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Maciocha F, Suchanecka A, Chmielowiec K, Chmielowiec J, Ciechanowicz A, Boroń A. Correlations of the CNR1 Gene with Personality Traits in Women with Alcohol Use Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5174. [PMID: 38791212 PMCID: PMC11121729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant issue affecting women, with severe consequences for society, the economy, and most importantly, health. Both personality and alcohol use disorders are phenotypically very complex, and elucidating their shared heritability is a challenge for medical genetics. Therefore, our study investigated the correlations between the microsatellite polymorphism (AAT)n of the Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CNR1) gene and personality traits in women with AUD. The study group included 187 female subjects. Of these, 93 were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, and 94 were controls. Repeat length polymorphism of microsatellite regions (AAT)n in the CNR1 gene was identified with PCR. All participants were assessed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and completed the NEO Five-Factor and State-Trait Anxiety Inventories. In the group of AUD subjects, significantly fewer (AAT)n repeats were present when compared with controls (p = 0.0380). While comparing the alcohol use disorder subjects (AUD) and the controls, we observed significantly higher scores on the STAI trait (p < 0.00001) and state scales (p = 0.0001) and on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory Neuroticism (p < 0.00001) and Openness (p = 0.0237; insignificant after Bonferroni correction) scales. Significantly lower results were obtained on the NEO-FFI Extraversion (p = 0.00003), Agreeability (p < 0.00001) and Conscientiousness (p < 0.00001) scales by the AUD subjects when compared to controls. There was no statistically significant Pearson's linear correlation between the number of (AAT)n repeats in the CNR1 gene and the STAI and NEO Five-Factor Inventory scores in the group of AUD subjects. In contrast, Pearson's linear correlation analysis in controls showed a positive correlation between the number of the (AAT)n repeats and the STAI state scale (r = 0.184; p = 0.011; insignificant after Bonferroni correction) and a negative correlation with the NEO-FFI Openness scale (r = -0.241; p = 0.001). Interestingly, our study provided data on two separate complex issues, i.e., (1) the association of (AAT)n CNR1 repeats with the AUD in females; (2) the correlation of (AAT)n CNR1 repeats with anxiety as a state and Openness in non-alcohol dependent subjects. In conclusion, our study provided a plethora of valuable data for improving our understanding of alcohol use disorder and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Maciocha
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Aleksandra Suchanecka
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Jolanta Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Andrzej Ciechanowicz
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Agnieszka Boroń
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (F.M.); (A.C.)
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2
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Bloch Priel S, Yitzhaky A, Gurwitz D, Hertzberg L. Cannabinoid receptor gene CNR1 is downregulated in subcortical brain samples and upregulated in blood samples of individuals with schizophrenia: A participant data systematic meta-analysis. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3540-3554. [PMID: 37611908 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use leads to symptom exacerbation in schizophrenia patients, and endocannabinoid ligands have been studied as tentative schizophrenia therapeutics. Here, we aimed to characterise the connection between schizophrenia and the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) and explore possible mechanisms affecting its expression in schizophrenia. We performed a participant data systematic meta-analysis of CNR1 gene expression and additional endocannabinoid system genes in both brain (subcortical areas) and blood samples. We integrated eight brain sample datasets (overall 316 samples; 149 schizophrenia and 167 controls) and two blood sample datasets (overall 90 samples; 53 schizophrenia and 37 controls) while following the PRISMA meta-analysis guidelines. CNR1 was downregulated in subcortical regions and upregulated in blood samples of patients with schizophrenia. CNR2 and genes encoding endocannabinoids synthesis and degradation did not show differential expression in the brain or blood, except fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which showed a downregulation trend in blood. In addition, the brain expression levels of CNR1 and three GABA receptor genes, GABRA1, GABRA6 and GABRG2, were positively correlated (R = .57, .36, .54; p = 2.7 × 10-14 , 6.9 × 10-6 and 1.1 × 10-12 , respectively). Brain CNR1 downregulation and the positive correlation with three GABA receptor genes suggest an association with GABA neurotransmission and possible effects on negative schizophrenia symptoms. Further studies are required for clarifying the opposite CNR1 dysregulation in the brain and blood of schizophrenia patients and the potential of endocannabinoid ligands as schizophrenia therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Assif Yitzhaky
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - David Gurwitz
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School for Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Libi Hertzberg
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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3
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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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4
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Molecular Findings Guiding the Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System as a Potential Target to Treat Schizophrenia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1400:89-103. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-97182-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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5
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Cannabinoid receptor CNR1 expression and DNA methylation in human prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and caudate in brain development and schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:158. [PMID: 32433545 PMCID: PMC7237456 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0832-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Beyond being one the most widely used psychoactive drugs in the world, cannabis has been identified as an environmental risk factor for psychosis. Though the relationship between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders remains controversial, consistent association between early adolescent cannabis use and the subsequent risk of psychosis suggested adolescence may be a particularly vulnerable period. Previous findings on gene by environment interactions indicated that cannabis use may only increase the risk for psychosis in the subjects who have a specific genetic vulnerability. The type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1), encoded by the CNR1 gene, is a key component of the endocannabinoid system. As the primary endocannabinoid receptor in the brain, CB1 is the main molecular target of the endocannabinoid ligand, as well as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. In this study, we have examined mRNA expression and DNA methylation of CNR1 in human prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and caudate samples. The expression of CNR1 is higher in fetal PFC and hippocampus, then drops down dramatically after birth. The lifespan trajectory of CNR1 expression in the DLPFC differentially correlated with age by allelic variation at rs4680, a functional polymorphism in the COMT gene. Compared with COMT methionine158 carriers, Caucasian carriers of the COMT valine158 allele have a stronger negative correlation between the expression of CNR1 in DLPFC and age. In contrast, the methylation level of cg02498983, which is negatively correlated with the expression of CNR1 in PFC, showed the strongest positive correlation with age in PFC of Caucasian carriers of COMT valine158. Additionally, we have observed decreased mRNA expression of CNR1 in the DLPFC of patients with schizophrenia. Further analysis revealed a positive eQTL SNP, rs806368, which predicted the expression of a novel transcript of CNR1 in human DLPFC, hippocampus and caudate. This SNP has been associated with addiction and other psychiatric disorders. THC or ethanol are each significantly associated with dysregulated expression of CNR1 in the PFC of patients with affective disorder, and the expression of CNR1 is significantly upregulated in the PFC of schizophrenia patients who completed suicide. Our results support previous studies that have implicated the endocannabinoid system in the pathology of schizophrenia and provided additional insight into the mechanism of increasing risk for schizophrenia in the adolescent cannabis users.
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6
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Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Jurado-Barba R, Rubio G, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Endocannabinoid System Components as Potential Biomarkers in Psychiatry. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:315. [PMID: 32395111 PMCID: PMC7197485 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The high heterogeneity of psychiatric disorders leads to a lack of diagnostic precision. Therefore, the search of biomarkers is a fundamental aspect in psychiatry to reach a more personalized medicine. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has gained increasing interest due to its involvement in many different functional processes in the brain, including the regulation of emotions, motivation, and cognition. This article reviews the role of the main components of the ECS as biomarkers in certain psychiatric disorders. Studies carried out in rodents evaluating the effects of pharmacological and genetic manipulation of cannabinoid receptors or endocannabinoids (eCBs) degrading enzymes were included. Likewise, the ECS-related alterations occurring at the molecular level in animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neuropathological aspects of psychiatric disorders were reviewed. Furthermore, clinical studies evaluating gene or protein alterations in post-mortem brain tissue or in vivo blood, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed. Also, the results from neuroimaging studies using positron emission tomography (PET) or functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) were included. This review shows the close involvement of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1r) in stress regulation and the development of mood disorders [anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder (BD)], in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or eating disorders (i.e. anorexia and bulimia nervosa). On the other hand, recent results reveal the potential therapeutic action of the endocannabinoid tone manipulation by inhibition of eCBs degrading enzymes, as well as by the modulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2r) activity on anxiolytic, antidepressive, or antipsychotic associated effects. Further clinical research studies are needed; however, current evidence suggests that the components of the ECS may become promising biomarkers in psychiatry to improve, at least in part, the diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Jurado-Barba
- Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Educación y Salud, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Rubio
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
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7
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The endocannabinoid system in mental disorders: Evidence from human brain studies. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:97-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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8
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Scherma M, Masia P, Deidda M, Fratta W, Tanda G, Fadda P. New Perspectives on the Use of Cannabis in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 5:E107. [PMID: 30279403 PMCID: PMC6313625 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5040107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Following the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and its potential as a therapeutic target for various pathological conditions, growing interest led researchers to investigate the role of cannabis and its derivatives for medical purposes. The compounds Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the most abundant phytocannabinoids found in cannabis extracts, as well as the most studied. The present review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence for their beneficial effects in treating psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to clarify many pending issues, especially those relative to the assessment of benefits and risks when using cannabis for therapeutic purposes, thereby also helping national and federal jurisdictions to remain updated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Paolo Masia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Matteo Deidda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Medication Development program, NIDA-IRP, NIH/DHHS, NIDA suite 3301, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience ⁻ Cagliari, National Research Council, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
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9
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Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) products have gained popularity as abused drugs over the past decade in many countries. The SCs broadly impact psychological state (e.g., mood, suicidal thoughts and psychosis) and physiological functions (e.g., cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and urinary). This review is about the effects of SCs on psychotic symptoms in clinical settings and the potentially relevant chemistry and mechanisms of action for SCs. Induction of psychotic symptoms after consuming SC products were reported, including new-onset psychosis and psychotic relapses. The role of SCs in psychosis is more complex than any single chemical component might explain, and these effects may not be a simple extension of the typical effects of cannabis or natural cannabinoids.
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10
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Seabra G, Falvella ACB, Guest PC, Martins-de-Souza D, de Almeida V. Proteomics and Lipidomics in the Elucidation of Endocannabinoid Signaling in Healthy and Schizophrenia Brains. Proteomics 2018; 18:e1700270. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201700270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Seabra
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline B. Falvella
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
| | - Paul C. Guest
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Valéria de Almeida
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
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11
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The effect of interactions between genetics and cannabis use on neurocognition. A review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 82:95-106. [PMID: 29191570 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is one of the most widely-used drugs in industrialized countries. It is now well established that cannabis use impacts neurocognition. In the intoxication period time episodic memory, working memory and attention are impacted and impulsivity is increased. The long-term effects of cannabis use tend to be similar. Various internal factors, such as sex differences, modulate this impact. It is unclear whether genetic variations can also influence the impact of cannabis on neurocognition. We set out to examine the impact of genetic variations on neurocognition in cannabis users. METHOD We conducted a search via the PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases to identify studies measuring neurocognition and assessing genotypes in the context of cannabis use. RESULTS We included 13 articles. We found that working memory, verbal and visual memory and sustained attention are more impacted during intoxication in subjects with the Val COMT allele. COMT gene could also modulate sustained attention in regular use. The CNR1, AKT1, DBH and 5-HTT/SLC6A4 genes may also modulate effects. CONCLUSION Most of these genes are linked to schizophrenia. A fuller understanding of their impact on the effects of cannabis on neurocognition would thus help elucidate the mechanisms linking cannabis and psychosis. However, evidence is still scant, and more research is needed.
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12
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Gouvêa ES, Santos AF, Ota VK, Mrad V, Gadelha A, Bressan RA, Cordeiro Q, Belangero SI. The role of the CNR1 gene in schizophrenia: a systematic review including unpublished data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 39:160-171. [PMID: 28099629 PMCID: PMC7111446 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2016-1969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disorder. It is known that a combination of extensive multiple common alleles may be involved in its etiology, each contributing with a small to moderate effect, and, possibly, some rare alleles with a much larger effect size. We aimed to perform a systematic review of association studies between schizophrenia (and its subphenotypes) and polymorphisms in the CNR1 gene, which encodes cannabinoid receptors classically implicated in schizophrenia pathophysiology, as well as to present unpublished results of an association study in a Brazilian population. Methods: Two reviewers independently searched for eligible studies and extracted outcome data using a structured form. Papers were retrieved from PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge using the search term schizophrenia in combination with CNR1 or CB1 or cannabinoid receptor. Twenty-four articles met our inclusion criteria. We additionally present data from a study of our own comparing 182 patients with schizophrenia and 244 healthy controls. Results: No consistent evidence is demonstrated. Conclusion: Some seemingly positive association studies stress the need for further investigations of the possible role of endocannabinoid genetics in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo S Gouvêa
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Psiquiatria, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Airton F Santos
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa K Ota
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Mrad
- Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ary Gadelha
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A Bressan
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Quirino Cordeiro
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Psiquiatria, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sintia I Belangero
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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13
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Copoglu US, Igci M, Bozgeyik E, Kokacya MH, Igci YZ, Ozden A, Bulbul F, Alpak G, Ari M, Savas HA. Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CNR1) Gene Polymorphisms in Schizophrenia Patients: Rs6454674 Polymorphism is Associated with Disease Severity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.5455/bcp.20150502072915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Umit Sertan Copoglu
- Mustafa Kemal University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Hatay-Turkey
| | - Mehri Igci
- Gaziantep University, School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Gaziantep-Turkey
| | - Esra Bozgeyik
- Gaziantep University, School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Gaziantep-Turkey
| | - Mehmet Hanifi Kokacya
- Mustafa Kemal University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Hatay-Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ziya Igci
- Gaziantep University, School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Gaziantep-Turkey
| | - Aslan Ozden
- Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara-Turkey
| | - Feridun Bulbul
- Gaziantep University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep-Turkey
| | - Gokay Alpak
- Gaziantep University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep-Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ari
- Mustafa Kemal University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Hatay-Turkey
| | - Haluk Asuman Savas
- Gaziantep University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep-Turkey
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14
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Fakhoury M. Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:768-778. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9697-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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15
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Genetic association analysis of CNR1 and CNR2 polymorphisms with schizophrenia in a Korean population. Psychiatr Genet 2015; 24:225-9. [PMID: 25014618 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Located on 6q15 and 1p36.11, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CNR2) genes are considered to be a positional and functional candidate gene for the development of mental disorders such as schizophrenia because CNR1 is known as a regulator of dopamine signaling in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. However, few genetic studies have been carried out to investigate an association of CNR1 and CNR2 polymorphisms and the risk of schizophrenia. In this study, although the result indicates that CNR1 and CNR2 variations are unlikely to influence schizophrenia susceptibility in a Korean population, the findings would provide meaningful information for further genetic studies.
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Abstract
Preclinical and clinical data fully support the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the etiopathogenesis of several mental diseases. In this review we will briefly summarize the most common alterations in the endocannabinoid system, in terms of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid levels, present in mood disorders (anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and suicidality) as well as psychosis (schizophrenia) and autism. The arising picture for each pathology is not always straightforward; however, both animal and human studies seem to suggest that pharmacological modulation of this system might represent a novel approach for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences and Neuroscience Centre, University of Insubria, Via Manara 7, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences and Neuroscience Centre, University of Insubria, Via Manara 7, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
- Fondazione Zardi Gori, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences and Neuroscience Centre, University of Insubria, Via Manara 7, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
- Fondazione Zardi Gori, Milan, Italy.
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Jiang Y, Nie Y, Li Y, Zhang L. Association of cannabinoid type 1 receptor and fatty acid amide hydrolase genetic polymorphisms in Chinese patients with irritable bowel syndrome. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:1186-91. [PMID: 24444427 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here, we investigated whether genetic variants of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CNR1) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) are associated with the pathogenesis of IBS. METHODS In total, 292 patients with IBS and 298 healthy controls were enrolled. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were applied to determine the genotyping of polymorphic triplet AAT repeats located at the 3'-end of the CNR1 gene. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C385A at the FAAH gene (rs324420) was determined by PCR using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay Sets. RESULTS A total of eight alleles with AAT triplet repeats in the CNR1 gene were detected. The alleles were divided into two groups (≤ 10 and > 10) and three genotypes (≤ 10/≤ 10, ≤ 10/> 10, and > 10/> 10). The frequency of > 10 alleles was significantly higher in the IBS group (90.6%) when compared with the control group {81.7%, P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) = -0.128}. In addition, the genotypes > 10/> 10 were significantly associated with IBS (P < 0.001, OR [95% CI] = -0.163). The frequency of the A allele and the distribution of the AA genotype in the FAAH gene in the IBS group were not significantly different from those in the control group (P > 0.05), even though the frequency of the AA genotype was lower in the IBS group (1.0%) than that in the control group (3.4%, P = 0.089, OR [95% CI] = 3.345). CONCLUSIONS The variation in the (AAT)n repeat of the CNR1 gene conferred an increased risk for developing IBS, while rs324420 (C385) in the FAAH gene was not associated with IBS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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18
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Thompson MD, Cole DEC, Capra V, Siminovitch KA, Rovati GE, Burnham WM, Rana BK. Pharmacogenetics of the G protein-coupled receptors. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1175:189-242. [PMID: 25150871 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0956-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacogenetics investigates the influence of genetic variants on physiological phenotypes related to drug response and disease, while pharmacogenomics takes a genome-wide approach to advancing this knowledge. Both play an important role in identifying responders and nonresponders to medication, avoiding adverse drug reactions, and optimizing drug dose for the individual. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the primary target of therapeutic drugs and have been the focus of these studies. With the advance of genomic technologies, there has been a substantial increase in the inventory of naturally occurring rare and common GPCR variants. These variants include single-nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion or deletions that have potential to alter GPCR expression of function. In vivo and in vitro studies have determined functional roles for many GPCR variants, but genetic association studies that define the physiological impact of the majority of these common variants are still limited. Despite the breadth of pharmacogenetic data available, GPCR variants have not been included in drug labeling and are only occasionally considered in optimizing clinical use of GPCR-targeted agents. In this chapter, pharmacogenetic and genomic studies on GPCR variants are reviewed with respect to a subset of GPCR systems, including the adrenergic, calcium sensing, cysteinyl leukotriene, cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, and the de-orphanized receptors such as GPR55. The nature of the disruption to receptor function is discussed with respect to regulation of gene expression, expression on the cell surface (affected by receptor trafficking, dimerization, desensitization/downregulation), or perturbation of receptor function (altered ligand binding, G protein coupling, constitutive activity). The large body of experimental data generated on structure and function relationships and receptor-ligand interactions are being harnessed for the in silico functional prediction of naturally occurring GPCR variants. We provide information on online resources dedicated to GPCRs and present applications of publically available computational tools for pharmacogenetic studies of GPCRs. As the breadth of GPCR pharmacogenomic data becomes clearer, the opportunity for routine assessment of GPCR variants to predict disease risk, drug response, and potential adverse drug effects will become possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles D Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 1A8,
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Schubart CD, Sommer IEC, Fusar-Poli P, de Witte L, Kahn RS, Boks MPM. Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for psychosis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:51-64. [PMID: 24309088 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing psychosis, the cannabis constituent cannabidiol (CBD) may have antipsychotic properties. This review concisely describes the role of the endocannabinoid system in the development of psychosis and provides an overview of currently available animal, human experimental, imaging, epidemiological and clinical studies that investigated the antipsychotic properties of CBD. In this targeted literature review we performed a search for English articles using Medline and EMBASE. Studies were selected if they described experiments with psychosis models, psychotic symptoms or psychotic disorders as outcome measure and involved the use of CBD as intervention. Evidence from several research domains suggests that CBD shows potential for antipsychotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Schubart
- Tergooi Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Blaricum, The Netherlands
| | - I E C Sommer
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Psychiatry, The Netherlands
| | - P Fusar-Poli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - L de Witte
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Psychiatry, The Netherlands
| | - R S Kahn
- Tergooi Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Blaricum, The Netherlands
| | - M P M Boks
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Psychiatry, The Netherlands.
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20
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Dissanayake DW, Mason R, Marsden CA. Sensory gating, Cannabinoids and Schizophrenia. Neuropharmacology 2013; 67:66-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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21
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Vasileiou I, Fotopoulou G, Matzourani M, Patsouris E, Theocharis S. Evidence for the involvement of cannabinoid receptors' polymorphisms in the pathophysiology of human diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 17:363-77. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.754426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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22
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Onaivi ES, Ishiguro H, Sgro S, Leonard CM. Cannabinoid Receptor Gene Variations in Drug Addiction and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4303/jdar/235714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Saito A, Ballinger MDL, Pletnikov MV, Wong DF, Kamiya A. Endocannabinoid system: potential novel targets for treatment of schizophrenia. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 53:10-7. [PMID: 23220619 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating epidemiological evidences suggest that cannabis use during adolescence is a potential environmental risk for the development of psychosis, including schizophrenia. Consistently, clinical and preclinical studies, using pharmacological approaches and genetically engineered animals to target endocannabinoid signaling, reveal the multiple varieties of endocannabinoid system-mediated human and animal behaviors, including cognition and emotion. Recently, there has been substantial progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system for synaptic communications in the central nervous system. Furthermore, the impact of endocannabinoid signaling on diverse cellular processes during brain development has emerged. Thus, although schizophrenia has etiological complexities, including genetic heterogeneities and multiple environmental factors, it now becomes crucial to explore molecular pathways of convergence of genetic risk factors and endocannabinoid signaling, which may provide us with clues to find novel targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, epidemiological, clinical, and pathological evidences on the role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiologies of schizophrenia will be presented. We will also make a brief overview of the recent progress in understanding molecular mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system for brain development and function, with particular focus on cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R)-mediated cascade, the most well-characterized cannabinoid receptor. Lastly, we will discuss the potential of the endocannabinoid system in finding novel therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Saito
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287, USA
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24
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Deiana S. Medical use of cannabis. Cannabidiol: a new light for schizophrenia? Drug Test Anal 2012; 5:46-51. [PMID: 23109356 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The medical properties of cannabis have been known for many centuries; its first documented use dates back to 2800 BC when it was described for its hallucinogenic and pain-relieving properties. In the first half of the twentieth century, a number of pharmaceutical companies marked cannabis for indications such as asthma and pain, but since then its use has sharply declined, mainly due to its unpredictable effects, but also for socio-political issues. Recently, great attention has been directed to the medical properties of phytocannabinoids present in the cannabis plant alongside the main constituent Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); these include cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Evidence suggests an association between cannabis and schizophrenia: schizophrenics show a higher use of marijuana as compared to the healthy population. Additionally, the use of marijuana can trigger psychotic episodes in schizophrenic patients, and this has been ascribed to THC. Given the need to reduce the side effects of marketed antipsychotics, and their weak efficacy on some schizophrenic symptoms, cannabinoids have been suggested as a possible alternative treatment for schizophrenia. CBD, a non-psychoactive constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant, has been receiving growing attention for its anti-psychotic-like properties. Evidence suggests that CBD can ameliorate positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Behavioural and neurochemical models suggest that CBD has a pharmacological profile similar to that of atypical anti-psychotic drugs and a clinical trial reported that this cannabinoid is a well-tolerated alternative treatment for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Deiana
- Department CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. K., Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
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The Endocannabinoid System and its Role in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review of the Literature. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2012; 34 Suppl 2:S163-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbp.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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26
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Chen J, Brunzell DH, Jackson K, van der Vaart A, Ma JZ, Payne TJ, Sherva R, Farrer LA, Gejman P, Levinson DF, Holmans P, Aggen SH, Damaj I, Kuo PH, Webb BT, Anton R, Kranzler HR, Gelernter J, Li MD, Kendler KS, Chen X. ACSL6 is associated with the number of cigarettes smoked and its expression is altered by chronic nicotine exposure. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28790. [PMID: 22205969 PMCID: PMC3243669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with schizophrenia tend to be heavy smokers and are at high risk for tobacco dependence. However, the nature of the comorbidity is not entirely clear. We previously reported evidence for association of schizophrenia with SNPs and SNP haplotypes in a region of chromosome 5q containing the SPEC2, PDZ-GEF2 and ACSL6 genes. In this current study, analysis of the control subjects of the Molecular Genetics of Schizophrenia (MGS) sample showed similar pattern of association with number of cigarettes smoked per day (numCIG) for the same region. To further test if this locus is associated with tobacco smoking as measured by numCIG and FTND, we conducted replication and meta-analysis in 12 independent samples (n>16,000) for two markers in ACSL6 reported in our previous schizophrenia study. In the meta-analysis of the replication samples, we found that rs667437 and rs477084 were significantly associated with numCIG (p = 0.00038 and 0.00136 respectively) but not with FTND scores. We then used in vitro and in vivo techniques to test if nicotine exposure influences the expression of ACSL6 in brain. Primary cortical culture studies showed that chronic (5-day) exposure to nicotine stimulated ACSL6 mRNA expression. Fourteen days of nicotine administration via osmotic mini pump also increased ACSL6 protein levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mice. These increases were suppressed by injection of the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine, suggesting that elevated expression of ACSL6 requires nicotinic receptor activation. These findings suggest that variations in the ACSL6 gene may contribute to the quantity of cigarettes smoked. The independent associations of this locus with schizophrenia and with numCIG in non-schizophrenic subjects suggest that this locus may be a common liability to both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Darlene H. Brunzell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kia Jackson
- Department of Psychiatry and Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Andrew van der Vaart
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jennie Z. Ma
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Thomas J. Payne
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Richard Sherva
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lindsay A. Farrer
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pablo Gejman
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Douglas F. Levinson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Peter Holmans
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, Medical Resource Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Department of Psychological Medicine and Neurology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Steven H. Aggen
- Department of Psychiatry and Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Po-Hsiu Kuo
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bradley T. Webb
- Department of Psychiatry and Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Raymond Anton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Henry R. Kranzler
- Department of Psychiatry, Treatment Research Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 3900 and Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Departments of Psychiatry, Genetics, and Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, and Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ming D. Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kenneth S. Kendler
- Department of Psychiatry and Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Xiangning Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
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Hillard CJ, Weinlander KM, Stuhr KL. Contributions of endocannabinoid signaling to psychiatric disorders in humans: genetic and biochemical evidence. Neuroscience 2011; 204:207-29. [PMID: 22123166 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid signaling system is a widespread, neuromodulatory system in brain and is also widely utilized in the periphery to modulate metabolic functions and the immune system. Preclinical data demonstrate that endocannabinoid signaling is an important stress buffer and modulates emotional and cognitive functions. These data suggest the hypothesis that endocannabinoid signaling could be dysfunctional in a number of mental disorders. Genetic polymorphisms in the human genes for two important proteins of the endocannabinoid signaling system, the CB1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), have been explored in the context of normal and pathological conditions. In the case of the gene for FAAH, the mechanistic relationships among the common genetic polymorphism, the expression of the FAAH protein, and its likely impact on endocannabinoid signaling are understood. However, multiple polymorphisms in the gene for the CB1R occur and are associated with human phenotypic differences without an understanding of the functional relationships among the gene, mRNA, protein, and protein function. The endocannabinoid ligands are found in the circulation, and several studies have identified changes in their concentrations under various conditions. These data are reviewed for the purpose of generating hypotheses and to encourage further studies in this very interesting and important area.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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Wong BS, Camilleri M, Busciglio I, Carlson P, Szarka LA, Burton D, Zinsmeister AR. Pharmacogenetic trial of a cannabinoid agonist shows reduced fasting colonic motility in patients with nonconstipated irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology 2011; 141:1638-47.e1-7. [PMID: 21803011 PMCID: PMC3202649 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cannabinoid receptors are located on cholinergic neurons. Genetic variants that affect endocannabinoid metabolism are associated with colonic transit in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea. We compared the effects of dronabinol, a nonselective agonist of the cannabinoid receptor, with those of placebo on colonic motility and sensation in patients with IBS, and examined the effects of IBS subtype and specific genetic variants in cannabinoid mechanisms. METHODS Seventy-five individuals with IBS (35 with IBS with constipation, 35 with IBS with diarrhea, and with 5 IBS alternating) were randomly assigned to groups that were given 1 dose of placebo or 2.5 mg or 5.0 mg dronabinol. We assessed left colonic compliance, motility index (MI), tone, and sensation during fasting and after a meal. We analyzed the single nucleotide polymorphisms CNR1 rs806378, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) rs324420, and MGLL rs4881. RESULTS In all patients, dronabinol decreased fasting proximal left colonic MI compared with placebo (overall P = .05; for 5 mg dronabinol, P = .046), decreased fasting distal left colonic MI (overall P = .08; for 5 mg, P = .13), and increased colonic compliance (P = .058). The effects of dronabinol were greatest in patients with IBS with diarrhea or IBS alternating (proximal colonic MI, overall P = .022; compliance, overall P = .03). Dronabinol did not alter sensation or tone. CNR1 rs806378 (CC vs CT/TT) appeared to affect fasting proximal MI in all patients with IBS (P = .075). Dronabinol affected fasting distal MI in patients, regardless of FAAH rs324420 variant (CA/AA vs CC) (P = .046); the greatest effects were observed among IBS with constipation patients with the FAAH CC variant (P = .045). Dronabinol affected fasting proximal MI in patients with IBS with diarrhea or alternating with the variant FAAH CA/AA (P = .013). CONCLUSIONS In patients with IBS with diarrhea or alternating, dronabinol reduces fasting colonic motility; FAAH and CNR1 variants could influence the effects of this drug on colonic motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banny S. Wong
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Michael Camilleri
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Irene Busciglio
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Paula Carlson
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Lawrence A. Szarka
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Duane Burton
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Alan R. Zinsmeister
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
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Marco EM, García-Gutiérrez MS, Bermúdez-Silva FJ, Moreira FA, Guimarães F, Manzanares J, Viveros MP. Endocannabinoid system and psychiatry: in search of a neurobiological basis for detrimental and potential therapeutic effects. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:63. [PMID: 22007164 PMCID: PMC3186912 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Public concern on mental health has noticeably increased given the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders. Cognition and emotionality are the most affected functions in neuropsychiatric disorders, i.e., anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. In this review, most relevant literature on the role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in neuropsychiatric disorders will be presented. Evidence from clinical and animal studies is provided for the participation of CB1 and CB2 receptors (CB1R and CB2R) in the above mentioned neuropsychiatric disorders. CBRs are crucial in some of the emotional and cognitive impairments reported, although more research is required to understand the specific role of the eCB system in neuropsychiatric disorders. Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychotropic component of the Cannabis sativa plant, has shown therapeutic potential in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Although further studies are needed, recent studies indicate that CBD therapeutic effects may partially depend on facilitation of eCB-mediated neurotransmission. Last but not least, this review includes recent findings on the role of the eCB system in eating disorders. A deregulation of the eCB system has been proposed to be in the bases of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including eating disorders. Cannabis consumption has been related to the appearance of psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia. In contrast, the pharmacological manipulation of this eCB system has been proposed as a potential strategy for the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, and anorexia nervosa. In conclusion, the eCB system plays a critical role in psychiatry; however, detrimental consequences of manipulating this endogenous system cannot be underestimated over the potential and promising perspectives of its therapeutic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Marco
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San CarlosMadrid, Spain
| | - María S. García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández – CSICSan Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco-Javier Bermúdez-Silva
- Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Hospital Carlos Haya de Malaga, Fundacion IMABISMalaga, Spain
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM, Université Bordeaux 2Bordeaux, France
| | - Fabricio A. Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Francisco Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández – CSICSan Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - María-Paz Viveros
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de MadridMadrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San CarlosMadrid, Spain
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Ho BC, Wassink TH, Ziebell S, Andreasen NC. Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene polymorphisms and marijuana misuse interactions on white matter and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2011; 128:66-75. [PMID: 21420833 PMCID: PMC3085576 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2011.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Revised: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Marijuana exposure during the critical period of adolescent brain maturation may disrupt neuro-modulatory influences of endocannabinoids and increase schizophrenia susceptibility. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1/CNR1) is the principal brain receptor mediating marijuana effects. No study to-date has systematically investigated the impact of CNR1 on quantitative phenotypic features in schizophrenia and inter-relationships with marijuana misuse. We genotyped 235 schizophrenia patients using 12 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) that account for most of CB1 coding region genetic variability. Patients underwent a high-resolution anatomic brain magnetic resonance scan and cognitive assessment. Almost a quarter of the sample met DSM marijuana abuse (14%) or dependence (8%) criteria. Effects of CNR1 tSNPs and marijuana abuse/dependence on brain volumes and neurocognition were assessed using ANCOVA, including co-morbid alcohol/non-marijuana illicit drug misuse as covariates. Significant main effects of CNR1 tSNPs (rs7766029, rs12720071, and rs9450898) were found in white matter (WM) volumes. Patients with marijuana abuse/dependence had smaller fronto-temporal WM volumes than patients without heavy marijuana use. More interestingly, there were significant rs12720071 genotype-by-marijuana use interaction effects on WM volumes and neurocognitive impairment; suggestive of gene-environment interactions for conferring phenotypic abnormalities in schizophrenia. In this comprehensive evaluation of genetic variants distributed across the CB1 locus, CNR1 genetic polymorphisms were associated with WM brain volume variation among schizophrenia patients. Our findings suggest that heavy cannabis use in the context of specific CNR1 genotypes may contribute to greater WM volume deficits and cognitive impairment, which could in turn increase schizophrenia risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beng-Choon Ho
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 5224, USA.
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Stadelmann AM, Juckel G, Arning L, Gallinat J, Epplen JT, Roser P. Association between a cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) polymorphism and cannabinoid-induced alterations of the auditory event-related P300 potential. Neurosci Lett 2011; 496:60-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Cacciola G, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R, Cobellis G. The contribution of lower vertebrate animal models in human reproduction research. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 171:17-27. [PMID: 21192939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Many advances have been carried out on the estrogens, GnRH and endocannabinoid system that have impact in the reproductive field. Indeed, estrogens, the generally accepted female hormones, have performed an unsuspected role in male sexual functions thanks to studies on non-mammalian vertebrates. Similarly, these animal models have provided important contributions to the identification of several GnRH ligand and receptor variants and their possible involvement in sexual behavior and gonadal function regulation. Moreover, the use of non-mammalian animal models has contributed to a better comprehension about the endocannabinoid system action in several mammalian reproductive events. We wish to highlight here how non-mammalian vertebrate animal model research contributes to advancements with implications on human health as well as providing a phylogenetic perspective on the evolution of reproductive systems in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Abstract
Starting from an historical overview of lasting Cannabis use over the centuries, we will focus on a description of the cannabinergic system, with a comprehensive analysis of chemical and pharmacological properties of endogenous and synthetic cannabimimetic analogues. The metabolic pathways and the signal transduction mechanisms, activated by cannabinoid receptors stimulation, will also be discussed. In particular, we will point out the action of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on the different neuronal networks involved in reproductive axis, and locally, on male and female reproductive tracts, by emphasizing the pivotal role played by this system in the control of fertility.
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Rodrigo C, Welgama S, Gunawardana A, Maithripala C, Jayananda G, Rajapakse S. A retrospective analysis of cannabis use in a cohort of mentally ill patients in Sri Lanka and its implications on policy development. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2010; 5:16. [PMID: 20615208 PMCID: PMC2910013 DOI: 10.1186/1747-597x-5-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several epidemiological studies have shown that cannabis; the most widely used illegal drug in the world, is associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). AIMS To assess the characteristics of cannabis use and its association with SSD in a cohort of psychiatrically ill patients and discuss the implications for policy development METHODS This is a retrospective analytical study of a cohort of psychiatric patients who received treatment in the psychiatry unit of the Provincial General Hospital, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka over five years (2000 - 2004). The schizophrenia spectrum disorders defined in this article include schizophrenia and the schizoaffective disorders. RESULTS A total of 3644 patient records were analyzed. The percentage of self reported life time cannabis (LTC) use was 2.83% (103, all males). Sixteen percent (576) of the total cohort was diagnosed with SSD by 2009. Male sex and LTC use were significantly associated with SSD (p < 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). In the majority (91.5%), cannabis use preceded the diagnosis. There were 17(16.5%) patients diagnosed as cannabis induced psychosis and 7 (41.2%) of them were subsequently diagnosed as SSD. This group was significantly more likely to have had a past psychiatric consultation, but other demographic and clinical correlates did not differ from the rest of the LTC users. CONCLUSIONS Self reported LTC use was strongly associated with being diagnosed with SSD. However we could not identify a particular subgroup of users that are at increased risk to recommend targeted primary prophylaxis. The policy implications of this observation are discussed.
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Proudnikov D, Kroslak T, Sipe JC, Randesi M, Li D, Hamon S, Ho A, Ott J, Kreek MJ. Association of polymorphisms of the cannabinoid receptor (CNR1) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) genes with heroin addiction: impact of long repeats of CNR1. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2010; 10:232-42. [PMID: 20010914 PMCID: PMC3810151 DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2009.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Revised: 09/29/2009] [Accepted: 11/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in expression of a cannabinoid receptor (CNR1, CB1), and of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) that degrades endogenous ligands of CB1, may contribute to the development of addiction. The 385C>A in the FAAH gene and six polymorphisms of CNR1 were genotyped in former heroin addicts and control subjects (247 Caucasians, 161 Hispanics, 179 African Americans and 19 Asians). In Caucasians, long repeats (>or=14) of 18087-18131(TAA)(8-17) were associated with heroin addiction (P=0.0102). Across three ethnicities combined, a highly significant association of long repeats with heroin addiction was found (z=3.322, P=0.0009). Point-wise significant associations of allele 1359A (P=0.006) and genotype 1359AA (P=0.034) with protection from heroin addiction were found in Caucasians. Also in Caucasians, the genotype pattern, 1359G>A and -6274A>T, was significantly associated with heroin addiction experiment wise (P=0.0244). No association of FAAH 385C>A with heroin addiction was found in any group studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Proudnikov
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Sewell RA, Skosnik PD, Garcia-Sosa I, Ranganathan M, D'Souza DC. Efeitos comportamentais, cognitivos e psicofisiológicos dos canabinoides: relevância para a psicose e a esquizofrenia. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462010000500005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Avanços recentes no conhecimento sobre a função do receptor de canabinoide renovaram o interesse na associação entre cannabis e psicose. Linhas convergentes de evidências sugerem que os canabinoides podem produzir uma ampla gama de sintomas transitórios positivos, negativos e cognitivos assemelhados aos de esquizofrenia. Os canabinoides também produzem alguns déficits psicofisiológicos sabidamente presentes na esquizofrenia. É igualmente claro que em indivíduos com um transtorno psicótico estabelecido, os canabinoides podem exacerbar sintomas, desencadear recaídas e ter consequências negativas no curso da doença. Evidências crescentes sugerem que a exposição precoce e pesada à cannabis pode aumentar o risco de se desenvolver um transtorno psicótico como a esquizofrenia. A relação entre exposição à cannabis e esquizofrenia preenche alguns, mas não todos os critérios usuais de causalidade. Porém, a maioria das pessoas que utilizam cannabis não desenvolve esquizofrenia e muitas pessoas diagnosticadas com esquizofrenia nunca utilizaram cannabis. Portanto, é provável que a exposição à cannabis seja uma "causa componente" que interage com outros fatores para "causar" esquizofrenia ou outro transtorno psicótico, mas não é nem necessária nem suficiente para fazê-lo sozinha. No entanto, na ausência de causas conhecidas da esquizofrenia e com as implicações de políticas de saúde pública, se tal vínculo for estabelecido, as causas componentes, tais como a exposição a canabinoide, devem continuar sendo um foco de estudos futuros. Finalmente, são necessárias mais pesquisas para identificar os fatores subjacentes à vulnerabilidade à psicose relacionada a canabinoide e para elucidar os mecanismos biológicos subjacentes a esse risco.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Andrew Sewell
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
| | - Patrick D. Skosnik
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
| | - Icelini Garcia-Sosa
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
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Ramil E, Sánchez AJ, González-Pérez P, Rodríguez-Antigüedad A, Gómez-Lozano N, Ortiz P, Arroyo R, De las Heras V, Vilches C, García-Merino A. The cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) and multiple sclerosis: an association study in two case-control groups from Spain. Mult Scler 2009; 16:139-46. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458509355071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Different studies point to the implication of the endocannabinoid system in multiple sclerosis (MS) and animal models of MS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a possible association of MS with polymorphic markers at the CNR1 gene, encoding the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor. We have performed a genetic analysis of an AAT repeat microsatellite localized in the downstream region of the CNR1 gene, in two case—control groups of MS patients and healthy controls (HC) from Spain (Madrid and Bilbao). MS patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS) had more commonly long ((AAT) ≥13) alleles and genotypes with a significant difference for genotype 7/8 in Madrid (p = 0.043) and in the sum of both groups (p = 0.016); short alleles were less frequently found in PPMS with a significant difference for allele 5 in the analysis of both groups together (p = 0.039). In patients with relapsing MS, no consistent differences in allele and genotype distribution were found. Disease severity and progression was unrelated to AAT repeat variations. In conclusion, long (AAT) ≥13 CNR1 genotypes could behave as risk factors for PPMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Ramil
- Neuroinmunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - AJ Sánchez
- Neuroinmunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - P. González-Pérez
- Neuroinmunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Spain
| | | | - N. Gómez-Lozano
- Laboratorio de Citogenética, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - P. Ortiz
- Neuroinmunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - R. Arroyo
- MS Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - C. Vilches
- Laboratorio de Inmunogenética, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - A. García-Merino
- Neuroinmunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Spain,
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D’Souza DC, Sewell RA, Ranganathan M. Cannabis and psychosis/schizophrenia: human studies. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2009; 259:413-31. [PMID: 19609589 PMCID: PMC2864503 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-009-0024-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The association between cannabis use and psychosis has long been recognized. Recent advances in knowledge about cannabinoid receptor function have renewed interest in this association. Converging lines of evidence suggest that cannabinoids can produce a full range of transient schizophrenia-like positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms in some healthy individuals. Also clear is that in individuals with an established psychotic disorder, cannabinoids can exacerbate symptoms, trigger relapse, and have negative consequences on the course of the illness. The mechanisms by which cannabinoids produce transient psychotic symptoms, while unclear may involve dopamine, GABA, and glutamate neurotransmission. However, only a very small proportion of the general population exposed to cannabinoids develop a psychotic illness. It is likely that cannabis exposure is a "component cause" that interacts with other factors to "cause" schizophrenia or a psychotic disorder, but is neither necessary nor sufficient to do so alone. Nevertheless, in the absence of known causes of schizophrenia, the role of component causes remains important and warrants further study. Dose, duration of exposure, and the age of first exposure to cannabinoids may be important factors, and genetic factors that interact with cannabinoid exposure to moderate or amplify the risk of a psychotic disorder are beginning to be elucidated. The mechanisms by which exposure to cannabinoids increase the risk for developing a psychotic disorder are unknown. However, novel hypotheses including the role of cannabinoids on neurodevelopmental processes relevant to psychotic disorders are being studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Cyril D’Souza
- Schizophrenia Biological Research Center, Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 116A, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA, Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard Andrew Sewell
- Schizophrenia Biological Research Center, Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 116A, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA, Substance Abuse Research Program, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Schizophrenia Biological Research Center, Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 116A, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illegitimate substance in the world, and the number of users has increased by 10% over the last decade worldwide. Therefore, it is important to review the evidence on psychoactive properties of cannabis and its possible association with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). We searched MEDLINE with the key words cannabis and schizophrenia. The search was limited to articles published in English over the last 10 years (1999-2009). Bibliographies of cited literature were also searched. Data sources included reviews published in core clinical journals, cohort studies, interventional studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional analyses and epidemiological data. Results are discussed under 2 topics. Firstly, evidence related to biochemical functioning of cannabinoids and their relationship to endocannabinoid system is discussed briefly. Secondly, the evidence from clinical studies on cannabis, psychosis proneness and SSD are discussed in detail. The discussion is structured to fit in the evidence from results section to 3 plausible hypotheses on cannabis use and SSD. The evidence for and against each hypothesis is discussed. Despite new evidence, the exact relationship between cannabis and SSD is unclear. There is no firm evidence that cannabis causes SSD. The evidence for the argument that schizophrenic patients are attracted to cannabis is also not strong. The most plausible explanation is that cannabis use and psychosis proneness may have synergistic effects in a vulnerable minority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaturaka Rodrigo
- Mental Health Unit, Provincial General Hospital, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
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40
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Fasano S, Meccariello R, Cobellis G, Chianese R, Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Pierantoni R. The Endocannabinoid System: An Ancient Signaling Involved in the Control of Male Fertility. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1163:112-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04437.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Onaivi ES. Cannabinoid receptors in brain: pharmacogenetics, neuropharmacology, neurotoxicology, and potential therapeutic applications. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2009; 88:335-69. [PMID: 19897083 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(09)88012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Much progress has been achieved in cannabinoid research. A major breakthrough in marijuana-cannabinoid research has been the discovery of a previously unknown but elaborate endogenous endocannabinoid system (ECS), complete with endocannabinoids and enzymes for their biosynthesis and degradation with genes encoding two distinct cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors (CBRs) that are activated by endocannabinoids, cannabinoids, and marijuana use. Physical and genetic localization of the CBR genes CNR1 and CNR2 have been mapped to chromosome 6 and 1, respectively. A number of variations in CBR genes have been associated with human disorders including osteoporosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug dependency, obesity, and depression. Other family of lipid receptors including vanilloid (VR1) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors appear to be related to the CBRs at the phylogenetic level. The ubiquitous abundance and differential distribution of the ECS in the human body and brain along with the coupling to many signal transduction pathways may explain the effects in most biological system and the myriad behavioral effects associated with smoking marijuana. The neuropharmacological and neuroprotective features of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoid associated neurogenesis have revealed roles for the use of cannabinoids in neurodegenerative pathologies with less neurotoxicity. The remarkable progress in understanding the biological actions of marijuana and cannabinoids have provided much richer results than previously appreciated cannabinoid genomics and raised a number of critical issues on the molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid induced behavioral and biochemical alterations. These advances will allow specific therapeutic targeting of the different components of the ECS in health and disease. This review focuses on these recent advances in cannabinoid genomics and the surprising new fundamental roles that the ECS plays in the retrograde signaling associated with cannabinoid inhibition of neurotransmitter release to the genetic basis of the effects of marijuana use and pharmacotherpeutic applications and limitations. Much evidence is provided for the complex CNR1 and CNR2 gene structures and their associated regulatory elements. Thus, understanding the ECS in the human body and brain will contribute to elucidating this natural regulatory mechanism in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel S Onaivi
- Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey 07470, USA
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42
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Lu AT, Ogdie MN, Järvelin MR, Moilanen IK, Loo SK, McCracken JT, McGough JJ, Yang MH, Peltonen L, Nelson SF, Cantor RM, Smalley SL. Association of the cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) with ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2008; 147B:1488-94. [PMID: 18213623 PMCID: PMC2685476 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable disorder affecting some 5-10% of children and 4-5% of adults. The cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) is a positional candidate gene due to its location near an identified ADHD linkage peak on chromosome 6, its role in stress and dopamine regulation, its association with other psychiatric disorders that co-occur with ADHD, and its function in learning and memory. We tested SNP variants at the CNR1 gene in two independent samples-an unselected adolescent sample from Northern Finland, and a family-based sample of trios (an ADHD child and their parents). In addition to using the trios for association study, the parents (with and without ADHD) were used as an additional case/control sample of adults for association tests. ADHD and its co-morbid psychiatric disorders were examined. A significant association was detected for a SNP haplotype (C-G) with ADHD (P = 0.008). A sex by genotype interaction was observed as well with this haplotype posing a greater risk in males than females. An association of an alternative SNP haplotype in this gene was found for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (P = 0.04 for C-A, and P = 0.01 for C-G). These observations require replication, however, they suggest that the CNR1 gene may be a risk factor for ADHD and possibly PTSD, and that this gene warrants further investigation for a role in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matthew N. Ogdie
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marjo-Ritta Järvelin
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sandra K. Loo
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
,Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
| | - James T. McCracken
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
| | - James J. McGough
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
| | - May H. Yang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
| | - Leena Peltonen
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
,Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki and National Public Health Institute, Helsiniki, Finland
,Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Stanley F. Nelson
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rita M. Cantor
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California
,Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
| | - Susan L. Smalley
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
,Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
,Correspondence to: Susan L. Smalley, Ph.D., Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, 760 Westwood Plaza, Room 47-438, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1759. E-mail:
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43
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Müller-Vahl KR, Emrich HM. Cannabis and schizophrenia: towards a cannabinoid hypothesis of schizophrenia. Expert Rev Neurother 2008; 8:1037-48. [PMID: 18590475 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.8.7.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Highlighting the association between schizophrenia and Cannabis sativa and the endogenous cannabinoid receptor system, respectively, two opposite aspects are of major relevance. On the one hand, cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug. There is substantial evidence that cannabis has to be classified as an independent risk factor for psychosis that may lead to a worse outcome of the disease. This risk seems to be increased in genetically predisposed people and may depend on the amount of cannabis used. On the other hand, during the last few years, an endogenous cannabinoid receptor system (including two known cannabinoid [CB(1) and CB(2)] receptors and five endogenous ligands) has been discovered. There are several lines of evidence suggesting that, at least in a subgroup of patients, alterations in the endocannabinoid system may contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (e.g., increased density of CB(1) receptor binding and increased levels of cerebrospinal fluid endocannabinoid anandamide). Accordingly, beside the 'dopamine hypothesis' of schizophrenia, a 'cannabinoid hypothesis' has been suggested. Interestingly, there is a complex interaction between the dopaminergic and the endocannabinoid receptor system. Thus, agents that interact with the cannabinoid receptor system, such as the nonpsychoactive cannabidiol, might be beneficial in the treatment of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R Müller-Vahl
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry & Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Chen X, Williamson VS, An SS, Hettema JM, Aggen SH, Neale MC, Kendler KS. Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene association with nicotine dependence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 65:816-24. [PMID: 18606954 DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.65.7.816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The endogenous cannabinoid system has been implicated in drug addiction in animal models. The cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene is 1 of the 2 receptors expressed in the brain. It has been reported to be associated with alcoholism and multiple drug abuse and dependence. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that the CNR1 gene is associated with nicotine dependence. DESIGN Genotype-phenotype association study. Ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in the CNR1 gene in 2 independent samples. For the first sample (n = 688), a 3-group case-control design was used to test allele association with smoking initiation and nicotine dependence. For the second sample (n = 961), association was assessed with scores from the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Settings Population samples selected from the Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry. PARTICIPANTS White patients aged 18 to 65 years who met the criteria of inclusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire and FTND scores. RESULTS Significant single-marker and haplotype associations were found in both samples, and the associations were female specific. Haplotype 1-1-2 of markers rs2023239-rs12720071-rs806368 was associated with nicotine dependence and FTND score in the 2 samples (P < .001 and P = .009, respectively). CONCLUSION Variants and haplotypes in the CNR1 gene may alter the risk for nicotine dependence, and the associations are likely sex specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangning Chen
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics and Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 Leigh St, Ste 1-110, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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Chianese R, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Fasano S, Meccariello R. Non-mammalian vertebrate models and the endocannabinoid system: relationships with gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 286:S46-51. [PMID: 18325658 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2007] [Revised: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids, via cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), affect reproductive functions at both local and central level. Due to the high complexity of the endocannabinoid system, to the widespread distribution outside the nervous system and to the high degree of evolutionary conservation, a deep CB1 molecular characterization among species may be useful to elucidate the activity of endocannabinoids at multiple levels. In this review we report CB1 characterization in non-mammalian animal models and, in particular, in the anuran amphibian, the frog, Rana esculenta; we also describe its expression during the annual sexual cycle. Moreover, since reproductive functions are under control of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), cb1 mRNA and protein expression profile in the forebrain has been compared to those of GnRH-I, the mammalian form primarily involved in gonadotropin release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. "F. Bottazzi", II Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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Chavarría-Siles I, Contreras-Rojas J, Hare E, Walss-Bass C, Quezada P, Dassori A, Contreras S, Medina R, Ramírez M, Salazar R, Raventos H, Escamilla MA. Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) and susceptibility to a quantitative phenotype for hebephrenic schizophrenia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2008; 147:279-84. [PMID: 18186055 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Functional alterations of components of the endogenous cannabinoid system, in particular of the cannabinoid receptor 1 protein (CB1), are hypothetical contributors to many of the symptoms seen in schizophrenia. Variants within the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) have been shown to be directly associated with the hebephrenic form of schizophrenia in a Japanese population. This finding, however, has yet to be replicated. In the present study we sought to study the same (AAT)n-repeat microsatellite of the CNR1 gene which showed association to hebephrenic schizophrenia in Japan, and to investigate whether this microsatellite showed association to a hebephrenic type of schizophrenia in a family-based association study in a population of the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The Lifetime Dimensions of Psychosis Scale and a best estimate consensus process were utilized to identify subjects with schizophrenia who had an elevated lifetime dimensional score for negative and disorganized symptoms, which we used as a proxy for "hebephrenia." Using the Family Based Association Test we found association of these hebephrenic subjects and the (AAT)n-repeat marker of the CNR1 (multi-allelic P = 0.0368). Our hypothesis that an association with the (AAT)n-repeat marker of CNR1 would not be found with the more general type of schizophrenia was also confirmed. Schizophrenic subjects with prominent lifetime scores for disorganization and negative symptoms (dimension for hebephrenia) are associated with the CNR1 gene and present a type of symptomatology that resembles chronic cannabinoid-induced psychosis. The current finding points to the possibility of different genetic and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying different types of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Chavarría-Siles
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Genetics Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
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Camilleri M, Carlson P, McKinzie S, Grudell A, Busciglio I, Burton D, Baxter K, Ryks M, Zinsmeister AR. Genetic variation in endocannabinoid metabolism, gastrointestinal motility, and sensation. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2008; 294:G13-9. [PMID: 17962356 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00371.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid agonist inhibits gastrointestinal motility. The endocannabinoid, anandamide, is inactivated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). A single nucleotide polymorphism in the human FAAH gene (C385A) reduces FAAH expression. Our aim was to evaluate associations between FAAH genotype variation and symptom phenotype, gastric emptying and volume, colonic transit, and rectal sensation in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). 482 FGID patients [Rome II positive, 159 constipation disorders, 184 diarrhea disorders (D-IBS), 86 mixed bowel function (M-IBS), 20 chronic abdominal pain (CAP), 33 functional dyspepsia], and 252 healthy volunteers (HV) underwent questionnaires and studies of phenotype and genotype from 2000 to 2007: 250 gastric emptying, 210 fasting and postprandial gastric volume, 152 colonic transit, and 123 rectal sensation. All had FAAH genotype [CC vs. polymorphic (CA/AA)] determined by TaqMan. FAAH genotype distribution of FGID patients and HV did not deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was a significant association of FAAH genotype with FGID phenotype (overall chi(2), P = 0.011) and with specific individual phenotypes (P = 0.048). Thus FAAH CA/AA increases the odds (relative to HV) for D-IBS (P = 0.008), M-IBS (P = 0.012), and, possibly, CAP (P = 0.055). There was a significant association of FAAH CA/AA genotype with accelerated colonic transit in D-IBS (P = 0.037). There was no association of FAAH genotype with rectal sensation thresholds or ratings. The association of genetic variation in metabolism of endocannabinoids with symptom phenotype in D-IBS and M-IBS and with faster colonic transit in D-IBS supports the hypothesis that cannabinoid mechanisms may play a role in the control of colonic motility in humans and deserve further study.
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Abstract
Disturbances in the endocannabinoid system has been linked to diseases and conditions such as Parkinson's, schizophrenia, pain, energy metabolism, immune modulation, and bone density. Since the early 1990s, a number of genetic polymorphisms in the genes and proteins of the endocannabinoid system have been characterized. Currently identified genetic polymorphisms of the endocannabinoid system are reviewed here with particular consideration given to polymorphisms linked to drug and alcohol abuse, schizophrenia, other mental disorders, and energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison G Norrod
- Bridgewater College, 402 E. College Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812-1599, USA
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Seifert J, Ossege S, Emrich HM, Schneider U, Stuhrmann M. No association of CNR1 gene variations with susceptibility to schizophrenia. Neurosci Lett 2007; 426:29-33. [PMID: 17881126 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2007] [Revised: 08/07/2007] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. There is a growing body of evidence associating dysregulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. In order to test the hypothesis that mutations in the central cannabinoid receptor-1 (CNR1) gene confer susceptibility to the development of schizophrenia, we performed an association study in a group of 104 German patients with schizophrenia and 140 healthy controls, using three polymorphisms within and flanking the coding exon of CNR1 (rs6454674, rs1049353, AL136096). In addition, we analyzed the whole coding region of the CNR1 gene of 50 of the patients by capillary sequencing to detect rare mutations. Our adequately powered study failed to reveal a statistically significant segregation of CNR1 polymorphisms to the diseased or control group. Furthermore, capillary sequencing of CNR1 in a subgroup of study subjects did not show any non-synonymous mutations predicting malfunction of CNR1 in patients with schizophrenia. In conclusion, we could not detect a statistically significant association between mutations in the CNR1 gene and the predisposition to develop schizophrenia. However, further studies are necessary to unravel the relationship between mutations in the CNR1 gene and the genetic susceptibility for the manifestation of certain subtypes or schizophrenia i.e. the predominance of negative or positive symptoms or as predictors of the clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Seifert
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Endocannabinoids are defined as endogenous agonists of cannabinoid receptors, that is, of the two G-protein-coupled receptors for the Cannabis psychoactive principle Delta-tetra-hydrocannabinol. Two such endogenous mediators have been most thoroughly studied so far: anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Here we review the mechanisms for the regulation of their levels under physiological and pathological conditions, and recent findings on their role in disease. RECENT FINDINGS It is becoming increasingly clear that, although both anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol are produced and degraded 'on demand', the levels of these two compounds appear to be regulated in different, and sometimes even opposing, ways, often using redundant molecular mechanisms. Alterations of endocannabinoid levels have been found in both animal models of pain, neurological and neurodegenerative states, gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory conditions, and in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and bioptic samples from patients with various diseases. SUMMARY Endocannabinoid levels appear to be transiently elevated as an adaptive reaction to re-establish normal homeostasis when this is acutely and pathologically perturbed. In some chronic conditions, however, this system also contributes to the progress or symptoms of the disorder. As a consequence, new therapeutic drugs are being designed from both stimulants and blockers of endocannabinoid action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy.
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