scholarly journals Endocannabinoid System Alterations in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of Developmental and Accumulative Effects of Trauma

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 247054701986409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anahita Bassir Nia ◽  
Ricci Bender ◽  
Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Developmental Age ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies ◽  
Prolonged Stress ◽  
The Brain

The role of the endocannabinoid system in stress-related psychiatric symptoms has been investigated in many animal and human studies. Although most of these studies consistently report long-lasting effects of prolonged stress and trauma on the endocannabinoid system, the nature and direction of these changes are controversial. We reviewed the available preclinical and clinical studies investigating the endocannabinoid system alterations long after chronic stress and trauma. We propose that the effects of prolonged stress or trauma on the endocannabinoid system are different based on the developmental age of subjects at the time of experiencing the trauma and its repetitiveness and accumulative effects. The current literature consistently demonstrates decreased levels of endocannabinoid ligands and receptors if the trauma occurs in childhood, whereas decreased levels of endocannabinoid ligands and increased levels of cannabinoid receptors are reported when trauma has happened in adulthood. It is important to note that these changes are region-specific in the brain and also there are important sex differences, which are beyond the scope of this review.

scholarly journals Distinctive Evidence Involved in the Role of Endocannabinoid Signalling in Parkinson’s Disease: A Perspective on Associated Therapeutic Interventions

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 6235
Author(s):  
Tapan Behl ◽  
Gagandeep Kaur ◽  
Simona Bungau ◽  
Rishabh Jhanji ◽  
Arun Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Diseased State ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies ◽  
Signalling Systems

Current pharmacotherapy of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is symptomatic and palliative, with levodopa/carbidopa therapy remaining the prime treatment, and nevertheless, being unable to modulate the progression of the neurodegeneration. No available treatment for PD can enhance the patient’s life-quality by regressing this diseased state. Various studies have encouraged the enrichment of treatment possibilities by discovering the association of the effects of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in PD. These reviews delineate the reported evidence from the literature on the neuromodulatory role of the endocannabinoid system and expression of cannabinoid receptors in symptomatology, cause, and treatment of PD progression, wherein cannabinoid (CB) signalling experiences alterations of biphasic pattern during PD progression. Published papers to date were searched via MEDLINE, PubMed, etc., using specific key words in the topic of our manuscript. Endocannabinoids regulate the basal ganglia neuronal circuit pathways, synaptic plasticity, and motor functions via communication with dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic signalling systems bidirectionally in PD. Further, gripping preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the context regarding the cannabinoid compounds, which is supported by various evidence (neuroprotection, suppression of excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, glial activation, and additional benefits) provided by cannabinoid-like compounds (much research addresses the direct regulation of cannabinoids with dopamine transmission and other signalling pathways in PD). More data related to endocannabinoids efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic profiles need to be explored, providing better insights into their potential to ameliorate or even regress PD.

scholarly journals The Emerging Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Endocrine Regulation and Energy Balance

2005 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uberto Pagotto ◽  
Giovanni Marsicano ◽  
Daniela Cota ◽  
Beat Lutz ◽  
Renato Pasquali
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Cb1 Receptor ◽  
Endocrine Regulation ◽  
Cb2 Receptor ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
The Brain

During the last few years, the endocannabinoid system has emerged as a highly relevant topic in the scientific community. Many different regulatory actions have been attributed to endocannabinoids, and their involvement in several pathophysiological conditions is under intense scrutiny. Cannabinoid receptors, named CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor, first discovered as the molecular targets of the psychotropic component of the plant Cannabis sativa, participate in the physiological modulation of many central and peripheral functions. CB2 receptor is mainly expressed in immune cells, whereas CB1 receptor is the most abundant G protein-coupled receptor expressed in the brain. CB1 receptor is expressed in the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, and its activation is known to modulate all the endocrine hypothalamic-peripheral endocrine axes. An increasing amount of data highlights the role of the system in the stress response by influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and in the control of reproduction by modifying gonadotropin release, fertility, and sexual behavior. The ability of the endocannabinoid system to control appetite, food intake, and energy balance has recently received great attention, particularly in the light of the different modes of action underlying these functions. The endocannabinoid system modulates rewarding properties of food by acting at specific mesolimbic areas in the brain. In the hypothalamus, CB1 receptor and endocannabinoids are integrated components of the networks controlling appetite and food intake. Interestingly, the endocannabinoid system was recently shown to control metabolic functions by acting on peripheral tissues, such as adipocytes, hepatocytes, the gastrointestinal tract, and, possibly, skeletal muscle. The relevance of the system is further strenghtened by the notion that drugs interfering with the activity of the endocannabinoid system are considered as promising candidates for the treatment of various diseases, including obesity.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in the Neuropeptide Y System and Implications for Stress Related Disorders

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxanna J. Nahvi ◽  
Esther L. Sabban
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Neuropeptide Y ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Npy Receptor ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Target ◽  
The Brain

The neuropeptide Y (NPY) system is emerging as a promising therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders by intranasal delivery to the brain. However, the vast majority of underlying research has been performed with males despite females being twice as susceptible to many stress-triggered disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anorexia nervosa, and anxiety disorders. Here, we review sex differences in the NPY system in basal and stressed conditions and how it relates to varied susceptibility to stress-related disorders. The majority of studies demonstrate that NPY expression in many brain areas under basal, unstressed conditions is lower in females than in males. This could put them at a disadvantage in dealing with stress. Knock out animals and Flinders genetic models show that NPY is important for attenuating depression in both sexes, while its effects on anxiety appear more pronounced in males. In females, NPY expression after exposure to stress may depend on age, timing, and nature and duration of the stressors and may be especially pronounced in the catecholaminergic systems. Furthermore, alterations in NPY receptor expression and affinity may contribute to the sex differences in the NPY system. Overall, the review highlights the important role of NPY and sex differences in manifestation of neuropsychiatric disorders.

scholarly journals Epigenetic mechanisms in sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour

2016 ◽  
Vol 371 (1688) ◽  
pp. 20150114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy G. Forger
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanism ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
The Brain

Circumstantial evidence alone argues that the establishment and maintenance of sex differences in the brain depend on epigenetic modifications of chromatin structure. More direct evidence has recently been obtained from two types of studies: those manipulating a particular epigenetic mechanism, and those examining the genome-wide distribution of specific epigenetic marks. The manipulation of histone acetylation or DNA methylation disrupts the development of several neural sex differences in rodents. Taken together, however, the evidence suggests there is unlikely to be a simple formula for masculine or feminine development of the brain and behaviour; instead, underlying epigenetic mechanisms may vary by brain region or even by dependent variable within a region. Whole-genome studies related to sex differences in the brain have only very recently been reported, but suggest that males and females may use different combinations of epigenetic modifications to control gene expression, even in cases where gene expression does not differ between the sexes. Finally, recent findings are discussed that are likely to direct future studies on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour.

scholarly journals Role of Immunity in Pathogenesis of Psychosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafa Abdelghaffar ◽  
Oussama Sidhom ◽  
Lilia Laadhar ◽  
Rym Rafrafi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Antineuronal Antibodies ◽  
System Components ◽  
The Brain

The involvement of immunity in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and related psychoses was suspected a century ago but was shadowed by the dopaminergic hypothesis after the discovery of antipsychotics. We currently know that this latter theory has many limits and cannot account for the wide variety of psychotic conditions. The immune-inflammatory theory is now one of the most promising axes of research in terms of pathogenesis of several mental health conditions. Immunity and inflammation play a role at least in a subgroup of patients with psychosis. The immune system is complex with a variety of components and mediators that can all have effects on the brain and thus mediate psychiatric symptoms. In this chapter we will explore the scientific evidence of the role of immune system in pathophysiology of psychosis. The sections of this chapter will discuss the role of innate system components (cytokines, microglia, inflammation.), the role of adaptive system (lymphocytes and antibodies) with a section focusing on auto-immunity and particularly antineuronal antibodies. Finally we will discuss how this research can impact patients management and elaborate recommendations for future research.

scholarly journals Sex Differences and the Influence of Sex Hormones on Cognition through Adulthood and the Aging Process

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Gurvich ◽  
Kate Hoy ◽  
Natalie Thomas ◽  
Jayashri Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

Hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis that regulate reproductive function have multiple effects on the development, maintenance and function of the brain. Sex differences in cognitive functioning have been reported in both health and disease, which may be partly attributed to sex hormones. The aim of the current paper was to provide a theoretical review of how sex hormones influence cognitive functioning across the lifespan as well as provide an overview of the literature on sex differences and the role of sex hormones in cognitive decline, specifically in relation to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A summary of current hormone and sex-based interventions for enhancing cognitive functioning and/or reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is also provided.

scholarly journals Anandamide elevation in cerebrospinal fluid in initial prodromal states of psychosis

2009 ◽  
Vol 194 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagmar Koethe ◽  
Andrea Giuffrida ◽  
Daniela Schreiber ◽  
Martin Hellmich ◽  
Frauke Schultze-Lutter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Structural Analog ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Lipid Binding ◽  
Liquid Chromatograph ◽  
Early Schizophrenia

SummaryAnandamide is a bioactive lipid binding to cannabinoid receptors. A homeostatic role for anandamide has been suggested in schizophrenia. We investigated its role in initial prodromal states of psychosis. We measured the levels of anandamide and its structural analog oleoylethanolamide in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients in the initial prodromal state (n=27) alongside healthy volunteers (n=81) using high-performance liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometry. Cerebrospinal anandamide levels in patients were significantly elevated. Patients with lower levels showed a higher risk for transiting to psychosis earlier. This anandamidergic up-regulation in the initial prodromal course may suggest a protective role of the endocannabinoid system in early schizophrenia.

Neuroretinal Dysfunctions in Regular Cannabis Users: An Impact of Cannabis on Retinal Neurotransmission?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S638-S638
Author(s):  
T. Schwitzer ◽  
R. Schwan ◽  
A. Giersch ◽  
E. Albuisson ◽  
K. Angioi-Duprez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Implicit Time ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Transmission Of Information ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
On And Off Pathways ◽  
The Waves ◽  
The Brain

IntroductionAlthough cannabis is very widespread worldwide, its brain toxicity is poorly understood. The neuroretina is an accessible extension of the brain and could be a relevant site for investigating neurotransmission abnormalities in neuropsychiatric disorders. The retina has a functional endocannabinoid system involved in the regulation of retinal neurotransmission. In animals, the modulation of this system led to retinal dysfunctions measured with the electroretinogram (ERG).ObjectivesTo assess whether the regular cannabis use could affect the neuroretinal function.AimsAssessments of the neuroretinal function in cannabis users compared with controls.MethodsRecordings of pattern, flash and on-off ERG were performed in 55 cannabis users and 29 controls. The amplitude and implicit time of the following waves were evaluated: N95 (pattern); a – and b – (flash); a –, b- and d1 – (on-off).ResultsCannabis users showed a significant increase in implicit time of the waves N95 (P = 0.0001), a- (P = 0.029) and b – (P = 0.002) for the flash ERG and b – (P = 0.016) and d1 – (P = 0.027) for the on-off ERG, compared with controls. No significant difference was found between groups in terms of wave's amplitudes.ConclusionsThese results show a delay in the response of cones, bipolar and ganglion cells of the on and off pathways to constitute a delay of ≈ 6 ms in the transmission of information from the retina to the brain in cannabis users. Cannabis could disrupt the regulatory role of the cannabinoid system and impair retinal glutamatergic neurotransmission. The consequences on visual perception should be explored in future studies.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Endocannabinoid-Mediated Control of Synaptic Transmission

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 309-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masanobu Kano ◽  
Takako Ohno-Shosaku ◽  
Yuki Hashimotodani ◽  
Motokazu Uchigashima ◽  
Masahiko Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
New Era ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
Electrophysiological Studies ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Subsequent Identification

The discovery of cannabinoid receptors and subsequent identification of their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids) in early 1990s have greatly accelerated research on cannabinoid actions in the brain. Then, the discovery in 2001 that endocannabinoids mediate retrograde synaptic signaling has opened up a new era for cannabinoid research and also established a new concept how diffusible messengers modulate synaptic efficacy and neural activity. The last 7 years have witnessed remarkable advances in our understanding of the endocannabinoid system. It is now well accepted that endocannabinoids are released from postsynaptic neurons, activate presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors, and cause transient and long-lasting reduction of neurotransmitter release. In this review, we aim to integrate our current understanding of functions of the endocannabinoid system, especially focusing on the control of synaptic transmission in the brain. We summarize recent electrophysiological studies carried out on synapses of various brain regions and discuss how synaptic transmission is regulated by endocannabinoid signaling. Then we refer to recent anatomical studies on subcellular distribution of the molecules involved in endocannabinoid signaling and discuss how these signaling molecules are arranged around synapses. In addition, we make a brief overview of studies on cannabinoid receptors and their intracellular signaling, biochemical studies on endocannabinoid metabolism, and behavioral studies on the roles of the endocannabinoid system in various aspects of neural functions.

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