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Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
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Readable research linked to original sources
Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
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Readable research linked to original sources
Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
80 articles
Newest firstBackground and hypothesis A sex difference in the clinical presentation of schizophrenia is well known. Males have on average an earlier symptom onset, worse functional capacity, and more negative symptoms. Studies on the neurobiological correlates of psychosis show that brain endocannabinoid system (ECS) is dysregulated in male patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). We now evaluated whether the brain ECS is…
Open article record in new tab ↗Aims To describe differences in the expression of genes encoding cannabinoid receptors (CNR1, CNR2), the associated receptor GRP55 and the enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGLL) between individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and controls in key mesocorticolimbic brain regions. Design Case-control, observational postmortem study comparing gene expression in brain tissue fr…
Background Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease with a complex etiology involving genetics, environmental triggers, and immune dysregulation. Research suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in inflammation and skin homeostasis, prompting interest in its involvement in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Objectives This study was designed to investigate the expression of…
Open article record in new tab ↗Rationale Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been identified as a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders from childhood to adult life along with the dysregulation of neuroendocrinological processes mediating stress and inflammation. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found to play a putative role in the release of inflammatory cytokines. Objective We investigated the role of the ECS in the inter…
The endocannabinoid system is a complex regulatory network whose functioning is associated with maintaining homeostasis and regulating immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between endocannabinoid system activity, inflammation, and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The study included 105 participa…
BackgroundThe 2024-25 influenza season was the most severe in the United States (US) since 2017-18, with co-circulation of both influenza A virus subtypes (H1N1 and H3N2). Influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) has varied by season, setting, and patient characteristics. MethodsUsing electronic healthcare encounter data from eight US states, we evaluated influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) against influenza-associat…
BACKGROUND: Acute Hepatic Porphyria (AHP) is a group of four rare genetic but treatable diseases that often go undiagnosed due to its non-specific symptoms, under-recognition of the condition by clinicians, and the lack of access to specialists and appropriate testing. This case-control study investigates the phenotypic and demographic patterns in AHP patients at a tertiary care center (University of California Lo…
Open article record in new tab ↗The role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in major depressive disorder (MDD) is under-investigated despite reports of increased activity and/or concentration of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), a key ECS enzyme, in fronto-limbic brain regions in some animal models of depressive behavior. We hypothesized that [11C]CURB λk3, an index of FAAH density, would be elevated in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and…
Background Pulpitis, which is often triggered by caries and trauma, is a significant clinical challenge due to its prevalence. This research aims to uncover potential metabolic biomarkers for pulpitis and map out the implicated metabolic pathways, thereby laying a foundation for enhanced diagnostic and preventive strategies. Methodology We analyzed pulp samples from 12 participants (six who had pulpitis and six wh…
Open article record in new tab ↗Background Substance use disorders are increasingly prevalent in sub-Saharan African countries, with evident bidirectional risk for people with severe mental illness (SMI) resulting in more severe and chronic courses. This study examines the association between common substance use, including khat and alcohol, and SMI, comparing affected individuals to age and sex-matched controls in Ethiopia. Method This study us…
Background Refugees seem to be at enhanced risk for substance use disorders. At the same time, they have less access to services and their health needs remain poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the specific needs of refugees as compared to German-born individuals seeking help for substance use disorders. Methods We conducted an observational case-control study using all treatment episodes in outpatient…
Impaired decision-making is often seen in people with bipolar disorder (BD), even those undergoing treatment. Targeted therapeutics are therefore needed. People with BD report that cannabis use (CU) attenuates such cognitive and behavioral symptoms. We hypothesized that 1) people with BD who do not use cannabis would exhibit poor decision-making and functional capacity relative to healthy comparison (HC) participa…
The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet its role across different disease stages and under disease-modifying treatment remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate plasma levels of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in patients with MS at different clinical stages, and to explore their associations with disability, cogni…
Cannabis use is highly prevalent in people with schizophrenia and is related to adverse clinical outcomes, including relapse and hospitalization. However, the relationship between cannabis and suicide remains inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the relationship between cannabis use and suicide-related outcomes in people with schizophrenia. A comprehensive search of Medline, Emb…
Open article record in new tab ↗Macrophages play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and can exhibit either pro-inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is involved in immune regulation and may represent a therapeutic target in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our study investigates the phenotype of circulating macrophages and CB2 expression in children with IBD, assessing the ro…
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a critical role in fear learning and maintenance and may, therefore, be implicated in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The exact role of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R), a key component of the ECS, remains unclear. Although preclinical studies largely suggest CB1R downregulation in PTSD, the only prior study of CB1R availability in individuals with P…
Background Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a debilitating condition, often refractory to currently available drugs. Understanding biochemical alterations in peripheral tissues such as blood will be useful for understanding underlying pathophysiological processes relating to CNP. Methods We collected blood from two independent cohorts of CNP and pain-free controls (CNP n = 129/Controls n = 127) in the UK and Irel…
Background Congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) is a prevalent congenital biliary disease in children, particularly in Asian populations, yet its etiology remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the genome-wide DNA methylation profile in the peripheral blood of children with CBD to identify potential epigenetic mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. Methods Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles…
Open article record in new tab ↗Introduction Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific multisystem disorder and a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality globally. Despite numerous studies highlighting the potential roles of gut microbiota, anandamide (AEA), and Vitamin D (VitD) in PE, none have established them as reliable biomarkers for predicting disease onset. Moreover, their interactions in late-stage pregnancy women remain poorly…
Background The association between cannabis and psychosis is established, but the role of underlying genetics is unclear. We used data from the EU-GEI case-control study and UK Biobank to examine the independent and combined effect of heavy cannabis use and schizophrenia polygenic risk score (PRS) on risk for psychosis. Methods Genome-wide association study summary statistics from the Psychiatric Genomics Consorti…