Cannabis and Nicotine Co-Use Influences on Protracted Development of Neural Structure and Function

项目概要/摘要 尼古丁和烟草制品（NTP）和大麻联合使用对 神经成熟的大脑变化是未知的，尽管临床前证据表明， δ-9-四氢大麻酚（THC）和尼古丁在大脑中，可能会增加对 发展成问题的物质使用模式和成瘾严重程度症状。随着大麻成为 社会接受度更高、更容易获得，尼古丁输送方法也更先进、更普及 在刚成年的人中，在年轻的成年期同时使用这两种物质的神经生物学效应 必须更好地理解。 拟议的前瞻性研究的主要目标是招募新兴成人样本（N=200） 年龄在18-19岁，在三年内进行三次面对面评估， 入学四年后的面试入组时，受试者将报告并发和同时 大麻和NTP共同使用，仅使用大麻，仅使用NTP，以及很少或不使用任何一种物质， 比较大麻和尼古丁使用轨迹如何影响：（1）结构，血管和功能性大脑 完整性，（2）神经认知，（3）压力，情绪困扰和物质使用，（4）循环 血清中内源性大麻素浓度。这项研究将使用尖端的神经成像技术 （限制光谱成像，伪连续动脉自旋标记，和高分辨率 脑磁图）、认知测试、生物测定和详细的心理健康评估- 个人访问，以更准确地了解大麻和NTP使用的独特和综合影响 神经健康，行为和内源性大麻素系统从18-25岁。 年轻人是我们最脆弱的群体之一（例如，高峰物质使用率、高 易上瘾，对同伴使用态度和看法的高度敏感性）。因此，它们是 大麻和烟草业专门针对的，特别是随着监管环境的继续， 对大麻产品越来越宽容然而，关于这一点的研究 研究这两种常用物质的共同使用对神经健康和神经认知功能的影响， 新兴的成年人。拟议的研究将导致更好地了解独特的和合并的 这些物质对大脑发育的长期影响和物质使用障碍的风险， 指导神经科学知情的预防和干预计划，公共卫生信息和公共政策。

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The distinctive effects of combined nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) and cannabis use on neuromaturational brain changes is unknown despite preclinical evidence of a functional interaction between delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and nicotine in the brain that may enhance susceptibility to the development of problematic substance use patterns and addiction severity symptoms. As cannabis becomes more socially accepted and accessible and nicotine delivery methods become more advanced and widespread among emerging adults, the neurobiological effects of co-use of these two substances during young adulthood must be better understood. The primary objective of the proposed prospective research is to recruit a sample of emerging adults (N=200) ages 18-19 at enrollment for three in-person assessments over three years, and a follow-up behavioral interview four years post-enrollment. At enrollment, participants will report either concurrent and simultaneous cannabis and NTP co-use, cannabis use only, NTP use only, and minimal to no use of either substance to compare how cannabis and nicotine use trajectories influence: (1) structural, vascular, and functional brain integrity, (2) neurocognition, (3) stress, emotional distress, and substance use, and (4) circulating endocannabinoid concentrations in blood serum. The study will use cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques (restriction spectrum imaging, pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling, and high-resolution magnetoencephalography), cognitive testing, bioassays, and detailed mental health assessments at all in- person visits for a more precise understanding of the unique and combined effects of cannabis and NTP use on neural health, behavior, and the endocannabinoid system from ages 18-25 years-old. Young adults are one of our most vulnerable populations (e.g., high peak substance use rates, high vulnerability for addiction, high susceptibility to peer use attitudes and perceptions). As a result, they are specifically targeted by the cannabis and tobacco industry, particularly as the regulatory environment continues to become increasingly permissive for cannabis products. Yet, there is a remarkable paucity of research examining co-use of these two commonly used substances on neural health and neurocognitive functioning in emerging adults. The proposed research will lead to a greater understanding of the unique and combined effects of these substances on protracted brain development and risk for substance use disorders, which will guide neuroscience-informed prevention and intervention programs, public health messages, and public policy.