Pastor, A. (Antoni)

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    Moderate-vigorous physical activity across body mass index in females: moderating effect of endocannabinoids and temperament
    (Public Library of Science, 2014) Fernandez-Garcia, J.C. (José C.); Fagundo, A.B. (Ana B.); Casanueva, F.F. (Felipe F.); Tinahones, F.J. (Francisco J.); Arcelus, J. (Jon); Torre, R. (Rafael) de la; Frühbeck, G. (Gema); Granero, R. (Roser); Rodriguez, R. (Roser); Gonzalez, M.L. (Marcela L.); Pastor, A. (Antoni); Baños, R. (Rosa); Agüera, Z. (Zaida); Jimenez-Murcia, S. (Susana); Gomez-Ambrosi, J. (Javier); Botella, C. (Cristina); Miro, J. (Jordi); Fernandez-Aranda, F. (Fernando); Sauchelli, S. (Sarah); Fernandez-Real, J.M. (José Manuel)
    BACKGROUND: Endocannabinoids and temperament traits have been linked to both physical activity and body mass index (BMI) however no study has explored how these factors interact in females. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to 1) examine differences among distinct BMI groups on daytime physical activity and time spent in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), temperament traits and plasma endocannabinoid concentrations; and 2) explore the association and interaction between MVPA, temperament, endocannabinoids and BMI. METHODS: Physical activity was measured with the wrist-worn accelerometer Actiwatch AW7, in a sample of 189 female participants (43 morbid obese, 30 obese, and 116 healthy-weight controls). The Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised questionnaire was used to assess personality traits. BMI was calculated by bioelectrical impedance analysis via the TANITA digital scale. Blood analyses were conducted to measure levels of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-related compounds. Path-analysis was performed to examine the association between predictive variables and MVPA. RESULTS: Obese groups showed lower MVPA and dysfunctional temperament traits compared to healthy-weight controls. Plasma concentrations of 2-arachidonoylglyceryl (2-AG) were greater in obese groups. Path-analysis identified a direct effect between greater MVPA and low BMI (b = -0.13, p = .039) and high MVPA levels were associated with elevated anandamide (AEA) levels (b = 0.16, p = .049) and N-oleylethanolamide (OEA) levels (b = 0.22, p = .004), as well as high Novelty seeking (b = 0.18, p<.001) and low Harm avoidance (b = -0.16, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Obese individuals showed a distinct temperament profile and circulating endocannabinoids compared to controls. Temperament and endocannabinoids may act as moderators of the low MVPA in obesity.
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    Modulation of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) on executive functions in humans
    (Public Library of Science, 2013-06-19) Fernandez-Garcia, J.C. (José C.); Fagundo, A.B. (Ana B.); Casanueva, F.F. (Felipe F.); Tinahones, F.J. (Francisco J.); Torre, R. (Rafael) de la; Moragrega, I. (Inés); Tarrega, S. (Salomé); Pino-Gutierrez, A. (Amparo) del; Frühbeck, G. (Gema); Menchon, J.M. (José M.); Granero, R. (Roser); Rodriguez, R. (Roser); Pastor, A. (Antoni); Baños, R. (Rosa); Agüera, Z. (Zaida); Jimenez-Murcia, S. (Susana); Gomez-Ambrosi, J. (Javier); Botella, C. (Cristina); Fernandez-Aranda, F. (Fernando); Fernandez-Real, J.M. (José Manuel)
    Animal studies point to an implication of the endocannabinoid system on executive functions. In humans, several studies have suggested an association between acute or chronic use of exogenous cannabinoids (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and executive impairments. However, to date, no published reports establish the relationship between endocannabinoids, as biomarkers of the cannabinoid neurotransmission system, and executive functioning in humans. The aim of the present study was to explore the association between circulating levels of plasma endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and executive functions (decision making, response inhibition and cognitive flexibility) in healthy subjects. One hundred and fifty seven subjects were included and assessed with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test; Stroop Color and Word Test; and Iowa Gambling Task. All participants were female, aged between 18 and 60 years and spoke Spanish as their first language. Results showed a negative correlation between 2-AG and cognitive flexibility performance (r = -.37; p<.05). A positive correlation was found between AEA concentrations and both cognitive flexibility (r = .59; p<.05) and decision making performance (r = .23; P<.05). There was no significant correlation between either 2-AG (r = -.17) or AEA (r = -.08) concentrations and inhibition response. These results show, in humans, a relevant modulation of the endocannabinoid system on prefrontal-dependent cognitive functioning. The present study might have significant implications for the underlying executive alterations described in some psychiatric disorders currently associated with endocannabinoids deregulation (namely drug abuse/dependence, depression, obesity and eating disorders). Understanding the neurobiology of their dysexecutive profile might certainly contribute to the development of new treatments and pharmacological approaches.