Immunochromatography screening devices for cannabinoids in oral fluid sample

Abstract Cannabis sativa L. is one of the most consumed drugs in the world and recent studies have associated its use with an increase in the number of traffic accidents in different countries. In many countries, like Brazil, simple and reliable methodologies are still needed for the detection of drugs on site, mainly cannabinoids, considering its prevalence of use and oral fluid (OF) has been proved as an appropriate biological matrix for this purpose. Considering that, this work aims to review previous studies on immunochromatographic devices for on-site detection of cannabinoids in OF, discussing their sensitivity, specificity, cut-offs values and confirmatory methods. This data shows the importance of choosing a screening device and it reinforces the need for its implementation in Brazil. The research was conducted on 5 databases and all original articles, published in the last 10 years, were selected. A total of 32 articles were found, providing data for 17 screening devices of distinct brands. Only 2 screening devices showed satisfactory sensitivity and specificity in the evaluated studies (≥80% and ≥90% respectively). However, it should be considered that the screening devices still have some limitations, such as a higher cut-off than those recommended by international guidelines (cut-off > 2 ng/mL), therefore demonstrating the need for more studies in the area and the importance of confirmatory analysis usually fulfilled by LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS or GC-MS. Thus, the screening analyzes should not be evaluated by itself, but in association with confirmatory results and observational traits (behavioral changes), for a better understanding of the traffic scenario

Cannabis and cannabinoids as an alternative remedy in metabolic syndrome

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS), an epidemic defined as a group of interconnected physiological, biochemistry, clinical, and metabolic factors, directly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and death. MetS therapy includes diet, physical exercise, and a poly-pharmacological intervention. Cannabis is mainly recognized for its recreational uses and has several medical applications for neurological diseases, due to its hypnotic, anxiolytic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant activities. Although several clinical observations in Cannabis smokers suggest metabolic effects, its utility in metabolic disorders is unclear. This review aims to determine under what conditions Cannabis might be useful in the treatment of MetS. Cannabis contains 120 phytocannabinoids, of which Δ9-THC mediates its psychoactive effects. Cannabinoids exert biological effects through interactions with the endocannabinoid system, which modulates several physiologic and metabolic pathways through cannabinoid receptors (CB1/CB2). Signaling through both receptors inhibits neurotransmitter release. In general, endocannabinoid system stimulation in Cannabis smokers and Δ9-THC signaling through CB1 have been implicated in MetS development, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, CB1 antagonists and non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids like cannabidiol reduce these effects through interactions with both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors. These pharmacological approaches represent a source of new therapeutic agents for MetS. However, more studies are necessary to support the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and cannabinoids in metabolic abnormalities

Inorganic element profile of medicinal Cannabis extracts consumed by pediatric patients

Abstract The increasing number of reports of web-based experiences on the success of Cannabis-based therapies in controlling seizures in children suffering from refractory epilepsy have led to efforts by governments and associations to a recent change in legislation. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) allowed the import of Cannabis extracts in 2015 and the registration of the first industrialized drug in 2017. In 2019, ANVISA approved procedures for the granting of a Sanitary Authorization for manufacturing and imports, establishing marketing requirements, prescribing, dispensing, monitoring and surveillance of cannabis products for medicinal purposes. Similar to other consumer products of health concern, is necessary to ensure the quality and health safety of these products worldwide. The aim of the present study to evaluate the presence of As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, Cr and Mn present in Cannabis extracts and resins used in the treatment of pediatric patients with neurological diseases. Samples (48 national and 24 imported) were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry - ICP-MS. The imported extracts presented more homogeneous inorganic element values, while national extracts showed varied levels, thus indicating the highest health risk.

Living frisbees: riesgos de patologías mentales en niños y niñas expuestos a thc durante su gestación / Living frisbees: risks of mental pathologies in boys and girls exposed to thc during their pregnancy

La Cannabis sativa es una planta que contiene componentes psicoactivos (principalmente tetrahidrocannabinol) y actualmente corresponde a la droga ilícita más consumida a nivel mundial. Además, desde el área de la salud mental, ha habido un creciente interés en evaluar la relación entre el consumo de marihuana y el desarrollo de trastornos mentales. En este contexto, considerando tanto este creciente aumento en su consumo a nivel mundial y el interés por conocer si está involucrada en la patogénesis de patologías de la esfera psiquiátrica, es clave analizar qué posibles riesgos de desarrollar patologías mentales presentan aquellos niños expuestos al tetrahidrocannabinol durante la gestación. A partir de esta situación, el objetivo de este FRISBEEs es determinar si los niños/as expuestos a THC durante su gestación tienen un mayor riesgo de patologías mentales, en comparación a aquellos niños no expuestos durante su gestación. Los materiales y métodos utilizados para responder esta pregunta fueron obtenidos a partir de una búsqueda bibliográfica en dos bases de datos, donde se analizó la evidencia disponible, y se seleccionó el estudio primario titulado "Maternal tobacco, cannabis and alcohol use during pregnancy and risk of adolescent psychotic symptoms in offspring", ya que era el que más se aproximaba a poder responder nuestra pregunta clínica. Este se analizó de forma crítica, llegando al resultado de que el estudio no fue concluyente en establecer una asociación entre el uso de cannabis y síntomas psicóticos. Como conclusión, dado que no se pudo llegar a establecer una asociación entre el uso de cannabis y el desarrollo de patologías mentales, se debería realizar más investigación sobre el tema dado la magnitud del consumo de cannabis a nivel mundial, para así poder llegar a conclusiones clínicas basadas en la evidencia y poder dar recomendaciones clínicas a las pacientes embarazadas.

Cannabis sativa is a plant that contains psychoactive components (mainly tetrahydrocannabinol) and currently corresponds to the most widely consumed illicit drug worldwide. In addition, from the area of mental health, there has been a growing interest in evaluating the relationship between marijuana use and the development of mental disorders. In this context, considering both this growing increase in its consumption worldwide and the interest in knowing if it is involved in the pathogenesis of pathologies in the psychiatric sphere, it is essential to analyze what possible risks of developing mental pathologies present those children exposed to tetrahydrocannabinol during gestation. Based on this situation, the objective of this FRISBEEs is to determine whether children exposed to THC during their pregnancy have a greater risk of mental pathologies, compared to those children not exposed during their pregnancy. The materials and methods used to answer this question were obtained from a bibliographic search in two databases, where the available evidence was analyzed, and the primary study entitled "Maternal tobacco, cannabis and alcohol use during pregnancy and risk of adolescent psychotic symptoms in offspring ", as he was the closest to answering our clinical question. This was critically analyzed, reaching the result that the study was not conclusive in establishing an association between the use of cannabis and psychotic symptoms. In conclusion, given that it was not possible to establish an association between the use of cannabis and the development of mental pathologies, more research should be carried out on the subject given the magnitude of cannabis use worldwide, in order to reach conclusions. evidence-based clinics and to be able to give clinical recommendations to pregnant patients

"Experimentando" a alergia à marijuana (Cannabis sativa), e os porquês de ficarmos "ligados" / "Experiencing" an allergy to marijuana (Cannabis sativa), and the reasons for staying "aware"

O primeiro relato de reação alérgica à Cannabis sativa foi publicado em 1971, com a descrição de uma mulher de 29 anos que após fumar maconha pela primeira vez apresentou sintomas compatíveis com uma reação anafilática. A alergia à maconha pode manifestar-se por sintomas diversos, inclusive graves e generalizados, com reações cruzadas, principalmente, mas não exclusivamente, com frutas e vegetais. Portanto, é de suma importância familiarizar-se com os sinais e sintomas da alergia à Cannabis, conhecer as opções disponíveis para o diagnóstico, as perspectivas de tratamento e como orientar o paciente. Esta revisão tem por objetivo destacar a diversidade de rotas de sensibilização e reações à planta, enfatizando a heterogeneidade de apresentações da alergia à Cannabis.

The first report of an allergic reaction to Cannabis sativa was published in 1971, with the description of a case of a 29-yearold woman who had symptoms consistent with an anaphylactic reaction after smoking marijuana for the first time. A marijuana allergy can manifest by various symptoms, including severe and disseminated symptoms with cross-reactions mainly, but not exclusively, with fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is extremely important to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of a cannabis allergy and to know the options available for diagnosis, treatment perspectives, as well as how to guide the patient. This review aims to highlight the diversity of sensitization routes and reactions to the plant, emphasizing the heterogeneity of presentations of a cannabis allergy.

Situación actual de Cannabis sativa, beneficios terapéuticos y reacciones adversas / Current status of Cannabis sativa; therapeutic benefits and adverse reactions

Introducción: En la actualidad, uno de los temas más polémicos que involucra en gran proporción al campo de la Medicina es el uso terapéutico de la marihuana y su legalización. Esta planta de reconocimiento milenario ha desatado en las últimas décadas disímiles de controversias dado el descubrimiento del sistema endocannabinoide que revolucionó la investigación sobre ella. Objetivo: Describir la situación actual del cannabis, sus beneficios terapéuticos y sus efectos adversos. Material y métodos: Se realizó una exhaustiva búsqueda y revisión empleando los Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud, en idioma inglés y español, consultando las bases de datos Pubmed, Scielo, Lilacs, Cochrane Library y Web of Science, para los últimos 10 años, empleándose un total de 45 artículos como referencias bibliográficas. Desarrollo: Al Cannabis se le han atribuido efectos farmacológicos, tales como: antinociceptivo, antiepiléptico, inmunosupresivo, antiemético, estimulante del apetito, antimicrobiano, antiinflamatorio y neuroprotector. A su vez, presenta disímiles reacciones adversas como son la predisposición a varios tipos de cáncer, empeoramiento de desórdenes mentales, dificultades en el aprendizaje y el rendimiento escolar, que constituye una droga portera, entre otros. A pesar de las tendencias legalizadoras no son suficientes las razones para la legalización de esta droga, cuando su principal blanco resulta ser los adolescentes, donde los daños neurológicos que causa son irreversibles. Conclusiones: Se debe continuar explorando las potencialidades terapéuticas de los cannabinoides a partir de la elaboración de productos farmacológicos bien dosificados y controlados, pues el riesgo de sus efectos adversos es innegable y contundente(AU)

Introduction: Currently, one of the most controversial issues that greatly involves the medical field is the therapeutic use and legalization of marijuana. This millennial recognition has led to different controversies in recent decades due to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system which has revolutionized the process of research on this topic. Objective: To describe the current situation of cannabis, its therapeutic benefits and adverse effects. Material and methods: An in-depth search and review was carried out using Health Sciences descriptors in English and Spanish. A search was carried out in PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Publications from the last 10 years were consulted, using a total of 45 articles as bibliographic references. Development: Some pharmacological effects such as antinociceptive, antiepileptic, immunosuppressive, antiemetic, appetite stimulant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective ones have been attributed to Cannabis. In turn, it presents dissimilar adverse reactions such as predisposition to various types of cancer, worsening of mental disorders, and difficulties with learning and school performance. Cannabis, among others, is considered a starter drug. Despite the trend towards legalization, there are not enough reasons for the legalization of this drug. Its main target turns out to be the adolescents, among which the neurological damage it causes is irreversible. Conclusions: The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids should continue to be explored from the production of well dosed and controlled pharmacological products, since the risk of their adverse effects are undeniable and overwhelming(AU)

Uso de cannabis y trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad: una revisión sistemática / Cannabis use and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review

Introducción: el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo con una prevalencia del 5% en niños y adolescentes y del 2,5% en adultos y está asociado a una alta comorbilidad con el trastorno por consumo de cannabis, otros trastornos por consumo de sustancias y otros trastornos psiquiátricos. Objetivo: determinar la evidencia científica actual sobre el uso cannabis y el desarrollo de trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad. Metodología: esta fue una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Se realizó una búsqueda en línea de publicaciones relevantes en PubMed, CICCO y Web of Science. La búsqueda se limitó a artículos escritos en inglés o español, entre los años 2008 a 2019. La sintaxis de búsqueda incluyó: "cannabis AND ADHD", "Attention-deficit/hyperactivity AND cannabis". Resultados: se encontraron 229 publicaciones relacionadas. La mayoría de los textos excluidos correspondieron a estudios que no informaron una relación causal entre cannabis y trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad, que era el objetivo de la presente revisión sistemática. Se excluyeron aquellos textos completos que presentaban al cannabis como tratamiento del trastorno o porque informaban que las personas con dicho diagnóstico eran más propensas al consumo de sustancias. Discusión: el consumo de cannabis reduce los niveles de síntesis de dopamina estriatal y se asocia con déficits de la función ejecutiva y reducción sinérgica de la dopamina, provocando una exacerbación del déficit cognitivo relacionado con el trastorno por déficit de atención o con el propio uso de cannabis. Asimismo, el consumo de cannabis conduce al uso de otras drogas, lo que a su vez produce un aumento de los síntomas de trastorno por déficit de atención. La relación causal de uso de cannabis y desarrollo posterior de trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad debe estudiarse más a fondo, ya que las investigaciones sobre este aspecto concreto son pocas y no concluyentes.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a prevalence of 5% in children and adolescents and 2.5% in adults and is associated with high comorbidity with cannabis use disorder, other substance use and other psychiatric disorders.Objective: To determine the current scientific evidence on cannabis use and the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methodology: This was a systematic review of the literature. An online search of relevant publications was conducted in PubMed, CICCO and Web of Science databases. The search was limited to articles written in English or Spanish, between 2008 and 2019. The search syntax included: "cannabis AND ADHD", "Attention-deficit/hyperactivity AND cannabis". Results: 229 related publications were found. Most of the excluded texts corresponded to studies that did not report a causal relationship between cannabis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which was the objective of this systematic review. Those full texts that presented cannabis as a treatment for the disorder or because they reported that people with this diagnosis were more prone to substance use were excluded. Discussion: Cannabis use reduces levels of striatal dopamine synthesis and is associated with deficits of executive function and synergistic reduction of dopamine, causing an exacerbation of the cognitive deficit related to attention deficit disorder or the use of cannabis itself. Also, cannabis use leads to the use of other drugs, which in turn produces an increase in symptoms of attention deficit disorder. The causal relationship of cannabis use and subsequent development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should be studied further, since research on this particular aspect is few and inconclusive.

Trayectorias sanitarias durante 4 años de niños expuestos prenatalmente a cocaína y/o cannabis. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en La Pampa, Argentina / Four-year health trajectories of children prenatally exposed to cocaine and/or cannabis. A retrospective, cohort study in La Pampa, Argentina

El consumo de cocaína y/o cannabis durante el embarazo constituye un problema en ascenso, de importancia para la salud pública mundial. Los niños expuestos pueden presentar un amplio rango de complicaciones en el período perinatal, pero los conocimientos sobre la evolución posterior son escasos.Objetivo: Describir y comparar las trayectorias sanitarias de niños expuestos y no expuestos prenatalmente a cocaína y/o cannabis durante 4 años. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo con grupo de comparación doble. Los niños expuestos fueron detectados en el Servicio de Neonatología de un hospital público mediante una prueba de orina, entre 2009 y 2013. Resultados: Se evaluaron 29 niños expuestos y 58 no expuestos. Las principales drogas detectadas en el grupo expuesto fueron cocaína y cannabis. La mayoría de las madres fueron policonsumidoras. En los niños del grupo expuesto, se encontraron diferencias significativas en menor frecuencia de controles de salud (p < 0,0001) y mayor frecuencia de consultas en Emergencias (p = 0,0295) e Internaciones (p = 0,007), principalmente, por cuadros respiratorios. Presentaron, además, mayor frecuencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, cambios de hogar y judicialización. En ese grupo, hubo 1 niño y 2 progenitores muertos por causa violenta. No hubo ninguna muerte en el grupo no expuesto.Conclusiones: Los niños expuestos a cocaína y/o cannabis prenatalmente tuvieron menor número de controles de salud y mayor frecuencia de consultas en Emergencias e Internaciones. Presentaron, además, mayor frecuencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, cambios de hogar, judicialización y muertes violentas en el grupo familiar directo.

Cocaine and/or cannabis use during pregnancy is a growing problem of relevance for global public health. Exposed children may have a wide range of perinatal complications, but there is little knowledge on their course.Objective: To describe and compare the health trajectories of children prenatally exposed and unexposed to cocaine and/or cannabis over 4 years.Methods: Retrospective, cohort study with a double control group. Exposed children were detected through a urine test by the Department of Neonatology of a public hospital between 2009 and 2013. Results: A total of 29 exposed children and 58 unexposed children were assessed. The most common drugs detected in the exposed group were cocaine and cannabis. Most mothers were poly-drug users. The exposed group showed significant differences in relation to a lower frequency of health checkups (p < 0.0001) and a higher number of visits to the emergency department (p = 0.0295) and hospitalizations (p = 0.007), mainly due to respiratory conditions. In addition, they had a greater rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, changes of home, and legal interventions. In this group, 1 child and 2 parents had a violent death. No deaths were reported in the unexposed group. Conclusions: Children prenatally exposed to cocaine and/or cannabis had a lower number of health checkups and a higher number of visits to the emergency department and hospitalizations. Besides, they showed a greater rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, changes of home, legal interventions, and violent deaths in the direct family group.

Efectos cardiovasculares en usuarios de cocaína / Cardiovascular effects in cocaine users

Resumen La cocaína es una sustancia psicoactiva ampliamente utilizada de forma recreativa. El uso indiscriminado de esta sustancia genera múltiples consultas a los servicios de emergencias, principalmente debido a sus efectos cardiovasculares. Los mecanismos fisiopatológicos actúan principalmente en sistema nervioso simpático, cardiomiocito, plaquetas, canales de sodio y potasio, entre otros. El objetivo principal de esta revisión es demostrar los efectos cardiovasculares asociados al uso de la cocaína.

Abstract Cocaine is a psychoactive substance widely used recreationally. The indiscriminate use of this substance generates multiple consultations to the emergency services, mainly due to its cardiovascular effects. The physio pathological mechanisms act mainly in sympathetic nervous system, cardiomyocyte, platelets, sodium and potassium channels, among others. The main objective of this review is to demonstrate the cardiovascular effects associated with the use of cocaine.

Avaliação toxicológica da exposição à Cannabis e cocaína na gravidez em cordão umbilical humano: validação de método analítico e prospecção de biomarcadores proteicos de toxicidade / Toxicological assessment of Cannabis and cocaine exposure during pregnancy in human umbilical cord tissue: analytical method validation and prospection of protein biomarkers related to fetotoxicity

O abuso de drogas atinge aproximadamente 35 milhões de pessoas em todo planeta, sendo um problema alarmante em decorrência de graves danos à saúde, como a dependência química e intoxicações fatais. No Brasil, o número de usuários tem crescido principalmente para o consumo de produtos da Cannabis e cocaína, drogas amplamente consumidas, inclusive entre mulheres em período gestacional, trazendo à tona um novo grupo de risco. A exposição gestacional a drogas de abuso está diretamente relacionada a malformações fetais e complicações de saúde para mãe e bebê nos períodos pré- e pós-natal. Tradicionalmente, a avaliação toxicológica da exposição é realizada pela detecção da droga parental e de seus produtos de biotransformação em matrizes materno-fetais por meio de métodos bioanalíticos. Entretanto, estes ensaios não fornecem informações acerca dos impactos fisiológicos ocasionados pela exposição, deixando uma lacuna no que tange às informações sobre os mecanismos e moléculas subjacentes envolvidos em processos de toxicidade. Desse modo, o desenvolvimento de análises toxicológicas mais robustas utilizando tecnologia de ponta, que possam comprovar o uso drogas e também elucidar aspectos de toxicidade é de suma importância, pois auxiliam na compreensão do impacto biológico relativo à exposição humana a xenobióticos. Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidos ensaios bioanalíticos, utilizando o tecido do cordão umbilical para a avaliação da exposição in utero à canabinoides. Foi desenvolvido e validado método QuECheRS adaptado como preparo de amostra, no qual etapas simultâneas de extração e hidrólise alcalina de canabinoides são alcançadas, utilizando cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada a espectrômetro de massas para detecção de delta-9-tetraidrocanabinol (THC), canabinol (CBN), 11-hidroxi-delta-9-tetraidrocanabinol (11-OHTHC) e 11-nor-9-carboxi-tetrahidrocanabinol (THC-COOH). Também foram desenvolvidas metodologias utilizando LC-MS/MS e Trapped Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry para análise de proteoma de cordão umbilical humano em diferentes regiões, no intuito de identificar biomarcadores proteicos relativos à fetotoxicidade do uso de drogas na gravidez. Até o presente momento, QuECheRS é utilizado pela primeira vez como abordagem bioanalítica para avaliação de drogas ilícitas em matrizes teciduais materno-fetais e mostrou-se satisfatório para detecção de produtos da Cannabis. Nos ensaios proteômicos, foram identificados potenciais biomarcadores de fetotoxicidade, como as moléculas ACTA 2, Collagen alpha-1 (XVIII), SMC1A, KNL1, KMT2A, em tecidos expostos à Cannabis e/ou cocaína. Tais macromoléculas estão correlacionadas a malformações embriogênicas e complicações de saúde na vida intra-uterina. As metodologias desenvolvidas neste trabalho podem ser úteis para uma melhor avaliação da toxicidade do uso de drogas na gravidez, fornecendo novas pistas sobre a exposição e/ou efeitos tóxicos significativos considerados na avaliação de risco

Drug abuse affects approximately 35 million people worldwide and can be considered a significant burden on society due to severe health problems, e.g. drug addiction and fatal poisonings. In Brazil, the number of users has been growing related to Cannabis and cocaine products, drugs widely used, including among women in gestational period, bringing up a new risk group. Gestational exposure to drugs of abuse is directly related to fetal malformations and health complications for mother and babies in the pre- and postnatal periods. Traditionally, toxicological assessment of exposure is performed by detecting the parent drug and its biotransformation products in maternal-fetal matrices using bioanalytical methods. However, these assays do not provide information about the physiological impacts caused by exposure, leaving a lack of information about the pathways and molecules involved in toxicity processes. Thus, the development of robust toxicological analyzes using cutting-edge technologies in order to prove drug use and also elucidate aspects of toxicity is very important, as they help in understanding the biological impact of human exposure to xenobiotics. Herein, bioanalytical methods using umbilical cord tissue to assess in utero exposure to cannabinoids were developed. A QuECheRS method was developed fully validated as a sample preparation technique for simultaneous extraction and alkaline hydrolysis of cannabinoids, using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to detect the analytes delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), 11-hydroxydelta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH). LC-MS/MS based proteomics and Trapped Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry were also developed in order to identify protein biomarkers related to fetotoxicity of drug use in pregnancy. Our works represents the first use of QuECheRS for evaluation of illicit drugs in maternal-fetal tissue and was suitable for detection of Cannabis products. In the proteomic assays, potential biomarkers of fetotoxicity were identified in the exposed tissues, such as ACTA 2, Collagen alpha-1 (XVIII), SMC1A, KNL1, KMT2A. These proteins are related to embryogenic malformations and health complications in intrauterine life. The methodologies developed in this project may be useful for a better assessment of the toxicity of drug use in pregnancy, providing new clues about exposure and/or significant toxic effects that should be considered in the risk assessment

Consumo de Canábis: craving e a relação com ansiedade, stresse e depressão / Cannabis use: craving and the relationship with anxiety, stress and depression

Resumo. A canábis é a substância ilícita mais consumida em Portugal com um início de consumo muito precoce. O craving é considerado um dos factores fundamentais ligados ao consumo de canábis, associando-se à depressão, a ansiedade e ao stresse. Espera-se que nível de craving e sexo se relacionem com a depressão, ansiedade e stresse numa amostra de consumidores portugueses. A amostra foi constituída por 143 consumidores da zona Norte do país e os dados recolhidos através de questionários online (DASS-21 e o MCQ-SF). Os resultados permitem concluir que a emocionalidade, a intencionalidade e a compulsividade relacionaram-se positivamente com o nível do craving, bem como, com o stresse e a depressão. Quanto ao número de anos de consumo, constatou-se um efeito significativo, de dimensão média, na ansiedade.

Abstract. Cannabis is the most used illicit substance in Portugal and is the one, which presents, on average, na earlier onset of consumption. Craving is considered one of the fundamental factors linked to the cannabis use, associating anxiety, stress and depression. The sample consisted of 143 individuals from the northern area of the country and the data was gathered through two online questionnaires (DASS-21 and the MCQ-SF). The obtained results allow us to conclude that emotionality, purposefulness and compulsivity are positively associated with the level of craving and, combined, as well to stress and depression. The number of years of consumption presents a significant effect in anxiety, with a medium effect size.

Cannabis y esquizofrenia. Revisión de la literatura de los últimos quince años / Cannabis and schizophrenia. Review of the literature of the last fifteen years

A partir de la promulgación de la Ley 19.172, referida a la regulación del mercado y consumo de marihuana, recientemente aprobada en Uruguay, surgen diferentes preguntas en relación con los efectos de esta norma sobre los pacientes psiquiátricos con un trastorno por consumo de cannabis comórbido, particularmente en el caso de la comorbilidad con esquizofrenia. La prevalencia de la esquizofrenia en la población general es de 0.5 a 1.4 %, con una comorbilidad con consumo de sustancias de aproximadamente el 47 % que, en el caso del consumo de cannabis, oscila entre 13 y 40 %. Los avances en la neurobiología apuntan a una compleja relación entre el sistema endocannabinoide, la esquizofrenia y los cannabinoides exógenos. Los objetivos son conocer, a través de la revisión de la literatura internacional, los avances en cuanto al vínculo entre el cannabis y la esquizofrenia tanto desde el punto de visto clínico como neurobiológico. Se encontraron 130 trabajos con los descriptores utilizados, de los cuales se seleccionaron para este trabajo los 35 de mayor relevancia. El consumo de cannabis podría ser un factor de riesgo para individuos vulnerables a la psicosis. Tendría además un efecto sobre la edad de inicio de la enfermedad y, posiblemente, en su evolución.

Since the enactment of Law 19,172, referring to the regulation of the marijuana market and consumption, recently approved in Uruguay, different questions arise regarding the effects of this rule on psychiatric patients with comorbid cannabis use disorder, particularly in the case of comorbidity with schizophrenia. The prevalence of schizophrenia in the general population is 0.5 to 1.4%, with a comorbidity with substance use of approximately 47% which, in the case of cannabis use, ranges between 13 and 40%. Advances in neurobiology point to a complex relationship between the endocannabinoid system, schizophrenia and exogenous cannabinoids. The objectives are to know, through the review of the international literature, the advances regarding the link between cannabis and schizophrenia both from the clinical and neurobiological point of view. We found 130 papers with the descriptors used, of which the 35 most relevant ones were selected for this work. Cannabis use could be a risk factor for individuals vulnerable to psychosis. It would also have an effect on the age of onset of the disease and, possibly, on its evolution.

Características, manejo y evolución intrahospitalaria de usuarios de drogas ilícitas con infarto agudo del miocardio / Characteristics, management, and outcomes of illicit drug consumers with acute myocardial infarction

Background: Consumption of illicit drugs (ID) has been associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There is limited national evidence about the impact of substance use over the clinical presentation, management and outcomes of AMI patients. Aim: To describe the prevalence of ID consumption in patients within the Chilean Registry of Myocardial Infarction (GEMI), comparing clinical characteristics, management and outcome according to consumption status. Material and Methods: We reviewed data from the GEMI registry between 2001 and 2013, identifying 18,048 patients with AMI. The sample was stratified according to presence or absence of previous ID consumption, comparing different demographic and clinical variables between groups. Results: Two hundred eighty five patients (1.6%) had history of ID consumption (cocaine in 66%, cannabis in 35% and central nervous system stimulants in 24.0%). Compared with non-users, ID consumers were younger, predominantly male and had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, except for tobacco smoking (86.3% and 42.5% respectively, p < 0.01). Among consumers, there was a higher percentage of ST segment elevation (85.2% and 67.8% respectively, p < 0.01) and anterior wall AMI (59.9 and 49.5% respectively, p = 0.01). Additionally, they had a higher rate of primary angioplasty (48.8% and 25.5% respectively, p < 0.01). There was no difference in hospital mortality between groups when stratified by age. Conclusions: A low percentage of patients with AMI had a previous history of ID consumption in our national setting. These patients were younger and had a greater frequency of ST segment elevation AMI, which probably determined a more invasive management.

Assistência pré-natal às usuárias de drogas ilícitas / Prenatal care of illicit drugs users

O uso de drogas ilícitas na gravidez é um problema complexo de cunho social e de saúde pública. Com ocorrência crescente na população mundial, resulta no aumento significativo da morbiletalidade materno-fetal, com maiores taxas da exposição às drogas e da síndrome de abstinência neonatal, além de prejuízos no desenvolvimento subsequente das crianças expostas a tais substâncias. Em virtude da variedade de fatores sociais, psicossociais, comportamentais e biomédicos que estão implicados nos resultados neonatais adversos, as usuárias devem receber orientações acerca dos riscos periconcepcionais, anteparto e pósparto causados pelas drogas de abuso. Idealmente, a assistência pré-natal deve ser realizada por uma equipe multidisciplinar. Os tocoginecologistas têm a obrigação ética de aprender e utilizar protocolos para rastreio universal do uso das substâncias ilegais, empreender intervenções iniciais e encaminhar as usuárias e seus familiares para tratamento médico especializado. A construção de uma relação médico-paciente desprovida de preconceitos e baseada em confiança recíproca é também pré-requisito fundamental. A frequência das consultas pré-natais e a avaliação da vitalidade fetal devem ser pautadas pela análise constante e individualizada dos riscos, segundo as diretrizes de assistência às gestações de alto risco. Após o parto, o seguimento das mães, dos recém-nascidos e de suas famílias deve prosseguir em serviços devidamente capacitados.(AU)

Illicit drugs use in pregnancy is a complex social and public health issue. As a growing problem worldwide, it results in significant increase of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, with higher rates of drug exposure and neonatal abstinence syndrome, besides loss in the subsequent development of children exposed to such substances. Due to the variety of social, psychosocial, behavioral and biomedical factors that are implicated in adverse neonatal outcomes, users should receive guidance regarding conception, antepartum and postpartum risks caused by illicit drugs. Ideally, prenatal care should be performed by a multidisciplinary team. Obstetricians and gynecologists have an ethical obligation to learn and utilize universal screening protocols for the use of illegal substances, undertake initial interventions and refer users and their families for specialized medical treatment. The construction of a non-judgemental physician-patient relationship based on reciprocal trust is also a fundamental prerequisite. The frequency of antenatal visits and assessment of fetal well-being must be guided by constant and individualized analysis of risks, according to the guidelines of care for high-risk pregnancies. After birth, the follow-up of mothers, newborns and their families should continue in properly prepared health care services.(AU)

Hiposialia por activación de receptores de cannabinoides en la glándula submaxilar: revisión / Hyposialia by cannabinoid receptors activation in the submandibular gland: a review

El presente trabajo aporta evidencia de la presencia de receptores de cannabinoides en la glándula submaxilar de la rata, cuya expresión secircunscribe a componentes acinares y ductales. A su vez, los resultados expuestos confirman la participación de los receptores de cannabinoides en el control de la secreción salival, y por ende aportan una explicación empírica a la hiposialia observada luego del consumo de marihuana

The present study provides evidence for the presence of cannabinoid receptors in rat submandibular gland, whose expression is restricted to acinar and ductal components. In turn, the presented results confirm the involvement of cannabinoid receptors in the control of salivary secretion, and thus provide an empirical explanation to hyposialia observed after marijuana consumption.

Sobre la supuesta inocuidad del consumo de marihuana: diferencia entre consumidores y no consumidores en encuestas nacionales en Colombia / On the supposed safety of marijuana's consumption: difference between consumers in national surveys in Colombia

Diferentes fuentes muestran que el consumo de marihuana tiene efectos negativos sobre la salud y la convivencia ciudadana. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar diferencias entre consumidores y no consumidores de marihuana, en variables que pudieran mostrar la tendencia a afectaciones sociales y de salud, eventualmente asociadas al consumo de la sustancia en cuestión. Se tomaron las bases de datos de los estudios nacionales de consumo de 2008 (población general de 12 a 65 años) y 2011 (población escolarizada entre 12 y 18 años). En la primera población se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a accidentes laborales y consumo de riesgo y perjudicial de alcohol; en la segunda, se encontró un rendimiento académico deficitario e incidentes de agresión, a veces como víctimas, otras como victimarios, entre los consumidores. Los resultados confirman los hallazgos de otros estudios, en los cuales se ha podido establecer que, contrariamente a la creencia común entre muchos consumidores de marihuana, sí hay una asociación entre consumo de esa sustancia y problemas a nivel de conducta y de rendimiento académico. Se sugiere realizar estudios longitudinales para superar las deficiencias metodológicas derivadas de los estudios transversales...

Data from several sources show that marihuana smoking has harmful effects on health and conviviality. The purpose of this study was to analyse the differences between users and non-users of marihuana on variables potentially associated with social and health problems amongst those using marihuana. Two data bases were analyzed: one from 2008, regarding general population (12 to 65 years of age), and a second one from 2011 regarding school populations with ages between 12 and 18. In the first population significant differences were found for work accidents and alcohol abuse; in the second one the differences were related to academic failure and agression incidents, some times as victims, some times as perpetrators. The results confirm other studiesÆ findings: contrary to the common belief among marihuana users, there is a strong association between the use of the substance and behavioral and academic problems. It is suggested that longitudinal studies must be carried out in order to overcome the methodological limitations and flaws related to cross-sectional studies...