The Endocannabinoid System as a Biomarker for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications in Depression and Anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety belong to a family of mental disturbances that have increased significantly in recent years. The etiology of both disorders comprises multiple and complex factors, from genetic background to environmental influence. Since depression and anxiety present severe symptoms, they represent a greater clinical burden and greater therapeutic difficulty. Currently, standardized diagnostic procedures for depression and anxiety allow for the addition of further treatments, including psychotherapy and/or pharmacological intervention, with effective outcomes. However, further steps should be considered with regard to consideration of the endocannabinoid system's role in depression and anxiety. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the evidence from animal research and clinical studies on the role of cannabinoid receptors, the major endocannabinoids -anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)- and the enzymes related to the synthesis and degradation of these chemicals as putative biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic elements of depression and anxiety. METHODS: This review included the online search, identification, and analysis of articles (basic and clinical trials) published in English in PubMed linked to the role of cannabinoid receptors, AEA, 2- AG, and the enzymes associated with the synthesis and degradation of these endocannabinoids in depression and anxiety. RESULTS: The neurobiological relevance of the endocannabinoid system offers genetic or pharmacological manipulation of this system as a potential strategy for the diagnostic and clinical management of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Although the described approach in this review is promising, no solid evidence is yet available, and along with additional experiments using animal models that mimic human depression and anxiety, clinical trials are needed to explore the role of the endocannabinoid system's elements as well as the anandamide membrane transporter, none of which have been adequately studied in depression and anxiety.

Neurobiology of Dream Activity and Effects of Stimulants on Dream.

The sleep-wake cycle is the result of the activity of multiple neurobiological network interactions. The dreaming feature is one interesting sleep on that represents sensorial components, mostly visual perceptions, accompaniedby intense emotions. Further complexity has been added to the topic of the neurobiological mechanism of dream generation by the current data suggesting drugs' influence on dream generation. Here, we discuss the review of some of the neurobiological mechanisms of the regulation of dream activity, with special emphasis on the effects of stimulants on dreaming.

The Endocannabinoid System as Modulator of Exercise Benefits in Mental Health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 47 million people display mental health disorders Worldwide. In addition, epidemiological studies have shown that the extension of life expectancy and the increase in aged population will significantly impact the prevalence of several mental impairments. Although there are strategies for preventing and alleviating mental illnesses, such as pharmacological and psychological approaches, limited results have been observed. Thus, the search for new therapeutics for managing psychiatric disorders has explored multiple roads. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that physical activity and exercise promote health benefits. On the other hand, among the neurobiological systems that participate in the genesis and development of mental disruptions, the endocannabinoid system has been suggested as an active player. Supporting this hypothesis, data suggest that the elements comprising the endocannabinoid system, such as the CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands (N-arachidonoylethanolamine [anandamide, AEA] and 2- arachidonoylglycerol [2-AG]), transporters and the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of the AEA and 2-AG, modulate mental diseases. In this review, we discuss that the endocannabinoid system might be considered as a modulator for the positive outcomes of exercise in the management of mental disorders. Clinically, this promising field might be exploited by targeting the elements of the endocannabinoid system aimed to increase the exercise benefits applied to patients with mental illnesses.