PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) Therapy for Autism? Targeting CB1 and CB2 without the need for Cannabis, plus PPARα and Microbiome changes

I was spoilt for choice this week; which half-finished post to complete and publish?  The deciding factor was seeing just how interested people seem to be in cannabis.  It is the big thing at Autism conventions, currently.

Italy is home to some unconventional medicine

Today we see how you can target these receptors without the need to use any kind of cannabis. 

I do spend time encouraging Monty’s 18-year-old big brother to avoid recreational drugs; so that is to declare my broader perspective on the issue. These drugs seem very popular among college students of every nationality, but according to my son particularly among those from countries where they cannot freely buy alcohol, like the US.

In today’s post we go back to look at PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) which I proposed, and then rejected, as an autism therapy way back in 2014. PEA is widely used to treat neuropathic pain in Italy and Spain. PEA is a substance you already have in your body and it plays a role in inhibiting mast cells to degranulate, it is a PPARα agonist and it affects the Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.

I did recently come across PEA again when looking at case histories un-related to autism and I bought the identical product used in the case histories, and in the quantity required to make a genuine trial on myself.

My autism trial in 2014 did not show any effect, but I did not continue very long and I think I used the Dutch version, not the Italian product, naturally used in all the Italian research.

PEA does not cross the blood brain barrier well and is not absorbed well.  There are prodrugs of PEA that do cross the BBB, but these are not commercially available.

We have nonetheless seen many times that reducing inflammation in the periphery does, perhaps surprisingly, affect the brain.

Another point to mention, since the gut microbiome is perhaps even more fashionable as cannabis, is that PEA does indeed modify the microbiome.

My old post from 2014: -

Human Growth Factors, Autism and the Centenarian Nobel Laureate

It turns out that from 2015 onwards Italian researchers started to look at PEA as an autism therapy. They have tested it in two different mouse models of autism and they have published case histories in humans.

PEA is big in Italy because the underlying research is Italian and the Nobel Laureate in my 2014 post was an Italian.

Italian medicine – where anything goes?

Our reader Tatjana has an Italian autism doctor. The only Italian autism clinician/researcher I ever contacted was Antonio Persico, but he was one of the few that did not reply.

Today we get a chance to read Italian autism research and many Europeans will be surprised how "American" these Italian doctors seem to be. The long-time followers of alternative medical therapies may recall Dr Bradstreet, the American DAN doctor who died from gun shots, he had some research pals in Italy and they are among the authors of one of the case studies.

For our North American readers, in most of the world there is only one kind of doctor, an MD, and they tend to be much more tightly controlled than in the US. For example, in the United Kingdom you will not find a single DAN doctor, or MAPS doctor. There used to one DAN type doctor from New Zealand and he was banned from seeing patients with autism.

Italy seems to be more Californian, as you will see if you read the doctors’ full case histories.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in mouse models of Autism

Palmitoylethanolamide counteracts autistic-like behaviours in BTBR T+tf/J mice: Contribution ofcentral and peripheral mechanisms

Highlights

·        Autistic-like behaviour of BTBR mice are reversed by PEA through PPAR-α activation.

·        PEA restores hippocampal BDNF signaling pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction.

·        PEA improves central and peripheral inflammatory state of BTBR mice.

·        PEA modulates gut microbiota composition in BTBR mice.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impaired social interaction, and repetitive stereotyped behaviours. Interestingly, functional and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases are often reported as a comorbidity in ASDs, indicating gut-brain axis as a novel emerging approach. Recently, a central role for peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-α has been addressed in neurological functions, associated with the behaviour. Among endogenous lipids, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a PPAR-α agonist, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory effects both at central and peripheral level.

Based on this background, the aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological effects of PEA on autistic-like behaviour of BTBR T+tf/J mice and to shed light on the contributing mechanisms.

Our results showed that PEA reverted the altered behavioural phenotype of BTBR mice, and this effect was contingent to PPAR-α activation. Moreover, PEA was able to restore hippocampal BDNF signaling pathway, and improve mitochondrial dysfunction, both pathological aspects, known to be consistently associated with ASDs. Furthermore, PEA reduced the overall inflammatory state of BTBR mice, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines at hippocampal, serum, and colonic level. The analysis of gut permeability and the expression of colonic tight junctions showed a reduction of leaky gut in PEA-treated BTBR mice. This finding together with PEA effect on gut microbiota composition suggests an involvement of microbiota-gut-brain axis.

In conclusion, our results demonstrated a therapeutic potential of PEA in limiting ASD symptoms, through its pleiotropic mechanism of action, supporting neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, and the modulation of gut-brain axis.

Beneficial Effects of Co‐Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide/ Luteolin in a Mouse Model of Autism and in a Case Report of Autism

Aims

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition defined by social communication deficits and repetitive restrictive behaviors. Association of the fatty acid amide palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) with the flavonoid luteolin displays neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions in different models of central nervous system pathologies. We hypothesized that association of PEA with luteolin might have therapeutic utility in ASD, and we employed a well‐recognized autism animal model, namely sodium valproate administration, to evaluate cognitive and motor deficits.

Methods

Two sets of experiments were conducted. In the first, we investigated the effect of association of ultra micronized PEA with luteolin, co‐ultra micronized PEA‐LUT® (co‐ultraPEA‐LUT®) in a murine model of autistic behaviors, while in the second, the effect of co‐ultraPEA‐LUT® in a patient affected by ASD was examined.

Results

Co‐ultraPEA‐LUT® treatment ameliorated social and nonsocial behaviors in valproic acid‐induced autistic mice and improved clinical picture with reduction in stereotypes in a 10‐year‐old male child.

Conclusion

These data suggest that ASD symptomatology may be improved by agents documented to control activation of mast cells and microglia. Co‐ultraPEA‐LUT® might be a valid and safe therapy for the symptoms of ASD alone or in combination with other used drugs.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in human case studies

Beneficial Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide on Expressive Language, Cognition, and Behaviors in Autism: A Report of Two Cases

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorders are defined by behavioral and language atypias. Growing body of evidence indicates inflammatory mediators may contribute to the condition. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is naturally occurring and has been available as a nonprescription medical food supplement in Europe since 2008. PEA has been tested in thousands of human subjects without any noted significant side effects. Here we report the first cases of the administration of PEA to two children with autism. Case Presentations. The first 13-year-old male child (Subject 1) presented with a total IgE of 572 IU/mL (nl < 200) and with low mature CD57⁺ natural killer cell counts (32 cells/µL; nl = 60–300 cells/µL) and with significant eczema and allergic stigmata. Expressive language, as measured by mean length of utterance, and overall autism severity as measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition, improved significantly. Atopic symptoms diminished. No side effects were reported. The second male child, age 15 (Subject 2), also displayed noticeable and rapid improvements in cognitive, behaviors, and sociability. Conclusion. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for autism condition. Palmitoylethanolamide could be an effective treatment for autism syndrome. We propose appropriate double-blind clinical trials to further explore palmitoylethanolamide efficacy and safety.

2.2. Subject 1

He is a 13-year-old autistic male with a well-documented history of significant atopic illnesses. He was originally diagnosed with autism by a child neurologist at age of 21 months following a significant regression in child development noted after a viral-like illness with associated high fevers (up to 45.5°C) at age of 15 months. Chronic urticaria, eczema, allergic rhinitis, and asthma have been treated with a variety of antihistamines, montelukast, and topical and systemic steroids since age of 2 years with only temporary beneficial effects. Serum food allergy testing revealed IgE mediated responses to the following: corn, peanut, soybean, wheat, milk, rice, egg, and numerous other dietary proteins. Both skin prick testing and serum IgE inhalant allergy testing revealed similar patterns of significant reactions to most antigens tested including dust mites and nearly all grasses, trees, weeds, molds, and both domestic and farm animals. Both traditional desensitization with injectable antigens and sublingual immunotherapies have failed to reduce allergic stigmata and had no noticeable effects on the course of the child's autism. Total serum IgE testing on numerous occasions has been significantly elevated and at the time PEA was introduced; it was 572 IU/mL (nl ≤ 200). Despite the high total levels of IgE and multiple IgE reactants, blood eosinophils have remained in the normal range throughout. Serum vitamin D-OH25 levels remain deficient despite extensive efforts at oral supplementation, inferring a defect in absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Serum vitamin D-OH25 levels were at 21 ng/mL at the time PEA was started.

Cellular immune markers reflected specific abnormalities with deficient mature CD57⁺ natural killer (CD57⁺ NK) cell counts 32 cells/μL (nl = 60–300 cells/μL), with a total white count of 6.3 × 10³/μL. However, the percentage of lymphocytes was high at 58%, while neutrophils were underrepresented at 33%, and absolute lymphocytes were also elevated at 3.5 × 10³ cells/μL. All other obtained typical cell indices were in the normal range.

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS-2) [21], was administered as part of a routine evaluation of the child's severity prior to a change that is his academic placement. Prior to PEA, CARS-2 scoring placed the child at 43.5 total (82nd percentile) with a verbal communication subscale of 3 out 4. A speech assessment was performed including a mean length of utterance (MLU) measurement. MLU is based on the linguistic concept of morphemes as the smallest component of speech [6]. Speech therapists use MLU as a routine assessment and, in this case, MLU was obtained prior to a change in school placement. MLU was observed to be 3.0 prior to PEA and this corresponded to an age equivalent of approximately 34-35 months (just under a 3-year-old level of speech).

2.3. Post-PEA Supplementation (Subject 1)

After the practitioner reviewed the medical literature and the therapeutic rationale with his parents, they treated the child with Normast 600 mg tablets (Epitech Group Srl, Milano, Italy). Normast is available without prescription in Italy and Spain and is classified as “Food for Special Medical Purposes” by the Health Authorities of European Union member states according to standards set forth under European Commission Directive 1999/21/EC.

Initially, 1/2 tablet (300 mg) was given orally with water twice daily on an empty stomach to this boy (a child capable of swallowing tablets). After a week with no observable negative effects, the dose was increased to 1 (600 mg) tablet twice daily. Subject 1's parents returned for assessment after one month of oral supplementation with PEA. They reported “remarkable” changes in his behavior and his expressive language. Specifically, they noted he was spontaneously joining a conversation and commenting on various things happening in the home. The parents also reported the schoolteacher and speech therapist inquired about what had changed and noted similar positive changes at school. Equally noteworthy was the significant reduction in tantrums, outburst, self-talking, and stereotypies. Further, nose-picking, asthmatic cough, allergy stigmata (dark circles under eyes and nasal itching), nasal edema, and both skin eczema and urticaria diminished clinically after a month of PEA administration. No adverse effects were noted.

Following these comments, we re-administered the CARS-2 test and noted a total score of 32 (representing the 28th percentile) whereas the starting score was 43.5 (net change 11.5 points and 54 percentiles less). The subscale for expressive language changed to 2 out 4 and represented significant and noticeable changes. Due to these observations, we suggested repeating the MLU assessment for further definition of the degree of language changes. Reassessment of MLU also changed significantly to 5.4 (approximately 58 month's age-equivalency). This represented a 2-year age gain in expressive language in only one month of supplementation with PEA.

Total serum IgE testing after PEA was introduced remained essentially unchanged at 567 IU/mL (nl < 200). Serum vitamin D-OH25 levels rose to 46 ng/mL after PEA was started (possibly due to better absorption). CD57⁺ natural killer (CD57⁺ NK) cell counts increased after PEA to 52 cells/μL (nl = 60–300 cells/μL), with a total white count remaining similar at 5.6 × 10³/μL. Noticeably the percentage of lymphocytes reduced to 44%, and the other cell indices were also in the normal range.

2.4. Subject 2

He is an Italian 15-year-old male, whom developed normally for the first 2 years, but near 3 years of age, the child developed a progressive loss of previously acquired language, eye contact, and social interaction. Ultimately, this was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. At 6 years of age, he experienced his first partial complex epileptic episode, described as the sudden onset of unconsciousness with resultant loss of motor control. The child fell and struck his head although no apparent concussion occurred. He was eventually treated with sodium valproate. The last episode of epilepsy was in March 2006. No recurrent seizures have been reported. After this event the family initiated dietary restriction by eliminating gluten, casein, yeast, sugar, and soy, and they also began supplementation of a multivitamin and additional folic acid. He started diet restriction and vitamins since 2007 at age of 8 years and never stopped. Following these changes the child's overall tone and energy improved and sensory integration also became more appropriate.

The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) [22] test was administered as part of a routine evaluation of the child's severity prior to a change in his academic placement. The ATEC has been shown to correlate with the CARS test in domains of sensory/cognitive awareness, speech/language, and sociability [23]. Prior to PEA supplementation the ATEC total scoring was in the mild to moderate range, specifically 25 (a lower number is better): speech 6 of 28 points, sociability 3 of 40 points, sensory/cognitive 1 point (normal), and overall health/behaviors 15 of 75 points. Total serum IgE testing was in the normal range at 127 IU/mL (nl < 200). Serum vitamin D-OH25 levels were normal at 45.10 ng/mL at the time PEA was started. We conducted the observations until three months after treatment. The boy never stopped diet restrictions and multivitamin supplementation since 2007.

2.5. PEA Supplementation

After practitioner NA reviewed the medical literature and the therapeutic rationale with his parents, they treated the child with Normast 600 mg tablets (Epitech Group Srl, Milano, Italy). After three months of supplementation, ATEC total score reduced by half (12 (after) versus 25 (before) points). The individual scores in the separate domains were speech 4 points, sociability 1 point, sensory/cognitive 0 points, and overall health/behaviors 7 points (Figure 1, Table 1). Also shown for comparison in (Figure 1, Table 1) are the child's improvements in aggression and cognitive and behavioral skills. Language showed mild improvements. In addition, in this case, total serum IgE reduced by half (66.0 post compared to 127 IU/mL pre-PEA). No adverse effects were noted (i.e., nausea, fever, hyperactivity, sleep disorders, skin rash, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal problems).

Dynamics on a scale of Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) in Subject 2 autistic patient before (baseline) PEA supplementation and three months later. The purpose of the ATEC is to measure change in an individual due to various interventions, that is, the difference between the initial (baseline) ATEC scores and later ATEC scores

4. Conclusion

In this original report of two cases, we show PEA-mediated effects may be beneficial for treating core symptoms of autism. PEA is a well-studied, apparently safe even in the pediatric population, anti-inflammatory capable of regulating mast cells and modulating immune chemistry. It is manufactured in the EU and prepared under strict standards according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). PEA also appears to be an atypical endocannabinoid, with additional anti-inflammatory effects mediated via the PPAR pathway. In the United States, recent prevalence data indicate greater than 2% of boys may have ASDs [35, 36]. Given the urgent need for safe and effective strategies for treating ASDs, we propose appropriate double-blind controlled clinical trials to explore further the potential for PEA efficacy and its safety.

Acknowledgments

This study is dedicated to the memory of Professor James Jeffrey Bradstreet who passed away on June 19, 2015. His contribution to this work is fundamental.

Beneficial Effects of Co‐Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide/ Luteolin in a Mouse Model of Autism and in a Case Report of Autism

Patient History

The participating physician who brought to our attention the patient for this study is part of our group's collaborative clinical network. This male child was born at term with natural spontaneous delivery [39 weeks + 6 days with an Apgar index between 8 and 10] and was found to have Tetralogy of Fallot, which was corrected surgically at the age of 3 months without complications. As is typical with autism, physical, and mental development appeared normal during the first few years of life. At the age of 28 months febrile episodes occurred, which were treated with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In April 2005, the parents reported three febrile episodes in succession characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory tract; these were treated with oral antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and with paracetamol to control hyperpyrexia. At this time, over the course of 30 days, behavioral changes suddenly emerged: the child began to show rejection behavior of strangers with weeping and escape responses toward other children of same age; hyperactivity with constant running; changed eating behavior with refusal of food and limiting the choice only to 3–4 kind of aliments; up to 7–8 bowel movements per day; loss of acquired verbal skills, avoidance of gazing at people, and appearance of motor stereotypes. Approximately 30 days after onset of the first episode of fever, the child was admitted to the day hospital at the Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Clinic of Saint Gerardo Hospital—Monza, where a diagnosis of “delay of verbalization and socialization” with suspected autism was made. The child lives with his family in a provincial town, far from sources of industrial pollution. The mother (36 years old at time of childbirth) did not take any medications during pregnancy with the exception of supplementation with folic acid, iron, calcium, and magnesium; amniocentesis was performed at week 16 without complications and the remainder of the pregnancy followed a regular course. A genetics analysis of the patient was not performed, although there was no family history of autism.

Protocol with Co‐UltraPEA‐LUT^®

The child was 10 years old when this study began. After diagnosis of ASD the child underwent 6 months of psychotherapy with his parents, without benefit. Psychomotor and speech therapy produced some benefit on behavior. A gluten‐free/casein‐free diet and vitamin supplements led to a rapid improvement in sleep–wake behavior and eye contact. However, vitamin supplements in particular, at doses far exceeding their daily recommended allowance, were suspended almost immediately due to worsening of hyperactivity and stereotypical behaviors. From time to time, the patient underwent homotoxicological‐homeopathic therapy with favorable results, especially with regard to mercury detoxification and treatment with probiotics.

Given the involvement of brain inflammation in the development of ASD, as well as the presence of activated mast cells 19, we undertook a therapy with the anti-inflammatory and mast cell modulating agent co‐ultraPEA‐LUT®, at a dose of 700 mg+70 mg b.i.d. (Glialia® microgranules, Epitech Group SpA, Italy) for 1 year. During the study period (May 2012–2013), the child continued the gluten‐ and casein‐free diet. The patient was evaluated before treatment, after ~5 months and ~12 months using the ATEC questionnaire (http://www.autism.com/index.php/ind_atec_report) and by a quarterly questionnaire administered to the child's teachers for the assessment of motor stereotypic behaviors (http://www.stress-cocchi.net/Autism10-it.htm). The ATEC questionnaire is sensitive enough to measure changes in the child's condition and consists of four subgroup scales: Scale I. Speech/Language/Communication (14 items—scores can differ from 0 to 28), Scale II. Sociability (20 items—scores can differ from 0 to 40), Scale III. Sensory/Cognitive Awareness (18 items—scores can differ from 0 to 36), and Scale IV. Health/Physical Behavior (25 items—scores can differ from 0 to 75). The four subgroup scores can be utilized to calculate a total score (total scores can range from 0 to 180). The scores are estimated according to the reply and corresponding subscale. The higher the subscale and total score, the more impaired is the patient. The lower the subscale and total score, the less impaired the patient. The stereotyping behavior was evaluated, before, during, and after 12 months by means of a five‐step scale of intensity as follows:

0 = symptom or behavior not present; 1 = rarely present and not linked to particular situations; 2 = present only in precise moments (e.g., before sleeping); 3 = present if the child is not actively involved in the environmental situation; 4 = very present and difficult to interrupt.

In addition to cognitive, behavioral, and motor symptoms, the child experienced an elevated frequency of night‐time enuresis, independent of time of year, general conditions or diet. This problem is often present in autistic children over five years of age 43.

Clinical data

Clinical Assessment of an Autistic Patient Treated with Co‐ultraPEA‐LUT^®

Co‐ultraPEA‐LUT® treatment was well tolerated by the patient. Evaluation using the ATEC test revealed a decrease of scores (both total score and subgroup scores), indicative of an improved behavioral outcome of about 23%. The most evident effect over time appeared in the sociability subgroup, where the score decreased from 24 to 13 (Table 1). Co‐ultraPEA‐LUT® reduced most indices of hyperactivity, as demonstrated by reduction in motor stereotypies which from the very beginning were present only rarely or at precise moments (Table 2).

Table 1. ATEC scores in response to PEA‐LUT® treatment in a 10‐year‐old child with ASD

Autism treatment evaluation checklist	Time (months)
	0	5	12
I. Speech	24	23	21
II. Sociability	24	22	13
III. Sensory/Cognitive	31	29	26
IV. Health/Physical/Behavior	24	22	19
Total	103	96	79

Table 2. Motor stereotypy changes in response to PEA‐LUT® treatment in a 10‐year‐old child with ASD

Motor stereotypies	Time (months)
	0	4	8	12
Rocking	3	3	2	1
Head banging	0	0	0	0
Flapping tremor	4	3	2	2
Fingers movements	4	3	2	3
Walking on Tip‐Toes	0	0	0	0
Skill stereotypies (e.g., quickly turning a knife on a table)	1	2	3	3
Vocal stereotypy (unmotivated screaming, frog noise, grunts)	4	3	2	1

Clinical improvement, as highlighted by the questionnaire results, coincided with significant progress in cognitive behavior as observed by parents and teachers. The patient is, in fact, now more able to understand simple commands and execute them with ease; eye contact is much improved and the child's behavior far more affectionate. Unfortunately, no significant progress in speech profile has been observed until now.

In the described case report, chronic co‐ultraPEA‐LUT® reduced behavioral alterations of a child with ASD. Our observations are consistent with the results obtained after treatment with ultra micronized PEA, administered alone, in two children suffering from autism spectrum disorder 59. It is important to point out that children with autism experience a higher incidence of anxiety, particularly social anxiety, than children with other developmental disorders or with a normal development 60. Anxiety in children with ASD is related to sensory over‐responsivity and gastrointestinal problems, suggesting that these pathological states represent interconnected phenomena, sharing common underlying mechanisms mediated by mast cell and microglia activation. Our data suggest that ASD symptomatology may be improved by agents documented to control activation of mast cells and microglia. These results, while pointing to co‐ultraPEA‐LUT® as a valid and safe treatment in the autism symptoms—alone or in combination with other drugs—clearly need to be confirmed in a larger number of cases. The proof‐of‐principle study presented here encourages further investigations.

Palmitoylethanolamide modes of action

·        PPARα agonist

·        Indirect activation of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, which will affect microglial activation (M0, M1 M2) as explained in this previous post:

https://epiphanyasd.blogspot.com/2019/02/clemastine-and-depression-myelin.html

·        Modification of gut microbiota

·        Mast cells stabilization, via PPARα

Clinical applications of palmitoylethanolamide in pain management: protocol for ascoping review

The effects of the PEA are due to its interaction with several pathways: at first, it reduces, via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), the recruitment and activation of mast cells at sites of nerve injury and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from these cells [3, 4]; secondly, it inhibits the microglia activation and the recruitment of mast cells into spinal cord after peripheral nerve injury, as well as following spinal neuroinflammation or spinal cord injury [5, 6]. In the beginning, PEA was also supposed to be an agonist of the cannabinoid type II receptor (CB2) [7]; subsequently, in their research, Sugiura et al. have demonstrated that PEA has just a very low affinity for this receptor [8], clarifying why CB2 antagonists do not inhibit some of its anti-inflammatory effects [9]. Anyhow, PEA indirectly activates CB2 and the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) [10], down-modulating fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme responsible of the degradation of the anandamide (AEA), a CB1 agonist [11].

Several studies focused on the use of PEA in a multitude of chronic pain conditions. For example, it can have a beneficial effect like adjuvant for the treatment of the low back pain [12] or it was used alone for chronic pain management in critically ill older patients, where the use of traditional analgesics can lead to high risk of adverse effect [13]. Encouraging results have been shown in the treatment of non-surgical radiculopathies with an ultra-micronized formulation of PEA [14] and the combination therapy with alpha-lipoic acid to reduce chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome [15].

Now to Cannabis

The autism research on cannabis is rather light on the science, but it does exist.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid

Cannabinoid receptors

Before the 1980s, it was often speculated that cannabinoids produced their physiological and behavioral effects via nonspecific interaction with cell membranes, instead of interacting with specific membrane-bound receptors. The discovery of the first cannabinoid receptors in the 1980s helped to resolve this debate.^[7] These receptors are common in animals, and have been found in mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. At present, there are two known types of cannabinoid receptors, termed CB₁ and CB₂,^[1] with mounting evidence of more.^[8] The human brain has more cannabinoid receptors than any other G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) type.^[9]

Cannabinoid receptor type 1

 CB₁ receptors are found primarily in the brain, more specifically in the basal ganglia and in the limbic system, including the hippocampus ^[1] and the striatum. They are also found in the cerebellum and in both male and female reproductive systems. CB₁ receptors are absent in the medulla oblongata, the part of the brain stem responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular functions. CB1 is also found in the human anterior eye and retina.^[10]

Cannabinoid receptor type 2

CB₂ receptors are predominantly found in the immune system, or immune-derived cells^[11] with the greatest density in the spleen. While found only in the peripheral nervous system, a report does indicate that CB₂ is expressed by a subpopulation of microglia in the human cerebellum.^[12] CB₂ receptors appear to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory and possibly other therapeutic effects of cannabis seen in animal models.^[11]

Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychotropic. Recent evidence shows that the compound counteracts cognitive impairment associated with the use of cannabis.^[15] Cannabidiol has little affinity for CB₁ and CB₂ receptors but acts as an indirect antagonist of cannabinoid agonists.^[16] 

There is now strong evidence that CBD treats chronic pain, and it is used by many in the form of a topical oil treatment

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of at least 13 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. With chemical name (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, the term THC also refers to cannabinoid isomers.

The actions of THC result from its partial agonist activity at the cannabinoid receptor CB₁ (K_i = 10 nM^[19]), located mainly in the central nervous system, and the CB₂ receptor (K_i = 24 nM^[19]), mainly expressed in cells of the immune system.^[20]The psychoactive effects of THC are primarily mediated by the activation of cannabinoid receptors, which result in a decrease in the concentration of the second messenger molecule cAMP through inhibition of adenylate cyclase.^[21

We know that we can use CB1 and CB2 to shift microglia away from the M2 state. In the post below:

https://epiphanyasd.blogspot.com/2019/02/clemastine-and-depression-myelin.html

I extracted this section to remind readers: -

Molecules to Skew M2 Polarization of Microglia                                                                                                                   

7.1. Endocannabinoids and Cannabinoid Receptors

Based on these results, it is strongly suggested that 2-AG-CB₁ axis contributes to polarization and maintenance of M1 microglia, while 2-AG-CB₂ axis acts as a switch from M1 to M2 polarization of microglia (Figure 4). CB₂ agonists are known to induce phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), suggesting that the CB₂ plays an important role in AMPK-mediated anti-oxidative and cytoprotective effects [119,120,121]. Furthermore, 2-AG is reported to activate PPAR-γ in M2 macrophages [122]. Thus, AMPK may be one of key signal molecules for the switch to M2 polarization. Besides endocannabinoids, adiponectin and ghrelin can induce down-stream signal transduction of their receptors via AMPK and therefore these molecules may be involved in skewing M2 polarization of microglia

Very recent cannabis in autism literature: -

Real life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) worldwide. Recently anecdotal evidence of possible therapeutic effects of cannabis products has emerged. The aim of this study is to characterize the epidemiology of ASD patients receiving medical cannabis treatment and to describe its safety and efficacy. We analysed the data prospectively collected as part of the treatment program of 188 ASD patients treated with medical cannabis between 2015 and 2017. The treatment in majority of the patients was based on cannabis oil containing 30% CBD and 1.5% THC. Symptoms inventory, patient global assessment and side effects at 6 months were primary outcomes of interest and were assessed by structured questionnaires. After six months of treatment 82.4% of patients (155) were in active treatment and 60.0% (93) have been assessed; 28 patients (30.1%) reported a significant improvement, 50 (53.7%) moderate, 6 (6.4%) slight and 8 (8.6%) had no change in their condition. Twenty-three patients (25.2%) experienced at least one side effect; the most common was restlessness (6.6%). Cannabis in ASD patients appears to be well tolerated, safe and effective option to relieve symptoms associated with ASD.

Side Effects

The most common side effects, reported at six months by 23 patients (25.2%, with at least one side effect) were: restlessness (6 patients, 6.6%), sleepiness (3, 3.2%), psychoactive effect (3, 3.2%), increased appetite (3, 3.2%), digestion problems (3, 3.2%), dry mouth (2, 2.2%) and lack of appetite (2, 2.2%).

Out of 23 patients who discontinued the treatment, 17 (73.9%) had responded to the follow-up questionnaire at six months. The reasons for the treatment discontinuation were: no therapeutic effect (70.6%, twelve patients) and side effects (29.4%, five patients). However, 41.2% (seven patients) of the patients who discontinued the treatment had reported on intentions to return to the treatment.

Cannabis as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders patients appears to be well-tolerated, safe and seemingly effective option to relieve symptoms, mainly: seizures, tics, depression, restlessness and rage attacks. The compliance with the treatment regimen appears to be high with less than 15% stopping the treatment at six months follow-up. Overall, more than 80% of the parents reported at significant or moderate improvement in the child global assessment.

The exact mechanism of the cannabis effects in patients with ASD is not fully elucidated. Findings from ASD animal models indicate a possible dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (EC) system^{11,12,13,14,15,16} signalling behaviours, a dysregulation that was suggested to be also present in ASD patients¹⁷. Mechanism of action for the effect of cannabis on ASD may possibly involve GABA and glutamate transmission regulation. ASD is characterized by an excitation and inhibition imbalance of GABAergic and glutamatergic signalling in different brain structures¹⁸. The EC system is involved in modulating imbalanced GABAergic¹⁹ and glutamatergic transmission²⁰.

Other mechanism of action can be through oxytocin and vasopressin, neurotransmitters that act as important modulators of social behaviours²¹. Administration of oxytocin to patients with ASD has been shown to facilitate processing of social information, improve emotional recognition, strengthen social interactions, reduce repetitive behaviours²² and increase eye gaze²³. Cannabidiol was found to enhance oxytocin and vasopressin release during activities involving social interaction¹⁶.

Two main active ingredients (THC and CBD) can have different psychoactive action mechanisms. THC was previously shown to improve symptoms characteristic to ASD patients in other treated populations. For example, patients reported lower frequency of anxiety, distress and depression²⁴, following THC administration, as well as improved mood and better quality of life in general²⁵. In patients suffering from anxiety, THC led to improved anxiety levels compared to placebo²⁶ and in dementia patients, it led to reduction in nocturnal motor activity,violence^27,28 behavioural and severity of behavioural disorders²⁹. Moreover, cannabis was shown to enhances interpersonal communication³⁰ and decrease hostile feelings within small social groups³¹.

In our study we have shown that a CBD enriched treatment of ASD patients can potentially lead to an improvement of behavioural symptoms. These findings are consistent with the findings of two double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover studies demonstrating the anxiolytics properties of CBD in patients with anxiety disorder^32,33. In one, CBD had a significant effect on increased brain activity in the right posterior cingulate cortex, which is thought to be involved in the processing of emotional information³², and in the other, simulated public speaking test was evaluated in 24 patients with social anxiety disorder. The CBD treated group had significantly lower anxiety scores than the placebo group during simulated speech, indicating reduction in anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort factors³³.

                                                                              

What does the Harvard Medical School have to say about tinkering with CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know andwhat we don’t

CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.

CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain. A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model, CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Another study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat. More study in humans is needed in this area to substantiate the claims of CBD proponents about pain control.

Is cannabidiol safe?

Side effects of CBD include nausea, fatigue and irritability. CBD can increase the level in your blood of the blood thinner coumadin, and it can raise levels of certain other medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does. A significant safety concern with CBD is that it is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement, not a medication. Currently, the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements. So, you cannot know for sure that the product you buy has active ingredients at the dose listed on the label. In addition, the product may contain other (unknown) elements. We also don’t know the most effective therapeutic dose of CBD for any particular medical condition.

The bottom line on cannabidiol

Some CBD manufacturers have come under government scrutiny for wild, indefensible claims, such that CBD is a cure-all for cancer, which it is not. We need more research but CBD may be prove to be an option for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies we can’t pinpoint effective doses, and because CBD is currently is mostly available as an unregulated supplement, it’s difficult to know exactly what you are getting. If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking.

CBD for Anxiety

Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Conclusions

Preclinical evidence conclusively demonstrates CBD’s efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviors relevant to multiple disorders, including PTSD, GAD, PD, OCD, and SAD, with a notable lack of anxiogenic effects. CBD’s anxiolytic actions appear to depend upon CB₁Rs and 5-HT_1ARs in several brain regions; however, investigation of additional receptor actions may reveal further mechanisms. Human experimental findings support preclinical findings, and also suggest a lack of anxiogenic effects, minimal sedative effects, and an excellent safety profile. Current preclinical and human findings mostly involve acute CBD dosing in healthy subjects, so further studies are required to establish whether chronic dosing of CBD has similar effects in relevant clinical populations. Overall, this review emphasizes the potential value and need for further study of CBD in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Conclusion

I think I would put PEA and CBD in the same category of possibly beneficial therapies.

THC, the key psychoactive constituent in cannabis, will of course improve features of some people’s autism, as would LSD.

Indeed, one post that I never completed was all about the new idea of micro dosing LSD. I thought it would appeal to our Dutch Aspie readers.

First ever trials on theeffects of micro dosing LSD set to begin

Some Silicon Valley creatives are vocal proponents of small daily doses of psychedelics to boost creativity and mental health. But can micro dosing with LSD really live up to the claims?

Participants will take the capsules over a short period, fill out questionnaires and conduct cognitive tests online during the course of the trial.

“The most exciting part of this is the trial’s design, developed by a collaborator in the US,” explained Dr Erritzoe. “Due to the nature of the design, we’re not expecting the findings to be as robust as a large-scale lab-based clinical trials, but if people follow the manual, we should see some interesting results.”

 

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https://beckleyfoundation.org/plant-based-psychedelics/

Several of you have enquired about the closing date of the study. We don’t have an exact date yet, but we guarantee that the option to sign up will be open at least until 31st of October 2019.

Furthermore, we would like to let you know that Reddit user /u/Greg_5656 has created an accurate ‘how-to’ video on setting up the project. The video goes through the same steps as the manual, making it easier to follow along. Thank you Greg!

The Swiss have their own LSD clinical trial running: -

LSD Treatment in Persons Suffering From Anxiety Symptoms in Severe Somatic Diseases or in Psychiatric Anxiety Disorders (LSD-assist)

Will PEA give a benefit in your case of autism? Maybe it will, but I think you will need to give it a try for several weeks and make sure you use a product that contains what is says on the label.

I did make my brief trial of PEA for autism before these case studies were published. Perhaps I should have persevered longer? Our reader Kei in Spain tells us that the French Bumetanide researchers have responders who needed 3 months of therapy to show the effect. I am not that patient; two weeks is a long time for me.  

Is PEA effective in its original application to treat neuropathic pain? Only sometimes; it works often enough for the Italians and Spanish, but it is no panacea. I think it is worth a try for neuropathy, there is a lot of evidence to support it.

There is no doubt that psychoactive substances will improve how some people with psychiatric disorders feel.  In the 1960s at UCLA they were trialing LSD on people with autism.

The problem with these psychoactive substances is that long term use definitely can cause permanent damage. That is part of the reason why they were banned.

If you have untreatable epilepsy, it may be that a psychoactive substance can save your life, and so the choice is clear.

Should the clinic at Johns Hopkins, that treats extreme cases of autism with electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), be able to prescribe psychoactive substances like LSD and THC? I would say definitely yes.

Is Cannabidiol (CBD) going to help your case of autism? I think if anxiety is part of the problem, it very likely will help.  Is it going to raise cognition like Bumetanide does in some people? I don’t think so.

Is Cannabidiol (CBD) a game changing autism therapy? I don’t think so, but every little does help.

Can Aspies make effective use of micro-dosing to manage any troublesome symptoms? Quite possibly.

Will big time CBD responders also respond to PEA? That, I would like to know.

Clearly some people taking PEA for neuropathy might get a similar benefit from CBD. If they took THC they would probably forget all about the pain.

I think the prodrug of PEA that crosses the blood brain barrier is interesting and I hope the Italians pursue it.