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Dragon J, Obuchowicz E. How depression and antidepressant drugs affect endocannabinoid system?-review of clinical and preclinical studies. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:4511-4536. [PMID: 38280009 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
As major depressive disorder is becoming a more and more common issue in modern society, it is crucial to discover new possible grip points for its diagnosis and antidepressive therapy. One of them is endocannabinoid system, which has been proposed as a manager of emotional homeostasis, and thus, endocannabinoid alterations have been found in animals undergoing various preclinical models of depression procedures as well as in humans suffering from depressive-like disorders. In this review article, studies regarding those alterations have been summed up and analyzed. Another important issue raised by the researchers is the impact of currently used antidepressive drugs on endocannabinoid system so that it would be possible to predict reversibility of endocannabinoid alterations following stress exposure and, in the future, to be able to design individually personalized therapies. Preclinical studies investigating this topic have been analyzed and described in this article. Unfortunately, too few clinical studies in this field exist, what indicates an urgent need for collecting such data, so that it would be possible to compare them with preclinical outcomes and draw reliable conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonasz Dragon
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Ewa Obuchowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków Street 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
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Gowatch LC, Evanski JM, Ely SL, Zundel CG, Bhogal A, Carpenter C, Shampine MM, O'Mara E, Mazurka R, Barcelona J, Mayo LM, Marusak HA. Endocannabinoids and Stress-Related Neurospsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Basal Concentrations and Response to Acute Psychosocial Stress. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38683635 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is implicated in various stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders (SRDs), including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our objectives were to characterize circulating anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) concentrations at rest and in response to acute laboratory-based psychosocial stress in individuals with SRDs and without (controls). Our primary aims were to assess the effects of acute psychosocial stress on eCB concentrations in controls (Aim 1), compare baseline (prestress) eCB concentrations between individuals with SRDs and controls (Aim 2), and explore differential eCB responses to acute psychosocial stress in individuals with SRDs compared with controls (Aim 3). Methods: On June 8, 2023, a comprehensive review of the MEDLINE (PubMed) database was conducted to identify original articles meeting inclusion criteria. A total of 1072, 1341, and 400 articles were screened for inclusion in Aims 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Results: Aim 1, comprised of seven studies in controls, revealed that most studies reported stress-related increases in AEA (86%, with 43% reporting statistical significance) and 2-AG (83%, though none were statistically significant except for one study in saliva). However, meta-analyses did not support these patterns (p's>0.05). Aim 2, with 20 studies, revealed that most studies reported higher baseline concentrations of both AEA (63%, with 16% reporting statistical significance) and 2-AG (60%, with 10% reporting statistical significance) in individuals with SRDs compared with controls. Meta-analyses confirmed these findings (p's<0.05). Aim 3, which included three studies, had only one study that reported statistically different stress-related changes in 2-AG (but not AEA) between individuals with PTSD (decrease) and controls (increase), which was supported by the meta-analysis (p<0.001). Meta-analyses showed heterogeneity across studies and aims (I2=14-97%). Conclusion: Despite substantial heterogeneity in study characteristics, samples, and methodologies, consistent patterns emerged, including elevated baseline AEA and 2-AG in individuals with SRDs compared with controls, as well as smaller stress-related increases in 2-AG in individuals with SRDs compared with controls. To consider eCBs as reliable biomarkers and potential intervention targets for SRDs, standardized research approaches are needed to clarify the complex relationships between eCBs, SRDs, and psychosocial stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah C Gowatch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Julia M Evanski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Samantha L Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Clara G Zundel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Amanpreet Bhogal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Carmen Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - MacKenna M Shampine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Emilie O'Mara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Raegan Mazurka
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jeanne Barcelona
- Center for Health and Community Impact, College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Leah M Mayo
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hilary A Marusak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Miranda O, Fan P, Qi X, Wang H, Brannock MD, Kosten T, Ryan ND, Kirisci L, Wang L. Prediction of adverse events risk in patients with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder using electronic medical records by deep learning models. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 255:111066. [PMID: 38217979 PMCID: PMC10853953 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying co-occurring mental disorders and elevated risk is vital for optimization of healthcare processes. In this study, we will use DeepBiomarker2, an updated version of our deep learning model to predict the adverse events among patients with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), a high-risk population. METHODS We analyzed electronic medical records of 5565 patients from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to predict adverse events (opioid use disorder, suicide related events, depression, and death) within 3 months at any encounter after the diagnosis of PTSD+AUD by using DeepBiomarker2. We integrated multimodal information including: lab tests, medications, co-morbidities, individual and neighborhood level social determinants of health (SDoH), psychotherapy and veteran data. RESULTS DeepBiomarker2 achieved an area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) of 0.94 on the prediction of adverse events among those PTSD+AUD patients. Medications such as vilazodone, dronabinol, tenofovir, suvorexant, modafinil, and lamivudine showed potential for risk reduction. SDoH parameters such as cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma focused psychotherapy lowered risk while active veteran status, income segregation, limited access to parks and greenery, low Gini index, limited English-speaking capacity, and younger patients increased risk. CONCLUSIONS Our improved version of DeepBiomarker2 demonstrated its capability of predicting multiple adverse event risk with high accuracy and identifying potential risk and beneficial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshin Miranda
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Peihao Fan
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Xiguang Qi
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Haohan Wang
- School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | | | - Thomas Kosten
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Neal David Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Levent Kirisci
- University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - LiRong Wang
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Rosas-Vidal LE, Naskar S, Mayo LM, Perini I, Altemus M, Engelbrektsson H, Jagasia P, Heilig M, Patel S. PREFRONTAL CORRELATES OF FEAR GENERALIZATION DURING ENDOCANNABINOID DEPLETION. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.577847. [PMID: 38352388 PMCID: PMC10862899 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.577847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Maladaptive fear generalization is one of the hallmarks of trauma-related disorders. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is crucial for modulating anxiety, fear, and stress adaptation but its role in balancing fear discrimination versus generalization is not known. To address this, we used a combination of plasma endocannabinoid measurement and neuroimaging from a childhood maltreatment exposed and non-exposed mixed population combined with human and rodent fear conditioning models. Here we show that 2-AG levels are inversely associated with fear generalization at the behavioral level in both mice and humans. In mice, 2-AG depletion increases the proportion of neurons, and the similarity between neuronal representations, of threat-predictive and neutral stimuli within prelimbic prefrontal cortex ensembles. In humans, increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortical-amygdala resting state connectivity is inversely correlated with fear generalization. These data provide convergent cross-species evidence that 2-AG is a key regulator of fear generalization and suggest 2-AG deficiency could represent a trauma-related disorder susceptibility endophenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Rosas-Vidal
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Chicago, IL
| | - Saptarnab Naskar
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Chicago, IL
| | - Leah M Mayo
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Linköping University, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Irene Perini
- Linköping University, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Megan Altemus
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Nashville, TN
| | - Hilda Engelbrektsson
- Linköping University, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Puja Jagasia
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Nashville, TN
| | - Markus Heilig
- Linköping University, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sachin Patel
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Chicago, IL
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Comai S, Nunez N, Atkin T, Ghabrash MF, Zakarian R, Fielding A, Saint-Laurent M, Low N, Sauber G, Ragazzi E, Hillard CJ, Gobbi G. Dysfunction in endocannabinoids, palmitoylethanolamide, and degradation of tryptophan into kynurenine in individuals with depressive symptoms. BMC Med 2024; 22:33. [PMID: 38273283 PMCID: PMC10809514 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03248-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid (eCB) system and the serotonin (5-HT) are both implicated in the severity of the depression. 5-HT is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan (Trp), which is also a precursor for kynurenine (Kyn) whose production is increased at the expense of 5-HT in depressed patients. No clinical studies have investigated the crosstalk between the eCB system and the Trp/5-HT/Kyn pathways. Here, we hypothesized that the eCB system is associated with an enhanced Kyn production in relation to the severity of depressive symptoms. METHODS Eighty-two subjects (51 patients with a diagnosis of depressive disorder (DSM-5) and 31 healthy volunteers), were assessed with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Beck Depression Scale, and Global Clinical Impression. Serum concentrations of eCBs (N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)); structurally related fatty acyl compounds 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA); Trp, Kyn, Kyn/Trp ratio (an index of Trp degradation into Kyn) and 5-HT were also determined. RESULTS Following a principal component analysis including the severity of depression, Kyn and the Kyn/Trp ratio appear to be directly associated with 2-AG, AEA, and PEA. Interestingly, these biomarkers also permitted to distinguish the population into two main clusters: one of individuals having mild/severe depressive symptoms and the other with an absence of depressive symptoms. Using parametric analysis, higher serum levels of 2-AG, Kyn, and the ratio Kyn/Trp and lower levels of Trp and 5-HT were found in individuals with mild/severe depressive symptoms than in those without depressive symptoms. While in asymptomatic people, PEA was directly associated to Trp, and OEA indirectly linked to 5-HT, in individuals with depressive symptoms, these correlations were lost, and instead, positive correlations between AEA and 2-AG, PEA and AEA, and PEA vs 2-AG and OEA concentrations were found. CONCLUSIONS Parametric and non-parametric analyses suggest a possible association between eCBs, tryptophan/kynurenine biomarkers, and severity of depression, confirming a likely interplay among inflammation, stress, and depression. The enhanced relationships among the biomarkers of the 2-AG and AEA pathways and related lipids seen in individuals with depressive symptoms, but not in asymptomatics, suggest an altered metabolism of the eCB system in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicolas Nunez
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tobias Atkin
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Rita Zakarian
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Allan Fielding
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Saint-Laurent
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nancy Low
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Garrett Sauber
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Yang R, Lin Z, Cai Y, Chen N, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Hong G. Assessing the risk of prenatal depressive symptoms in Chinese women: an integrated evaluation of serum metabolome, multivitamin supplement intake, and clinical blood indicators. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1234461. [PMID: 38274432 PMCID: PMC10808622 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1234461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal depressive symptoms (PDS) is a serious public health problem. This study aimed to develop an integrated panel and nomogram to assess at-risk populations by examining the association of PDS with the serum metabolome, multivitamin supplement intake, and clinical blood indicators. Methods This study comprised 221 pregnant women, categorized into PDS and non-PDS groups based on the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. The participants were divided into training and test sets according to their enrollment time. We conducted logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors, and employed liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry-based serum metabolome analysis to identify metabolic biomarkers. Multiple factor analysis was used to combine risk factors, clinical blood indicators and key metabolites, and then a nomogram was developed to estimate the probability of PDS. Results We identified 36 important differential serum metabolites as PDS biomarkers, mainly involved in amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. Multivitamin intake works as a protective factor for PDS. The nomogram model, including multivitamin intake, HDL-C and three key metabolites (histidine, estrone and valylasparagine), exhibited an AUC of 0.855 in the training set and 0.774 in the test set, and the calibration curves showed good agreement, indicating that the model had good stability. Conclusion Our approach integrates multiple models to identify metabolic biomarkers for PDS, ensuring their robustness. Furthermore, the inclusion of dietary factors and clinical blood indicators allows for a comprehensive characterization of each participant. The analysis culminated in an intuitive nomogram based on multimodal data, displaying potential performance in initial PDS risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhenguo Lin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanhua Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Nan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Medical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guolin Hong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Genetic Testing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Kim HK, Gonçalves VF, Husain MI, Müller DJ, Mulsant BH, Zai G, Kloiber S. Cross-disorder GWAS meta-analysis of endocannabinoid DNA variations in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2023; 330:115563. [PMID: 37924773 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is implicated in multiple mental disorders. In this study, we explored DNA variations in the ECS across major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia by performing a cross-disorder genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis. We obtained six datasets from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium containing GWAS summary statistics from European cohorts (284,023 cases and 508,515 controls). Effective sample size weighted meta-analysis was performed for 2241 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) pertaining to gene bodies of 33 endocannabinoid genes using METAL, where an overall z-statistic is calculated for each marker based on a weighted sum of individual statistics. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 and X2 tests. MAGMA gene-based analysis was also performed. We identified nine SNPs significantly associated with a change in risk of having a mental disorder. The lead SNP was rs12805732 (Gene: Diacylglycerol Lipase Alpha; DAGLA). Four SNPs had substantial heterogeneity (I2>60 %). DAGLA had the strongest association with disease risk in gene-based analysis. Our findings suggest that the ECS may be a shared pathway in mental disorders. Future studies validating these findings would contribute to the identification of biomarkers of disease risk across multiple mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena K Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vanessa F Gonçalves
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Molecular Brain Sciences Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Muhammad I Husain
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Benoit H Mulsant
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gwyneth Zai
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Jayan D, Timmer-Murillo S, Fitzgerald JM, Hillard CJ, de Roon-Cassini TA. Endocannabinoids, cortisol, and development of post-traumatic psychopathological trajectories. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2023; 85:199-206. [PMID: 37956620 PMCID: PMC10843734 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our prior published work using the 2-factor model of PTSD identified four subgroups of trauma survivors on average 6 months following trauma: Resilient, Dysphoria, High Comorbid, and Severe Comorbid. Some findings indicate that low and high cortisol responses may increase risk for the development of PTSD and depression respectively, yet ways in which cortisol interacts with other physiological systems to enhance risk is unclear. This study examined the role of circulating eCBs in the development of previously identified psychopathological trajectories that is differentiated by cortisol in traumatically injured adults (N = 169). METHODS Circulating concentrations of eCBs, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) were measured during post-injury hospitalization and on average 6 months following trauma. Differences in 2-AG and AEA among the subgroups were tested using multivariate ANCOVA. RESULTS Dysphoria (with highest cortisol levels) and High Comorbid subgroups exhibited higher post-injury AEA compared to the Resilient group. Dysphoria subgroup showed a significant decline in AEA by 6 months compared to Resilient and High Comorbid subgroups. CONCLUSION Change in AEA over time in individuals with high post-injury cortisol may serve as a buffer against risk for severe psychopathology. Assessing AEA and cortisol levels concurrently across time may serve as indicators of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devi Jayan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States of America
| | - Sydney Timmer-Murillo
- Departments of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Jacklynn M Fitzgerald
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University, 317 Cramer Hall, Milwaukee 53233, USA.
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Terri A de Roon-Cassini
- Departments of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Institute for Health & Equity, Comprehensive Injury Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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9
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Hitzler M, Matits L, Gumpp AM, Bach AM, Ziegenhain U, Gao W, Kolassa IT, Behnke A. Longitudinal course of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in hair of mothers and their children in the first year postpartum: investigating the relevance of maternal childhood maltreatment experiences. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7446-7457. [PMID: 37198936 PMCID: PMC10719681 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723001204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment (CM) exerts long-lasting psychological and biological alterations in affected individuals and might also affect the endocannabinoid (eCB) system which modulates inflammation and the endocrine stress response. Here, we investigated the eCB system of women with and without CM and their infants using hair samples representing eCB levels accumulated during the last trimester of pregnancy and 10-12 months postpartum. METHODS CM exposure was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. At both timepoints, 3 cm hair strands were collected from mothers and children (N = 170 resp. 150) to measure anandamide (AEA), 2/1-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG/1-AG), stearoylethanolamide (SEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). RESULTS Maternal hair levels of 2-AG/1-AG increased and SEA levels decreased from late pregnancy to one year postpartum. Maternal CM was associated with lower SEA levels in late pregnancy, but not one year later. In the children's hair, levels of 2-AG/1-AG increased while levels of SEA, OEA, and PEA decreased from late pregnancy to one year later. Maternal CM was not consistently associated with the eCB levels measured in children's hair. CONCLUSIONS We provide first evidence for longitudinal change in the eCB system of mothers and infants from pregnancy to one year later. While maternal CM influenced the maternal eCB system, we found no consistent intergenerational effects on early regulation of the eCB system in children. Longitudinal research on the importance of the eCB system for the course and immunoregulation of pregnancy as well as for the children's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Hitzler
- Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lynn Matits
- Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anja M. Gumpp
- Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexandra M. Bach
- Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegenhain
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Biopsychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander Behnke
- Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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10
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Miranda O, Fan P, Qi X, Wang H, Brannock MD, Kosten T, Ryan ND, Kirisci L, Wang L. Prediction of Adverse Events Risk in Patients with Comorbid Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder Using Electronic Medical Records by Deep Learning Models. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3299369. [PMID: 37790550 PMCID: PMC10543461 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3299369/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Prediction of high-risk events in mental disorder patients is crucial. In our previous study, we developed a deep learning model: DeepBiomarker by using electronic medical records (EMR) to predict suicide related event (SRE) risk in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. Methods We applied DeepBiomarker2 through data integration of multimodal information: lab test, medication, co-morbidities, and social determinants of health. We analyzed EMRs of 5,565 patients from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center with a diagnosis of PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD) on risk of developing an adverse event (opioid use disorder, SREs, depression and death). Results DeepBiomarker2 predicted whether a PTSD + AUD patient will have a diagnosis of any adverse events (SREs, opioid use disorder, depression, death) within 3 months with area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) of 0.94. We found piroxicam, vilazodone, dronabinol, tenofovir, suvorexant, empagliflozin, famciclovir, veramyst, amantadine, sulfasalazine, and lamivudine to have potential to reduce risk. Conclusions DeepBiomarker2 can predict multiple adverse event risk with high accuracy and identify potential risk and beneficial factors. Our results offer suggestions for personalized interventions in a variety of clinical and diverse populations.
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11
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Fonseca C, Ettcheto M, Bicker J, Fernandes MJ, Falcão A, Camins A, Fortuna A. Under the umbrella of depression and Alzheimer's disease physiopathology: Can cannabinoids be a dual-pleiotropic therapy? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:101998. [PMID: 37414155 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Depression and Alzheimer´s disease (AD) are two disorders highly prevalent worldwide. Depression affects more than 300 million people worldwide while AD affects 60-80% of the 55 million cases of dementia. Both diseases are affected by aging with high prevalence in elderly and share not only the main brain affected areas but also several physiopathological mechanisms. Depression disease is already ascribed as a risk factor to the development of AD. Despite the wide diversity of pharmacological treatments currently available in clinical practice for depression management, they remain associated to a slow recovery process and to treatment-resistant depression. On the other hand, AD treatment is essentially based in symptomatology relieve. Thus, the need for new multi-target treatments arises. Herein, we discuss the current state-of-art regarding the contribution of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in synaptic transmission processes, synapses plasticity and neurogenesis and consequently the use of exogenous cannabinoids in the treatment of depression and on delaying the progression of AD. Besides the well-known imbalance of neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine and glutamate, recent scientific evidence highlights aberrant spine density, neuroinflammation, dysregulation of neurotrophic factor levels and formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, as the main physiopathological mechanisms compromised in depression and AD. The contribution of the ECS in these mechanisms is herein specified as well as the pleiotropic effects of phytocannabinoids. At the end, it became evident that Cannabinol, Cannabidiol, Cannabigerol, Cannabidivarin and Cannabichromene may act in novel therapeutic targets, presenting high potential in the pharmacotherapy of both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fonseca
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joana Bicker
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria José Fernandes
- Departamento de Neurologia/Neurocirurgia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669, CEP, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antoni Camins
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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12
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Hu S, Li X, Yang L. Effects of physical activity in child and adolescent depression and anxiety: role of inflammatory cytokines and stress-related peptide hormones. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1234409. [PMID: 37700748 PMCID: PMC10493323 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1234409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental illnesses affecting children and adolescents, significantly harming their well-being. Research has shown that regular physical activity can promote cognitive, emotional, fundamental movement skills, and motor coordination, as a preventative measure for depression while reducing the suicide rate. However, little is known about the potential role of physical activity in adolescent depression and anxiety. The studies reviewed in this paper suggest that exercise can be an effective adjunctive treatment to improve depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents, although research on its neurobiological effects remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojuan Hu
- College of Physical Education and Sports Science, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, China
| | - Xinyuan Li
- College of Physical Education and Sports Science, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, China
| | - Luodan Yang
- College of Physical Education and Sport Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Legrand FD, Chaouloff F, Ginoux C, Ninot G, Polidori G, Beaumont F, Murer S, Jeandet P, Pelissolo A. [Exercise for the promotion of mental health II: Putative mechanisms, recommendations, and scientific challenges]. L'ENCEPHALE 2023; 49:296-303. [PMID: 37105781 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The idea of applying various forms of physical activity for the betterment of physical health and the reduction of chronic medical conditions is ubiquitous. Despite evidence of successful applications of physical activity for improvement of mental health dating back to antiquity, it has until recent years remained unconventional to consider exercise as an intervention strategy for various mental health conditions. The past two decades, however, have seen a relative explosion of interest in understanding and applying various programs and forms of exercise to improve mental health. Here, our purpose is to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the application of exercise as a strategy for improving mental health. In the present paper we first summarize contemporary research regarding short- and long-term impacts of exercise on mental health. Then an overview of the putative mechanisms and neurobiological bases underpinning the beneficial effects of exercise is provided. Finally, we suggest directions for future research as well as a series of concrete recommendations for clinicians who wish to prescribe physical activity as part of patient mental health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien D Legrand
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, laboratoire cognition santé société (EA 6291), Reims, France.
| | | | - Clément Ginoux
- Université de Grenoble-Alpes, laboratoire sport en environnement social (SENS), Grenoble-Alpes, France
| | - Gregory Ninot
- Université de Montpellier, institut Debrest d'épidémiologie et de santé publique - Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Fabien Beaumont
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, laboratoire MATIM, Reims, France
| | - Sébastien Murer
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, laboratoire MATIM, Reims, France
| | - Philippe Jeandet
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, laboratoire résistance induite et bio-protection des plantes (USC INRAE 1488), Reims, France
| | - Antoine Pelissolo
- Service de psychiatrie sectorisée, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, GHU Mondor, université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
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14
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Emons B, Arning L, Makulla VE, Suchy MT, Tsikas D, Lücke T, Epplen JT, Juckel G, Roser P. Endocannabinergic modulation of central serotonergic activity in healthy human volunteers. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2023; 22:11. [PMID: 36932421 PMCID: PMC10024405 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-023-00437-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonergic and the endocannabinoid system are involved in the etiology of depression. Depressive patients exhibit low serotonergic activity and decreased level of the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2AG). Since the cannabinoid (CB) 1 receptor is activated by endogenous ligands such as AEA and 2AG, whose concentration are controlled by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase, respectively, we investigated the effects on serotonergic utilization. In this study, we investigated the impact of the rs1049353 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene, which codes the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor, and the rs324420 SNP of the FAAH gene on the serotonergic and endocannabinoid system in 59 healthy volunteers. METHODS Serotonergic activity was measured by loudness dependence of auditory-evoked potentials (LDAEP). Plasma concentrations of AEA, 2AG and its inactive isomer 1AG were determined by mass spectrometry. Genotyping of two SNPs (rs1049353, rs344420) was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and differential enzymatic analysis with the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS Genotype distributions by serotonergic activity or endocannabinoid concentration showed no differences. However, after detailed consideration of the CNR1-A-allele-carriers, a reduced AEA (A-allele-carrier M = 0.66, SD = 0.24; GG genotype M = 0.72, SD = 0.24) and 2AG (A-allele-carriers M = 0.70, SD = 0.33; GG genotype M = 1.03, SD = 0.83) plasma concentration and an association between the serotonergic activity and the concentrations of AEA and 2AG has been observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that carriers of the CNR1-A allele may be more susceptible to developing depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Emons
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Larissa Arning
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Vera-Estelle Makulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Dimitrios Tsikas
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Lücke
- Department of Neuropediatrics, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jörg T Epplen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Georg Juckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Patrik Roser
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany
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15
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Walther A, Kirschbaum C, Wehrli S, Rothe N, Penz M, Wekenborg M, Gao W. Depressive symptoms are negatively associated with hair N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) levels: A cross-lagged panel analysis of four annual assessment waves examining hair endocannabinoids and cortisol. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 121:110658. [PMID: 36252885 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is increasingly being recognized as key regulatory system coupled with the glucocorticoid system implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, prior studies examining the ECS in MDD have been inconclusive, of small sample size or of cross-sectional nature limiting interpretation of causal inferences or time-dependent effects. METHODS In a prospective community-based cohort study including 128 individuals (women: 108), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) as well as hair cortisol and endocannabinoids were measured annually over four years (T1-T4). Cortisol, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), and 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol/1-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG/1-AG) were extracted from 3 cm hair segments reflecting cumulative concentrations of the last three months prior sampling. RESULTS Cross-sectional group comparisons at baseline revealed reduced AEA and cortisol levels in the group with a positive MDD screening compared to individuals with low depressive symptomatology (both p < .05). Cross-lagged panel models showed that AEA levels at T2 were negatively associated with depressive symptoms at T3 (p < .05). Also, depressive symptoms at T3 were negatively associated with AEA levels at T4 (p < .01). The direction of association was reversed for 2-AG/1-AG, as 2-AG/1-AG levels at T1 were positively associated with depressive symptoms at T2 (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS While cross-sectional analyses suggest higher depressive symptomatology to be associated with reduced AEA and cortisol release, longitudinal analyses reveal that primarily AEA levels are negatively associated with depressive symptoms. These longitudinal associations elucidate time-dependent relationships between depressive symptomatology and the ECS and further highlight AEA as potential treatment target in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Walther
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Biopsychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Wehrli
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Biopsychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Child and Adolescent Health Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marlene Penz
- Institute for Education and Psychology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Wei Gao
- Biopsychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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16
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Risk of depressive disorders associated with medical cannabis authorization: A propensity score matched cohort study. Psychiatry Res 2023; 320:115047. [PMID: 36638694 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.115047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
There is an increase in the medical use of cannabis. However, the safety of medical cannabis, particularly for mental health conditions, has not yet been clearly established. Thus, this study assessed the risk of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization for depressive disorders among medical cannabis users. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of patients who received medical authorization to use cannabis from 2014 to 2019 in Ontario, matched (1:3 ratio) to population-based controls using propensity scores. Conditional Cox regressions were used to assess the association between cannabis authorization and the outcome. A total of 54,006 cannabis-authorized patients and 161,265 controls were analyzed. Approximately 39% were aged under 50 years, 54% were female, and 16% had a history of anxiety or mood disorders. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for depressive disorders was 2.02 (95%CI: 1.83-2.22). The aHR was 2.23 (1.95-2.55) among subjects without prior mental health disorders. The interaction between sex (or age) and exposure was not significant. In conclusion, medical cannabis authorization was associated with an increased risk of depressive disorders. This finding highlights the need for a careful risk-benefit assessment when authorizing cannabis, particularly for patients who seek cannabis to treat a depressive condition.
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17
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Scheyer A, Yasmin F, Naskar S, Patel S. Endocannabinoids at the synapse and beyond: implications for neuropsychiatric disease pathophysiology and treatment. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:37-53. [PMID: 36100658 PMCID: PMC9700791 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid neuromodulators that suppress neurotransmitter release, reduce postsynaptic excitability, activate astrocyte signaling, and control cellular respiration. Here, we describe canonical and emerging eCB signaling modes and aim to link adaptations in these signaling systems to pathological states. Adaptations in eCB signaling systems have been identified in a variety of biobehavioral and physiological process relevant to neuropsychiatric disease states including stress-related disorders, epilepsy, developmental disorders, obesity, and substance use disorders. These insights have enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders and are contributing to the ongoing development of eCB-targeting therapeutics. We suggest future studies aimed at illuminating how adaptations in canonical as well as emerging cellular and synaptic modes of eCB signaling contribute to disease pathophysiology or resilience could further advance these novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhana Yasmin
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Saptarnab Naskar
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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18
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Demaili A, Portugalov A, Dudai M, Maroun M, Akirav I, Braun K, Bock J. Epigenetic (re)programming of gene expression changes of CB1R and FAAH in the medial prefrontal cortex in response to early life and adolescence stress exposure. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1129946. [PMID: 36909279 PMCID: PMC9992175 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1129946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors, including stress, that are experienced during early life (ELS) or adolescence are potential risk factors for the development of behavioral and mental disorders later in life. The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in the regulation of stress responses and emotional behavior, thereby acting as a mediator of stress vulnerability and resilience. Among the critical factors, which determine the magnitude and direction of long-term consequences of stress exposure is age, i.e., the maturity of brain circuits during stress exposure. Thus, the present study addressed the hypotheses that ELS and adolescent stress differentially affect the expression of regulatory elements of the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of adult female rats. We also tested the hypothesis that the proposed gene expression changes are epigenetically modulated via altered DNA-methylation. The specific aims were to investigate if (i) ELS and adolescent stress as single stressors induce changes in CB1R and FAAH expression (ii) ELS exposure influences the effect of adolescent stress on CB1R and FAAH expression, and (iii) if the proposed gene expression changes are paralleled by changes of DNA methylation. The following experimental groups were investigated: (1) non-stressed controls (CON), (2) ELS exposure (ELS), (3) adolescent stress exposure (forced swimming; FS), (4) ELS + FS exposure. We found an up-regulation of CB1R expression in both single-stressor groups and a reduction back to control levels in the ELS + FS group. An up-regulation of FAAH expression was found only in the FS group. The data indicate that ELS, i.e., stress during a very immature stage of brain development, exerts a buffering programming effect on gene expression changes induced by adolescent stress. The detected gene expression changes were accompanied by altered DNA methylation patterns in the promoter region of these genes, specifically, a negative correlation of mean CB1R DNA methylation with gene expression was found. Our results also indicate that ELS induces a long-term "(re)programming" effect, characterized by CpG-site specific changes within the promoter regions of the two genes that influence gene expression changes in response to FS at adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijana Demaili
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna Portugalov
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Dudai
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mouna Maroun
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Katharina Braun
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Brain and Behavioral Science, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Bock
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Brain and Behavioral Science, Magdeburg, Germany.,Project Group (PG) Epigenetics and Structural Plasticity, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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19
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Botsford C, Brellenthin AG, Cisler JM, Hillard CJ, Koltyn KF, Crombie KM. Circulating endocannabinoids and psychological outcomes in women with PTSD. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 93:102656. [PMID: 36469982 PMCID: PMC9839585 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research has attempted to elucidate the relationship between blood-based biomarkers (e.g., endocannabinoids; eCBs: including N-arachidonoylethanolamine [AEA] and 2-arachidonoylglycerol [2-AG]) and mental health outcomes in psychiatric populations such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prior research suggests that adults with PTSD may have altered circulating eCB tone and a blunted mobilization of eCBs (particularly 2-AG) in response to stress (e.g., aerobic exercise), although our understanding has been limited in part due to heterogenous samples and small sample sizes. METHODS A subset of data was pooled from five studies in which women with and without PTSD (N = 98) completed questionnaires related to mood states and a blood draw prior to and following a bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in order to determine: 1) whether circulating eCBs differ between groups and whether depressive and PTSD symptom severity are associated with baseline eCBs, 2) whether a bout of aerobic exercise increases circulating eCBs in adult women with PTSD, and 3) whether circulating eCBs are associated with overall mood states and exercise-induced improvements in mood states in women with and without PTSD. RESULTS PTSD diagnoses were not associated with baseline concentrations of eCBs. Greater depressive symptom severity and PTSD symptom severity within the negative alteration in cognition and mood cluster were associated with lower circulating AEA. Circulating AEA significantly increased following aerobic exercise for both groups, whereas circulating 2-AG only increased in women without PTSD. Greater circulating AEA within the PTSD group was associated with lower depressive mood, confusion, and total mood disturbance. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that greater circulating AEA is associated with better overall mood and lower depressive and PTSD symptom severity, and that an acute bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise increases circulating AEA (but not 2-AG) in adult women with PTSD. These findings are consistent with the idea that greater eCB tone (particularly AEA) following pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological manipulations may be beneficial for improving psychological outcomes (e.g., mood, cognition) among PTSD, and possibly other psychiatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Botsford
- University of Wisconsin - Madison, Department of Psychiatry, 6001 Research Park Boulevard, Madison, WI 53719, United States.
| | - Angelique G Brellenthin
- Iowa State University, Department of Kinesiology, Forker Building, 534 Wallace Road, Ames, IA 50011, United States.
| | - Josh M Cisler
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1601 Trinity Street, Building B, Austin, TX 78712, United States; Institute for Early Life Adversity Research, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School & Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1601 Trinity Street, Building B, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Kelli F Koltyn
- University of Wisconsin - Madison, Department of Kinesiology, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, United States.
| | - Kevin M Crombie
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1601 Trinity Street, Building B, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
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20
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Behnke A, Gumpp AM, Rojas R, Sänger T, Lutz-Bonengel S, Moser D, Schelling G, Krumbholz A, Kolassa IT. Circulating inflammatory markers, cell-free mitochondrial DNA, cortisol, endocannabinoids, and N-acylethanolamines in female depressed outpatients. World J Biol Psychiatry 2023; 24:58-69. [PMID: 35532037 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2022.2070666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Major depressive disorder (MDD) involves peripheral low-grade pro-inflammatory activity. This multi-biomarker case-control study characterises the proinflammatory status in MDD beyond C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin (IL)-6 levels through investigating concomitant alterations of immunoregulatory biomolecules. METHODS In 20 female MDD patients and 24 non-depressed women, circulating levels of CRP, IL-6, cortisol, selected endocannabinoids (ECs; anandamide [AEA], 2-arachidonylglycerol [2-AG]), and N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), as well as circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) were measured. RESULTS We found higher serum CRP and plasma AEA levels in MDD and a positive association of CRP and AEA levels with current depressive symptoms. Blood levels of cortisol, ccf-mtDNA, 2-AG, and NAEs did depend on MDD diagnosis nor correlated with the severity of current depressive symptoms. CRP correlated positively with AEA, and AEA showed positive associations with 2-AG and NAE levels. CONCLUSIONS In this study, female MDD outpatients with mild to moderate disorder severity did not substantially differ from non-depressed controls in the resting levels of multiple immunoregulatory markers in peripheral blood. Instead of investigating resting levels, future research on the role of inflammatory activity in MDD should focus on investigating the reactivity of pathways modulating the immune system upon exposure to physical and psychosocial stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Behnke
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anja Maria Gumpp
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Roberto Rojas
- University Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Clinic, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Timo Sänger
- Forensic Molecular Biology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Centre-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Lutz-Bonengel
- Forensic Molecular Biology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Centre-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Moser
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Genetic Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Aniko Krumbholz
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry (IDAS) Dresden, Kreischa, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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21
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Kwee CMB, van Gerven JMA, Bongaerts FLP, Cath DC, Jacobs G, Baas JMP, Groenink L. Cannabidiol in clinical and preclinical anxiety research. A systematic review into concentration-effect relations using the IB-de-risk tool. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1299-1314. [PMID: 36239014 PMCID: PMC9716490 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221124792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential in pathological anxiety. Dosing guidelines to inform future human studies are however lacking. AIM We aimed to predict the therapeutic window for anxiety-reducing effects of CBD in humans based on preclinical models. METHODS We conducted two systematic searches in PubMed and Embase up to August 2021, into pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data of systemic CBD exposure in humans and animals, which includes anxiety-reducing and potential side effects. Risk of bias was assessed with SYRCLE's RoB tool and Cochrane RoB 2.0. A control group was an inclusion criterion in outcome studies. In human outcome studies, randomisation was required. We excluded studies that co-administered other substances. We used the IB-de-risk tool for a translational integration of outcomes. RESULTS We synthesised data from 87 studies. For most observations (70.3%), CBD had no effect on anxiety outcomes. There was no identifiable relation between anxiety outcomes and drug levels across species. In all species (humans, mice, rats), anxiety-reducing effects seemed to be clustered in certain concentration ranges, which differed between species. DISCUSSION A straightforward dosing recommendation was not possible, given variable concentration-effect relations across species, and no consistent linear effect of CBD on anxiety reduction. Currently, these results raise questions about the broad use as a drug for anxiety. Meta-analytic studies are needed to quantitatively investigate drug efficacy, including aspects of anxiety symptomatology. Acute and (sub)chronic dosing studies with integrated PK and PD outcomes are required for substantiated dose recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline MB Kwee
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Altrecht Academic Anxiety Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Caroline MB Kwee, Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, Utrecht 3584 CS, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Fleur LP Bongaerts
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle C Cath
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Department of Specialist Trainings, GGZ Drenthe, Assen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Johanna MP Baas
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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22
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Zhang SS, Zhang NN, Guo TT, Sheen LY, Ho CT, Bai NS. The impact of phyto- and endo-cannabinoids on central nervous system diseases:A review. J Tradit Complement Med 2022; 13:30-38. [PMID: 36685079 PMCID: PMC9845650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Cannabis sativa L. is a medicinal plant with a long history. Phyto-cannabinoids are a class of compounds from C. sativa L. with varieties of structures. Endocannabinoids exist in the human body. This article provides an overview of natural cannabinoids (phyto-cannabinoids and endocannabinoids) with an emphasis on their pharmacology activities. Experimental procedure The keywords "Cannabis sativa L″, "cannabinoids", and "central nervous system (CNS) diseases" were used for searching and collecting pieces of literature from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The data were extracted and analyzed to explore the effects of cannabinoids on CNS diseases. Result and conclusion In this paper, schematic diagrams are used to intuitively show the phyto-cannabinoids skeletons' mutual conversion and pharmacological activities, with special emphasis on their relevant pharmacological activities on central nervous system (CNS) diseases. It was found that the endocannabinoid system and microglia play a crucial role in the treatment of CNS diseases. In the past few years, pharmacological studies focused on Δ9-THC, CBD, and the endocannabinoids system. It is expected to encourage new studies on a more deep exploration of other types of cannabinoids and the mechanism of their pharmacological activities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China,College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Niu-Niu Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Tian-Tian Guo
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Lee-Yan Sheen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tang Ho
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, 65 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA,Corresponding author.
| | - Nai-Sheng Bai
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China,Corresponding author.
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23
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Kim HK, Zai G, Müller DJ, Husain MI, Lam RW, Frey BN, Soares CN, Parikh SV, Milev R, Foster JA, Turecki G, Farzan F, Mulsant BH, Kennedy SH, Tripathy SJ, Kloiber S. Identification of Endocannabinoid Predictors of Treatment Outcomes in Major Depressive Disorder: A Secondary Analysis of the First Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND 1) Study. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2022; 55:297-303. [PMID: 35793696 DOI: 10.1055/a-1872-0844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An increasing number of studies are examining the link between the endocannabinoidome and major depressive disorder (MDD). We conducted an exploratory analysis of this system to identify potential markers of treatment outcomes. METHODS The dataset of the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression-1 study, consisting of 180 patients with MDD treated for eight weeks with escitalopram followed by eight weeks with escitalopram alone or augmented with aripiprazole was analyzed. Association between response Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS; score reduction≥50%) or remission (MADRS score≤10) at weeks 8 and 16 and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), methylation, and mRNA levels of 33 endocannabinoid markers were examined. A standard genome-wide association studies protocol was used for identifying SNPs, and logistic regression was used to assess methylation and mRNA levels. RESULTS Lower methylation of CpG islands of the diacylglycerol lipase alpha gene (DAGLA) was associated with non-remission at week 16 (DAGLA; OR=0.337, p<0.003, q=0.050). Methylation of DAGLA was correlated with improvement in Clinical Global Impression (p=0.026), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (p=0.010), and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure scales (p=0.028). We did not find any association between SNPs or mRNA levels and treatment outcomes. DISCUSSION Methylation of DAGLA is a promising candidate as a marker of treatment outcomes for MDD and needs to be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena K Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gwyneth Zai
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Muhammad I Husain
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Raymond W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program and Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Claudio N Soares
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's university School of Medicine, Kingston, Canada
| | - Sagar V Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Roumen Milev
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's university School of Medicine, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Providence care, Kingston, Canada
| | - Jane A Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Douglas Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Faranak Farzan
- eBrain Lab, School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, Canada
| | - Benoit H Mulsant
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sidney H Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shreejoy J Tripathy
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Krembil Center for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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24
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Serum Concentrations of the Endocannabinoid, 2-Arachidonoylglycerol, in the Peri-Trauma Period Are Positively Associated with Chronic Pain Months Later. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071599. [PMID: 35884902 PMCID: PMC9313032 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid signaling and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are activated by trauma and both stress systems regulate the transition from acute to chronic pain. This study aimed to develop a model of relationships among circulating concentrations of cortisol and endocannabinoids (eCBs) immediately after traumatic injury and the presence of chronic pain months later. Pain scores and serum concentrations of eCBs and cortisol were measured during hospitalization and 5–10 months later in 147 traumatically injured individuals. Exploratory correlational analyses and path analysis were completed. The study sample was 50% Black and Latino and primarily male (69%); 34% percent endorsed a pain score of 4 or greater at follow-up and were considered to have chronic pain. Path analysis was used to model relationships among eCB, 2-arachidonolyglycerol (2-AG), cortisol, and pain, adjusting for sex and injury severity (ISS). Serum 2-AG concentrations at the time of injury were associated with chronic pain in 3 ways: a highly significant, independent positive predictor; a mediator of the effect of ISS, and through a positive relationship with cortisol concentrations. These data indicate that 2-AG concentrations at the time of an injury are positively associated with chronic pain and suggest excessive activation of endocannabinoid signaling contributes to risk for chronic pain.
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25
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Cifelli P, Ruffolo G, Ceccanti M, Cambieri C, Libonati L, Palma E, Inghilleri M. Classical and Unexpected Effects of Ultra-Micronized PEA in Neuromuscular Function. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060758. [PMID: 35740883 PMCID: PMC9221058 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the endocannabinoid system has attracted growing attention from the scientific community for its involvement in homeostatic and pathological processes as they pertains to human physiology. Among the constituents of the endocannabinoid system, the molecule palmitoyl ethanolamide has particularly been studied for its ability to reduce several inflammatory processes involving the central nervous system. Here, we reviewed published literature and summarized the main targets of the palmitoyl ethanolamide, along with its unique possible mechanisms for restoring correct functioning of the central nervous system. Moreover, we have highlighted a less-known characteristic of palmitoyl ethanolamide, namely its ability to modulate the function of the neuromuscular junction by binding to acetylcholine receptors in different experimental conditions. Indeed, there are several studies that have highlighted how ultra-micronized palmitoyl ethanolamide is an interesting nutraceutical support for the treatment of pathological neuromuscular conditions, specifically when the normal activity of the acetylcholine receptor is altered. Although further multicentric clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of ultra-micronized palmitoyl ethanolamide in improving symptoms of neuromuscular diseases, all the literature reviewed here strongly supports the ability of this endocannabinoid-like molecule to modulate the acetylcholine receptors thus resulting as a valid support for the treatment of human neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierangelo Cifelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.I.)
| | - Gabriele Ruffolo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.R.); (E.P.)
- IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (C.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Chiara Cambieri
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (C.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Laura Libonati
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (C.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.R.); (E.P.)
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (C.C.); (L.L.)
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.I.)
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26
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Modulation of Endocannabinoid System Components in Depression: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105526. [PMID: 35628337 PMCID: PMC9146799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is characterized by continuous low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in enjoyable activities. First-line medications for mood disorders mostly target the monoaminergic system; however, many patients do not find relief with these medications, and those who do suffer from negative side effects and a discouragingly low rate of remission. Studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be involved in the etiology of depression and that targeting the ECS has the potential to alleviate depression. ECS components (such as receptors, endocannabinoid ligands, and degrading enzymes) are key neuromodulators in motivation and cognition as well as in the regulation of stress and emotions. Studies in depressed patients and in animal models for depression have reported deficits in ECS components, which is motivating researchers to identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers within the ECS. By understanding the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression, we enhance our understanding of which brain targets they hit, what biological processes they alter, and eventually how to use this information to design better therapeutic options. In this article, we discuss the literature on the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components of specific depression-like behaviors and phenotypes in rodents and then describe the findings in depressed patients. A better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids on ECS components in depression may direct future research efforts to enhance diagnosis and treatment.
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27
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Manzke P, Crippa JADS, Marchioni C, Queiroz MEC, Brito MCM, Pimentel AV, Bosaipo NB, Foss MP, Tumas V. Circulating Endocannabinoids in Huntington's Disease: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study. J Huntingtons Dis 2022; 11:91-95. [PMID: 35124656 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-210507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor, cognitive and behavioral deficits. Some evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system participates in the pathophysiology of HD. We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing plasma levels of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol in manifest HD gene-expansion carriers (HDGEC) and healthy controls, finding no difference in endocannabinoid levels between the groups. Correlations between endocannabinoid levels and clinical scales (Mini-Mental State Examination, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale) were non-significant. We found a significant association between body mass index and anandamide levels in healthy controls but not in HDGEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Manzke
- Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal, Brasilia, Brazil.,Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Marchioni
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Manuelina C M Brito
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angela V Pimentel
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nayanne B Bosaipo
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Paula Foss
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitor Tumas
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Molecular Alterations of the Endocannabinoid System in Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094764. [PMID: 35563156 PMCID: PMC9104141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic benefits of the current medications for patients with psychiatric disorders contrast with a great variety of adverse effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) components have gained high interest as potential new targets for treating psychiatry diseases because of their neuromodulator role, which is essential to understanding the regulation of many brain functions. This article reviewed the molecular alterations in ECS occurring in different psychiatric conditions. The methods used to identify alterations in the ECS were also described. We used a translational approach. The animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neurochemical aspects of psychiatric disorders and the molecular alterations in clinical studies in post-mortem brain tissue or peripheral tissues were analyzed. This article reviewed the most relevant ECS changes in prevalent psychiatric diseases such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, autism, attentional deficit, eating disorders (ED), and addiction. The review concludes that clinical research studies are urgently needed for two different purposes: (1) To identify alterations of the ECS components potentially useful as new biomarkers relating to a specific disease or condition, and (2) to design new therapeutic targets based on the specific alterations found to improve the pharmacological treatment in psychiatry.
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29
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Inflammation and Nitro-oxidative Stress as Drivers of Endocannabinoid System Aberrations in Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:3485-3503. [PMID: 35347586 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02800-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of the endocannabinoid ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylgycerol (2-AG), their target cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and the enzymes involved in their synthesis and metabolism (N-acyltransferase and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the case of AEA and diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in the case of 2-AG). The origins of ECS dysfunction in major neuropsychiatric disorders remain to be determined, and this paper explores the possibility that they may be associated with chronically increased nitro-oxidative stress and activated immune-inflammatory pathways, and it examines the mechanisms which might be involved. Inflammation and nitro-oxidative stress are associated with both increased CB1 expression, via increased activity of the NADPH oxidases NOX4 and NOX1, and increased CNR1 expression and DNA methylation; and CB2 upregulation via increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, binding of the transcription factor Nrf2 to an antioxidant response element in the CNR2 promoter region and the action of miR-139. CB1 and CB2 have antagonistic effects on redox signalling, which may result from a miRNA-enabled negative feedback loop. The effects of inflammation and oxidative stress are detailed in respect of AEA and 2-AG levels, via effects on calcium homeostasis and phospholipase A2 activity; on FAAH activity, via nitrosylation/nitration of functional cysteine and/or tyrosine residues; and on 2-AG activity via effects on MGLL expression and MAGL. Finally, based on these detailed molecular neurobiological mechanisms, it is suggested that cannabidiol and dimethyl fumarate may have therapeutic potential for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
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30
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Acute stress and alcohol exposure during adolescence result in an anxious phenotype in adulthood: Role of altered glutamate/endocannabinoid transmission mechanisms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 113:110460. [PMID: 34695542 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stressful episodes and high alcohol consumption during adolescence are considered major risk factors for the development of psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Identification of mechanisms underlying these early events, which enhanced vulnerability to mental illness, is essential for both their prevention and treatment. METHODS Male Wistar rats were used to investigate the long-term effects of early restraint stress and intermittent alcohol exposure (intragastric administration of 3 g/kg ethanol; 4 days/week for 4 weeks during adolescence) on anxiety-like behavior and the expression of signaling systems associated with emotional behaviors [e.g., corticosterone, fatty acid-derived molecules and endocannabinoid enzymes, glutamate receptor subunits, corticotropin releasing hormone receptors (CRHR1 and CRHR2) and neuropeptide Y receptors (NPY1R and NPYR2)] in the blood and amygdala. RESULTS Overall, both stress and alcohol exposure during adolescence induced anxiogenic-like behaviors, increased plasma levels of corticosterone and increases in the amygdalar expression of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor and certain subunits of glutamate receptors (i.e., mGluR1, mGluR5 and NMDAR1) in young adult rats. In addition, there were specific main effects of alcohol exposure on the expression of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and NPY2R in the amygdala, and significant increases were observed in rats exposed to alcohol. Interestingly, there were significant interaction effects between restraint stress and alcohol exposure on the expression of plasma 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), and both CRHR1,2 and NPY1R in the amygdala. Thus, the restraint stress was associated with increased 2-AG levels, which was not observed in rats exposed to alcohol. The alcohol exposure was associated with an increased expression of CRHR1,2 but the restraint stress prevented these increases (stress alcohol rats). In contrast, NPY1R was only increased in rats exposed to stress and alcohol. Finally, we did not observe any potentiation of the behavioral and molecular effects by the combination of stress and alcohol, which is concordant with an overall ceiling effect on some of the variables. CONCLUSION Separate and combined early stress and alcohol induced a common anxious phenotype with increased corticosterone in adulthood. However, there were differences in the amygdalar expression of signaling systems involved in maladaptive changes in emotional behavior. Therefore, our results suggest the existence of partially different mechanisms for stress and alcohol exposures.
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Wallis D, Coatsworth JD, Mennis J, Riggs NR, Zaharakis N, Russell MA, Brown AR, Rayburn S, Radford A, Hale C, Mason MJ. Predicting Self-Medication with Cannabis in Young Adults with Hazardous Cannabis Use. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031850. [PMID: 35162872 PMCID: PMC8834899 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Using cannabis to reduce psychological and physical distress, referred to as self-medication, is a significant risk factor for cannabis use disorder. To better understand this high-risk behavior, a sample of 290 young adults (ages 18–25; 45.6% female) were recruited from two U.S. universities in January and February of 2020 to complete a survey about their cannabis use and self-medication. Results: seventy-six percent endorsed using cannabis to reduce problems such as anxiety, sleep, depression, pain, loneliness, social discomfort, and concentration. When predicting reasons for self-medication with cannabis, logistic regression models showed that lower CUDIT-R scores, experiencing withdrawal, living in a state where cannabis was illegal, and being female were all associated with higher rates of self-medication. Withdrawal symptoms were tested to predict self-medication with cannabis, and only insomnia and loss of appetite were significant predictors. To further explore why young adults self-medicate, each of the original predictors were regressed on seven specified reasons for self-medication. Young adults experiencing withdrawal were more likely to self-medicate for pain. Participants living where cannabis is legal were less likely to self-medicate for anxiety and depression. Living where cannabis is illegal also significantly predicted self-medicating for social discomfort—though the overall model predicting social discomfort was statistically non-significant. Finally, female participants were more likely to self-medicate for anxiety. These results suggest widespread self-medication among young adults with likely CUD and underscore the complexity of their cannabis use. The findings have implications for understanding why young adults use cannabis in relation to psychological and physical distress and for accurately treating young adults with cannabis use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Wallis
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (J.D.C.); (M.J.M.)
| | - J. Douglas Coatsworth
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (J.D.C.); (M.J.M.)
| | - Jeremy Mennis
- Department of Geography and Urban Studies, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Nathaniel R. Riggs
- CSU Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (N.R.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Nikola Zaharakis
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Michael A. Russell
- Biobehavioral Health, Penn State College of Health and Human Development, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Aaron R. Brown
- Department of Social Work, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA;
| | - Stephanie Rayburn
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Aubrie Radford
- CSU Prevention Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (N.R.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Christopher Hale
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Michael J. Mason
- Center for Behavioral Health Research, College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1618 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (N.Z.); (C.H.)
- Correspondence: (D.W.); (J.D.C.); (M.J.M.)
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Papa A, Pasquini S, Contri C, Gemma S, Campiani G, Butini S, Varani K, Vincenzi F. Polypharmacological Approaches for CNS Diseases: Focus on Endocannabinoid Degradation Inhibition. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030471. [PMID: 35159280 PMCID: PMC8834510 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Polypharmacology breaks up the classical paradigm of “one-drug, one target, one disease” electing multitarget compounds as potential therapeutic tools suitable for the treatment of complex diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, psychiatric or degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and cancer. These diseases often require a combination therapy which may result in positive but also negative synergistic effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is emerging as a particularly attractive therapeutic target in CNS disorders and neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), pain, and epilepsy. ECS is an organized neuromodulatory network, composed by endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors type 1 and type 2 (CB1 and CB2), and the main catabolic enzymes involved in the endocannabinoid inactivation such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). The multiple connections of the ECS with other signaling pathways in the CNS allows the consideration of the ECS as an optimal source of inspiration in the development of innovative polypharmacological compounds. In this review, we focused our attention on the reported polypharmacological examples in which FAAH and MAGL inhibitors are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0577-234161
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
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Kratz D, Sens A, Schäfer SMG, Hahnefeld L, Geisslinger G, Thomas D, Gurke R. Pre-analytical challenges for the quantification of endocannabinoids in human serum. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2022; 1190:123102. [PMID: 35026652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (ECs) are potent lipid mediators with high physiological relevance. They are involved in a wide variety of diseases like depression or multiple sclerosis and are closely connected to metabolic parameters in humans. Therefore, their suitability as a biomarker in different (patho-)physiological conditions is discussed intensively and predominantly investigated by analyzing systemic concentrations in easily accessible matrices like blood. Carefully designed pre-analytical sample handling is of major importance for high-quality data, but harmonization is not achieved yet. Whole blood is either processed to serum or plasma before the onset of analytical workflows and while knowledge about pre-analytical challenges in plasma handling is thorough they were not systematically investigated for serum. Therefore, the ECs AEA and 2-AG, and closely related EC-like substances 1-AG, DHEA, and PEA were examined by LC-MS/MS in serum samples of nine healthy volunteers employing different pre-analytical sample handling protocols, including prolonged coagulation, and storage after centrifugation at room temperature (RT) or on ice. Furthermore, all analytes were also assessed in plasma samples obtained from the same individuals at the same time points to investigate the comparability between those two blood-based matrices regarding obtained concentrations and their 2-AG/1-AG ratio. This study shows that ECs and EC-like substances in serum samples were significantly higher than in plasma and are especially prone to ex vivo changes during initial and prolonged storage for coagulation at RT. Storage on ice after centrifugation is less critical. However, storage at RT further increases 1-AG and 2-AG concentrations, while also lowering the already reduced 2-AG/1-AG ratio due to isomerization. Thus, avoidance of prolonged processing at RT can increase data quality if serum as the matrix of choice is unavoidable. However, serum preparation in itself is expected to initiate changes of physiological concentrations as standard precautionary measures like fast and cooled processing can only be utilized by using plasma, which should be the preferred matrix for analyses of ECs and EC-like substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kratz
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, University Hospital of Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - A Sens
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, University Hospital of Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - S M G Schäfer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - L Hahnefeld
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, University Hospital of Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - G Geisslinger
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, University Hospital of Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - D Thomas
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, University Hospital of Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - R Gurke
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, University Hospital of Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Leen N, de Weijer A, van Rooij S, Kennis M, Baas J, Geuze E. The Role of the Endocannabinoids 2-AG and Anandamide in Clinical Symptoms and Treatment Outcome in Veterans with PTSD. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2022; 6:24705470221107290. [PMID: 35707677 PMCID: PMC9190205 DOI: 10.1177/24705470221107290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although current treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in war veterans are effective, unfortunately 30-50% still do not benefit from these treatments. Trauma-focused therapies, eg exposure therapy, are primarily based on extinction processes in which the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a significant role. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that poor treatment response on trauma-focused therapy due to extinction deficits may be associated with a poorly functioning ECS. The present study examined whether the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) are associated with post-treatment symptom reduction. METHODS Blood plasma levels of AEA and 2-AG were determined in war veterans with a PTSD diagnosis (n = 54) and combat controls (n = 26) before and after a 6-8 month interval. During this period veterans with PTSD received trauma-focused therapy (eg cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure or eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing). Clinical symptoms were assessed before and after therapy with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ). RESULTS Regression analysis demonstrated that pretreatment endocannabinoid levels were not predictive of PTSD symptom reduction. Additionally, baseline endocannabinoid levels did not differ between either PTSD and combat controls or between combat controls, treatment responders, and non-responders. Only cortisol levels significantly decreased over time from pre- to posttreatment (p = .041). Endocannabinoid levels were significantly lower in individuals who reported cannabis use during their lifetime, independent of PTSD diagnosis. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that pretreatment 2-AG levels in PTSD were positively correlated with anxious arousal (r = .354, p = .015) and negatively with avoidance symptoms (r = -.271, p = .048). Both posttreatment AEA and 2-AG were positively correlated with trait anxiety (AEA r = .459, p = .003; 2-AG r = .423, p = .006), anxious arousal (AEA r = .351, p = .024; 2-AG r = .311, p = .048) and general distress depression symptoms (AEA r = .414, p = .007; 2-AG r = .374, p = .016). CONCLUSION Since endocannabinoids are mainly generated 'on demand', future work could benefit by investigating endocannabinoid circulation under both baseline and stressful conditions. In line with previous research cannabis use was associated with lower endocannabinoid levels. The correlation analysis between pre- and posttreatment endocannabinoid levels and pre- and posttreatment clinical symptomatology were exploratory analysis and should be replicated in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- N.A. Leen
- University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Brain Research and Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht,
the Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute,
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the
Netherlands
| | - A.D. de Weijer
- University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Brain Research and Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht,
the Netherlands
| | | | - M. Kennis
- ARQ Nationaal Psychotrauma Centrum, Diemen, the Netherlands
| | - J.M.P. Baas
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute,
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the
Netherlands
| | - E. Geuze
- University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Brain Research and Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht,
the Netherlands
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Spohrs J, Prost M, Ulrich M, Plener PL, Bindila L, Abler B. Endocannabinoid system reactivity during stress processing in healthy humans. Biol Psychol 2022; 169:108281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Epps SA. Commonalities for comorbidity: Overlapping features of the endocannabinoid system in depression and epilepsy. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1041460. [PMID: 36339877 PMCID: PMC9626804 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1041460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A wealth of clinical and pre-clinical data supports a bidirectional comorbidity between depression and epilepsy. This suggests commonalities in underlying mechanisms that may serve as targets for more effective treatment strategies. Unfortunately, many patients with this comorbidity are highly refractory to current treatment strategies, while others experience a worsening of one arm of the comorbidity when treating the other arm. This highlights the need for novel pharmaceutical targets that may provide safe and effective relief for both depression and epilepsy symptoms. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the brain has become an area of intense interest for possible roles in depression and epilepsy. Several existing literature reviews have provided in-depth analysis of the involvement of various aspects of the ECS in depression or epilepsy separately, while others have addressed the effectiveness of different treatment strategies targeting the ECS in either condition individually. However, there is not currently a review that considers the ECS when both conditions are comorbid. This mini-review will address areas of common overlap between the ECS in depression and in epilepsy, such as commonalities in endocannabinoids themselves, their receptors, and degradative enzymes. These areas of overlap will be discussed alongside their implications for treatment of this challenging comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Alisha Epps
- Department of Psychology, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, United States
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Kratz D, Thomas D, Gurke R. Endocannabinoids as potential biomarkers: It's all about pre-analytics. J Mass Spectrom Adv Clin Lab 2021; 22:56-63. [PMID: 34939056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsacl.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are central lipid mediators of the endocannabinoid system. They are highly relevant due to their involvement in a wide variety of inflammatory, metabolic or malign diseases. Further elucidation of their modes of action and use as biomarkers in an easily accessible matrix, like blood, is restricted by their susceptibility to deviations during blood sampling and physiological co-dependences, which results in high variability of reported concentrations in low ng/mL ranges. Objectives The objective of this review is the identification of critical parameters during the pre-analytical phase and proposal of minimum requirements for reliable determination of endocannabinoids (ECs) in blood samples. Methods Reported physiological processes influencing the EC concentrations were put into context with published pre-analytical research and stability data from bioanalytical method validation. Results The cause for variability in EC concentrations is versatile. In part, they are caused by inter-individual factors like sex, metabolic status and/or diurnal changes. Nevertheless, enzymatic activity in freshly drawn blood samples is the main reason for changing concentrations of AEA and 2-AG, besides additional non-enzymatic isomerization of the latter. Conclusion Blood samples for EC analyses require immediate processing at low temperatures (>0 °C) to maintain sample integrity. Standardization of the respective blood tube or anti-coagulant, sampling time point, applied centrifugal force and complete processing time can further decrease variability caused by sample handling. Nevertheless, extensive characterization of study participants is needed to reduce distortion of clinical data caused by co-variables and facilitate research on the endocannabinoid system.
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Key Words
- (U)HPLC, (ultra) high performance liquid chromatography
- 1-AG, 1-arachidonoyl glycerol
- 2-AG, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol
- 2-Arachidonoyl glycerol
- AEA, arachidonoyl ethanolamide
- Anandamide
- BMI, body mass index
- Blood sampling
- CBR, cannabinoid receptor
- EC-like, endocannabinoid-like
- ECS, endocannabinoid system
- ECs, endocannabinoids
- EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
- Endocannabinoid
- FAAH, fatty acid amide hydrolase
- FT, freezing temperature
- FTC, freeze–thaw cycles
- HDL, high density lipo protein
- KSCN, potassium thiocyanate
- LLE, liquid–liquid extraction
- MAGL, monoacylglycerol lipase
- MS/MS, tandem mass spectrometry
- O-AEA, virodhamine
- OEA, oleoyl ethanolamide
- PAF, platelet-activating factor
- PEA, palmitoyl ethanolamide
- PMSF, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride
- Pre-analytics
- RT, room temperature
- SPE, solid-phase extraction
- WB, whole blood
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kratz
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, University Hospital of Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominique Thomas
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, University Hospital of Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Robert Gurke
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, University Hospital of Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Gallego-Landin I, García-Baos A, Castro-Zavala A, Valverde O. Reviewing the Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Pathophysiology of Depression. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:762738. [PMID: 34938182 PMCID: PMC8685322 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.762738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a high-impact, debilitating disease and it is currently considered the most prevalent mental illness. It is associated with disability, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. Despite its significant repercussions in our society, its exact pathophysiology remains unclear and therefore, available antidepressant treatment options are limited and, in some cases, ineffective. In the past years, research has focused on the development of a multifactorial theory of depression. Simultaneously, evidence supporting the role of the endocannabinoid system in the neurobiology of neuropsychiatric diseases has emerged. Studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system strongly impacts neurotransmission, and the neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems, which are known to be dysfunctional in depressive patients. Accordingly, common antidepressants were shown to have a direct impact on the expression of cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain. Therefore, the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and major depressive disorder is worth consideration. Nevertheless, most studies focus on smaller pieces of what is undoubtedly a larger mosaic of interdependent processes. Therefore, the present review summarizes the existing literature regarding the role of the endocannabinoid system in depression aiming to integrate this information into a holistic picture for a better understanding of the relationship between the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Gallego-Landin
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC—NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba García-Baos
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC—NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Castro-Zavala
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC—NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC—NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
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Lataliza AAB, de Assis PM, da Rocha Laurindo L, Gonçalves ECD, Raposo NRB, Dutra RC. Antidepressant-like effect of rosmarinic acid during LPS-induced neuroinflammatory model: The potential role of cannabinoid receptors/PPAR-γ signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6974-6989. [PMID: 34709695 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Rosmarinic acid (RA), an ester of caffeic acid and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Herein, this study investigated in silico the drug-likeness and the potential molecular targets to RA. Moreover, it tested the antidepressant-like potential of RA in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression model. RA (MW = 360.31 g/mol) meets the criteria of both Lipinski's rule of five and the Ghose filter. It also attends to relevant pharmacokinetic parameters. Target prediction analysis identified RA's potential targets and biological activities, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 . In vivo, RA's acute, repetitive, and therapeutic administration showed antidepressant-like effect since it significantly reduced the immobility time in the tail suspension test and increased grooming time in the splash test. Further, the pretreatment with antagonists of CB1 , CB2 , and PPAR-γ receptors significantly blocked the antidepressant-like effect of RA. Altogether, our findings suggest that cannabinoid receptors/PPAR-γ signaling pathways are involved with the antidepressant-like effect of RA. Moreover, this molecule meets important physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters that favor its bioavailability. RA constitutes a promising, innovative, and safe molecule for the pharmacotherapy of major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Augusto Barros Lataliza
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Pollyana Mendonça de Assis
- Center for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (NUPICS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Larissa da Rocha Laurindo
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
| | - Elaine Cristina Dalazen Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Nádia Rezende Barbosa Raposo
- Center for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (NUPICS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Rafael Cypriano Dutra
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain and Inflammation, Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Glodosky NC, Cuttler C, McLaughlin RJ. A review of the effects of acute and chronic cannabinoid exposure on the stress response. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 63:100945. [PMID: 34461155 PMCID: PMC8605997 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
While cannabis has been used for centuries for its stress-alleviating properties, the effects of acute and chronic cannabinoid exposure on responses to stress remain poorly understood. This review provides an overview of studies that measured stress-related endpoints following acute or chronic cannabinoid exposure in humans and animals. Acute cannabinoid exposure increases basal concentrations of stress hormones in rodents and humans and has dose-dependent effects on stress reactivity in humans and anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Chronic cannabis exposure is associated with dampened stress reactivity, a blunted cortisol awakening response (CAR), and flattened diurnal cortisol slope in humans. Sex differences in these effects remain underexamined, with limited evidence for sex differences in effects of cannabinoids on stress reactivity in rodents. Future research is needed to better understand sex differences in the effects of cannabis on the stress response, as well as downstream impacts on mental health and stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carrie Cuttler
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Ryan J McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA; Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Bersani G, Pacitti F, Iannitelli A, Caroti E, Quartini A, Xenos D, Marconi M, Cuoco V, Bigio B, Bowles NP, Weisz F, Fanelli F, Di Lallo VD, Belluomo I, Nicoletti F, Nasca C. Inverse correlation between plasma 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels and subjective severity of depression. Hum Psychopharmacol 2021; 36:e2779. [PMID: 33559925 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endocannabinoids have been implicated in the pathophysiology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and might represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Objectives of the study were: (1) to measure plasma levels of endocannabinoids in a group of antidepressant-free depressed outpatients; (2) to explore their relationship with the severity of depressive symptoms as subjectively perceived by the patients; and (3) to investigate the effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram on endocannabinoid levels. METHODS We measured plasma levels of the two major endocannabinoids, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anadamide), in 12 drug-free outpatients diagnosed with MDD and in 12 matched healthy controls. In the patient group, endocannabinoids plasma levels were assessed at baseline and after 2 months of treatment with escitalopram. RESULTS Baseline plasma levels of the two endocannabinoids did not differ between depressed patients and healthy controls. However, there was a significant inverse correlation between 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels and the severity of subjectively perceived depressive symptoms. Treatment with escitalopram did not change endocannabinoid levels in depressed patients, although it caused the expected improvement of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that 2-arachidonylglycerol, the most abundant endocannabinoid in the central nervous system, might act to mitigate depressive symptoms, and raise the interesting possibility that 2-arachidonylglycerol and anandamide are differentially regulated in patients affected by MDD. Also, our data suggest but do not prove that the endocannabinoid system is not regulated by serotonergic transmission, at least in depressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bersani
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pacitti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Eleonora Caroti
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele Quartini
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dionysios Xenos
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michela Marconi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Cuoco
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Bigio
- The Rockefeller University, Center for Clinical & Translational Science, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicole P Bowles
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Filippo Weisz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Fanelli
- University of Bologna, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina D Di Lallo
- University of Bologna, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Belluomo
- University of Bologna, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Carla Nasca
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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Morris G, Walder K, Kloiber S, Amminger P, Berk M, Bortolasci CC, Maes M, Puri BK, Carvalho AF. The endocannabinoidome in neuropsychiatry: Opportunities and potential risks. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105729. [PMID: 34119623 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises two cognate endocannabinoid receptors referred to as CB1R and CB2R. ECS dysregulation is apparent in neurodegenerative/neuro-psychiatric disorders including but not limited to schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and potentially bipolar disorder. The aim of this paper is to review mechanisms whereby both receptors may interact with neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative pathways, which play a pathophysiological role in these disorders. CB1R is located in the presynaptic terminals of GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons where it regulates the retrograde suppression of neurotransmission. CB1R plays a key role in long-term depression, and, to a lesser extent, long-term potentiation, thereby modulating synaptic transmission and mediating learning and memory. Optimal CB1R activity plays an essential neuroprotective role by providing a defense against the development of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, which is achieved, at least in part, by impeding AMPA-mediated increase in intracellular calcium overload and oxidative stress. Moreover, CB1R activity enables optimal neuron-glial communication and the function of the neurovascular unit. CB2R receptors are detected in peripheral immune cells and also in central nervous system regions including the striatum, basal ganglia, frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala as well as the ventral tegmental area. CB2R upregulation inhibits the presynaptic release of glutamate in several brain regions. CB2R activation also decreases neuroinflammation partly by mediating the transition from a predominantly neurotoxic "M1" microglial phenotype to a more neuroprotective "M2" phenotype. CB1R and CB2R are thus novel drug targets for the treatment of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative disorders including schizophrenia and affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Deakin University, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Amminger
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chiara C Bortolasci
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Andre F Carvalho
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
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Zajkowska Z, Walsh A, Zonca V, Gullett N, Pedersen GA, Kieling C, Swartz JR, Karmacharya R, Fisher HL, Kohrt BA, Mondelli V. A systematic review of the association between biological markers and environmental stress risk factors for adolescent depression. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 138:163-175. [PMID: 33857787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the aetiology and pathophysiology of depression are multifactorial, to date most studies have examined either biological or environmental mechanisms without looking at the integration of both; with most studies conducted in high-income countries (HICs). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of worldwide studies investigating the relationship between biological and environmental stress risk factors for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescence. METHODS We searched MEDLINE (via Ovid), PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science (Core Collection), Lilacs, African Journals Online and Global Health for prospective and cross-sectional studies that examined the association between biological markers and environmental stress risk factors in MDD during adolescence. FINDINGS Of 11,089 articles identified, 21 were included, with only two from middle-income countries. Increased inflammation, telomere length and brain abnormalities, including blunted reward-related activity, white matter disruptions, and altered volume of limbic brain regions, were associated with increased risk for MDD mainly in the context of early life adversity. There is little evidence suggesting that the neurobiological changes investigated were associated with MDD in the context of recent life stress. INTERPRETATION The developmental trajectory of depression appears to start with early life adversities and occurs in the context of immune and brain abnormalities. Understanding these biopsychosocial processes will help to improve our ability to detect individuals at risk of developing depression in adolescence. However, generalizability is limited by few studies examining both biological and environmental stress risk factors and a lack of studies on adolescents and young adults in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Zajkowska
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.
| | - Annabel Walsh
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.
| | - Valentina Zonca
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.
| | - Nancy Gullett
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.
| | - Gloria A Pedersen
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, 2120 L St NW, Ste 600, Washington DC, 20037, USA.
| | - Christian Kieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350 - 400N, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil.
| | - Johnna R Swartz
- University of California, Davis, Department of Human Ecology, 1 Shields Ave. University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Rakesh Karmacharya
- Harvard University, Center for Genomic Medicine, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Helen L Fisher
- King's College London, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK; ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Brandon A Kohrt
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, 2120 L St NW, Ste 600, Washington DC, 20037, USA.
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, London, UK.
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Guirado T, Metz L, Pereira B, Bergouignan A, Thivel D, Duclos M. Effects of cycling workstation to get tertiary employee moving on their overall health: study protocol for a REMOVE trial. Trials 2021; 22:359. [PMID: 34022938 PMCID: PMC8140559 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05317-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedentary behaviour (SB) and low levels of physical activity (PA) are predictors of morbidity and mortality. Tertiary employees spend a considerable amount of their daily time seated and new efficient strategies to both reduce sedentary time and increase physical activity are needed. In that context, the REMOVE study aims at evaluating the health effects of a 24-week cycling desk intervention among office workers. METHODS A prospective, open-label, multicentre, two-arm parallel, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted in office-sitting desk workers. Office workers (N = 80) who have 0.8 full time equivalent hours (FTE) and 75% of this time in a sitting position will be recruited from tertiary worksites in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the two following interventions: (i) PPM6: performance of two 30 min of cycling desk (using portable pedal exercise machine-PPM) per working day for 6 months or (ii) CTL_PPM3: 3 months with no intervention (control) followed by 3 months during which workers will be asked to complete two 30 min of PPM per working day. At baseline (T0), at 3 months (T1) and at 6 months (T2) after the start of the interventions, primary outcomes; 7-day PA and SB (3D-accelerometers), secondary outcomes; body composition (bioelectrical impedance), physical fitness (aerobic fitness, upper and lower limb strength), metabolic outcomes (fasting blood samples), self-perceived stress, anxiety, quality of life at work and job strain (questionnaires), tertiary outcomes; resting metabolic rate and cycling energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry) and eating behaviours (questionnaires) will be measured. An ergonomic approach based on observations and individual interviews will be used to identify parameters that could determine adherence. DISCUSSION The REMOVE study will be the first RCT to assess the effects of cycling workstations on objectively measured PA and SB during working and non-working hours and on key physiological and psychological health outcomes. This study will provide important information regarding the implementation of such cycling workstations in office workers and on the associated potential health benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04153214 . Registered on November 2019, version 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Guirado
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), UE3533, Clermont Auvergne University, F-63171 63170 Aubiere CEDEX, 80026, Clermont-Ferrand, BP, France.,Auvergne Research Center for Human Nutrition (CRNH), 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, G. Montpied Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,INRA, UMR 1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Lore Metz
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), UE3533, Clermont Auvergne University, F-63171 63170 Aubiere CEDEX, 80026, Clermont-Ferrand, BP, France. .,Auvergne Research Center for Human Nutrition (CRNH), 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Biostatistics Unit (DRCI), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Audrey Bergouignan
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France.,Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Anschutz Health & Wellness Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David Thivel
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), UE3533, Clermont Auvergne University, F-63171 63170 Aubiere CEDEX, 80026, Clermont-Ferrand, BP, France.,Auvergne Research Center for Human Nutrition (CRNH), 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Martine Duclos
- Auvergne Research Center for Human Nutrition (CRNH), 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, G. Montpied Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,INRA, UMR 1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Clayton P, Hill M, Bogoda N, Subah S, Venkatesh R. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Natural Compound for Health Management. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5305. [PMID: 34069940 PMCID: PMC8157570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
All nations which have undergone a nutrition transition have experienced increased frequency and falling latency of chronic degenerative diseases, which are largely driven by chronic inflammatory stress. Dietary supplementation is a valid strategy to reduce the risk and severity of such disorders. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endocannabinoid-like lipid mediator with extensively documented anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. It is well tolerated and devoid of side effects in animals and humans. PEA's actions on multiple molecular targets while modulating multiple inflammatory mediators provide therapeutic benefits in many applications, including immunity, brain health, allergy, pain modulation, joint health, sleep and recovery. PEA's poor oral bioavailability, a major obstacle in early research, has been overcome by advanced delivery systems now licensed as food supplements. This review summarizes the functionality of PEA, supporting its use as an important dietary supplement for lifestyle management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Clayton
- Institute of Food, Brain and Behaviour, Beaver House, 23-28 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford OX1 2EP, UK
| | - Mariko Hill
- Gencor Pacific Limited, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong, China; (M.H.); (N.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Nathasha Bogoda
- Gencor Pacific Limited, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong, China; (M.H.); (N.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Silma Subah
- Gencor Pacific Limited, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong, China; (M.H.); (N.B.); (S.S.)
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Silveira KM, Wegener G, Joca SRL. Targeting 2-arachidonoylglycerol signalling in the neurobiology and treatment of depression. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 129:3-14. [PMID: 33905617 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is an atypical neurotransmitter synthesized on demand in response to a wide range of stimuli, including exposure to stress. Through the activation of cannabinoid receptors, 2-AG can interfere with excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in different brain regions and modulate behavioural, endocrine and emotional components of the stress response. Exposure to chronic or intense unpredictable stress predisposes to maladaptive behaviour and is one of the main risk factors involved in developing mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms involved in 2-AG signalling in the brain of healthy and stressed animals and discuss how such mechanisms could modulate stress adaptation and susceptibility to depression. Furthermore, we review preclinical evidence indicating that the pharmacological modulation of 2-AG signalling stands as a potential new therapeutic target in treating MDD. Particular emphasis is given to the pharmacological augmentation of 2-AG levels by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors and the modulation of CB2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennia M Silveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto (FCFRP), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sâmia R L Joca
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto (FCFRP), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Zhou Q, Yan B, Sun W, Chen Q, Xiao Q, Xiao Y, Wang X, Shi D. Pig Liver Esterases Hydrolyze Endocannabinoids and Promote Inflammatory Response. Front Immunol 2021; 12:670427. [PMID: 34079552 PMCID: PMC8165269 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors and activation of these receptors has strong physiological and pathological significance. Structurally, endocannabinoids are esters (e.g., 2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2-AG) or amides (e.g., N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA). Hydrolysis of these compounds yields arachidonic acid (AA), a major precursor of proinflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2. Carboxylesterases are known to hydrolyze esters and amides with high efficiency. CES1, a human carboxylesterase, has been shown to hydrolyze 2-AG, and shares a high sequence identity with pig carboxylesterases: PLE1 and PLE6 (pig liver esterase). The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that PLE1 and PLE6 hydrolyze endocannabinoids and promote inflammatory response. Consistent with the hypothesis, purified PLE1 and PLE6 efficaciously hydrolyzed 2-AG and AEA. PLE6 was 40-fold and 3-fold as active as PLE1 towards 2-AG and AEA, respectively. In addition, both PLE1 and PLE6 were highly sensitive to bis(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP), an aryl phosphodiester known to predominately inhibit carboxylesterases. Based on the study with BNPP, PLEs contributed to the hydrolysis of 2-AG by 53.4 to 88.4% among various organs and cells. Critically, exogenous addition or transfection of PLE6 increased the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in response to the immunostimulant lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This increase was recapitulated in cocultured alveolar macrophages and PLE6 transfected cells in transwells. Finally, BNPP reduced inflammation trigged by LPS accompanied by reduced formation of AA and proinflammatory mediators. These findings define an innovative connection: PLE-endocannabinoid-inflammation. This mechanistic connection signifies critical roles of carboxylesterases in pathophysiological processes related to the metabolism of endocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongqiong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingfang Yan
- James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Wanying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiling Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuncai Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Deshi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Peripheral endocannabinoid serum level in association with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment in patients with major depressive disorder. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8867. [PMID: 33893327 PMCID: PMC8065048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87840-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective and well tolerable biological intervention in major depressive disorder (MDD) contributing to rapid symptom improvement. Molecular mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic effects of rTMS have still not been clarified. Recently published animal data implicated relevant associations with changes in endocannabinoid (eCB) brain levels during rTMS treatment, human studies, however, have not been published. In our study we assessed the detailed phenotypic spectrum of MDD and serum 2-arachidnoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA) levels in 18 patients with treatment-resistant depression before, immediately following, and two weeks after completion of a 10-day rTMS treatment. We found significant associations between serum 2-AG level changes from pretreatment to 2 weeks after treatment and symptom reduction. The greater the increase of 2-AG levels, the greater the improvement of depressive (p = 0.031), anxious (p = 0.007) and anhedonia symptoms (p = 0.047). Here we report for the first time a significant association of human circulating eCB and antidepressant effect of rTMS. Our data may indicate that direct stimulation of targeted brain areas can rapidly alleviate depressive complaints via activation of the eCB system.
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Evidence for the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in the Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2021; 7:545-552. [PMID: 33816054 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-020-00342-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is highly prevalent. Psychotherapy alone is not adequately effective, with few individuals achieving abstinence. Pharmacotherapeutic supplementation may improve efficacy, and the endocannabinoid system presents a target specifically dysregulated by heavy cannabis use. This review compiles current literature evaluating endocannabinoid modulation as a treatment strategy for CUD, with implications for future research. Recent Findings Cannabinoid receptor agonists have been found to reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms without a notable effect on relapse, and antagonists can produce severe psychiatric symptoms. Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors and cannabidiol demonstrate the most promising efficacy in treating CUD thus far, but research with these compounds is still preliminary. Summary Components of the endocannabinoid system may serve as unique treatment targets with differential efficacy for the treatment of cannabis use disorder as a whole. Further research is needed exploring novel methods for targeting endocannabinoid dysfunction in CUD.
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The endocannabinoid system in humans: significant associations between anandamide, brain function during reward feedback and a personality measure of reward dependence. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1020-1027. [PMID: 33007775 PMCID: PMC8114914 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00870-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical evidence indicates that the endocannabinoid system is involved in neural responses to reward. This study aimed to investigate associations between basal serum concentrations of the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) with brain functional reward processing. Additionally, a personality measure of reward dependence was obtained. Brain functional data were obtained of 30 right-handed adults by conducting fMRI at 3 Tesla using a reward paradigm. Reward dependence was obtained using the subscale reward dependence of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). Basal concentrations of AEA and 2-AG were determined in serum. Analyzing the fMRI data, for AEA and 2-AG ANCOVAs were calculated using a full factorial model, with condition (reward > control, loss > control) and concentrations for AEA and 2-AG as factors. Regression analyses were conducted for AEA and 2-AG on TPQ-RD scores. A whole-brain analysis showed a significant interaction effect of AEA concentration by condition (positive vs. negative) within the putamen (x = 26, y = 16, z = -8, F13.51, TFCE(1, 54) = 771.68, k = 70, PFWE = 0.044) resulting from a positive association of basal AEA concentrations and putamen activity to rewarding stimuli, while this association was absent in the loss condition. AEA concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with TPQ reward dependence scores (rspearman = -0.56, P = 0.001). These results show that circulating AEA may modulate brain activation during reward feedback and that the personality measure reward dependence is correlated with AEA concentrations in healthy human volunteers. Future research is needed to further characterize the nature of the lipids' influence on reward processing, the impact on reward anticipation and outcome, and on vulnerability for psychiatric disorders.
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