Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 40407530 DOI: 10.3390/jox15030066
COMT Genetic Variants and BDNF Level Associations with Cannabinoid Plasma Exposure: A Preliminary Study.
J Xenobiot 15(3)
Authors: Alessandra Manca, Cristina Valz, Francesco Chiara, Alice Palermiti, Jacopo Mula, Sara Soloperto, Miriam Antonucci, Amedeo De Nicolò, Nicola Luxardo, Daniele Imperiale, Flavio Vischia, David De Cori, Jessica Cusato, Antonio D'Avolio
Affiliations
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, 10149 Turin, Italy.
- SC Terapia del Dolore, ASL Città di Torino, 10144 Turin, Italy.
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology San Luigi A.O.U. Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Turin, Italy.
- SCDU Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, 10149 Turin, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, 10144 Turin, Italy.
- Psychiatric Unit West, Department of Mental Health, 10149 Turin, Italy.
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. shows potent anti-inflammatory activity, resulting in an interesting pharmacological option for pain management. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between pharmacogenetics, neurological and inflammatory biomarkers, and cannabinoid plasma exposure in patients treated with cannabis. A total of 58 patients with a diagnosis of neuropathic and chronic pain treated with medical cannabis were analyzed. Cannabis was administered as a decoction (n = 47) and as inhaled cannabis (n = 11): 30 patients were treated with cannabis with high THC, while 28 patients were treated with cannabis with reduced THC (plus CBD). Cannabinoid plasma concentrations were obtained with UHPLC-MS/MS. Allelic discrimination was assessed by real-time PCR. Inflammation biomarkers (e.g., interleukin-10) were analyzed by ELISA, neurofilaments light chain (NFL), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by Single Molecule Array. A statistically significant difference in IL-10 (p = 0.009) and BDNF (p = 0.004) levels was observed comparing patients treated with decoction and inhaled cannabis. BDNF and NFL results correlated with cannabinoid concentrations. Concerning genetics, the COMT 680 T>C genetic variant influences cannabinoid plasma levels, including Δ9-THC (p = 0.017). Conclusions: This study shows a possible impact of some genetic variants on cannabinoid plasma exposure, other than a possible role of medical cannabis on inflammation-related and neuronal impairment factor levels. Further studies in larger cohorts are required.
MeSH
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Genetics, Pain, Biomarkers, Cannabinoids, Interleukin-10, Plasma, Medical Marijuana