Two Endocannabinoids Enhance Memory

“Both anandamide (AEA) and 2AG play roles in enhancing memory consolidation in the hippocampus. AEA via both CB1 and CB2R while 2AG activates CB2R signaling only.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

The endocannabinoid system is a key modulator of memory consolidation for aversive experiences.
The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597, which increases anandamide levels by inhibiting its hydrolysis, facilitates memory consolidation through a concurrent activation of both cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2).

Read the full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29842858

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

Early Life Stress and the ECS

“Levels of eCBs (AEA and 2AG) and the entire ECS, in fact, change in the hippocampus (memory) amygdala (fear) and PFC (executive) after early life stress. These continue in some of these regions into adulthood. Collectively, these data demonstrate that early life stress can alter the normative development (ontogeny) of the eCB system, resulting in a sustained deficit in function, particularly within the hippocampus, in adulthood.”

- Dr. David Hepburn 

Abstract:

Early-life stress modulates the development of cortico-limbic circuits and increases vulnerability to adult psychopathology. Given the important stress-buffering role of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, this is a comprehensive investigation of the developmental trajectory of the eCB system and the impact of exposure to early life stress induced by repeated maternal separation (MS; 3 h/day) from postnatal day 2 (PND2) to PND12.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30496752

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

The New Weed on the Block

“This cannabinomimetic of medical interest in that it might harness the same cannabis receptors without causing some of the unwanted side effects of THC. If it works well, the US government might have to make it illegal.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

The recent discovery of another source of a cannabinoid comes from a plant that is a relative of the mosses called liverwort. One genus of the plant, Radula, boasts a handful of species that produce a chemical that is a lot like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from Cannabis sativa, or marijuana.

Why a liverwort, which lives and reproduces quite differently from a plant like Cannabis, would make this molecule remains a mystery. What we now know, however, is the cannabinoid from liverwort and the one in Cannabis are almost exactly the same and have quite similar effects in the mammalian brain.

Read the full article here:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/lowly-moss-like-plant-seems-to-copy-cannabis/

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

PTSD with a blunted response to AEA ASSOCIATED WITH exercise

“The findings from this study indicated that adults with and without PTSD reported significant mood improvements following 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. In addition, the endocannabinoid system was activated after exercise in adults with and without PTSD, although effect sizes suggest that adults with PTSD may have a blunted endocannabinoid response to exercise.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

Previous reports have shown improvements in mood and increases in endocannabinoids in healthy adults following a session of aerobic exercise, but it is unclear whether adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience similar responses. 

Thepurpose of thestudywas to examine psychobiological responses (plasma endocannabinoids [eCBs], mood, and pain) to aerobic exercise in a sample of adults with a diagnosis of PTSD (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 12). 

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29388710

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

Why Women Don’t Forget

“Men appear to have 41% more CB1 receptors in the brain. Unfortunately for men of the male species, this is inversely related to working memory. (No memory of working). The sex difference in the ECS is becoming more interesting in explaining reactions and abilities in both.”

-    Dr. David Hepburn 

Abstract:

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a widespread neuron modulatory function in the central nervous system and is involved in important aspects of brain function including brain development, cortical rhythms, plasticity, reward, and stress sensitivity. 

Many of these effects are mediated via the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) subtype. 

Animal studies convincingly have shown the interaction between the ECS and sex hormones, as well as a sex difference of higher brain CB1R in males. Human in vivo studies of sex difference has yielded discrete pant findings.

Read the full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30296558

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

Drug-Resistant Infections (MRSA) and The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

“It’s a problem that likely means very little to the average person until it happens to them and then it means a lot. Being infected by a superbug is super difficult and is a widespread and growing concern. But the ECS may serve as a natural line of defense against MRSA orotherantibiotic-resistant bacteria. Due to their anti-biofilm action agents that affect/potentiate the ECS could be a promising alternative to antibiotic therapeutics against biofilm-associated MRSA infections.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus have reached epidemic proportions globally.

Staphylococcalbiofilms are associated with increased antimicrobial resistance and are generally less affected by host immune factors. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel agents that not only aim at multidrug-resistant pathogens, but also ones that will act as anti biofilms.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6283871/

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

Regular Cannabis Users Have More Pain After Surgery

“...And poorer quality sleep apparently. Insomnia, of course, might not be uncommon in many regular users who suddenly discontinue use of cannabis for any reasons including being hospitalized. Perhaps this might be an indication for more research on how ADDING cannabis to a post opscenario might is beneficial.”

- Dr. David Hepburn

Abstract:

The recreational and medical use of cannabinoids has been increasing. While most studies and reviews have focused on the role of cannabinoids in the management of acute pain, no study has examined the postoperative outcomes of surgical candidates who are on cannabinoids proper relatively. This retrospective cohort study examined the impact of preoperative cannabinoid use on postoperative pain scores and pain-related outcomes in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.

Read full article here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30531214

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

The CB2 receptor plays a significant role in heart function in people with pulmonary hypertension

"The role the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays in cardiovascular pathology continues to point to a path for possible therapeutic targets. This study shows how the ECS works to prevent death of cardiac cells in pulmonary hypertension, which, if it sounds like a good thing....it is."  -Dr. Dave Hepburn

Article Recommended by Dr. David Hepburn:

CB2-deficiency is associated with a stronger hypertrophy and remodeling of the right ventricle in a murine model of left pulmonary artery occlusion.

Abstract

AIMS:

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) leads to right ventricular (RV) adaptation and remodeling and has deleterious long-term effects on RV function. The endocannabinoid receptor CB2 has been associated with protective effects in adaptation and remodeling of the left ventricle after ischemia. Therefore, we investigated the role of CB2 receptor in RV adaptation after occlusion of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) in a murine model.

MAIN METHODS:

C57/Bl6 (WT)- and CB2 receptor-deficient (Cnr2-/-)-mice underwent paramedian sternotomy and LPA was occluded using a metal clip. Right heart hemodynamic study (Millar®) preceded organ harvesting for immunohistochemistry and mRNA analysis 7 and 21 days (d) post-occlusion.

KEY FINDINGS:

LPA occlusion led to higher RV systolic pressure in Cnr2-/--hearts, while hemodynamics were comparable with WT-hearts after 21d. Cnr2-/--hearts showed higher macrophage infiltration and lower interleukin-10 expression after 7 d, but otherwise a comparable inflammatory mediator expression profile. 

Cardiomyocyte-hypertrophy was stronger in Cnr2-/--mice, presenting with higher tenascin-C expression than WT-hearts. Planimetry revealed higher collagen area in Cnr2-/--hearts and small areas of cardiomyocyte-loss. Surrounding cardiomyocytes were cleaved caspase-3- and TUNEL positive in Cnr2-/--hearts. This was associated by maladaptation of myosin heavy-chain isoforms and lower reactive oxygen scavenger enzymes induction in Cnr2-/--hearts. We found comparable morphological changes in both lungs between the two genotypes.

SIGNIFICANCE:

LPA occlusion led to increased systolic pressure and adaptation of RV in CB2-deficient mice. CB2 receptor seems to modulate RV adaptation through expression of contractile elements, reactive oxygen scavenger enzymes, and inflammatory response in order to prevent cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

To read the full article please visit:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30403990 

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