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Anajirih N, O'Sullivan SE, Alexander SP. Endocannabinoid hydrolases differentially distribute in platelets and red blood cells and are differentially released by thrombin. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2023; 164:106692. [PMID: 36372184 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2022.106692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma levels of the major endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylgycerol (2AG) and anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) have been identified to vary independently with particular pathological conditions. The levels of these endocannabinoids are tightly regulated by two hydrolytic enzymes, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), respectively. OBJECTIVES In this study, we have quantified these enzyme activities in the major blood fractions. PATIENTS/METHODS In blood fractions from human volunteers, radiometric assays were used to quantify monoacylglycerol lipase and fatty acid amide hydrolase. Tagging with fluorophosphonate-rhodamine allowed quantification of platelet serine hydrolase activities. RESULTS Fatty acid amide hydrolase activity was highest in platelets, while MAGL activity was most abundant in erythrocytes. Sampling the blood of donors on two further occasions 15 days apart showed no significant change in platelet FAAH or erythrocyte MAGL activities. Activities were not different when comparing female donors with males. Storage of these blood fractions at - 80 °C was associated with a rapid loss in enzyme activities, which could largely by avoided by storage in liquid nitrogen. Incubation of platelets and erythrocytes in the presence of thrombin lead to release of measurable FAAH, but not MAGL, activity. Tagging of serine hydrolase activities with fluorophosphonate-rhodamine allowed confirmation of MAGL activity in platelet preparations, as well as multiple other enzymes. CONCLUSIONS These investigations suggest a potential role for FAAH in regulation of coagulation, while the role of MAGL in blood requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuha Anajirih
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Saoirse E O'Sullivan
- Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Stephen Ph Alexander
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
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Sloan ME, Grant CW, Stangl BL, Klepp TD, Brewton HW, Cinar R, Kunos G, Ramchandani VA. The effects of acute alcohol administration on circulating endocannabinoid levels in humans. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13197. [PMID: 36001429 PMCID: PMC9413364 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that endocannabinoid signalling may influence alcohol consumption. Preclinical studies have found that pharmacological blockade of cannabinoid receptor 1 leads to reductions in alcohol intake. Furthermore, variations in endocannabinoid metabolism between individuals may be associated with the presence and severity of alcohol use disorder. However, little is known about the acute effects of alcohol on the endocannabinoid system in humans. In this study, we evaluated the effect of acute alcohol administration on circulating endocannabinoid levels by analysing data from two highly-controlled alcohol administration experiments. In the first within-subjects experiment, 47 healthy participants were randomized to receive alcohol and placebo in a counterbalanced order. Alcohol was administered using an intravenous clamping procedure such that each participant attained a nearly identical breath alcohol concentration of 0.05%, maintained over 3 h. In the second experiment, 23 healthy participants self-administered alcohol intravenously; participants had control over their exposure throughout the paradigm. In both experiments, circulating concentrations of two endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), were measured at baseline and following alcohol exposure. During the intravenous clamping procedure, acute alcohol administration reduced circulating AEA but not 2-AG levels when compared to placebo. This finding was confirmed in the self-administration paradigm, where alcohol reduced AEA levels in an exposure-dependent manner. Future studies should seek to determine whether alcohol administration has similar effects on brain endocannabinoid signalling. An improved understanding of the bidirectional relationship between endocannabinoid signalling and alcohol intake may deepen our understanding of the aetiology and repercussions of alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Sloan
- Addictions Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosciences and Clinical Translation, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Caroline W Grant
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bethany L Stangl
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Timothy D Klepp
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Honoree W Brewton
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Resat Cinar
- Section on Fibrotic Disorders, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - George Kunos
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vijay A Ramchandani
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Dong X, Zhang D, Zhu R, Liu X, Ye Y, Jiang Y. Spatio-temporal effects of acute alcohol intoxication on endocannabinoid system in rat brain and blood. Alcohol 2020; 88:101-108. [PMID: 32738384 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.07.008] [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: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of alcohol intake and alcohol-related behaviors. However, there are discrepancies between studies examining the interaction of the ECS and alcohol administration due to different experimental procedures. The present study aims at clarifying the time course effects of acute alcohol consumption on the ECS in the peripheral circulatory systems and central nervous systems of the same cohort of subjects. We have closely monitored the critical indicators reflecting changes of the ECS during the entire process from alcohol absorption to its metabolization, after acute alcohol (4.5 g/kg) intake by intragastric administration, including two key endocannabinoids (arachidonoylethanolamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) and their hydrolytic enzymes (fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase) in blood and three brain regions, as well as a crucial and abundant receptor (cannabinoid 1 receptor) of the ECS in the three brain regions. Our results indicate that acute alcohol consumption inhibits endocannabinoid (eCB) production in the blood and in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, whereas the reverse was observed in the brain regions of the hippocampus and striatum. The variation between levels of two hydrolytic enzymes in the blood and in the three brain regions failed to reach statistical significance. After acute alcohol consumption, CB1R levels in striatum, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex showed a similar trend of increasing, while the significant changes occurred at different time points. The present findings reveal different ligand-receptor changing patterns in the blood and in different brain regions, supporting the notion that the ECS plays a vital role in acute alcohol intoxication. Additionally, the temporal effects of alcohol on key elements of the ECS of blood and different brain nuclei were different. Our investigation may lead to a deeper understanding of the effect of acute alcohol consumption on the ECS.
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Endocannabinoid System and Alcohol Abuse Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1162:89-127. [PMID: 31332736 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary active component in Cannabis sativa preparations such as hashish and marijuana, signals by binding to cell surface receptors. Two types of receptors have been cloned and characterized as cannabinoid (CB) receptors. CB1 receptors (CB1R) are ubiquitously present in the central nervous system (CNS) and are present in both inhibitory interneurons and excitatory neurons at the presynaptic terminal. CB2 receptors (CB2R) are demonstrated in microglial cells, astrocytes, and several neuron subpopulations and are present in both pre- and postsynaptic terminals. The majority of studies on these receptors have been conducted in the past two and half decades after the identification of the molecular constituents of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system that started with the characterization of CB1R. Subsequently, the seminal discovery was made, which suggested that alcohol (ethanol) alters the eCB system, thus establishing the contribution of the eCB system in the motivation to consume ethanol. Several preclinical studies have provided evidence that CB1R significantly contributes to the motivational and reinforcing properties of ethanol and that the chronic consumption of ethanol alters eCB transmitters and CB1R expression in the brain nuclei associated with addiction pathways. Additionally, recent seminal studies have further established the role of the eCB system in the development of ethanol-induced developmental disorders, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). These results are augmented by in vitro and ex vivo studies, showing that acute and chronic treatment with ethanol produces physiologically relevant alterations in the function of the eCB system during development and in the adult stage. This chapter provides a current and comprehensive review of the literature concerning the role of the eCB system in alcohol abuse disorders (AUD).
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Greenwald MK. Anti-stress neuropharmacological mechanisms and targets for addiction treatment: A translational framework. Neurobiol Stress 2018; 9:84-104. [PMID: 30238023 PMCID: PMC6138948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress-related substance use is a major challenge for treating substance use disorders. This selective review focuses on emerging pharmacotherapies with potential for reducing stress-potentiated seeking and consumption of nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and opioids (i.e., key phenotypes for the most commonly abused substances). I evaluate neuropharmacological mechanisms in experimental models of drug-maintenance and relapse, which translate more readily to individuals presenting for treatment (who have initiated and progressed). An affective/motivational systems model (three dimensions: valence, arousal, control) is mapped onto a systems biology of addiction approach for addressing this problem. Based on quality of evidence to date, promising first-tier neurochemical receptor targets include: noradrenergic (α1 and β antagonist, α2 agonist), kappa-opioid antagonist, nociceptin antagonist, orexin-1 antagonist, and endocannabinoid modulation (e.g., cannabidiol, FAAH inhibition); second-tier candidates may include corticotropin releasing factor-1 antagonists, serotonergic agents (e.g., 5-HT reuptake inhibitors, 5-HT3 antagonists), glutamatergic agents (e.g., mGluR2/3 agonist/positive allosteric modulator, mGluR5 antagonist/negative allosteric modulator), GABA-promoters (e.g., pregabalin, tiagabine), vasopressin 1b antagonist, NK-1 antagonist, and PPAR-γ agonist (e.g., pioglitazone). To address affective/motivational mechanisms of stress-related substance use, it may be advisable to combine agents with actions at complementary targets for greater efficacy but systematic studies are lacking except for interactions with the noradrenergic system. I note clinically-relevant factors that could mediate/moderate the efficacy of anti-stress therapeutics and identify research gaps that should be pursued. Finally, progress in developing anti-stress medications will depend on use of reliable CNS biomarkers to validate exposure-response relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark K. Greenwald
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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Felton SJ, Kendall AC, Almaedani AFM, Urquhart P, Webb AR, Kift R, Vail A, Nicolaou A, Rhodes LE. Serum endocannabinoids and N-acyl ethanolamines and the influence of simulated solar UVR exposure in humans in vivo. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2018; 16:564-574. [PMID: 28138687 DOI: 10.1039/c6pp00337k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure of human skin has beneficial and harmful effects on health, including impact on immune function, inflammation and reportedly mood, but these are not fully elucidated. Since the endocannabinoid system is implicated in many activities including mood alteration, our objective was to (i) determine and quantify circulating levels of a wide range of endocannabinoid and N-acyl ethanolamine (NAE) species (ii) evaluate whether these are modulated by cutaneous UVR exposures, as attained through repeated low level summer sunlight exposure. Wearing goggles to prevent eye exposure, 16 healthy volunteers (23-59 y; 10 light skin, phototype II, and 6 dark skin, phototype V) received the same UVR exposures (1.3 SED, 95% UVA/5% UVB) thrice weekly for 6 weeks, whilst casually dressed to expose ∼35% skin surface area. Blood samples were taken at baseline, days 1, 3 and 5 of week one, then at weekly intervals, and analysed by LC-MS/MS. Eleven endocannabinoids and NAEs were detected and quantified at baseline, with N-palmitoyl ethanolamine the most abundant (30% of total). Levels did not vary according to phototype (p > 0.05), except for the NAE docosapentaenoyl ethanolamide, which was higher in phototype II than V (p = 0.0002). Level of the endocannabinoid, 2-AG, was elevated during the UVR exposure course (p < 0.05 vs. baseline for all subjects; p < 0.01 for each phototype group), with maximum levels reached by week 2-3, while NAE species did not significantly alter. These findings suggest differential involvement of the cutaneous endocannabinoid system in low dose solar UVR responses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Felton
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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Circulating Endocannabinoids: From Whence Do They Come and Where are They Going? Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:155-172. [PMID: 28653665 PMCID: PMC5719092 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this review is to summarize studies in which concentrations of circulating endocannabinoids in humans have been examined in relationship to physiological measurements and pathological status. The roles of endocannabinoids in the regulation of energy intake and storage have been well studied and the data obtained consistently support the hypothesis that endocannabinoid signaling is associated with increased consumption and storage of energy. Physical exercise mobilizes endocannabinoids, which could contribute to refilling of energy stores and also to the analgesic and mood-elevating effects of exercise. Circulating concentrations of 2-arachidonoylglycerol are very significantly circadian and dysregulated when sleep is disrupted. Other conditions under which circulating endocannabinoids are altered include inflammation and pain. A second important role for endocannabinoid signaling is to restore homeostasis following stress. Circulating endocannabinoids are stress-responsive and there is evidence that their concentrations are altered in disorders associated with excessive stress, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Although determination of circulating endocannabinoids can provide important information about the state of endocannabinoid signaling and thus allow for hypotheses to be defined and tested, the large number of physiological factors that contribute to their circulating concentrations makes it difficult to use them in isolation as a biomarker for a specific disorder.
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8
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Garcia-Marchena N, Pavon FJ, Pastor A, Araos P, Pedraz M, Romero-Sanchiz P, Calado M, Suarez J, Castilla-Ortega E, Orio L, Boronat A, Torrens M, Rubio G, de la Torre R, Rodriguez de Fonseca F, Serrano A. Plasma concentrations of oleoylethanolamide and other acylethanolamides are altered in alcohol-dependent patients: effect of length of abstinence. Addict Biol 2017; 22:1366-1377. [PMID: 27212249 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Acylethanolamides are a family of endogenous lipid mediators that are involved in physiological and behavioral processes associated with addiction. Recently, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) has been reported to reduce alcohol intake and relapse in rodents but the contribution of OEA and other acylethanolamides in alcohol addiction in humans is unknown. The present study is aimed to characterize the plasma acylethanolamides in alcohol dependence. Seventy-nine abstinent alcohol-dependent subjects (27 women) recruited from outpatient treatment programs and age-/sex-/body mass-matched healthy volunteers (28 women) were clinically assessed with the diagnostic interview PRISM according to the DSM-IV-TR after blood extraction for quantification of acylethanolamide concentrations in the plasma. Our results indicate that all acylethanolamides were significantly increased in alcohol-dependent patients compared with control subjects (p < 0.001). A logistic model based on these acylethanolamides was developed to distinguish alcohol-dependent patients from controls and included OEA, arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and docosatetraenoylethanolamide (DEA), providing a high discriminatory power according to area under the curve [AUC = 0.92 (95%CI: 0.87-0.96), p < 0.001]. Additionally, we found a significant effect of the duration of alcohol abstinence on the concentrations of OEA, AEA and DEA using a regression model (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively), which was confirmed by a negative correlation (rho = -0.31, -0.40 and -0.44, respectively). However, acylethanolamides were not influenced by the addiction alcohol severity, duration of problematic alcohol use or diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidity. Our results support the preclinical studies and suggest that OEA, AEA and DEA are altered in alcohol-dependence during abstinence and that might act as potential markers for predicting length of alcohol abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Garcia-Marchena
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Francisco J. Pavon
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Grup de Recerca en Farmacología Integrada i Neurociencia de Sistemes, Programa de Recerca en Neurociencia; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute); Spain
- Department de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Terapeutica, Facultat de Medicina; Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona; Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBERObn); ISCIII; Spain
| | - Pedro Araos
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Maria Pedraz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Pablo Romero-Sanchiz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Montserrat Calado
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Juan Suarez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Estela Castilla-Ortega
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Laura Orio
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología; Universidad Complutense; Spain
| | - Anna Boronat
- Grup de Recerca en Farmacología Integrada i Neurociencia de Sistemes, Programa de Recerca en Neurociencia; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute); Spain
- Department de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Terapeutica, Facultat de Medicina; Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona; Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBERObn); ISCIII; Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD) del Parc de Salut MAR; Spain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute); Barcelona Spain
- Department of Psychiatry; Univ Autonoma de Barcelona; Spain
| | - Gabriel Rubio
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Facultad de Medicina; Universidad Complutense; Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre; Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Grup de Recerca en Farmacología Integrada i Neurociencia de Sistemes, Programa de Recerca en Neurociencia; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute); Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBERObn); ISCIII; Spain
- Facultat de Ciencies de la Salut i de la Vida; Universidat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF); Spain
| | - Fernando Rodriguez de Fonseca
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
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Pedraz M, Araos P, García-Marchena N, Serrano A, Romero-Sanchiz P, Suárez J, Castilla-Ortega E, Mayoral-Cleries F, Ruiz JJ, Pastor A, Barrios V, Chowen JA, Argente J, Torrens M, de la Torre R, Rodríguez De Fonseca F, Pavón FJ. Sex differences in psychiatric comorbidity and plasma biomarkers for cocaine addiction in abstinent cocaine-addicted subjects in outpatient settings. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:17. [PMID: 25762940 PMCID: PMC4329735 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There are sex differences in the progression of drug addiction, relapse, and response to therapies. Because biological factors participate in these differences, they should be considered when using biomarkers for addiction. In the current study, we evaluated the sex differences in psychiatric comorbidity and the concentrations of plasma mediators that have been reported to be affected by cocaine. Fifty-five abstinent cocaine-addicted subjects diagnosed with lifetime cocaine use disorders (40 men and 15 women) and 73 healthy controls (48 men and 25 women) were clinically assessed with the diagnostic interview "Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders." Plasma concentrations of chemokines, cytokines, N-acyl-ethanolamines, and 2-acyl-glycerols were analyzed according to history of cocaine addiction and sex, controlling for covariates age and body mass index (BMI). Relationships between these concentrations and variables related to cocaine addiction were also analyzed in addicted subjects. The results showed that the concentrations of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2/monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (CCL2/MCP-1) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12/stromal cell-derived factor-1 (CXCL12/SDF-1) were only affected by history of cocaine addiction. The plasma concentrations of interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) were affected by history of cocaine addiction and sex. In fact, whereas cytokine concentrations were higher in control women relative to men, these concentrations were reduced in cocaine-addicted women without changes in addicted men. Regarding fatty acid derivatives, history of cocaine addiction had a main effect on the concentration of each acyl derivative, whereas N-acyl-ethanolamines were increased overall in the cocaine group, 2-acyl-glycerols were decreased. Interestingly, N-palmitoleoyl-ethanolamine (POEA) was only increased in cocaine-addicted women. The covariate BMI had a significant effect on POEA and N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine concentrations. Regarding psychiatric comorbidity in the cocaine group, women had lower incidence rates of comorbid substance use disorders than did men. For example, alcohol use disorders were found in 80% of men and 40% of women. In contrast, the addicted women had increased prevalences of comorbid psychiatric disorders (i.e., mood, anxiety, and psychosis disorders). Additionally, cocaine-addicted subjects showed a relationship between the concentrations of N-stearoyl-ethanolamine and 2-linoleoyl-glycerol and diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidity. These results demonstrate the existence of a sex influence on plasma biomarkers for cocaine addiction and on the presence of comorbid psychopathologies for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pedraz
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Pedro Araos
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Nuria García-Marchena
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Pablo Romero-Sanchiz
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Estela Castilla-Ortega
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Fermín Mayoral-Cleries
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Jesús Ruiz
- Centro Provincial de Drogodependencia, Diputación de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Barrios
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie A. Chowen
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Argente
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions (INAD) del Parc de Salut MAR, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Facultat de Ciencies de la Salut i de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez De Fonseca
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Pavón
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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10
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McPartland JM, Guy GW, Di Marzo V. Care and feeding of the endocannabinoid system: a systematic review of potential clinical interventions that upregulate the endocannabinoid system. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89566. [PMID: 24622769 PMCID: PMC3951193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The “classic” endocannabinoid (eCB) system includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the eCB ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their metabolic enzymes. An emerging literature documents the “eCB deficiency syndrome” as an etiology in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, psychological disorders, and other conditions. We performed a systematic review of clinical interventions that enhance the eCB system—ways to upregulate cannabinoid receptors, increase ligand synthesis, or inhibit ligand degradation. Methodology/Principal Findings We searched PubMed for clinical trials, observational studies, and preclinical research. Data synthesis was qualitative. Exclusion criteria limited the results to 184 in vitro studies, 102 in vivo animal studies, and 36 human studies. Evidence indicates that several classes of pharmaceuticals upregulate the eCB system, including analgesics (acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, glucocorticoids), antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants. Clinical interventions characterized as “complementary and alternative medicine” also upregulate the eCB system: massage and manipulation, acupuncture, dietary supplements, and herbal medicines. Lifestyle modification (diet, weight control, exercise, and the use of psychoactive substances—alcohol, tobacco, coffee, cannabis) also modulate the eCB system. Conclusions/Significance Few clinical trials have assessed interventions that upregulate the eCB system. Many preclinical studies point to other potential approaches; human trials are needed to explore these promising interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. McPartland
- GW Pharmaceuticals, Porton Down Science Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Geoffrey W. Guy
- GW Pharmaceuticals, Porton Down Science Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomoleculare, CNR, Via Campi Flegrei, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
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11
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Pavón FJ, Araos P, Pastor A, Calado M, Pedraz M, Campos-Cloute R, Ruiz JJ, Serrano A, Blanco E, Rivera P, Suárez J, Romero-Cuevas M, Pujadas M, Vergara-Moragues E, Gornemann I, Torrens M, de la Torre R, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. Evaluation of plasma-free endocannabinoids and their congeners in abstinent cocaine addicts seeking outpatient treatment: impact of psychiatric co-morbidity. Addict Biol 2013; 18:955-69. [PMID: 24283982 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine is associated with serious health problems including psychiatric co-morbidity. There is a need for the identification of biomarkers for the stratification of cocaine-addicted subjects. Several studies have evaluated circulating endocannabinoid-related lipids as biomarkers of inflammatory, metabolic and mental disorders. However, little is known in substance use disorders. This study characterizes both free N-acyl-ethanolamines (NAEs) and 2-acyl-glycerols in abstinent cocaine addicts from outpatient treatment programs who were diagnosed with cocaine use disorder (CUD; n = 88), and age-/gender-/body mass-matched healthy control volunteers (n = 46). Substance and mental disorders that commonly occur with substance abuse were assessed by the semi-structured interview 'Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Diseases' according to the 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision' (DSM-IV-TR) and plasma-free acyl derivatives were quantified by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. The results indicate that plasma acyl derivatives are altered in abstinent cocaine-addicted subjects with CUD (CUD subjects). While NAEs were found to be increased, 2-acyl-glycerols were decreased in CUD subjects compared with controls. Multivariate predictive models based on these lipids as explanatory variables were developed to distinguish CUD subjects from controls providing high discriminatory power. However, these alterations were not influenced by the DSM-IV-TR criteria for cocaine abuse and dependence as cocaine trait severity measure. In contrast, we observed that some free acyl derivatives in CUD subjects were found to be affected by the diagnosis of some co-morbid psychiatric disorders. Thus, we found that the monounsaturated NAEs were significantly elevated in CUD subjects diagnosed with mood [N-oleoyl-ethanolamine and N-palmitoleoyl-ethanolamine (POEA)] and anxiety (POEA) disorders compared with non-co-morbid CUD subjects. Interestingly, the coexistence of alcohol use disorders did not influence the circulating levels of these free acyl derivatives. In summary, we have identified plasma-free acyl derivatives that might serve as reliable biomarkers for CUD. Furthermore, we found that monounsaturated NAE levels are also enhanced by co-morbid mood and anxiety disorders in cocaine addicts. These findings open the way for the development of new strategies for cocaine addiction diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Pavón
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Pedro Araos
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Neurosciences Programme; Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques (IMIM); Spain
- Facultat de Medicina; Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona; Spain
| | - Montserrat Calado
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - María Pedraz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | | | | | - Antonia Serrano
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Eduardo Blanco
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento; Facultad de Psicología; Universidad de Málaga; Spain
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Miguel Romero-Cuevas
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Mitona Pujadas
- Neurosciences Programme; Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques (IMIM); Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03); CIBEROBN; Spain
| | - Esperanza Vergara-Moragues
- Grupo de Investigación de Neuropsicología y Psiconeuroinmunología Clínica; Universidad de Granada; Spain
| | - Isolde Gornemann
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Neurosciences Programme; Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques (IMIM); Spain
- Facultat de Medicina; Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona; Spain
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions (INAD) del Parc de Salut MAR; Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Neurosciences Programme; Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques (IMIM); Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03); CIBEROBN; Spain
- Facultat de Ciencies de la Salut i de la Vida; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF); Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03); CIBEROBN; Spain
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12
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Thieme U, Schelling G, Hauer D, Greif R, Dame T, Laubender RP, Bernhard W, Thieme D, Campolongo P, Theiler L. Quantification of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol plasma levels to examine potential influences of tetrahydrocannabinol application on the endocannabinoid system in humans. Drug Test Anal 2013; 6:17-23. [PMID: 24424856 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids, ECs) are both mediated by activation of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Exogenous activation of these receptors by THC could therefore alter EC levels. We tested this hypothesis in healthy volunteers (n = 25) who received a large intravenous dose of THC (0.10 mg/kg). Effects on the EC system were quantified by serial measurements of plasma ECs after THC administration. Eleven blood samples were drawn during the first 5 h after THC administration and two more samples after 24 and 48 h. THC, its metabolites THC-OH (biologically active) and THC-COOH (non-active), and the ECs anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. EC-plasma levels showed a biphasic response after THC injection reaching maximal values at 30 min. Anandamide increased slightly from 0.58 ± 0.21 ng/ml at baseline to 0.64 ± 0.24 ng/ml (p < 0.05) and 2-AG from 7.60 ± 4.30 ng/ml to 9.50 ± 5.90 ng/ml (p < 0.05). After reaching maximal concentrations, EC plasma levels decreased markedly to a nadir of 300 min after THC administration (to 0.32 ± 0.15 ng/ml for anandamide and to 5.50 ± 3.01 ng/ml for 2-AG, p < 0.05). EC plasma concentrations returned to near baseline levels until 48 h after the experiment. THC (0.76 ± 0.16 ng/ml) and THC-OH (0.36 ± 0.17 ng/ml) were still measurable at 24 h and remained detectible until 48 h after THC administration. Although the underlying mechanism is not clear, high doses of intravenous THC appear to influence endogenous cannabinoid concentrations and presumably EC-signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Thieme
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Ludwig - Maximilians University of Munich, Germany
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13
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Teubert A, Thome J, Büttner A, Richter J, Irmisch G. Elevated oleic acid serum concentrations in patients suffering from alcohol dependence. J Mol Psychiatry 2013; 1:13. [PMID: 25408906 PMCID: PMC4224011 DOI: 10.1186/2049-9256-1-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alcohol-induced damages such as brain atrophy and fatty liver are closely related to a disturbed lipid metabolism. In animal models, a linkage between chronic alcohol consumption and changes in fatty acid (FA) composition in various organs and cells is well known and there is some indication that this phenomenon could be linked to behavioural alterations associated with alcohol addiction such as craving. However, the influence of ethanol on secretory FA has not been investigated so far. In this study, we therefore aimed at investigating whether there is a significant change of serum FA composition in patients suffering from alcohol dependence. We compared patients before and after treatment (detoxication) with control individuals who did not suffer from addiction. The roles of age, the duration and intensity of alcohol use and lifestyles were considered. Methods Serum FA was measured in 73 male ethanol dependent patients before and after alcohol withdrawal in an in-patient setting. Additionally, of this group, 45 patients were matched with 45 healthy male volunteers as controls. Results We found significant differences in the FA composition before and after detoxication as well as between patients and controls. After detoxication, the values changed towards the ones in healthy controls. The main finding during acute alcohol use was an increased oleic acid concentration above the level of the linoleic acid concentration. Conclusions An elevated oleic/linoleic acid ratio seems to be a state marker for acute alcohol use and may be a relevant trait marker during detoxification and possibly the subsequent therapeutic measures. The results of this pilot study need to be replicated in a larger study also including female patients. Further, the specificity of this potential biomarker needs to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annekatrin Teubert
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimerstr. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany ; Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Rostock, St.-Georg-Str. 108, 18055 Rostock, Germany
| | - Johannes Thome
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimerstr. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany ; College of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP UK
| | - Andreas Büttner
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Rostock, St.-Georg-Str. 108, 18055 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jörg Richter
- Norway Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, P.O. Box 4623, Oslo, 0405 Norway
| | - Gisela Irmisch
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimerstr. 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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