Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
https://trends.org.br/article/doi/10.47626/2237-6089-2024-0791
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Review Article

Targeting cholinergic and endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic intervention for core asd associated phenotypes in autism model: a systematic review

Princewill Sopuluchukwu Udodi, Godson Emeka Anyanwu, Ebube Roseline Udodi, Damian Nnabuihe Ezejindu

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Abstract

Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been linked to the dysregulation in the cholinergic and endocannabinoid (EC) system. This study systematically reviews the present literature on treatment strategies aimed at enhancing the activity of both systems in ASD models.

Method
We performed a systematic evaluation of literatures that investigated the effects of different therapeutic interventions on the components of the cholinergic and EC systems in ASD models, following the guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Four databases were searched: Google Scholar, Web of science, EMBASE and MEDLINE/PubMed, between August 2012 and February 2023. The selected research papers' references were also examined. Twelve papers (five for cholinergic system, six for EC system and one for the two systems) were reviewed in this study of prior relevant treatment strategies that impact both systems. There were 77 studies cited in total.

Results
The majority of research revealed that different therapeutic interventions down-regulated cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors, and the systems hydrolyzing enzymes and up-regulated EC, Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), and acetylcholine signaling molecules. The regulation of the components of the cholinergic and EC systems by the therapeutics generally enhanced behaviors in ASD models.

Conclusion
It is possible that there are therapeutic interventions assessed in one of the systems that may be effective in treating the core ASD-associated phenotype. The benefits of the reviewed therapeutic interventions in this study need to be further investigated in randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Keywords

Endocannabinoid, cholinergic, agonist, antagonist, autism

Submitted date:
01/20/2024

Accepted date:
06/03/2024

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Trends Psychiatry Psychother

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