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
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yannick Fotio, Oscar Sasso, Roberto Ciccocioppo, Daniele Piomelli
Summary: This study evaluated the pharmacological profile of the orally bioavailable N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) inhibitor ARN19702 in mouse and rat models of neurogenic and inflammatory pain, showing that it exhibits a broad analgesic profile that can be generalized across rodent species. The findings point to NAAA as a control node in the processing of neuropathic and inflammatory pain and to ARN19702 as a lead to uncover novel pain therapeutics devoid of addictive potential.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
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.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
S. M. Khaledur Rahman, Toru Uyama, Zahir Hussain, Natsuo Ueda
Summary: The endocannabinoid system in mammals involves receptors, endogenous agonists, enzymes, and transporters. Endocannabinoids activate feeding behavior and lipid and glucose synthesis, while OEA suppresses appetite. By playing roles in energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation, they have potential in treating and preventing obesity.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF NUTRITION, VOL 41, 2021
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Papadogkonaki, Dimitris Spyridakos, Emmanouela Lapokonstantaki, Nikos Chaniotakis, Alexandros Makriyannis, Michael Malamas, Kyriaki Thermos
Summary: The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) affects neurons and microglia by activating CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors (Rs), showing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. The study found that the effects of 2-AG on CB1R expression/downregulation and neuroprotection differ depending on the mode of administration. However, all treatments attenuated microglial activation via CB2R activation, supporting the anti-inflammatory role of 2-AG in the retina.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Hailey Cuddihey, Wallace K. MacNaughton, Keith A. Sharkey
Summary: This review illustrates the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating intestinal homeostasis, including the regulation of intestinal permeability, fluid secretion, and immune regulation. It also emphasizes the reciprocal regulation between the endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiome.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alex Straiker, Michaela Dvorakova, Taryn Bosquez-Berger, Jaroslav Blahos, Ken Mackie
Summary: Autaptic hippocampal neurons are a simple model for studying neurotransmission and cannabinoid signaling. Through our research, we have discovered interesting negative findings in these neurons, which we hope will benefit other laboratories and lead to discussions on their relevance and significance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Melissa Hitzler, Lynn Matits, Anja M. Gumpp, Alexandra M. Bach, Ute Ziegenhain, Wei Gao, Iris-Tatjana Kolassa, Alexander Behnke
Summary: This study investigated the endocannabinoid system of women with and without childhood maltreatment and their infants. It found that maternal endocannabinoid levels changed from late pregnancy to one year postpartum, and maternal maltreatment was associated with lower levels of certain endocannabinoids. However, there were no consistent intergenerational effects on the children's endocannabinoid levels.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ayat Zagzoog, Asher L. Brandt, Tallan Black, Eunhyun D. Kim, Riley Burkart, Mikin Patel, Zhiyun Jin, Maria Nikolaeva, Robert B. Laprairie
Summary: This study assessed select SCRAs recently identified as potential CB1R and CB2R agonists, finding several SCRAs displaying high bias for cAMP inhibition or beta arrestin2 recruitment and receptor subtype selectivity between CB1R and CB2R.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Siddharth A. Shah, Anand Shyamlal Gupta, Piyush Kumar
Summary: Cannabis was extensively used for medicinal purposes until the 19th century, and the discovery of THC and the endocannabinoid system have shown potential therapeutic effects on physiological functions, immune system, and central nervous system.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Sheila A. Engi, Erin J. Beebe, Victoria M. Ayvazian, Fabio C. Cruz, Joseph F. Cheer, Jennifer M. Wenzel, Natalie E. Zlebnik
Summary: Mesolimbic dopamine plays a crucial role in motivated behavior, with CB1 receptor signaling in the VTA being implicated in the phasic activation of dopamine. Cocaine-induced increases in motivation appear to require 2-AG signaling at CB1 receptors in the VTA, suggesting potential cannabinoid-based pharmacotherapeutic targets for substance abuse treatment.
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)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isabel van Ackern, Ramona Wulf, Dirk Dannenberger, Armin Tuchscherer, Bjorn Kuhla
Summary: Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, play a crucial role in regulating energy balance and stress response. In cows, administration of endocannabinoids attenuate stress-induced hypophagia, increase short-term feed intake, and affect whole-body macronutrient metabolism.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joshua Lott, Emily M. Jutkiewicz, Manojkumar A. Puthenveedu
Summary: The synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 (WIN) disrupts the Golgi apparatus and microtubule network in cells, independent of cannabinoid receptors. This unique effect may contribute to the physiological and therapeutic effects of WIN.
MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kathryne Van Hedger, Sarah K. Keedy, Kathryn E. Schertz, Marc G. Berman, Harriet de Wit
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Harriet de Wit, Anya K. Bershad, Charles Grob
Summary: There are substantial methodological differences between clinical studies and laboratory studies investigating psychiatric drug treatment, such as in expectancies, social and physical context, participant characteristics, pharmacological factors, and outcome measures. Translating findings from laboratory studies to clinical practice faces challenges but also presents opportunities for bridging the gap between these approaches.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jessica Weafer, Stephanie M. Gorka, Mario Dzemidzic, David A. Kareken, K. Luan Phan, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Poor inhibitory control and heightened feelings of stimulation are two well-established risk factors for AUD, and recent evidence suggests they are related and may share common neurobiological mechanisms. Subjective reports of stimulation following alcohol were inversely associated with brain activity during inhibition, while feelings of sedation did not correlate with brain activation.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Harriet de Wit, Hanna M. Molla, Anya Bershad, Michael Bremmer, Royce Lee
Summary: The resurgence of interest in using psychedelic drugs, including LSD, has drawn attention to the medically unsupervised practice of 'microdosing'. However, few controlled studies have described the effects of microdosing LSD. A double-blind controlled study found that repeated low doses of LSD had negligible effects on mood and cognition in healthy volunteers.
Article
Neurosciences
Conor H. Murray, Zhengyi Huang, Royce Lee, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Increased availability of cannabis has led to increased usage and the occurrence of adverse effects. Adolescents may be more susceptible to adverse drug reactions, particularly the acute effects of THC. This study found that compared to adults, adolescents showed greater sensitivity to the cognitive and behavioral effects of THC, but not to cardiovascular effects or subjective measures.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
James Glazer, Conor H. Murray, Robin Nusslock, Royce Lee, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Renewed interest in classic psychedelics as treatments for psychiatric disorders warrants a deeper understanding of their neural mechanisms. This study found that low doses of LSD increased reward-related brain activity, which may have important implications for the treatment of depressive disorders.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Harriet de Wit
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jiaxu Han, Sarah Keedy, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Individual differences in subjective, stimulant-like effects of alcohol are associated with the risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
E. L. Nurmi, C. P. Laughlin, H. de Wit, A. A. Palmer, J. MacKillop, T. D. Cannon, R. M. Bilder, E. Congdon, F. W. Sabb, L. C. Seaman, J. J. McElroy, M. R. Libowitz, J. Weafer, J. Gray, A. C. Dean, G. S. Hellemann, E. D. London
Summary: The study explores the genetic architecture of risky decision-making in psychiatric disorders and its correlation with cannabis use. The results indicate a polygenic nature of risky decision-making and its overlap with cannabis use.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
H. de Wit, M. Heilig, A. K. Bershad
Summary: Psychedelic drugs used in psychotherapy can create long-lasting memories with enduring benefits, and the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. This study suggests that the acute stress responses induced by psychedelic drugs may mediate the quality and durability of drug-facilitated therapeutic memories. The stress-inducing effect of these drugs may enhance the meaning and durability of the drug experience. Further research is needed to determine the role of acute stress in the emotional significance and lasting effects of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Anya K. Bershad, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Diminished social motivation in schizophrenia has severe consequences, but there are no effective medications for treatment. However, studies have been conducted on healthy volunteers that show the effects of certain drugs on social motivation. This review aims to synthesize these findings to develop new medications for reduced social motivation in schizophrenia.
SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanna Molla, Royce Lee, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Harriet de Wit
Summary: This study demonstrates that both MDMA and MA can increase feelings of connectedness with an unfamiliar partner during casual conversations. These findings extend our understanding of the social effects of these drugs and highlight a sensitive method for assessing pro-social effects during face-to-face interactions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Hanna Molla, Royce Lee, Ilaria Tare, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Recent studies suggest that even low doses of psychedelics can improve mood states. This study found that a low dose of LSD had stronger positive mood and stimulant-like effects, as well as stronger altered states of consciousness, in individuals with mild depressed mood compared to non-depressed individuals.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Neurosciences
Harriet de Wit, Anya K. Bershad, William Hutchison, Michael Bremmer
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Anya K. Bershad, Katrin H. Preller, Royce Lee, Sarah Keedy, Jamie Wren-Jarvis, Michael P. Bremmer, Harriet de Wit
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY-COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING
(2020)
