A cannabinoid receptor gene variant predicts cognitive improvement in first-episode psychosis treatment
The CNR1 rs7766029 CC genotype was associated with greater improvement in verbal memory over 18 months of first-episode psychosis treatment, even after controlling for cannabis use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Carriers of the CNR1 rs7766029 CC genotype showed significantly greater improvement in verbal memory (Wechsler, Wechsler 30') and attention (Digit span F). The rs12720071 AG genotype was linked to improved executive function but lower language improvement. After full adjustment (age, sex, cannabis use, negative symptoms), the rs7766029 association with Wechsler 30' remained significant.
Key Numbers
159 patients enrolled, 121 genotyped. rs7766029 CC carriers showed greater Wechsler 30' improvement (significant at FDR <15% after full adjustment). rs7766029 also associated with stress perception changes.
How They Did This
Longitudinal study of 159 first-episode psychosis patients from two Croatian hospitals (2014-2017). Neurocognitive testing at baseline and 18 months. CNR1 polymorphisms (rs7766029, rs12720071) genotyped in 121 patients. Associations adjusted for multiple covariates.
Why This Research Matters
If cannabinoid receptor gene variants predict who will improve cognitively during psychosis treatment, this could help personalize treatment plans and identify patients who may need additional cognitive interventions.
The Bigger Picture
The endocannabinoid system is increasingly recognized as a modulator of cognition in psychosis. This genetic study suggests that natural variation in cannabinoid receptor genes influences cognitive recovery trajectories.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Moderate sample size. FDR threshold of 15% is relatively liberal. Two sites in Croatia may not generalize to other populations. Cannabis use was controlled for but may interact with genotype in complex ways.
Questions This Raises
- ?Could CNR1 genotyping be used clinically to predict treatment outcomes?
- ?Do these genotypes also predict response to cannabinoid-based treatments?
- ?Would larger, multi-ethnic studies replicate these findings?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- CNR1 CC genotype linked to greater verbal memory improvement
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: longitudinal design with 18-month follow-up and genotype analysis, but moderate sample size and liberal FDR threshold.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2019.
- Original Title:
- Association of CNR1 genotypes with changes in neurocognitive performance after eighteen-month treatment in patients with first-episode psychosis.
- Published In:
- European psychiatry : the journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, 61, 88-96 (2019)
- Authors:
- Rojnic Kuzman, Martina, Bosnjak Kuharic, Dina(2), Ganoci, Lana, Makaric, Porin, Kekin, Ivana, Rossini Gajsak, Linda, Prpic, Nikola, Bozina, Tamara, Bajic, Zarko, Bozina, Nada
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02260
Evidence Hierarchy
Follows a group of people over time to track how outcomes develop.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CNR1 gene?
CNR1 encodes the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, the primary target of THC in the brain. Genetic variants in CNR1 affect how this receptor functions and may influence cognitive outcomes.
Did cannabis use affect the results?
The association between CNR1 genotype and cognitive improvement remained significant after controlling for cannabis use, suggesting the genetic effect is independent of whether patients used cannabis.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02260APA
Rojnic Kuzman, Martina; Bosnjak Kuharic, Dina; Ganoci, Lana; Makaric, Porin; Kekin, Ivana; Rossini Gajsak, Linda; Prpic, Nikola; Bozina, Tamara; Bajic, Zarko; Bozina, Nada. (2019). Association of CNR1 genotypes with changes in neurocognitive performance after eighteen-month treatment in patients with first-episode psychosis.. European psychiatry : the journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, 61, 88-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2019.07.004
MLA
Rojnic Kuzman, Martina, et al. "Association of CNR1 genotypes with changes in neurocognitive performance after eighteen-month treatment in patients with first-episode psychosis.." European psychiatry : the journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2019.07.004
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Association of CNR1 genotypes with changes in neurocognitive..." RTHC-02260. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/rojnic-2019-association-of-cnr1-genotypes
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.