All posts tagged: endocannabinoid

The Endocannabinoid System and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

May 4, 2020 Cannabinoid 1 Receptor, endocannabinoid system, Genetics, PTSD

Genetic susceptibility to posttraumatic stress disorder: analyses of the oxytocin receptor, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor A and cannabinoid receptor 1 genes

In summary

A recent study has found that the dysregulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) does not increase the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers analyzed genetics to determine if there was any correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene, the RAR-related orphan receptor A (RORA) gene, and the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) gene and PTSD. It was found that only a genetic variance concerning OXTR was correlated with an increased likelihood of developing PTSD when exposed to shocking traumatic events. Further research may allow for the development of targeted therapies to better prevent PTSD in those at high risk of developing the disorder like soldiers sent out for active duty.

Although the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system was not found to be correlated with an increased likelihood of developing PTSD cannabis is sometimes recommended to treat PTSD. Cannabis can be relaxing for many users and minimize the feelings of anxiety for those suffering from any psychiatric disorder characterized by anxiety but it is important to note that some cannabinoids can exacerbate anxiety. Specifically, tetrahydrocannabinol (THCO, the most abundant psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants, can cause some people’s anxiety to worsen, highlighting the importance of developing a standard screening technique to warn those away from THC and towards a non-psychoactive cannabinoid to manage their symptoms, such as cannabidiol (CBD).

The study is available for review or download here

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A Balanced Diet and Exercise Promotes Health via the Endocannabinoid System

May 1, 2020 Cannabis, endocannabinoid system

Diet, endocannabinoids, and health

In summary

It has recently been revealed that the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in the maintenance of health while aging. Researchers found that a aerobic exercise promotes endocannabinoid levels in the blood and the increased levels are positively associated with general well-being. The collected data shows that the endocannabinoid system is especially important for controlling appetite, improving systemic metabolism, and reducing obesity and diabetes. Diet and exercise both affect the overall function of the endocannabinoid system, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in order to promote health while aging. Further research should examine how cannabis-based supplements affect health while aging.

The endocannabinoid system affects the function of various systems and organs within the body, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target. Even without the use of readily available cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids are being produced that aim to address a myriad of treatment-resistant disorders. Recent research has shown that cannabinoids provide benefits for more than just inflammation and pain or other disorders centered around the central nervous system and that their possible effects extend throughout the human body. Research into cannabinoids, synthetic or otherwise, as well as terpenes and flavonoids, should be highlighted in the near future to address cancer, anorexia nervosa, and other ailments that are notoriously difficult to treat.

The study is available for review or download here

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Oleamide and the Endocannabinoid System Protect Against Excitotoxic Damage

April 15, 2020 cannabinoid, Cannabinoid 1 Receptor, endocannabinoid system, Neuroprotective

A cannabinoid receptor-mediated mechanism participates in the neuroprotective effects of oleamide against excitotoxic damage in rat brain synaptosomes and cortical slices

In Summary

Oleamide, an endocannabinoid-like compound, has been found to work with the endocannabinoid receptors to protect against excitotoxic damage. Utilizing tryptophan metabolite quinolinic acid to induces the overactivations of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAr), eliciting excitotoxic effects. Various doses of oleamide were given to excitotoxic rats, revealing that oleamide did provide protective effects. Further examination confirmed that oleamide served a protective role by working through the endocannabinoid system. Future research should examine other compounds that could enact neuroprotective effects through the endocannabinoid system.

Researchers continue to find novel targets for treatment within the endocannabinoid system. Although cannabis is not currently supported for medical use by the federal government the endocannabinoid system has far-reaching possibilities that can still be studied in the meantime. By using compounds like oleamide or other others that work on the endocannabinoid system researchers can determine new targets and therapeutic benefits of the endocannabinoid system. Researchers should continue to push for federally funded projects revolved around the endocannabinoid system as the underlying mechanism is still poorly understood considering the potential it holds.

The study is available for review or download here

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Dysregulation of the Endocannabinoid System and Psychosis

April 11, 2020 endocannabinoid system, Psychosis

Peripheral endocannabinoid system dysregulation in first-episode psychosis

In summary

A recent study has found a pattern of dysregulation within the endocannabinoid system in first-episode psychosis patients. Researchers found that the protein expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 and the protein levels of the main synthesizing and degradation enzymes within first-episode psychosis patients was markedly lower than in controls. This research provides further supports the hypothesis that the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system is a central factor that contributes to the pathophysiology of psychosis disorders. By determining the exact role of the endocannabinoid system in psychosis disorders researchers will be able to determine novel targets for antipsychotic therapies and possible screen for biomarkers in patients before they develop psychosis symptoms.

Being able to screen for dysregulation within the endocannabinoid system may serve as a possible biomarker for psychotic disorders but other screening techniques may allow physicians to recommend cannabis more efficiently. Some patients experience feelings of anxiety when consuming a cannabis-based product containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most abundant psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants. If physicians were able to screen for individuals who would experience negative effects when consuming a product containing THC then they would be able to recommend other products for their patients, ensuring safer cannabis use.

The study is available for review or download here

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More Research on Cannabis and Pregnancy

April 5, 2020 Cannabis, endocannabinoid system, Pregnancy

Effects of cannabis tetrahydrocannabinol on endocannabinoid homeostasis in human placenta

In Summary

Researchers recently revealed a possible mechanism for the effect of cannabis on pregnancy outcomes via the endocannabinoid system. The placenta contains endocannabinoid receptors and becomes part of the endocannabinoid system of the mother and fetus during pregnancy. The data found in this article provides evidence that ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impairs the placental endocannabinoid system by disrupting the production and degradation of endogenous cannabinoids. The altered endocannabinoid levels disrupt the trophoblast that comprises a large portion of the placenta, decreasing the number of nutritional compounds that are delivered to the fetus. Further research is necessary to validate the effect of the disrupted placental endocannabinoid system.

This research is a great addition to the current medical research concerning cannabis use and pregnancy but more is still needed. The featured article only focused on the effect of THC on the placenta and resulting birth outcomes but there is so much still to learn. THC is only one of the many medically beneficial cannabinoids present within cannabis products, not to mention terpenes and flavonoids which have also been revealed to possess medicinal properties. As more young women consume medical cannabis for various reasons and then become pregnant, it is imperative that all of the possible effects of cannabis on pregnancy outcomes and overall gestation be revealed. Obstetricians need to know if cannabinoids have little to no effect on pregnancy and are safe for women to continue taking or if alternative therapies need to be decided.