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. 2024 Nov 16.
doi: 10.1007/s00213-024-06717-3. Online ahead of print.

Endocannabinoid dysregulation and PTSD in urban adolescents: Associations with anandamide concentrations and FAAH genotype

Hilary A Marusak  1   2   3 , Samantha L Ely  4   5 , Clara G Zundel  4 , Leah C Gowatch  4 , MacKenna Shampine  4 , Carmen Carpenter  4 , Reem Tamimi  4 , Alaina M Jaster  4 , Tehmina Shakir  4 , Len May  6 , Terri A deRoon-Cassini  7 , Cecilia J Hillard  8
Affiliations

Endocannabinoid dysregulation and PTSD in urban adolescents: Associations with anandamide concentrations and FAAH genotype

Hilary A Marusak et al. Psychopharmacology (Berl). .

Abstract

Background: The endocannabinoid system, which regulates fear- and anxiety-related behaviors, is dysregulated in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as indicated by higher circulating anandamide (AEA) concentrations. The C385A (rs324420) polymorphism in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene, which catabolizes AEA, is linked to higher AEA concentrations and greater PTSD symptoms in adults. Given that adolescence is a critical period during which trauma and psychiatric disorders emerge, understanding this relationship in youth is essential. This study examines PTSD symptoms, AEA concentrations, and FAAH genotype in a diverse adolescent sample.

Methods: This study included 102 Detroit-area adolescents (M ± SD = 13.33 ± 2.21 years, 54.9% female) and their parents/guardians. The sample consisted of 40.2% White Non-Hispanic, 34.3% Black Non-Hispanic, 6.9% White Hispanic, 4.9% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 12.7% Biracial adolescents. Trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms were assessed using the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5. Plasma concentrations of AEA were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and FAAH genotype was determined from saliva samples and high-throughput screening.

Results: The majority (90%) of adolescents reported trauma exposure, and 20% met PTSD criteria. Higher AEA concentrations were associated with more severe PTSD symptoms (p = 0.009), especially hyperarousal. The FAAH A-allele (present in 52.5% of participants) was associated with higher AEA concentrations (2.11 ± 0.69 pmol/ml, p = 0.013) and greater PTSD severity (22.65 ± 15.931, p = 0.027), particularly those with the reexperiencing cluster, compared to the CC genotype (1.79 ± 0.66 pmol/ml and 15.87 ±+ 13.043, respectively).

Conclusion: Elevated AEA concentrations and the FAAH A-allele were associated with greater PTSD symptom severity in urban adolescents. These findings suggest endocannabinoid dysregulation may play a role in adolescent PTSD, highlighting the need for further research and targeted interventions.

Keywords: Adolescent; Anandamide; Early adversity; Endocannabinoid; PTSD; Trauma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations Conflict of interest CJH is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board and has equity in Formulate Biosciences.

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