scholarly journals Neuroimmune Mechanisms as Novel Treatment Targets for Substance Use Disorders and Associated Comorbidities

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Namba ◽  
Jonna M. Leyrer-Jackson ◽  
Erin K. Nagy ◽  
M. Foster Olive ◽  
Janet L. Neisewander
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Immune Signaling ◽  
Treatment Targets ◽  
Novel Treatment ◽  
The Brain

Recent studies examining the neurobiology of substance abuse have revealed a significant role of neuroimmune signaling as a mechanism through which drugs of abuse induce aberrant changes in synaptic plasticity and contribute to substance abuse-related behaviors. Immune signaling within the brain and the periphery critically regulates homeostasis of the nervous system. Perturbations in immune signaling can induce neuroinflammation or immunosuppression, which dysregulate nervous system function including neural processes associated with substance use disorders (SUDs). In this review, we discuss the literature that demonstrates a role of neuroimmune signaling in regulating learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity, emphasizing specific cytokine signaling within the central nervous system. We then highlight recent preclinical studies, within the last 5 years when possible, that have identified immune mechanisms within the brain and the periphery associated with addiction-related behaviors. Findings thus far underscore the need for future investigations into the clinical potential of immunopharmacology as a novel approach toward treating SUDs. Considering the high prevalence rate of comorbidities among those with SUDs, we also discuss neuroimmune mechanisms of common comorbidities associated with SUDs and highlight potentially novel treatment targets for these comorbid conditions. We argue that immunopharmacology represents a novel frontier in the development of new pharmacotherapies that promote long-term abstinence from drug use and minimize the detrimental impact of SUD comorbidities on patient health and treatment outcomes.

Plasticity: Cells, Circuits, Brains, and Behavior

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia S. Churchland ◽  
Terrence J. Sejnowski
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Classical Conditioning ◽  
Neuronal Plasticity ◽  
Neural Mechanism ◽  
Synaptic Strength ◽  
Physical Mechanisms ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Brain

This chapter examines the physical mechanisms in nervous systems in order to elucidate the structural bases and functional principles of synaptic plasticity. Neuroscientific research on plasticity can be divided into four main streams: the neural mechanism for relatively simple kinds of plasticity, such as classical conditioning or habituation; anatomical and physiological studies of temporal lobe structures, including the hippocampus and the amygdala; study of the development of the visual system; and the relation between the animal's genes and the development of its nervous system. The chapter first considers the role of the mammalian hippocampus in learning and memory before discussing Donald Hebb's views on synaptic plasticity. It then explores the mechanisms underlying neuronal plasticity and those that decrease synaptic strength, the relevance of time with respect to plasticity, and the occurrence of plasticity during the development of the nervous system. It also describes modules, modularity, and networks in the brain.

Brain Development and the Risk for Substance Abuse

2013 ◽  
pp. 706-715
Author(s):  
Kristina Caudle ◽  
B.J. Casey
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Brain Development ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Substance Abuse Problem ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Drug And Alcohol ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Developmental Window

Drug and alcohol dependence affects millions each year. Adolescence is a period of increased risk for substance use disorders. Understanding how the brain is changing during this developmental window relative to childhood and adulthood and how these changes vary across individuals is critical for predicting risk of later substance abuse and dependence. This chapter provides an overview of recent human imaging and animal studies of brain development focusing on changes in corticostriatal circuitry that has been implicated in addiction. Behavioral, clinical, and neurobiological evidence is provided to help elucidate who may be most at risk for developing a substance abuse problem and whenthey may be most vulnerable.

What Did You Expect? Substance Use Expectancies Mediate the Relationships Between Dark Triad Traits, Substance Use, and Substance Preference

2018 ◽  
Vol 121 (5) ◽  
pp. 831-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Jordan Gott ◽  
Melanie D. Hetzel-Riggin
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Enhancement ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Specific Substance ◽  
Substances Of Abuse

This study explores the role of substance use expectancies as mediators between the Dark Triad of personality, substance use, and substance use preferences. A sample of college students ( M = 19.38, SD = 2.63, N = 207) completed an online questionnaire that assessed the Dark Triad traits, substance use history, substance preferences, and substance use expectancies. Three specific substance use expectancies—increased confidence, tension reduction, and cognitive enhancement—were shown to either partially or fully mediate the relationships between the Dark Triad and substance use behaviors and preference for certain substances of abuse. These findings may hold clinical implications for the treatment of substance use disorders and further the understanding of factors contributing to the etiology and progression of substance abuse and substance use disorders.

Immunology of Substance Use Disorders

2018 ◽  
pp. 165-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haitham Salem ◽  
Scott D. Lane ◽  
Antonio L. Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Drug Seeking ◽  
Reinforcing Effects ◽  
Immune Changes ◽  
The Brain

As in other psychiatric disorders, the role of the immune system is gathering increasing attention as an important mechanism in substance use disorders. Addiction is a complex condition in which a person engages in drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviors to accentuate the reward processes in the brain and avoid negative withdrawal states. Due in part to the activation of stress responses during drug withdrawal, high levels of peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines are observed in this phase, and these immune changes might contribute to the behavioral negative reinforcing effects of the drug. This and other observations suggest that the immune system might play a role in the development of substance use disorders, also representing a potential target for biomarker and therapeutic strategy development (e.g., vaccines).

scholarly journals Novel Treatment Approaches for Substance Use Disorders: Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics and the Role of Psychotherapy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Koslowski ◽  
Matthew W. Johnson ◽  
Gerhard Gründer ◽  
Felix Betzler
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Complex Interaction ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Novel Treatment ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Recreational Use

Abstract Purpose of Review The use of psychedelics in a therapeutical setting has been reported for the treatment of various diagnoses in recent years. However, as psychedelic substances are still commonly known for their (illicit) recreational use, it may seem counterintuitive to use psychedelic therapy to treat substance use disorders. This review aims to discuss how psychedelics can promote and intensify psychotherapeutic key processes, in different approaches like psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy, with a spotlight on the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). Recent Findings There is promising evidence of feasibility, safety, and efficacy of psychedelic therapy in SUD. In the whole process of former and current psychedelic therapy regimes that have shown to be safe and efficacious, various psychotherapeutic elements, both psychodynamic and behavioral as well as other approaches, can be identified, while a substantial part of the assumed mechanism of action, the individual psychedelic experience, cannot be distinctly classified to just one approach. Summary Psychedelic therapy consists of a complex interaction of pharmacological and psychological processes. When administered in well-defined conditions, psychedelics can serve as augmentation of different psychotherapy interventions in the treatment of SUD and other mental disorders, regardless of their theoretical origin.

Genetics of substance use disorders

2020 ◽  
pp. 492-497
Author(s):  
Yann Le Strat ◽  
Nicolas Ramoz ◽  
Philip Gorwood
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Historical Perspective ◽  
Substance Dependence ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Genetic Component

The literature on the existing evidence for a genetic component is reviewed for substance use disorders (SUD), formerly known as substance abuse and substance dependence. The chapter provides a historical perspective of the evolution of genetic understanding in the field. It also discusses the most recent methods of studying genetic factors in SUD, as well as the related discoveries of genes involved in SUD. It concludes on the possible role of genetics in the evolution of the concept and the mechanisms of SUD.

The Role of Different Aspects of Impulsivity as Independent Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorders in Patients with ADHD: A Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slobodin Ortal ◽  
van de Glind Geurt ◽  
Franck Johan ◽  
Berger Itai ◽  
Yachin Nir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Independent Risk Factors

scholarly journals The Role of Neuropeptide Y in the Nucleus Accumbens

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7287
Author(s):  
Masaki Tanaka ◽  
Shunji Yamada ◽  
Yoshihisa Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Neuropeptide Y ◽  
Emotional Behavior ◽  
Characteristic Functions ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Neuroendocrine Mechanisms ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
The Brain

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), an abundant peptide in the central nervous system, is expressed in neurons of various regions throughout the brain. The physiological and behavioral effects of NPY are mainly mediated through Y1, Y2, and Y5 receptor subtypes, which are expressed in regions regulating food intake, fear and anxiety, learning and memory, depression, and posttraumatic stress. In particular, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) has one of the highest NPY concentrations in the brain. In this review, we summarize the role of NPY in the NAc. NPY is expressed principally in medium-sized aspiny neurons, and numerous NPY immunoreactive fibers are observed in the NAc. Alterations in NPY expression under certain conditions through intra-NAc injections of NPY or receptor agonists/antagonists revealed NPY to be involved in the characteristic functions of the NAc, such as alcohol intake and drug addiction. In addition, control of mesolimbic dopaminergic release via NPY receptors may take part in these functions. NPY in the NAc also participates in fat intake and emotional behavior. Accumbal NPY neurons and fibers may exert physiological and pathophysiological actions partly through neuroendocrine mechanisms and the autonomic nervous system.

scholarly journals Quality of life and its related factors in women with substance use disorders referring to substance abuse treatment centers

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Majid Barati ◽  
Khadijeh Bandehelahi ◽  
Tahereh Nopasandasil ◽  
Hanieh Jormand ◽  
Amir Keshavarzi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Abuse Treatment ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Substance Abuse Treatment Centers ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Abuse Treatment

Abstract Background Substance-Related Disorders are among the most common social problems caused by using legal and illegal substances. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the quality of life (QoL) and its related factors among women with substance use disorders referring to substance abuse treatment centers in Hamadan, west of Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out on 120 Iranian female substance users recruited through the census sampling method in 2018. Data collection tools consisted of demographic characteristics and QoL assessment (SF-36). Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests. Results The mean age of the participants was 33.2 ± 12.1 years and the mean score of their total QoL was 35.35 ± 13.5. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that using methamphetamine (β =  − 6.62) was the predictor of QoL in women. Moreover, there was a significant association between QoL and age (p < 0.001), educational level (p = 0.011), and age at first use (p < 0.001). Conclusion According to the results, the participants’ QoL was found to be at an unsatisfactory level. So, it is essential to implement educational help-seeking behavior for treatment and effectiveness educational, as well as holding mental health intervention, school-based substance abuse prevention, and harm reduction programs of substance use. This is especially important in adolescents, young, low-educated, early drug use, and methamphetamine user women, as it may increase the QoL

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