New Research Indicates Benefit of Cannabis in Autism - Dr. David Hepburn

"And furthermore, dosages and CBD:THC ratios are starting to emerge. “Mothers” in many countries, recognizing that cannabis is helping their autistic children, have risked breaking the law and organized en masse to change laws. And now, significant attention is being directed towards using cannabis in this difficult spectrum. 1:20 THC:CBD at about 4 mg/kg CBD and 0.3mg/kg THC per day."

- Dr. David Hepburn.

Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

Brief Report: Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Behavioral Problems-A Retrospective Feasibility Study.

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence of successful cannabis treatment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are accumulating but clinical studies are lacking. This retrospective study assessed tolerability and efficacy of cannabidiol-rich cannabis, in 60 children with ASD and severe behavioral problems (age = 11.8 ± 3.5, range 5.0-17.5; 77% low functioning; 83% boys). Efficacy was assessed using the Caregiver Global Impression of Change scale. Adverse events included sleep disturbances (14%) irritability (9%) and loss of appetite (9%). One girl who used higher tetrahydrocannabinol had a transient serious psychotic event which required treatment with an antipsychotic. Following the cannabis treatment, behavioral outbreaks were much improved or very much improved in 61% of patients. This preliminary study supports feasibility of CBD-based cannabis trials in children with ASD.

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30382443

Dr. Dave Hepburn website:https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Exciting Promise of Role of CBD in Alzheimer’s Neuro-inflammation - Dr. David Hepburn

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

"GPR55 is a receptor that is getting a lot of attention in medical research. 40% of drugs are meant to target this receptor due to it’s role in conditions ranging from colon cancer to dementia to MS. THC activates this receptor while CBD does the exact opposite, further underscoring the complicated relationship of the various cannabinoids and showing that “cannabis is not cannabis, it’s cannabis.” The CBD blockage of this receptor is showing promise in addressing certain disease states such as Alzheimers disease, as this recent rat research reveals."

-Dr. Dave Hepburn

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of GPR55 antagonists in LPS-activated primary microglial cells

Abstract

Background

Neuroinflammation plays a vital role in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Microglia are the resident mononuclear immune cells of the central nervous system, and they play essential roles in the maintenance of homeostasis and responses to neuroinflammation. The orphan G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) has been reported to modulate inflammation and is expressed in immune cells such as monocytes and microglia. However, its effects on neuroinflammation, mainly on the production of members of the arachidonic acid pathway in activated microglia, have not been elucidated in detail.

Methods

In this present study, a series of coumarin derivatives, that exhibit GPR55 antagonism properties, were designed. The effects of these compounds on members of the arachidonic acid cascade were studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated primary rat microglia using Western blot, qPCR, and ELISA.

Results

We demonstrate here that the various compounds with GPR55 antagonistic activities significantly inhibited the release of PGE2 in primary microglia. The inhibition of LPS-induced PGE2 release by the most potent candidate KIT 17 was partially dependent on reduced protein synthesis of mPGES-1 and COX-2. KIT 17 did not affect any key enzyme involved on the endocannabinoid system. We furthermore show that microglia expressed GPR55 and that a synthetic antagonist of the GPR receptor (ML193) demonstrated the same effect of the KIT 17 on the inhibition of PGE2.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that KIT 17 is acting as an inverse agonist on GPR55 independent of the endocannabinoid system. Targeting GPR55 might be a new therapeutic option to treat neurodegenerative diseases with a neuroinflammatory background such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6240959/ 

Dr. Dave Hepburn website:https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Cannabis better than narcotics in treatment of back pain in Fibromyalgia - Dr. David Hepburn

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

Effect of adding medical cannabis to analgesic treatment in patients with low back pain related to fibromyalgia: an observational cross-over single centre study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Low back pain (LBP) occurs in many patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The current study aimed to assess the possible pain and function amelioration associated with medical cannabis therapy (MCT) in this setting.

METHODS:

31 patients were involved in an observational cross-over study. The patients were screened, treated with 3 months of standardised analgesic therapy (SAT): 5 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride equivalent to 4.5 mg oxycodone and 2.5 mg naloxone hydrochloride twice a day and duloxetine 30 mg once a day. Following 3 months of this therapy, the patients could opt for MCT and were treated for a minimum of 6 months. Patient reported outcomes (PRO's) included: FIQR, VAS, ODI and SF-12 and lumbar range of motion (ROM) was recorded using the modified Schober test.

RESULTS:

While SAT led to minor improvement as compared with baseline status, the addition of MCT allowed a significantly higher improvement in all PRO's at 3 months after initiation of MCT and the improvement was maintained at 6 months. ROM improved after 3 months of MCT and continued to improve at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

This observational cross-over study demonstrates an advantage of MCT in FM patients with LBP as compared with SAT. Further randomised clinical trial studies should assess whether these results can be generalised to the FM population at large.

"Cannabis more effective than narcotics? The opiate (narcotics) crisis is gruesome with roughly half of those who die being due to prescription opiates. Nobody does of cannabis; the safety profile is secure. But efficacy? Fibromyalgia patients with back pain actually do better on cannabis than on opiates. Remarkable."

-Dr. Dave Hepburn

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30418116

Dr. Dave Hepburn website:https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Singing or Running Elevate Endocannabinoids and Boosts Mood - Dr. David Hepburn

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

An Analysis of Endocannabinoid Concentrations and Mood Following Singing and Exercise in Healthy Volunteers

The euphoric feeling described after running is, at least in part, due to increased circulating endocannabinoids (eCBs). eCBs are lipid signaling molecules involved in reward, appetite, mood, memory and neuroprotection. 

The aim of this study was to investigate whether activities other than running can increase circulating eCBs. Nine healthy female volunteers (mean 61 years) were recruited from a local choir. Circulating eCBs, haemodynamics, mood and hunger ratings were measured before and immediately after 30 min of dance, reading, singing or cycling in a fasted state. 

Singing increased plasma levels of anandamide (AEA) by 42% (P < 0.05), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) by 53% (P < 0.01) and oleoylethanolamine (OEA) by 34% (P < 0.05) and improved positive mood and emotions (P < 0.01), without affecting hunger scores. 

Dancing did not affect eCB levels or hunger ratings, but decreased negative mood and emotions (P < 0.01). 

Cycling increased OEA levels by 26% (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease how hungry volunteers felt, without affecting mood. 

"The “runners high” which was thought years ago to be courtesy of our endorphins is now known to be caused by our endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide (AEA). While dancing and cycling did not elevate AEA, singing actually did. No comments on if you sound like a hound being dragged through a keyhole. Anybody interested in starting a jogging choir to get high?  
Increases in AEA underlies the rewarding and pleasurable effects of singing and exercise and ultimately some of the long-term beneficial effects on mental health, cognition and memory."

-Dr. Dave Hepburn

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00269/full

Dr. Dave Hepburn website:https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Cannabis may be helpful in the treatment of children with autism in an open study

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

Brief Report: Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Behavioral Problems-A Retrospective Feasibility Study.

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence of successful cannabis treatment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are accumulating but clinical studies are lacking. This retrospective study assessed tolerability and efficacy of cannabidiol-rich cannabis, in 60 children with ASD and severe behavioral problems (age = 11.8 ± 3.5, range 5.0-17.5; 77% low functioning; 83% boys). 

Efficacy was assessed using the Caregiver Global Impression of Change scale. Adverse events included sleep disturbances (14%) irritability (9%) and loss of appetite (9%). One girl who used higher tetrahydrocannabinol had a transient serious psychotic event which required treatment with an antipsychotic.

Following the cannabis treatment, behavioral outbreaks were much improved or very much improved in 61% of patients. This preliminary study supports feasibility of CBD-based cannabis trials in children with ASD.

"Data continues to support the use of CBD as a area to focus in on for treatment of ASD. Studies currently underway (including one being funded by the US Department of Defence) should shed further light on why it helps for some patients and for some symptoms of this complicated disease."

-Dr. Dave Hepburn

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30382443

Dr. Dave Hepburn website:https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Cannabis use is associated with a greater likelihood for suicide attempts in adolescents

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

Cannabis use and suicide attempts among 86,254 adolescents aged 12-15 years from 21 low- and middle-income countries.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Evidence suggests that cannabis use may be associated with suicidality in adolescence. Nevertheless, very few studies have assessed this association in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this cross-sectional survey, we investigated the association of cannabis use and suicidal attempts in adolescents from 21 LMICs, adjusting for potential confounders.

METHOD:

Data from the Global school-based Student Health Survey was analyzed in 86,254 adolescents from 21 countries [mean (SD) age = 13.7 (0.9) years; 49.0% girls]. Suicide attempts during past year and cannabis during past month and lifetime were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS:

The overall prevalence of past 30-day cannabis use was 2.8% and the age-sex adjusted prevalence varied from 0.5% (Laos) to 37.6% (Samoa), while the overall prevalence of lifetime cannabis use was 3.9% (range 0.5%-44.9%). The overall prevalence of suicide attempts during the past year was 10.5%. Following multivariable adjustment to potential confounding variables, past 30-day cannabis use was significantly associated with suicide attempts (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.42-2.91). Lifetime cannabis use was also independently associated with suicide attempts (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.74-3.04).

CONCLUSION:

Our data indicate that cannabis use is associated with a greater likelihood for suicide attempts in adolescents living in LMICs. The causality of this association should be confirmed/refuted in prospective studies to further inform public health policies for suicide prevention in LMICs.

“Although causality cannot be established, there is some indication for concern. The adolescent brain is a minefield and neuromaturation, particularly when concerning areas of the brain responsible for controlling impulsive behavior and decision making (executive thought), is not complete until about age 25.”

- Dr. David Hepburn 

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30447436

Dr. Dave Hepburn website:

https://doctordavidhepburn.com

Use of THC in Adolescence May Reduce Ability to Cope with Stress in Adulthood

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

Concomitant THC and stress adolescent exposure induces impaired fear extinction and related neurobiological changes in adulthood.

Abstract

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) consumption during adolescence is reported to be a risk factor for the appearance of psychiatric disorders later in life. The interaction between genetic or environmental events and cannabinoid exposure in the adolescent period can also contribute to exacerbate behavioural deficits in adulthood. 

Here we investigate the effects of THC treatment as well as the consequences of concomitant THC and stress exposure during adolescence in the extinction of fear memory in adult mice. 

Adolescent mice treated with THC and exposed to stress exhibit impaired cued fear extinction in adulthood. However, no effect was observed in animals exposed to these two factors separately. 

Notably, resistance to fear extinction was associated with decreased neuronal activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the infralimbic prefrontal cortex, suggesting a long-term dysregulation of the fear circuit. 

"Yet another study underscoring why THC use in youth is of concern. Concomitant THC and stress adolescent exposure induces impaired fear extinction and related neurobiological changes in adulthood. As the youth brain is one that is “under construction”, THC should be used in this demographic under medical guidance…only."

Dr. Dave Hepburn

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30439419

Dr. David Hepburn website: 
doctordavidhepburn.com 

Sexually Activity in Rats Increased by Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Activation

Article recommend by Dr. Dave Hepburn:

"Men and rats have been closely compared (primarily by women); hence this study is pertinent. The activation of CB1 receptors (the same receptors acted on by plant THC) by the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, transforms boring non copulating rats into sexually active animals." 

Dr. Dave Hepburn

Sexual interaction is essential for the transformation of non-copulating rats into sexually active animals by the endocannabinoid anandamide.

Abstract

The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) transforms half of the population of previously non-copulating (NC) rats into sexually active animals in a long-lasting manner. The aim of this work was to explore the nature of this transformation.

We identified the dose range in which AEA induces mating behavior in previously NC rats, which evidenced a dose-based, biphasic profile for AEA to induce the transformation of NC rats. We demonstrate that the sexual interaction with a receptive female, involving at least an intromission, is essential for AEA to induce the transformation of NC rats.

This AEA-induced conversion is centrally mediated and involves the activation of CB1 receptors. Results indicate that the sexual impairment of this population of NC rats relies on their incapacity to initiate sexual activity and that an unidentified brain inhibitory influence on sexual behavior expression is removed by AEA treatment, allowing previously NC rats to show copulatory behavior in a long-lasting manner.

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30439451

Dr. David Hepburn website:
doctordavidhepburn.com