Article
Neurosciences
Lia P. Iglesias, Heliana B. Fernandes, Aline S. de Miranda, Malena M. Perez, Lucia H. Faccioli, Carlos A. Sorgi, Leandro J. Bertoglio, Daniele C. Aguiar, Carsten T. Wotjak, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: This study found that hippocampal TRPV1 channels play a role in the modulation of fear memories. Endocannabinoid signaling may mediate the effects of TRPV1 blockers. The intensity of the aversive stimulus affects the regulation of fear memories by TRPV1 channels. TRPV1 blockers also promote the transcription of specific genes, leading to a decrease in fear memory reinstatement.
Article
Neurosciences
Smilla Weisser, Madeleine Mueller, Jonas Rauh, Roland Esser, Johannes Fuss, Beat Lutz, Jan Haaker
Summary: This study found that the levels of circulating eCBs increase during the acquisition of threat responses. The elevated eCB levels are associated with physiological and neural responses during threat learning.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Palika Datta, Michael W. Melkus, Kathleen Rewers-Felkins, Dhavalkumar Patel, Tiffany Bateman, Teresa Baker, Thomas W. Hale
Summary: The study identified the normal concentration ranges of endocannabinoids in breast milk and found that obesity and diurnal rhythms may influence their levels. Variations in 2-AG concentrations were observed among different BMI groups, with significantly higher levels during the day compared to night time.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marianna Marino, Raffaella D'Auria, Elena Mele, Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino, Paola Di Pietro, Stefania D'Angelo, Natalia Della Rocca, Francesca Felicia Operto, Carmine Vecchione, Silvia Fasano, Riccardo Pierantoni, Andrea Viggiano, Rosaria Meccariello, Antonietta Santoro
Summary: For the first time in mammals, this study investigates the interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the kisspeptin system in the control of male reproduction. The results reveal the reciprocal modulation of these two systems. The findings suggest the involvement of kisspeptin in spermatogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Goldie Wolfson, Ronit Vogt Sionov, Reem Smoum, Maya Korem, Itzhack Polacheck, Doron Steinberg
Summary: This study investigated the effects of endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) on the growth, biofilm formation, and EPS production of cariogenic bacterium S. mutans. The results showed that AEA has bactericidal activity against S. mutans and can prevent biofilm formation while reducing EPS production. Additionally, AEA increases membrane permeability and induces membrane hyperpolarization of these bacteria. Overall, AEA possesses antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities and may be a potential therapeutic measure for preventing biofilm formation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jose Antonio Noriega-Prieto, Paulo Kofuji, Alfonso Araque
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating brain function by sensing and responding to endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling released from neurons, which in turn regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity. The eCB signaling to astrocytes is a complex process with diverse downstream signaling mechanisms, exhibiting spatial and temporal properties and influencing various functional synaptic outcomes.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Luke J. Ney, Allison Matthews, Chia-Ming Ken Hsu, Daniel Zuj, Emma Nicholson, Trevor Steward, David Nichols, Bronwyn Graham, Ben Harrison, Raimondo Bruno, Kim Felmingham
Summary: The study found that the endocannabinoid receptor 1 and arachidonoyl ethanolamide play important roles in human fear extinction learning. The effect of FAAH gene polymorphism on fear extinction is moderated by plasma AEA level. These findings suggest that FAAH inhibitors may be effective for targeting anxiety in PTSD, but further research in clinical populations is needed.
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Cemile Yilmaz, Tolgahan Kocadagli, Vural Gokmen
Summary: An analytical method using ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like compounds in fermented food products. The method was validated and showed good precision and sensitivity. Fermented sausage, cheese, and cocoa powder were found to be rich in these compounds, providing important preliminary information for future studies.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Cristina Sempio, Jelena Klawitter, Matthew Jackson, Francesca Freni, Ryan Shillingburg, Kent Hutchison, L. Cinnamon Bidwell, Uwe Christians, Jost Klawitter
Summary: The study developed and validated an assay for the quantitative analysis of 14 endocannabinoids and congeners, demonstrating its effectiveness. It was found that appropriate sample stabilization and separate quantification of 1-AG and 2-AG are necessary to ensure reliable study results.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Sandra Amatriain-Fernandez, Henning Budde, Thomas Gronwald, Carla Quiroga, Cristina Carreon, Gerardo Viana-Torre, Tetsuya Yamamoto, Claudio Imperatori, Sergio Machado, Eric Murillo-Rodriguez
Summary: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a large number of people worldwide suffer from mental health disorders, with the extension of life expectancy and increase in aged population further impacting the prevalence of these disorders. Research has shown that physical activity and exercise have health benefits and the endocannabinoid system may play a role in managing mental disorders.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Isabel Baenas, Romina Miranda-Olivos, Roser Granero, Neus Sole-Morata, Isabel Sanchez, Antoni Pastor, Amparo del Pino-Gutierrez, Ester Codina, Francisco J. Tinahones, Jose A. Fernandez-Formoso, Nuria Vilarrasa, Fernando Guerrero-Perez, Rafael Lopez-Urdiales, Nuria Virgili, Carles Soriano-Mas, Susana Jimenez-Murcia, Rafael de la Torre, Fernando Fernandez-Aranda
Summary: This study analyzed the aberrant functioning of the endocannabinoid system and its correlation with clinical variables and BMI in individuals with extreme weight conditions (EWCs). The results suggest that there is an interaction between biological and clinical factors that contribute to vulnerability pathways in EWC and could contribute to personalized therapeutic approaches.
EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andreas Walther, Clemens Kirschbaum, Susanne Wehrli, Nicole Rothe, Marlene Penz, Magdalena Wekenborg, Wei Gao
Summary: This study examines the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in major depressive disorder (MDD) and its relationship with the glucocorticoid system. The findings suggest that higher depressive symptoms are associated with reduced levels of N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and cortisol. Longitudinal analyses reveal a negative association between AEA levels and depressive symptoms, while a positive association is found between 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol/1-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG/1-AG) levels and depressive symptoms. These findings highlight AEA as a potential treatment target for MDD.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Barbara Betonico Berg, Ana Flavia Santos Linhares, Daniel Messias Martins, Milene Alvarenga Rachid, Stefany Bruno de Assis Cau, Giovane Galdino de Souza, Jonatan Constanca Silva de Carvalho, Carlos Arterio Sorgi, Thiago Roberto Lima Romero, Vanessa Pinho, Mauro Martins Teixeira, Marina Gomes Miranda e Castor
Summary: This study investigates the effects of the endocannabinoid anandamide on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The results show that treatment with anandamide increases survival and reduces inflammation in GVHD mice. The therapeutic effects of anandamide are mediated by the CB2 receptor.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Luke J. Ney, David S. Nichols, Ottmar V. Lipp
Summary: The replicability of fear conditioning research has been questioned due to the use of differing materials and methods. This study aimed to compare fear acquisition, extinction, and return of fear using different unconditional stimuli (shock, scream, or combination) and to investigate the relationship between fear conditioning and hair endocannabinoid levels. The results showed that skin conductance responses were significantly lower for stimuli paired with a scream compared to a shock, and reducing the predictability of the unconditional stimulus affected habituation of skin conductance responses. Hair endocannabinoids were associated with physiological arousal during fear conditioning and higher return of fear to threat cues.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Stewart Ramsay, Nick J. Spencer, Vladimir Zagorodnyuk
Summary: The aim of this study is to determine the role of endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonolylglycerol (2-AG), in regulating mechanosensitivity of probable nociceptive neurons innervating the bladder - capsaicin-sensitive mucosal afferents. The results showed that AEA potentiated the mechanical response of mucosal afferents, while 2-AG inhibited their response. These findings have important implications for understanding the role of endocannabinoids in regulating bladder sensation and function.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Alice Hartmann, Carla Vila-Verde, Francisco S. S. Guimaraes, Samia R. Joca, Sabrina F. F. Lisboa
Summary: Many psychiatric patients do not respond to conventional therapy, and there is increasing interest in investigating the involvement of inflammatory mechanisms. Microglia dysfunction, particularly through the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. Cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-inflammatory effects and can attenuate stress response and microglia activation. This review focuses on neuroinflammation, microglia involvement, and the potential effects of CBD on stress-related psychiatric disorders through NLRP3 inflammasome modulation.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Laila Asth, Leonardo Cardoso Cruz, Nicholas Soyombo, Pedro Rigo, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: This study investigates the potential of beta-caryophyllene (BCP) as a new drug for the treatment of substance use disorders in animal models. The results show that BCP can prevent or reverse behavioral changes resulting from drug exposure. The mechanism involves activation of the CB2 receptor and potentially other targets. Further research, including studies in humans, is needed to establish its therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lia P. Iglesias, Heliana B. Fernandes, Aline S. de Miranda, Malena M. Perez, Lucia H. Faccioli, Carlos A. Sorgi, Leandro J. Bertoglio, Daniele C. Aguiar, Carsten T. Wotjak, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: This study found that hippocampal TRPV1 channels play a role in the modulation of fear memories. Endocannabinoid signaling may mediate the effects of TRPV1 blockers. The intensity of the aversive stimulus affects the regulation of fear memories by TRPV1 channels. TRPV1 blockers also promote the transcription of specific genes, leading to a decrease in fear memory reinstatement.
Article
Neurosciences
Jaqueline M. Franzen, Isabel Werle, Felipe Vanz, Bruno Biscaia de Oliveira, Laura Maria Martins Nascimento, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Leandro J. Bertoglio
Summary: Growing evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) modulates aversive memories and anxiety-related responses in females. This has therapeutic implications for treating anxiety and stress-related disorders in women. Studies in adult female rats show that CBD can attenuate the behavioral manifestations of learned fear and anxiety.
Article
Psychiatry
Andreza M. Cavichioli, Thamyris Santos-Silva, Anthony A. Grace, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Felipe Gomes
Summary: This study suggests that levetiracetam can attenuate the adverse outcomes associated with schizophrenia caused by stress during adolescence, by reversing the behavioral changes, ventral hippocampus hyperactivity, and enhanced ventral tegmental area dopamine system activity.
SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Maria Carolina Machado da Silva, Lia Parada Iglesias, Eduardo Candelario-Jalil, Habibeh Khoshbouei, Fabricio Araujo Moreira, Antonio Carlos Pinheiro de Oliveira
Summary: The use of psychostimulant drugs can modify brain function by affecting the reward system and altering dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmissions. Microglia and other immune cells may play a role in addiction by influencing neuroplasticity and memory. Recent studies have shown that psychoactive substances can directly affect immune cells, leading to changes in their functions and the release of inflammatory mediators that impact synaptic activity. Understanding the neuroimmune axis involved in addiction can provide potential targets for pharmacotherapy.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danielle Diniz Aguiar, Cristina da Costa Oliveira, Flavia Cristina Sousa Fonseca, Douglas Lamounier de Almeida, William Valadares Campos Pereira, Francisco Silveira Guimara, Andrea Castro Perez, Igor Dimitri Gama Duarte, Thiago Roberto Lima Romero
Summary: This study evaluated the analgesic effects of CBD when administered peripherally for the treatment of acute neuropathic pain, and investigated the involvement of the 5-HT1A and TRPV1 receptors. The results showed that CBD induced dose-dependent antinociceptive effects, with the highest potency observed at a dose of 30 mu g/paw. Furthermore, selective antagonists of the 5-HT1A and TRPV1 receptors partially reversed the antinociceptive effects of CBD.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Daniela Lescano Uliana, Cassiano Ricardo Alves Faria Diniz, Leandro Antero da Silva, Anna Barbara Borges-Assis, Sabrina Francesca Lisboa, Leonardo Barbosa Moraes Resstel
Summary: Rats re-exposed to a previously shocking environment display conditioned defensive responses, which are controlled by the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and involve multiple neurotransmitter pathways. This study found that the administration of specific inhibitors and antagonists in the vmPFC prevented the increase in conditioned responses, suggesting the involvement of cholinergic, cannabinergic, and glutamatergic/nitrergic neurotransmissions.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Anna Barbara Borges-Assis, Daniela Lescano Uliana, Sara Cristina Hott, Francisco Silveira Guimara, Sabrina Francesca Lisboa, Leonardo Barbosa Moraes Resstel
Summary: The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) can decrease the release of neurotransmitters by binding to presynaptic cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. AEA is hydrolyzed by the enzyme FAAH in the postsynaptic neuron. The present study investigated the role of AEA and CB1 receptors in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST) in modulating anxiety-related behaviors. The findings suggest that eCB signaling in the BNST is recruited during aversive situations to counteract the stress effect.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Rayssa C. Brianis, Lia P. Iglesias, Lucas G. Bedeschi, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: This study found that CBD did not decrease the reward memory involved in the formation of cocaine addiction. Further research is needed to investigate the involvement of CBD in other behavioral responses to cocaine and other psychostimulant drugs. However, this study characterized a 5-day CPP protocol for both female and male C57BL/6J mice.
ACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Mauricio dos Santos Pereira, Bruna Maitan Santos, Rocio Gimenez, Francisco Silveira Guimaraes, Rita Raisman-Vozari, Elaine Del Bel, Patrick Pierre Michel
Summary: Research found that 4'-F-CBD and HU-910, two synthetic cannabinoids, have anti-inflammatory potential and may have therapeutic utility in treating neuroinflammatory conditions.
Article
Psychiatry
Thamyris Santos-Silva, Dogukan Hazar Ulgen, Caio Fabio Baeta Lopes, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Luciane Carla Alberici, Carmen Sandi, Felipe V. Gomes
Summary: Adolescent individuals show significant diversity in cortical dynamics and behavioral outcomes. The developing adolescent brain is sensitive to social experiences and environmental insults, which can influence the emergence of personality traits. Mitochondria play a crucial role in brain maturation and the development of mental illnesses, with specific mitochondrial features in certain brain regions accounting for behavioral differences in adulthood. This study investigates whether distinct adolescent behavioral phenotypes and the consequences of early adolescent stress exposure are associated with changes in PFC mitochondria-related genes and respiratory chain capacity.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ligia RenataRodrigues Tavares, Daniela Baptista-de-Souza, Lucas Canto-de-Souza, Cleopatra da Silva Planeta, Francisco Silveira Guimaraes, Ricardo Luiz Nunes-de-Souza, Azair Canto-de-Souza
Summary: Living with a partner experiencing chronic pain can lead to pain hypersensitivity and increased expression of 5-HT3 receptor and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 in the amygdala. The anxiolytic benzodiazepine midazolam (MDZ) and cannabidiol (CBD) can attenuate this hypersensitive behavior, while the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron can prevent their antinociceptive effects. These findings suggest that 5-HT3 receptor and GABAergic mechanisms in the amygdala play a role in pain hypersensitivity induced by empathy for pain, and that MDZ and CBD may be potential therapies for emotional pain disorders.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pedro Henrique Gobira, Jacob LaMar, Jade Marques, Ariandra Sartim, Kennia Silveira, Luana Santos, Gregers Wegener, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Ken Mackie, Hui-Chen Lu, Samia Joca
Summary: This study investigates the involvement of cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1R) in the antidepressant and psychostimulant effects induced by ketamine. The results suggest that CB1R mediate the psychostimulant side effects of ketamine, but do not play a role in its antidepressant properties. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of CB1R has similar antidepressant effects, but does not potentiate the effects of ketamine.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lia P. Iglesias, Lucas Bedeschi, Daniele C. Aguiar, Laila Asth, Fabricio A. Moreira
Summary: Delta(9)-THC and related cannabinoids have complex effects on anxiety-like behavior in humans and experimental animals. This study reviews previous research and finds that cannabinoids tend to reduce anxiety-like behavior at low doses, but can increase anxiety at high doses.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Edna C. Cieslik, Markus Ullsperger, Martin Gell, Simon B. Eickhoff, Robert Langner
Summary: Previous studies on error processing have primarily focused on the posterior medial frontal cortex, but the role of other brain regions has been underestimated. This study used activation likelihood estimation meta-analyses to explore brain activity related to committing errors and responding successfully in interference tasks. It was found that the salience network and the temporoparietal junction were commonly involved in both correct and incorrect responses, indicating their general involvement in coping with situations that require increased cognitive control. Error-specific convergence was observed in the dorsal posterior cingulate cortex, posterior thalamus, and left superior frontal gyrus, while successful responding showed stronger convergence in the dorsal attention network and lateral prefrontal regions. Underrecruitment of these regions in error trials may reflect failures in activating the appropriate stimulus-response contingencies necessary for successful response execution.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2024)
