evaluated in all the patients and controls. PHA-lymphoproliferation was lower in untreated heroin addicts than in controls, while it was normal in methadone and buprenorphine treated patients. An altered Th1/Th2 balance, characterized by reduced IL-4, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha but normal IL-2 levels, was present in untreated heroin addicted subjects, while the Th1/Th2 balance was well conserved in the methadone and buprenorphine groups. These findings suggest that the immune system abnormalities in heroin addicted patients can be restored to almost normal values by controlled treatment with methadone and buprenorphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sacerdote
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy
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Gerra G, Leonardi C, Cortese E, Zaimovic A, Dell'Agnello G, Manfredini M, Somaini L, Petracca F, Caretti V, Baroni C, Donnini C. Adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol plasma levels directly correlate with childhood neglect and depression measures in addicted patients. Addict Biol 2008; 13:95-104. [PMID: 18201294 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2007.00086.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction has been reported to be involved in vulnerability to alcohol and drug dependence in humans, possibly underlying both addictive behaviour and depression susceptibility. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible interactions between childhood adverse experiences, depressive symptoms and HPA axis function in addicted patients, in comparison with healthy control. Eighty-two abstinent heroin or cocaine dependent patients and 44 normal controls, matched for age and sex, completed the symptoms Check List-90 (SCL-90), measuring depressive symptoms, and the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to determine adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol basal plasma levels at 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Addicted individuals showed significantly higher neglect and depression scores and ACTH-cortisol plasma levels respect to control subjects. Depression scores at SCL-90 in addicted patients positively correlated with plasma ACTH and cortisol values. In turn, plasma ACTH levels were directly associated with childhood neglect measures, reaching statistical significance with 'mother-neglect' scores. Plasma cortisol levels were related to 'father antipathy' among cocaine addicts. These findings suggest the possibility that childhood experience of neglect and poor parent-child attachment may have a persistent effect on HPA axis function as an adult, partially contributing, together with genetic factors and other environmental conditions, to both depressive traits and substance abuse neurobiological vulnerability.
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Gerra G, Leonardi C, Cortese E, Zaimovic A, Dell'agnello G, Manfredini M, Somaini L, Petracca F, Caretti V, Raggi MA, Donnini C. Childhood neglect and parental care perception in cocaine addicts: relation with psychiatric symptoms and biological correlates. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2007; 33:601-10. [PMID: 17904221 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2007.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2007] [Revised: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 08/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Childhood neglect and poor child-parent relationships have been reported to increase substance use disorders susceptibility. Stressful environmental factors, including emotional neglect, could affect individual personality traits and mental health, possibly inducing stable changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and brain mono-amine function, in turn involved in addictive behavior vulnerability. Therefore, we decided to investigate homovanillic (HVA) and prolactin (PRL) plasma levels, as expression of possible changes in dopamine function, ACTH and cortisol plasma levels, as measures of HPA axis function, and concomitant psychiatric symptoms profile in abstinent cocaine addicts, in relationship to their childhood history of neglect and poor parental care perception. METHODS Fifty abstinent cocaine dependent patients, and 44 normal controls, matched for age and sex, were submitted to a detailed psychiatric assessment (DSM IV criteria). All patients and controls completed the Symptoms Check List-90 (SCL-90) and the Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), to evaluate psychiatric symptoms frequency and aggressiveness levels. The Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse-Questionnaire (CECA-Q) and Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) have been used to retrospectively investigate parent-child relationships. Blood samples were collected to determine HVA, PRL, ACTH and cortisol basal plasma levels. RESULTS Cocaine addicted individuals in general showed significantly lower HVA, and higher PRL, ACTH and cortisol basal levels respect to controls. In particular, neuroendocrine changes characterized cocaine addicts with childhood history of neglect and low perception of parental care. Obsessive-compulsive, depression and aggressiveness symptoms have been found related to poor parenting, inversely associated to HVA levels and directly associated to PRL, ACTH and cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest the possibility that childhood experience of neglect and poor parent-child attachment may partially contribute to a complex neurobiological derangement including HPA axis and dopamine system dysfunctions, playing a crucial role in addictive and affective disorders susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gerra
- UNODC, Global Challenges Section, Division for Operations, P.O. Box 500, A-1400 Vienna, Austria.
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Gerra G, Leonardi C, Cortese E, Zaimovic A, Dell'agnello G, Manfredini M, Somaini L, Petracca F, Caretti V, Saracino MA, Raggi MA, Donnini C. Homovanillic acid (HVA) plasma levels inversely correlate with attention deficit-hyperactivity and childhood neglect measures in addicted patients. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2007; 114:1637-47. [PMID: 17690947 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-007-0793-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2007] [Accepted: 07/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) seems to be a risk condition for substance use disorders, possibly in relationship to common neurobiological changes, underlying both addictive and externalising behaviour susceptibility. Although this vulnerability has been primarily attributed to gene variants, previous studies suggest that also adverse childhood experiences may influence neurotransmission, affecting in particular brain dopamine (DA) system and possibly concurring to the development of behavioural disorders. Therefore, we decided to investigate ADHD symptoms and plasma concentrations of the DA metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA) in abstinent addicted patients, in comparison with healthy control subjects, evaluating whether ADHD scores were related with HVA levels, as expression of DA turnover, and whether HVA values, in turn, were associated with childhood emotional neglect. METHODS Eighty-two abstinent drug dependent patients, and 44 normal controls, matched for age and sex, completed the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), measuring ADHD symptoms, and the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire (CECA-Q). Blood samples were collected to determine HVA plasma levels. RESULTS Addicted individuals showed significantly higher ADHD scores and lower HVA levels respect to control subjects. ADHD scores at WURS in addicted patients negatively correlated with plasma HVA values. In turn, plasma HVA levels were inversely associated with childhood neglect measures, reaching statistical significance with "mother-antipathy" and "mother neglect" scores. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest the possibility that childhood experience of neglect and poor mother-child attachment may have an effect on central dopamine function as an adult, in turn contributing to both ADHD and substance abuse neurobiological vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gerra
- Servizio Tossicodipendenze, AUSL Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Giaroni C, Zanetti E, Marino F, Cosentino M, Senaldi A, Somaini L, Ferrari M, Bombelli R, Lecchini S, Frigo G. Glutamate receptors of the AMPA type modulate neurotransmitter release and peristalsis in the guinea-pig isolated colon. Life Sci 2000; 67:1747-57. [PMID: 11021359 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(00)00760-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
To assess the role of AMPA and kainate receptors in modulating neurotransmitter release from the myenteric plexus, the effect of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) and kainic acid on endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) and noradrenaline (NA) overflow from the guinea-pig isolated colon was studied. AMPA inhibited spontaneous ACh overflow and increased electrically-evoked NA overflow. Kainic acid did not influence both ACh and NA overflow. AMPA-mediated effects on ACh and NA overflow were significantly reduced by the AMPA/kainate antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, CNQX. The inhibitory effect of AMPA on ACh overflow could be due, at least in part, to the AMPA-induced NA overflow as it was greatly reduced after adrenoceptor blockade and virtually abolished in sympathetically-denervated animals. The possible functional significance of these findings was studied by measuring the efficiency of the peristaltic reflex in the presence of the different agonists. The efficiency of peristalsis was enhanced by AMPA, whereas it was not modified by kainic acid. In conclusion, AMPA receptors, but not kainate receptors, may play a role in the modulation of ACh and NA release and of peristalsis in the guinea-pig colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Giaroni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Giaroni C, Somaini L, Marino F, Cosentino M, Senaldi A, De Ponti F, Lecchini S, Frigo G. Modulation of enteric cholinergic neurons by hetero- and autoreceptors: cooperation among inhibitory inputs. Life Sci 1999; 65:813-21. [PMID: 10466747 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(99)00308-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In the guinea-pig colon, acetylcholine (ACh) release from intrinsic cholinergic motor neurons is inhibited by adrenoceptors, opioid and muscarinic receptors. Chronic sympathetic denervation resulted in supersensitivity to the inhibitory effect of DAMGO (mu-opioid agonist) on ACh release and on the peristaltic reflex. After chronic treatment with naltrexone (NTX) supersensitivity to DAMGO and subsensitivity to UK14,304 (alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist) developed for both functional parameters. The facilitatory effect of scopolamine on ACh release remained unchanged after chronic NTX treatment, whereas it was potentiated after chronic sympathetic denervation. These data suggest the existence of a functional interaction between different inhibitory pathways modulating cholinergic motor neurons in the guinea-pig colon. Namely, chronic manipulation of an inhibitory pathway may entail adaptive sensitivity changes in another inhibitory pathway so that homeostasis can be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Giaroni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Varese VA, Italy
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48
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Marino F, Cosentino M, De Ponti F, Giaroni C, Somaini L, Bombelli R, Ferrari M, Aasen AJ, Lecchini S, Frigo G. Muscarinic modulation of endogenous noradrenaline release from adrenergic terminals in the guinea-pig colon. J Auton Pharmacol 1997; 17:365-72. [PMID: 9610431 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2680.1997.00057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
1 The present study examined the role of muscarinic receptors in the modulation of noradrenaline (NA) release in the guinea-pig isolated distal colon. The spontaneous endogenous NA overflow assayed by HPLC-ED was taken as an index of NA release from enteric noradrenergic nerve terminals. 2 Physostigmine (10 microM) significantly enhanced spontaneous endogenous NA overflow. Hyoscine (muscarinic antagonist), (R)-(-)-trihexyphenidyl and telenzepine (M1-selective antagonists), and 11[[2-[(diethylamino)methyl]-1-piperydil]acetyl]-5,11 -dihydro-6H-pyrido[2,3-b][1,4]benzodiazepine-6-one (AF-DX 116, M2-selective antagonist) inhibited NA overflow in a concentration dependent manner, with the following EC50 values: 131.74 (18.19-953.96), 101.62 (58.83-175.60), 150 (60-330), 30 (5-170) nM, respectively. 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP, M1- and M3-selective antagonist) had no significant effect up to 100 microM. 3 The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine inhibited NA overflow in a concentration dependent manner, with an EC50 value of 0.67 (0.30-1.51) microM. The response to oxotremorine was inhibited by muscarinic antagonists with the following order of potency: hyoscine = (R)-(-)-trihexyphenidyl = telenzepine > 4-DAMP >> AF-DX 116. 4 In the presence of 3 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX), the effect of oxotremorine and 4-DAMP was unchanged, while hyoscine, (R)-(-)-trihexyphenidyl, telenzepine and AF-DX 116, instead of inhibiting, significantly enhanced NA overflow. 5 The present results indicate that, in the guinea-pig colon, endogenous acetylcholine sustains spontaneous NA release by activating muscarinic receptors possibly located on interneurones. In addition, inhibitory muscarinic receptors may exist on adrenergic terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, II Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
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49
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Giaroni C, Somaini L, Marino F, Cosentino M, Leoni O, De Ponti F, Lecchini S, Frigo G. Acetylcholine detection by a modified HPLC-ED method improves the assessment of cholinergic function in the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig colon. Neurosci Lett 1997; 232:9-12. [PMID: 9292879 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(97)00562-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Because of the low basal output, measurement of acetylcholine (ACh) release from enteric neurons usually requires cholinesterase inhibition, a condition which is known to interfere with feed-back mechanisms regulating ACh release. In this study, we resorted to a highly sensitive HPLC-ED method to determine the minimum requirement of physostigmine to achieve reliable quantitation of spontaneous endogenous ACh overflow from the guinea-pig isolated colon. Furthermore, in order to assess the degree of interference by physostigmine with cholinergic function, we assessed the effect of scopolamine and oxotremorine (in the presence of physostigmine) on spontaneous ACH overflow (to detect the presence of autoreceptors) and also measured the efficiency of the peristaltic reflex with different physostigmine concentrations. Spontaneous endogenous ACh overflow was detectable only with physostigmine concentrations > or = 10 nM. ACh overflow increased with increasing physostigmine concentrations (10 nM-10 microM range). Scopolamine significantly enhanced the facilitatory effect of physostigmine concentrations > or = 10 nM; conversely, oxotremorine inhibited ACh overflow. Peristaltic efficiency was not significantly affected by physostigmine concentrations < or = 300 nM. In conclusion, this modified HPLC-ED method allows ACh detection with minimal physostigmine concentrations (10-30 nM), which do not interfere with peristaltic activity, do not saturate autoreceptor feed-back mechanisms and therefore improve the assessment of cholinergic function in colonic enteric neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Giaroni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, II Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, Varese VA, Italy
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Cosentino M, Marino F, De Ponti F, Giaroni C, Somaini L, Leoni O, Lecchini S, Frigo G. Tonic modulation of neurotransmitter release in the guinea-pig myenteric plexus: effect of mu and kappa opioid receptor blockade and of chronic sympathetic denervation. Neurosci Lett 1995; 194:185-8. [PMID: 7478234 DOI: 10.1016/0304-3940(95)11757-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We have studied the effects of mu- and kappa-opioid receptor blockade on endogenous acetylcholine and noradrenaline overflow from the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig isolated colon. Cyprodime (putative mu-selective antagonist) and nor-binaltorphimine (kappa-selective antagonist) had a concentration-dependent facilitatory effect on both acetylcholine and noradrenaline overflow. Moreover, in colonic specimens obtained from sympathetically denervated animals, the effect of opioid antagonists on acetylcholine overflow was significantly higher with respect to normal preparations. Evidence is thus given in favour of an involvement of mu- and kappa-opioid receptor pathways in the tonic modulation of neurotransmitter release at the colonic level. Enhanced sensitivity to the effect of mu and kappa antagonists after chronic sympathetic denervation is strongly suggestive for the existence of a functional link between opioid and adrenergic pathways in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cosentino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, II Faculty of Medicine, Varese, Italy
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