OneDrug’s Post

Saleem`s Toxicology Bookshelf Life experience can shape the epigenetic landscape in the brain, potentially amplifying drug-induced changes in gene expression that drive the transition to addiction. Understanding these intricate connections is key to addressing addiction effectively. #Epigenetics #BrainHealth #AddictionAwareness

It used to be that if a problem had a genetic component, we assumed there was little we could do to change. Now we know we can influence our genes. "The version of a gene you’re born with can be modified in many ways before it becomes a functional protein, including exposure to alcohol and drugs. Rather than discouraging researchers, this complexity is empowering because it provides evidence that changes to gene expression in your brain aren’t permanent. They can also be altered by medications and lifestyle choices." #immunitytochange #limitingbeliefs #addictiontreatment #change #improvement #humandevelopment #growthanddevelopment https://lnkd.in/epB8Y8kB

THE NUANCES OF CANNABIS-INDUCED PSYCHOSIS Some studies suggest there might be a link between frequent and heavy use of cannabis and an increased risk of developing psychosis. However, it’s essential to understand that this connection is intricate and has many factors to consider. Not everyone who uses cannabis will necessarily develop psychosis, and several factors may contribute to the risk – such as genetic predispositions, a history of mental health problems, and the potency and frequency of cannabis use. #Cannabis #Psychosis #MentalHealth #Genetics #SubstanceUse #AddictionRecovery #CannabisCommunity

The first test should be - do you have a family history of opioid disorders? If yes, let’s explore treatment alternatives for you. Of all the times I’ve been prescribed pain medication, - several, several times- I’ve never been asked if this could be an issue. I bring it up. #awarenessmatters

The management of mental illnesses is long and complex. Pharmacogenomics offers the potential to identify risk factors associated with sub-optimal responses to treatment, and even prevent severe and debilitating adverse drug reactions.   Pharmaceutical Journal Publications brings us this review of the management of mental health conditions and the role of genetics, along with the implementation of pharmacogenomic testing: https://bit.ly/48VsAc8 | #Pharmacogenomics #PrecisionMedicine #AdverseDrugReactions #Genetics

Researchers in Belgium have uncovered the crucial role, in cocaine addiction, of one particular gene. Using mice, a research team from EARA member ULB and the WEL Research Institute, in Wavre, found that a gene (Maged1)that has an important effect in the desire and craving response in drug addiction, exists in an area of the brain not normally associated with these emotions. #AnimalResearch #drugaddiction #biomedicalresearch Know more: https://lnkd.in/dfbE-e4e

An excerpt from an article im reading which I found interesting.The question has been often asked, is there a link between MJ use and SMI? “A pre-existing vulnerability to psychosis is a factor that influences the link between psychosis and cannabis use. There are two active compounds in cannabis. They are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Some studies show these two have opposite effects with respect to psychosis. THC could induce psychotic symptoms in healthy individuals. CBD could reduce the symptoms caused by cannabis. Evidence has shown that cannabis use may hasten the onset of psychosis only in individuals who may be predisposed to the disease. Evidence has also shown that high potency cannabis use can accelerate the onset of psychosis in a predisposed patient. However, it is also noted that while cannabis use has increased over the past couple of decades and is becoming increasingly legal to use, the rate of psychosis in the overall population has not increased. Concerning the age of an individual and their use of cannabis, a related study concluded that cannabis use in early adolescence should be discouraged. This is because cannabis can play a role in the development of psychosis in vulnerable individuals.23” 20. Burns, J. (2013). Pathways from Cannabis to Psychosis: A Review of the Evidence. Front Psychiatry. 4: 128. Retrieved fromhttps://lnkd.in/g5d6aa8M. 21. Dragt, S., et al. (2012). Cannabis use and age at onset of symptoms in subjects at clinical high risk for psychosis. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 125 (1): 45–53. doi:10.1111/j.1600- 0447.2011.01763.x. 22. Kampman, K. (2017). Approach to treatment of stimulant use disorder in adults. UpToDate. Retrieved online at https://lnkd.in/gTSbQtNE. 23. Gorelick, D. (2017). Cannabis use and disorder: Epidemiology, comorbidity, health consequences, and medico-legal status. UpToDate. Retrieved online at https://lnkd.in/g6AHPQxu UpToDate {{configCtrl2.metaDescription()}} www.uptodate.com

Iboga: A Cultural Revolution for Opioid Addiction in Africa Hamilton Morris discusses ibogaine, an alkaloid drug derived from the iboga plant in Africa, which may have therapeutic value for the treatment of opioid addiction. Clip from this conversation: https://lnkd.in/gc4tTZGG #ibogaine #iboga #psychedelics #addiction #opioids #science #pharmacology #podcast

I am excited to share that my first research paper has been published in The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. ✨ Activation of the Mu-Delta Opioid Receptor Heteromers Blocks Morphine Rewarding Effects DOI:10.1093/ijnp/pyad032 There is growing evidence to suggest that there are opioid receptor heteromers, which are a combination of different types of opioid receptors. Recent data indicates that targeting these heteromers could lead to reduced side-effects from opioids, while still retaining their therapeutic effects. For example, a recent study (document number 1) found that a drug that targets the MOR (mu opioid receptor)/DOR (delta opioid receptor) heteromer produced pain relief similar to morphine, but with less tolerance. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the research group of Florence Noble and Nicolas Marie for this incredible experience! ------ Abstract Background Evidence has accumulated demonstrating the existence of opioid receptor heteromers, and recent data suggest that targeting these heteromers could reduce opioid side effects while retaining therapeutic effects. Indeed, CYM51010 characterized as a MOR (mu opioid receptor)/DOR (delta opioid receptor) heteromer–preferring agonist promoted antinociception comparable with morphine but with less tolerance. In the perspective of developing these new classes of pharmacological agents, data on their putative side effects are mandatory. Methods Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of CYM51010 in different models related to drug addiction in mice, including behavioral sensitization, conditioned place preference and withdrawal. Results We found that, like morphine, CYM51010 promoted acute locomotor activity as well as psychomotor sensitization and rewarding effect. However, it induced less physical dependence than morphine. We also investigated the ability of CYM51010 to modulate some morphine-induced behavior. Whereas CYM51010 was unable to block morphine-induced physical dependence, it blocked reinstatement of an extinguished morphine induced-conditioned place preference. Conclusions Altogether, our results reveal that targeting MOR-DOR heteromers could represent a promising strategy to block morphine reward.