Role of endocannabinoid serum levels in cognitive impairments in obesity and hypertension

Objective. To evaluate possible role of endocannabinoid (EC) serum levels, such as anandamide (AEA) and 2‑arachidonoylglycerol (2‑AG), on formation of cognitive impairment in hypertensive and obese patients.

Design and methods. Altogether 117 patients (mean age 46,7 ± 5,9 years) with essential hypertension and abdominal obesity were included. The control group included 25 nonobese normotensive patients (mean age 45,3 ± 5,8 years). Comprehensive neuropsychological testing was conducted. Serum levels of AEA and 2‑AG were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results. The ROC analysis showed an AUC (Area Under Curve) value for 2‑AG 0,74 ± 0,077 и 0,54 ± 0,099 for anandamide that corresponds to the good diagnostic efficacy of 2‑AG and unsatisfactory efficacy of anandamide. Maximum threshold value for 2‑AG, defining the risk of cognitive impairment (sensitivity — 83,3 %, specificity — 64,3 %) was 5,4 ng/ml. We also calculated relative risk of cognitive impairment in the groups of patients with different levels of 2‑AG in accordance with the threshold value. The relative risk of cognitive impairment in patients with 2‑AG > 5,4 ng/ml was 2,14 (95 % confidence interval 1,14 to 4,04, p = 0,019) compared to those with 2‑AG < 5,4 ng/ml.

Conclusions. In obese and hypertensive patients with plasma 2‑AG level more than 5,4 ng/ml the risk of cognitive impairment is 2,14 times higher compared to patients with 2‑AG plasma level less or equal to 5,4 ng/ml.

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