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Bakhshinezhad H, Darharaj M, Feyzi YF, Babaei S, Ahadi R, Jamei B, Pourhamzeh M, Daneshi A, Arezoomandan R. The Relationship Between Brain Metabolites Alterations and Neuropsychological Deficits in Patients with Methamphetamine Use Disorder: A Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2021; 37:160-172. [PMID: 33993207 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic use of methamphetamine induces neuropsychological deficits and neurochemical changes in frontostriatal regions. This study aimed to examine the relationship between brain metabolites alterations in frontostriatal regions and neuropsychological deficits in patients with methamphetamine use disorder. METHOD A total of 30 methamphetamine users and 20 control participants were selected and a battery of standardized executive function, attention, and memory tasks, including the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test, and Wechsler Memory Scale, was administered to them. Proton-Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) of N-Acetylaspartate/Creatine (NAA/Cr), Choline/Creatine (Cho/Cr), and glutamate + glutamine/creatine (Glx/Cr) in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and basal ganglia (BG) were also undertaken. RESULTS Current findings indicated that there were significant differences between two groups in metabolite ratios including NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and Glx/Cr in three areas, except for Glx/Cr in BG. Moreover, compared to healthy controls, methamphetamine users showed poorer performance in all neuropsychological tests. Finally, a significant relationship was found between regional metabolites alterations, particularly in the ACC, and neuropsychological deficits in methamphetamine users. CONCLUSIONS In addition to neurochemical changes and neuropsychological deficits in patients with methamphetamine use disorder, current results highlighted the relationship between these changes in DLPFC, ACC, and BG with cognitive deficits in methamphetamine users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Bakhshinezhad
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Darharaj
- Student Research Committee, Addiction Department, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasha Fayaz Feyzi
- Student Research Committee, Addiction Department, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirzad Babaei
- Student Research Committee, Psychology Department, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnammaddin Jamei
- Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Pourhamzeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhadi Daneshi
- Haft-e-Tir Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Arezoomandan
- Addiction Department, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Mason NL, Theunissen EL, Hutten NR, Tse DH, Toennes SW, Jansen JF, Stiers P, Ramaekers JG. Reduced responsiveness of the reward system is associated with tolerance to cannabis impairment in chronic users. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12870. [PMID: 31865628 PMCID: PMC7757162 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. However, because of a changing legal landscape and rising interest in therapeutic utility, there is an increasing trend in (long‐term) use and possibly cannabis impairment. Importantly, a growing body of evidence suggests that regular cannabis users develop tolerance to the impairing, as well as the rewarding, effects of the drug. However, the neuroadaptations that may underlie cannabis tolerance remain unclear. Therefore, this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study assessed the acute influence of cannabis on the brain and behavioral outcomes in two distinct cannabis user groups. Twelve occasional and 12 chronic cannabis users received acute doses of cannabis (300‐μg/kg delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol) and placebo and underwent ultrahigh field functional magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In occasional users, cannabis induced significant neurometabolic alterations in reward circuitry, namely, decrements in functional connectivity and increments in striatal glutamate concentrations, which were associated with increases in subjective high and decreases in performance on a sustained attention task. Such changes were absent in chronic users. The finding that cannabis altered circuitry and distorted behavior in occasional, but not chronic users, suggests reduced responsiveness of the reward circuitry to cannabis intoxication in chronic users. Taken together, the results suggest a pharmacodynamic mechanism for the development of tolerance to cannabis impairment, of which is important to understand in the context of the long‐term therapeutic use of cannabis‐based medications, as well as in the context of public health and safety of cannabis use when performing day‐to‐day operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Eef L. Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Nadia R.P.W. Hutten
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Desmond H.Y. Tse
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Stefan W. Toennes
- Institute of Legal Medicine University of Frankfurt Frankfurt/Main Germany
| | - Jacobus F.A. Jansen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+) Maastricht The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience Maastricht University Medical Center Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Peter Stiers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G. Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
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Blest‐Hopley G, O'Neill A, Wilson R, Giampietro V, Lythgoe D, Egerton A, Bhattacharyya S. Adolescent-onset heavy cannabis use associated with significantly reduced glial but not neuronal markers and glutamate levels in the hippocampus. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12827. [PMID: 31478302 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use has been associated with adverse mental health outcomes, the neurochemical underpinnings of which are poorly understood. Although preclinical evidence suggests glutamatergic dysfunction following cannabis exposure in several brain regions including the hippocampus, evidence from human studies have been inconsistent. We investigated the effect of persistent cannabis use on the brain levels of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and myoinositol, the metabolite markers of neurons and glia, the site of the main central cannabinoid CB1 receptor, and the levels of glutamate, the neurotransmitter directly affected by CB1 modulation. We investigated cannabis users (CUs) who started using during adolescence, the period of greatest vulnerability to cannabis effects and focused on the hippocampus, where type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CBR1) are expressed in high density and have been linked to altered glutamatergic neurotransmission. Twenty-two adolescent-onset CUs and 21 nonusing controls (NU), completed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to measure hippocampal metabolite concentrations. Glutamate, NAA, and myoinositol levels were compared between CU and NU using separate analyses of covariance. CU had significantly lower myoinositol but not glutamate or NAA levels in the hippocampus compared with NU. Myoinositol levels in CU positively correlated with glutamate levels, whereas this association was absent in NU. Altered myoinositol levels may be a marker of glia dysfunction and is consistent with experimental preclinical evidence that cannabinoid-induced glial dysfunction may underlie cannabinoid-induced memory impairments. Future studies using appropriate imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography should investigate whether glial dysfunction associated with cannabis use underlies hippocampal dysfunction and memory impairment in CUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Blest‐Hopley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
| | - Aisling O'Neill
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
| | - Robin Wilson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
| | - Vincent Giampietro
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
| | - David Lythgoe
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
| | - Alice Egerton
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust London UK
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Newman SD, Cheng H, Schnakenberg Martin A, Dydak U, Dharmadhikari S, Hetrick W, O’Donnell B. An Investigation of Neurochemical Changes in Chronic Cannabis Users. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:318. [PMID: 31607877 PMCID: PMC6761299 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
With the legalization of recreational cannabis (CB) the characterization of how it may impact brain chemistry is essential. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to examine neurometabolite concentrations in the dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC) in chronic CB users (N = 26; 10 females) and controls (N = 24; 10 females). The concentrations of glutamate (Glu), total creatine (tCr), choline (Cho), total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA), and myo-inositol (mI) were estimated using LCModel. The ANCOVAs failed to show significant differences between controls and CB users. Regression analyses were then performed on the CB group to model each neurometabolite to determine its relationship to monthly CB use, sex, the interaction between CB use and sex. tCr was found to be predicted by both monthly CB use and sex. While the regression model was not significant the relationship between monthly CB use and Glu appears to be modulated by sex with the effect of monthly use (dose) being stronger in males. tNAA failed to show an effect of CB use but did reveal an effect of sex with females showing larger tNAA levels. Although the results presented are preliminary due to the small sample size they do guide future research. The results presented provide direction for further studies as they suggest that dose may significantly influence the observance of CB effects and that those effects may be modulated by sex. Studies with significantly larger sample sizes designed specifically to examine individuals with varying usage as well as sex effects are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharlene D. Newman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Hu Cheng
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | | | - Ulrike Dydak
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Shalmali Dharmadhikari
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - William Hetrick
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Brian O’Donnell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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Bloomfield MAP, Hindocha C, Green SF, Wall MB, Lees R, Petrilli K, Costello H, Ogunbiyi MO, Bossong MG, Freeman TP. The neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis: A review of human imaging studies. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 195:132-161. [PMID: 30347211 PMCID: PMC6416743 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The laws governing cannabis are evolving worldwide and associated with changing patterns of use. The main psychoactive drug in cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a partial agonist at the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor. Acutely, cannabis and THC produce a range of effects on several neurocognitive and pharmacological systems. These include effects on executive, emotional, reward and memory processing via direct interactions with the endocannabinoid system and indirect effects on the glutamatergic, GABAergic and dopaminergic systems. Cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in some forms of cannabis, may offset some of these acute effects. Heavy repeated cannabis use, particularly during adolescence, has been associated with adverse effects on these systems, which increase the risk of mental illnesses including addiction and psychosis. Here, we provide a comprehensive state of the art review on the acute and chronic neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis by synthesizing the available neuroimaging research in humans. We describe the effects of drug exposure during development, implications for understanding psychosis and cannabis use disorder, and methodological considerations. Greater understanding of the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of cannabis may also give rise to new treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A P Bloomfield
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Chandni Hindocha
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian F Green
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B Wall
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Invicro UK, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Lees
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Petrilli
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Harry Costello
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - M Olabisi Ogunbiyi
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthijs G Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tom P Freeman
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, United Kingdom; National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
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Murray DE, Durazzo TC, Schmidt TP, Abé C, Guydish J, Meyerhoff DJ. Frontal Metabolite Concentration Deficits in Opiate Dependence Relate to Substance Use, Cognition, and Self-Regulation. J Addict Res Ther 2016; 7:286. [PMID: 27695638 PMCID: PMC5042152 DOI: 10.4172/2155-6105.1000286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) in opiate dependence showed abnormalities in neuronal viability and glutamate concentration in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Metabolite levels in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and their neuropsychological correlates have not been investigated in opiate dependence. METHODS Single-volume proton MRS at 4 Tesla and neuropsychological testing were conducted in 21 opiate-dependent individuals (OD) on buprenorphine maintenance therapy. Results were compared to 28 controls (CON) and 35 alcohol-dependent individuals (ALC), commonly investigated treatment-seekers providing context for OD evaluation. Metabolite concentrations were measured from ACC, DLPFC, OFC and parieto-occipital cortical (POC) regions. RESULTS Compared to CON, OD had lower concentrations of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate (Glu), creatine +phosphocreatine (Cr) and myo-Inositol (mI) in the DLPFC and lower NAA, Cr, and mI in the ACC. OD, ALC, and CON were equivalent on metabolite levels in the POC and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration did not differ between groups in any region. In OD, prefrontal metabolite deficits in ACC Glu as well as DLPFC NAA and choline containing metabolites (Cho) correlated with poorer working memory, executive and visuospatial functioning; metabolite deficits in DLPFC Glu and ACC GABA and Cr correlated with substance use measures. In the OFC of OD, Glu and choline-containing metabolites were elevated and lower Cr concentration related to higher nonplanning impulsivity. Compared to 3 week abstinent ALC, OD had significant DLPFC metabolite deficits. CONCLUSION The anterior frontal metabolite profile of OD differed significantly from that of CON and ALC. The frontal lobe metabolite abnormalities in OD and their neuropsychological correlates may play a role in treatment outcome and could be explored as specific targets for improved OD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna E Murray
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIND), San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Timothy C Durazzo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Mental Illness Research Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Centers; Sierra-Pacific War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto CA, USA
| | - Thomas P Schmidt
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIND), San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christoph Abé
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center, Karolinska Institutet, Nobelsväg 9, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph Guydish
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dieter J Meyerhoff
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIND), San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Stephens T, Holliday RC, Jarboe J. Self-reported ecstasy (MDMA) use and past occurrence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a cohort juvenile detainees in the USA. J Community Health 2015; 40:308-13. [PMID: 25160467 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-014-9936-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The current study was designed to determine the extent to which self-reported ecstasy use in a population of juvenile adolescent detainees in a southern state is associated with high-risk health behaviors pertaining to sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptomology and past history of STI occurrence. Participants were 2,260 juvenile offenders housed at selected Youth Development Campuses in the state of Georgia. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) are presented. Juveniles who reported having used ecstasy previously were more likely to report that they had sore bumps of blisters near their sex organs before (OR 1.28, 95 % CI 0.74-2.21), with males who had used ecstasy prior incarceration being more than two times more likely to indicated that they had experienced having a drip or drainage from the penis (OR 1.76, 95 % CI 0.72-4.32), having vaginal discharge or odor from their vagina (OR 2.33, 95 % CI 1.16-4.65).
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Affiliation(s)
- Torrance Stephens
- Department of Psychology, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA,
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Stephens T, Holliday RC, Hopkins S, Rose S, Braithwaite R, Smith S. Correlates of African American female adolescent offenders 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy") use and sexually transmitted infection morbidity. J Hum Behav Soc Environ 2015; 26:194-201. [PMID: 26834451 PMCID: PMC4729452 DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2015.1083502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The current study was designed to determine the extent to which self-reported ecstasy use in a population of juvenile adolescent detainees in a southern state is associated with high-risk health behaviors pertaining to sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptomology and past history of STI occurrence. Participants were 764 African American females extracted from an overall sample of 2,260 juvenile offenders housed at selected Youth Development Campuses in the state of Georgia. Significance tests were conducted using univariate logistic regressions to examine the independent associations of participant's self-reported ecstasy use and dichotomized HIV risk behavior correlates and history of having a prior STI before the most recent incarceration Participants who reported ecstasy use prior to incarceration were 1.7 (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 0.78-3.64) and 1.8 times (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.24-2.81) more likely respectively to indicate having had genital warts or chlamydia, and were more than 1.5 times (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 0.83-5.44) and two times more likely to report having had gonorrhea or herpes, accordingly. Prevention programs for adolescent offender populations should develop interventions that target adolescents' substance use behavior as a function of STI risk taking as well as being culturally competent to deal specifically with these problem behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torrance Stephens
- Department of Psychology; and Department of Political Science, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Shakita Hopkins
- Department of Biology, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shanhol Rose
- Department of Biology, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia, USA
| | - Ronald Braithwaite
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Selina Smith
- Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Busch MHJ, Vollmann W, Mateiescu S, Stolze M, Deli M, Garmer M, Grönemeyer DHW. Reproducibility of brain metabolite concentration measurements in lesion free white matter at 1.5 T. BMC Med Imaging 2015; 15:40. [PMID: 26420249 PMCID: PMC4588462 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-015-0085-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post processing for brain spectra has a great influence on the fit quality of individual spectra, as well as on the reproducibility of results from comparable spectra. This investigation used pairs of spectra, identical in system parameters, position and time assumed to differ only in noise. The metabolite amplitudes of fitted time domain spectroscopic data were tested on reproducibility for the main brain metabolites. Methods Proton spectra of white matter brain tissue were acquired with a short spin echo time of 30 ms and a moderate repetition time of 1500 ms at 1.5 T. The pairs were investigated with one time domain post-processing algorithm using different parameters. The number of metabolites, the use of prior knowledge, base line parameters and common or individual damping were varied to evaluate the best reproducibility. Results The protocols with most reproducible amplitudes for N-acetylaspartate, creatine, choline, myo-inositol and the combined Glx line of glutamate and glutamine in lesion free white matter have the following common features: common damping of the main metabolites, a baseline using only the points of the first 10 ms, no additional lipid/macromolecule lines and Glx is taken as the sum of separately fitted glutamate and glutamine. This parameter set is different to the one delivering the best individual fit results. Discussion All spectra were acquired in “lesion free” (no lesion signs found in MR imaging) white matter. Spectra of brain lesions, for example tumors, can be drastically different. Thus the results are limited to lesion free brain tissue. Nevertheless the application to studies is broad, because small alterations in brain biochemistry of lesion free areas had been detected nearby tumors, in patients with multiple sclerosis, drug abuse or psychiatric disorders. Conclusion Main metabolite amplitudes inside healthy brain can be quantified with a normalized root mean square deviation around 5 % using CH3 of creatine as reference. Only the reproducibility of myo-inositol is roughly twice as bad. The reproducibility should be similar using other references like internal or external water for an absolute concentration evaluation and are not influenced by relaxation corrections with literature values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H J Busch
- Grönemeyer Institut für Mikrotherapie, Universitätsstraße 142, D-44799, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Vollmann
- Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin, Luxemburger Straße 10, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Serban Mateiescu
- Grönemeyer Institut für Mikrotherapie, Universitätsstraße 142, D-44799, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Manuel Stolze
- Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Martin Deli
- Amedo Smart Tracking Solutions, Universitätsstraße 142, D-44799, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Marietta Garmer
- Grönemeyer Institut für Mikrotherapie, Universitätsstraße 142, D-44799, Bochum, Germany.
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Riba J, Valle M, Sampedro F, Rodríguez-Pujadas A, Martínez-Horta S, Kulisevsky J, Rodríguez-Fornells A. Telling true from false: cannabis users show increased susceptibility to false memories. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:772-7. [PMID: 25824306 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies on the neurocognitive impact of cannabis use have found working and declarative memory deficits that tend to normalize with abstinence. An unexplored aspect of cognitive function in chronic cannabis users is the ability to distinguish between veridical and illusory memories, a crucial aspect of reality monitoring that relies on adequate memory function and cognitive control. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we show that abstinent cannabis users have an increased susceptibility to false memories, failing to identify lure stimuli as events that never occurred. In addition to impaired performance, cannabis users display reduced activation in areas associated with memory processing within the lateral and medial temporal lobe (MTL), and in parietal and frontal brain regions involved in attention and performance monitoring. Furthermore, cannabis consumption was inversely correlated with MTL activity, suggesting that the drug is especially detrimental to the episodic aspects of memory. These findings indicate that cannabis users have an increased susceptibility to memory distortions even when abstinent and drug-free, suggesting a long-lasting compromise of memory and cognitive control mechanisms involved in reality monitoring.
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Stone JM, Pepper F, Fam J, Furby H, Hughes E, Morgan C, Howes OD. Glutamate, N-acetyl aspartate and psychotic symptoms in chronic ketamine users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:2107-16. [PMID: 24264567 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Ketamine, a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, induces acute effects resembling the positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Chronic use has been suggested to lead to persistent schizophrenia-like neurobiological changes. OBJECTIVES This study aims to test the hypothesis that chronic ketamine users have changes in brain neurochemistry and increased subthreshold psychotic symptoms compared to matched poly-drug users. METHODS Fifteen ketamine users and 13 poly-drug users were included in the study. Psychopathology was assessed using the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental State. Creatine-scaled glutamate (Glu/Cr), glutamate + glutamine (Glu + Gln/Cr) and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA/Cr) were measured in three brain regions-anterior cingulate, left thalamus and left medial temporal cortex using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS Chronic ketamine users had higher levels of subthreshold psychotic symptoms (p < 0.005, Cohen's d = 1.48) and lower thalamic NAA/Cr (p < 0.01, d = 1.17) compared to non-users. There were no differences in medial temporal cortex or anterior cingulate NAA/Cr or in Glu/Cr or Glu + Gln/Cr in any brain region between the two groups. In chronic ketamine users, CAARMS severity of abnormal perceptions was directly correlated with anterior cingulate Glu/Cr (p < 0.05, r = 0.61-uncorrected), but NAA/Cr was not related to any measures of psychopathology. CONCLUSIONS The finding of lower thalamic NAA/Cr in chronic ketamine users may be secondary to the effects of ketamine use compared to other drugs of abuse and resembles previous reports in individuals at genetic or clinical risk of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Stone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK,
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Watkins TJ, Raj V, Lee J, Dietrich MS, Cao A, Blackford JU, Salomon RM, Park S, Benningfield MM, Di Iorio CR, Cowan RL. Human ecstasy (MDMA) polydrug users have altered brain activation during semantic processing. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 227:41-54. [PMID: 23241648 PMCID: PMC3615064 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2936-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) polydrug users have verbal memory performance that is statistically significantly lower than that of control subjects. Studies have correlated long-term MDMA use with altered brain activation in regions that play a role in verbal memory. OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to examine the association of lifetime ecstasy use with semantic memory performance and brain activation in ecstasy polydrug users. METHODS A total of 23 abstinent ecstasy polydrug users (age = 24.57 years) and 11 controls (age = 22.36 years) performed a two-part functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) semantic encoding and recognition task. To isolate brain regions activated during each semantic task, we created statistical activation maps in which brain activation was greater for word stimuli than for non-word stimuli (corrected p < 0.05). RESULTS During the encoding phase, ecstasy polydrug users had greater activation during semantic encoding bilaterally in language processing regions, including Brodmann areas 7, 39, and 40. Of this bilateral activation, signal intensity with a peak T in the right superior parietal lobe was correlated with lifetime ecstasy use (r s = 0.43, p = 0.042). Behavioral performance did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that ecstasy polydrug users have increased brain activation during semantic processing. This increase in brain activation in the absence of behavioral deficits suggests that ecstasy polydrug users have reduced cortical efficiency during semantic encoding, possibly secondary to MDMA-induced 5-HT neurotoxicity. Although pre-existing differences cannot be ruled out, this suggests the possibility of a compensatory mechanism allowing ecstasy polydrug users to perform equivalently to controls, providing additional support for an association of altered cerebral neurophysiology with MDMA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan J Watkins
- Vanderbilt Addiction Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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Abstract
Marijuana (MJ) remains the most widely used illicit drug of abuse, and accordingly, is associated with adverse effects on mental and physical health, and neurocognitive decline. Studies investigating the neurobiology of underlying MJ effects have demonstrated structural and functional alterations in brain areas that contain moderate to high concentrations of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors and that are implicated in MJ-related cognitive decrements. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS), a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess neurochemistry, has been widely applied to probe a variety of substance-abusing populations. To date, however, there is a relative paucity of MRS published studies characterizing changes in neurometabolite concentrations in MJ users. Thus, the current review provides a summary of data from the eight existing MRS studies of MJ use in adolescents and adults, as well as interpretations and implications of study findings. Future MRS studies that address additional factors such as sex differences, onset and duration of use, abstinence and age, are warranted, and would lead to a more thorough characterization of potential neurochemical correlates of chronic MJ use, which would fill critical gaps in the existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer T Sneider
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yasmin Mashhoon
- Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marisa M Silveri
- Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Sung YH, Carey PD, Stein DJ, Ferrett HL, Spottiswoode BS, Renshaw PF, Yurgelun-Todd DA. Decreased frontal N-acetylaspartate levels in adolescents concurrently using both methamphetamine and marijuana. Behav Brain Res 2013; 246:154-61. [PMID: 23466689 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The potential neurochemical toxicity associated with methamphetamine (MA) or marijuana (MJ) use on the developing adolescent brain is unclear, particularly with regard to individuals with concomitant use of MA and MJ (MA+MJ). In this study, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was utilized to measure in vivo brain N-acetylaspartate plus N-acetylaspartyl glutamate (tNAA, an indicator of intact neuronal integrity) levels. METHODS Three adolescent groups from Cape Town, South Africa completed MRS scans as well as clinical measures including a drug use history. Subjects included (1) nine MA (age=15.7±1.37), (2) eight MA+MJ (age=16.2±1.16) using adolescents and (3) ten healthy controls (age=16.8±0.62). Single voxel spectra were acquired from midfrontal gray matter using a point-resolved spectroscopy sequence (PRESS). The MRS data were post-processed in the fully automated approach for quantitation of metabolite ratios to phosphocreatine plus creatine (PCr+Cr). RESULTS A significant reduction in frontal tNAA/PCr+Cr ratios was seen in the MA+MJ group compared to the healthy controls (p=0.01, by 7.2%) and to the MA group (p=0.04, by 6.9%). Significant relationships were also observed between decreased tNAA/PCr+Cr ratios and drug use history of MA or MJ (total cumulative lifetime dose, age of onset, and duration of MA and MJ exposure) only in the MA+MJ group (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that in adolescents, concomitant heavy MA+MJ use may contribute to altered brain metabolites in frontal gray matter. The significant associations between the abnormal tNAA/PCr+Cr ratios and the drug use history suggest that MA+MJ abuse may induce neurotoxicity in a dose-responsive manner in adolescent brain.
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Batalla A, Bhattacharyya S, Yücel M, Fusar-Poli P, Crippa JA, Nogué S, Torrens M, Pujol J, Farré M, Martin-Santos R. Structural and functional imaging studies in chronic cannabis users: a systematic review of adolescent and adult findings. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55821. [PMID: 23390554 PMCID: PMC3563634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The growing concern about cannabis use, the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide, has led to a significant increase in the number of human studies using neuroimaging techniques to determine the effect of cannabis on brain structure and function. We conducted a systematic review to assess the evidence of the impact of chronic cannabis use on brain structure and function in adults and adolescents. Methods Papers published until August 2012 were included from EMBASE, Medline, PubMed and LILACS databases following a comprehensive search strategy and pre-determined set of criteria for article selection. Only neuroimaging studies involving chronic cannabis users with a matched control group were considered. Results One hundred and forty-two studies were identified, of which 43 met the established criteria. Eight studies were in adolescent population. Neuroimaging studies provide evidence of morphological brain alterations in both population groups, particularly in the medial temporal and frontal cortices, as well as the cerebellum. These effects may be related to the amount of cannabis exposure. Functional neuroimaging studies suggest different patterns of resting global and brain activity during the performance of several cognitive tasks both in adolescents and adults, which may indicate compensatory effects in response to chronic cannabis exposure. Limitations However, the results pointed out methodological limitations of the work conducted to date and considerable heterogeneity in the findings. Conclusion Chronic cannabis use may alter brain structure and function in adult and adolescent population. Further studies should consider the use of convergent methodology, prospective large samples involving adolescent to adulthood subjects, and data-sharing initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Batalla
- Psychiatry, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Murat Yücel
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Alexandre Crippa
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Behavior Department, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Santiago Nogué
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Emergency Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Neuroscience Program, Pharmacology Unit and Drug Addiction Unit, IMIM-INAD-Parc de Salut Mar, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETIC), IMIM-INAD-Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Pujol
- Institut d’Alta Tecnologia-PRBB, CRC Mar, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Neuroscience Program, Pharmacology Unit and Drug Addiction Unit, IMIM-INAD-Parc de Salut Mar, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETIC), IMIM-INAD-Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocio Martin-Santos
- Psychiatry, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Stone JM, Bhattacharyya S, Barker GJ, McGuire PK. Substance use and regional gray matter volume in individuals at high risk of psychosis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 22:114-22. [PMID: 21741803 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Revised: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with an at risk mental state (ARMS) are at greatly increased risk of developing a psychotic illness. Risk of transition to psychosis is associated with regionally reduced cortical gray matter volume. There has been considerable interest in the interaction between psychosis risk and substance use. In this study we investigate the relationship between alcohol, cannabis and nicotine use with gray matter volume in ARMS subjects and healthy volunteers. Twenty seven ARMS subjects and 27 healthy volunteers took part in the study. All subjects underwent volumetric MRI imaging. The relationship between regional gray matter volume and cannabis use, smoking, and alcohol use in controls and ARMS subjects was analysed using voxel-based morphometry. In any region where a significant relationship with drug was present, data were analysed to determine if there was any group difference in this relationship. Alcohol intake was inversely correlated with gray matter volume in cerebellum, cannabis intake was use was inversely correlated with gray matter volume in prefrontal cortex and tobacco intake was inversely correlated with gray matter volume in left temporal cortex. There were no significant interactions by group in any region. There is no evidence to support the hypothesis of increased susceptibility to harmful effects of drugs and alcohol on regional gray matter in ARMS subjects. However, alcohol, tobacco and cannabis at low to moderate intake may be associated with lower gray matter in both ARMS subjects and healthy volunteers-possibly representing low-level cortical damage or change in neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Stone
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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Buchowski MS, Meade NN, Charboneau E, Park S, Dietrich MS, Cowan RL, Martin PR. Aerobic exercise training reduces cannabis craving and use in non-treatment seeking cannabis-dependent adults. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17465. [PMID: 21408154 PMCID: PMC3050879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis dependence is a significant public health problem. Because there are no approved medications for this condition, treatment must rely on behavioral approaches empirically complemented by such lifestyle change as exercise. AIMS To examine the effects of moderate aerobic exercise on cannabis craving and use in cannabis dependent adults under normal living conditions. DESIGN Participants attended 10 supervised 30-min treadmill exercise sessions standardized using heart rate (HR) monitoring (60-70% HR reserve) over 2 weeks. Exercise sessions were conducted by exercise physiologists under medical oversight. PARTICIPANTS Sedentary or minimally active non-treatment seeking cannabis-dependent adults (n = 12, age 25±3 years, 8 females) met criteria for primary cannabis dependence using the Substance Abuse module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). MEASUREMENTS Self-reported drug use was assessed for 1-week before, during, and 2-weeks after the study. Participants viewed visual cannabis cues before and after exercise in conjunction with assessment of subjective cannabis craving using the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire (MCQ-SF). FINDINGS Daily cannabis use within the run-in period was 5.9 joints per day (SD = 3.1, range 1.8-10.9). Average cannabis use levels within the exercise (2.8 joints, SD = 1.6, range 0.9-5.4) and follow-up (4.1 joints, SD = 2.5, range 1.1-9.5) periods were lower than during the run-in period (both P<.005). Average MCQ factor scores for the pre- and post-exercise craving assessments were reduced for compulsivity (P = .006), emotionality (P = .002), expectancy (P = .002), and purposefulness (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this pilot study warrant larger, adequately powered controlled trials to test the efficacy of prescribed moderate aerobic exercise as a component of cannabis dependence treatment. The neurobiological mechanisms that account for these beneficial effects on cannabis use may lead to understanding of the physical and emotional underpinnings of cannabis dependence and recovery from this disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00838448].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej S Buchowski
- Energy Balance Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America.
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Narayana PA, Datta S, Tao G, Steinberg JL, Moeller FG. Effect of cocaine on structural changes in brain: MRI volumetry using tensor-based morphometry. Drug Alcohol Depend 2010; 111:191-9. [PMID: 20570057 PMCID: PMC2945448 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2009] [Revised: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in cocaine-dependent subjects to determine the structural changes in brain compared to non-drug using controls. Cocaine-dependent subjects and controls were carefully screened to rule out brain pathology of undetermined origin. Magnetic resonance images were analyzed using tensor-based morphometry (TBM) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) without and with modulation to adjust for volume changes during normalization. For TBM analysis, unbiased atlases were generated using two different inverse consistent and diffeomorphic nonlinear registration techniques. Two different control groups were used for generating unbiased atlases. Independent of the nonlinear registration technique and normal cohorts used for creating the unbiased atlases, our analysis failed to detect any statistically significant effect of cocaine on brain volumes. These results show that cocaine-dependent subjects do not show differences in regional brain volumes compared to non-drug using controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ponnada A. Narayana
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030,Corresponding author Tel: (713)500-7677 Fax: (713)500-7684
| | - Sushmita Datta
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Guozhi Tao
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Joel L. Steinberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
| | - F. Gerard Moeller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
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Perrine SA, Ghoddoussi F, Michaels MS, Hyde EM, Kuhn DM, Galloway MP. MDMA administration decreases serotonin but not N-acetylaspartate in the rat brain. Neurotoxicology 2010; 31:654-61. [PMID: 20800616 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2010.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In animals, repeated administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) reduces markers of serotonergic activity and studies show similar serotonergic deficits in human MDMA users. Using proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) at 11.7Tesla, we measured the metabolic neurochemical profile in intact, discrete tissue punches taken from prefrontal cortex, anterior striatum, and hippocampus of rats administered MDMA (5mg/kg IP, 4× q 2h) or saline and euthanized 7 days after the last injection. Monoamine content was measured with HPLC in contralateral punches from striatum and hippocampus to compare the MDMA-induced loss of 5HT innervation with constituents in the (1)H-MRS profile. When assessed 7 days after the last MDMA injection, levels of hippocampal and striatal serotonin (5HT) were significantly reduced, consistent with published animal studies. N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) levels were significantly increased in prefrontal cortex and not affected in anterior striatum or hippocampus; myo-inositol (INS) levels were increased in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus but not anterior striatum. Glutamate levels were increased in prefrontal cortex and decreased in hippocampus, while GABA levels were decreased only in hippocampus. The data suggest that NAA may not reliably reflect MDMA-induced 5HT neurotoxicity. However, the collective pattern of changes in 5HT, INS, glutamate and GABA is consistent with persistent hippocampal neuroadaptations caused by MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane A Perrine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Brain Research and Imaging Neuroscience Division, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Licata SC, Renshaw PF. Neurochemistry of drug action: insights from proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and their relevance to addiction. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1187:148-71. [PMID: 20201852 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) is a noninvasive imaging technique that permits measurement of particular compounds or metabolites within the tissue of interest. In the brain, (1)H MRS provides a snapshot of the neurochemical environment within a defined volume of interest. A search of the literature demonstrates the widespread utility of this technique for characterizing tumors, tracking the progress of neurodegenerative disease, and for understanding the neurobiological basis of psychiatric disorders. As of relatively recently, (1)H MRS has found its way into substance abuse research, and it is beginning to become recognized as a valuable complement in the brain imaging toolbox that also contains positron emission tomography, single-photon-emission computed tomography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Drug abuse studies using (1)H MRS have identified several biochemical changes in the brain. The most consistent alterations across drug class were reductions in N-acetylaspartate and elevations in myo-inositol, whereas changes in choline, creatine, and amino acid transmitters also were abundant. Together, the studies discussed herein provide evidence that drugs of abuse may have a profound effect on neuronal health, energy metabolism and maintenance, inflammatory processes, cell membrane turnover, and neurotransmission, and these biochemical changes may underlie the neuropathology within brain tissue that subsequently gives rise to the cognitive and behavioral impairments associated with drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Licata
- Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, USA.
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Wu P, Liu X, Fan B. Factors associated with initiation of ecstasy use among US adolescents: findings from a national survey. Drug Alcohol Depend 2010; 106:193-8. [PMID: 19781862 PMCID: PMC2814989 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Revised: 08/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate adolescent pathways to ecstasy use by (1) examining how early onsets of smoking, drinking, and marijuana use are related to a child's risk of initiation of ecstasy use and (2) assessing the influence of other individual and parental factors on ecstasy use initiation. METHODS Data on 6426 adolescents (12-17 years old at baseline) from the National Survey of Parents and Youth (NSPY), a longitudinal, nationally representative household survey of youth and their parents, were used in the analyses. Information on youth substance use, including ecstasy use, as well as familial and parental characteristics, was available. RESULTS Initiation of ecstasy use is predicted by an adolescent's early initiation of smoking, drinking, or marijuana use. In particular, early initiation either of marijuana use, or of both smoking and drinking, increases a child's risk for ecstasy use initiation. Among the familial and parental variables, parent drug use emerged as significantly predictive of child initiation of ecstasy use; living with both parents and close parental monitoring, on the other hand, are negatively associated with ecstasy use initiation, and may be protective against it. At the individual level, sensation seeking tendencies and positive attitudes towards substance use, as well as close associations with deviant peers, are predictive of adolescent initiation of ecstasy use. CONCLUSION Our findings on the risk and protective factors for initiation of ecstasy use, especially with regard to factors that are modifiable, will be useful for prevention programs targeting youth use not only of ecstasy, but also of other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Bin Fan
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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