151
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Peripheral modulation of the endocannabinoid system in metabolic disease. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:592-604. [PMID: 29331500 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been identified in metabolic disease. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is abundantly expressed in the brain but also expressed in the periphery. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is more abundant in the periphery, including the immune cells. In obesity, global antagonism of overexpressed CB1 reduces bodyweight but leads to centrally mediated adverse psychological outcomes. Emerging research in isolated cultured cells or tissues has demonstrated that targeting the endocannabinoid system in the periphery alleviates the pathologies associated with metabolic disease. Further, peripheral specific cannabinoid ligands can reverse aspects of the metabolic phenotype. This Keynote review will focus on current research on the functionality of peripheral modulation of the ECS for the treatment of obesity.
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152
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Fulmer ML, Thewke DP. The Endocannabinoid System and Heart Disease: The Role of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2. Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets 2018; 18:34-51. [PMID: 29412125 PMCID: PMC6020134 DOI: 10.2174/1871529x18666180206161457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research has provided evidence for the role of the endocannabinoid system in human health and disease. This versatile system, consisting of two receptors (CB1 and CB2), their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and metabolic enzymes has been implicated in a wide variety of disease states, ranging from neurological disorders to cancer. CB2 has gained much interest for its beneficial immunomodulatory role that can be obtained without eliciting psychotropic effects through CB1. Recent studies have shed light on a protective role of CB2 in cardiovascular disease, an ailment which currently takes more lives each year in Western countries than any other disease or injury. By use of CB2 knockout mice and CB2-selective ligands, knowledge of how CB2 signaling affects atherosclerosis and ischemia has been acquired, providing a major stepping stone between basic science and translational clinical research. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the endocannabinoid system in human pathologies and provide a review of the results from preclinical studies examining its function in cardiovascular disease, with a particular emphasis on possible CB2-targeted therapeutic interventions to alleviate atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie L. Fulmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Douglas P. Thewke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
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153
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Russo EB. The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No "Strain," No Gain. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1969. [PMID: 30687364 PMCID: PMC6334252 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The topic of Cannabis curries controversy in every sphere of influence, whether politics, pharmacology, applied therapeutics or even botanical taxonomy. Debate as to the speciation of Cannabis, or a lack thereof, has swirled for more than 250 years. Because all Cannabis types are eminently capable of cross-breeding to produce fertile progeny, it is unlikely that any clear winner will emerge between the "lumpers" vs. "splitters" in this taxonomical debate. This is compounded by the profusion of Cannabis varieties available through the black market and even the developing legal market. While labeled "strains" in common parlance, this term is acceptable with respect to bacteria and viruses, but not among Plantae. Given that such factors as plant height and leaflet width do not distinguish one Cannabis plant from another and similar difficulties in defining terms in Cannabis, the only reasonable solution is to characterize them by their biochemical/pharmacological characteristics. Thus, it is best to refer to Cannabis types as chemical varieties, or "chemovars." The current wave of excitement in Cannabis commerce has translated into a flurry of research on alternative sources, particularly yeasts, and complex systems for laboratory production have emerged, but these presuppose that single compounds are a desirable goal. Rather, the case for Cannabis synergy via the "entourage effect" is currently sufficiently strong as to suggest that one molecule is unlikely to match the therapeutic and even industrial potential of Cannabis itself as a phytochemical factory. The astounding plasticity of the Cannabis genome additionally obviates the need for genetic modification techniques.
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154
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Spinelli F, Mu L, Ametamey SM. Radioligands for positron emission tomography imaging of cannabinoid type 2 receptor. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2017; 61:299-308. [PMID: 29110331 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor is an immunomodulatory receptor mainly expressed in peripheral cells and organs of the immune system. The expression level of CB2 in the central nervous system under physiological conditions is negligible, however under neuroinflammatory conditions an upregulation of CB2 protein or mRNA mainly colocalized with activated microglial cells has been reported. Consequently, CB2 agonists have been confirmed to play a role in neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory processes. A suitable positron emission tomography radioligand for imaging CB2 would provide an invaluable research tool to explore the role of CB2 receptor expression in inflammatory disorders. In this review, we provide a summary of so far published CB2 radioligands as well as their in vitro and in vivo binding characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Linjing Mu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH-PSI-USZ, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon M Ametamey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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155
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Sierra S, Luquin N, Navarro-Otano J. The endocannabinoid system in cardiovascular function: novel insights and clinical implications. Clin Auton Res 2017; 28:35-52. [PMID: 29222605 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-017-0488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cardiovascular disease is now recognized as the number one cause of death in the world, and the size of the population at risk continues to increase rapidly. The dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays a central role in a wide variety of conditions including cardiovascular disorders. Cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands, as well as enzymes conferring their synthesis and degradation, exhibit overlapping distributions in the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, the pharmacological manipulation of the eCB system has effects on blood pressure, cardiac contractility, and endothelial vasomotor control. Growing evidence from animal studies supports the significance of the eCB system in cardiovascular disorders. OBJECTIVE To summarize the literature surrounding the eCB system in cardiovascular function and disease and the new compounds that may potentially extend the range of available interventions. RESULTS Drugs targeting CB1R, CB2R, TRPV1 and PPARs are proven effective in animal models mimicking cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Despite the setback of two clinical trials that exhibited unexpected harmful side-effects, preclinical studies are accelerating the development of more selective drugs with promising results devoid of adverse effects. CONCLUSION Over the last years, increasing evidence from basic and clinical research supports the role of the eCB system in cardiovascular function. Whereas new discoveries are paving the way for the identification of novel drugs and therapeutic targets, the close cooperation of researchers, clinicians and pharmaceutical companies is needed to achieve successful outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Sierra
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Molecular Medicine Research Building, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
| | - Natasha Luquin
- Department of Medical Genomics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Judith Navarro-Otano
- Neurology Service, Electromyography, Motor Control and Neuropathic Pain Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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156
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Lee JH, Hou X, Kummari E, Borazjani A, Edelmann MJ, Ross MK. Endocannabinoid hydrolases in avian HD11 macrophages identified by chemoproteomics: inactivation by small-molecule inhibitors and pathogen-induced downregulation of their activity. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 444:125-141. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3237-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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157
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Talarek S, Listos J, Barreca D, Tellone E, Sureda A, Nabavi SF, Braidy N, Nabavi SM. Neuroprotective effects of honokiol: from chemistry to medicine. Biofactors 2017; 43:760-769. [PMID: 28817221 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of neurological disorders is growing in developed countries together with increased lifespan. Nowadays, there are still no effective treatments for neurodegenerative pathologies, which make necessary to search for new therapeutic agents. Natural products, most of them used in traditional medicine, are considered promising alternatives for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Honokiol is a natural bioactive phenylpropanoid compound, belonging to the class of neolignan, found in notable amounts in the bark of Magnolia tree, and has been reported to exert diverse pharmacological properties including neuroprotective activities. Honokiol can permeate the blood brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid to increase its bioavailability in neurological tissues. Diverse studies have provided evidence on the neuroprotective effect of honokiol in the central nervous system, due to its potent antioxidant activity, and amelioration of the excitotoxicity mainly related to the blockade of glutamate receptors and reduction in neuroinflammation. In addition, recent studies suggest that honokiol can attenuate neurotoxicity exerted by abnormally aggregated Aβ in Alzheimer's disease. The present work summarizes what is currently known concerning the neuroprotective effects of honokiol and its potential molecular mechanisms of action, which make it considered as a promising agent in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(6):760-769, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Talarek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| | - Joanna Listos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| | - Davide Barreca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Ester Tellone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX) and CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), University of Balearic Islands, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Seyed Fazel Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nady Braidy
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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158
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Guan T, Zhao G, Duan H, Liu Y, Zhao F. Activation of type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) by selective agonists regulates the deposition and remodelling of the extracellular matrix. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1704-1709. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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159
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Pesce M, D'Alessandro A, Borrelli O, Gigli S, Seguella L, Cuomo R, Esposito G, Sarnelli G. Endocannabinoid-related compounds in gastrointestinal diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:706-715. [PMID: 28990365 PMCID: PMC5783846 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous signalling pathway involved in the control of several gastrointestinal (GI) functions at both peripheral and central levels. In recent years, it has become apparent that the ECS is pivotal in the regulation of GI motility, secretion and sensitivity, but endocannabinoids (ECs) are also involved in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier permeability, suggesting their role in the pathophysiology of both functional and organic GI disorders. Genetic studies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease have indeed shown significant associations with polymorphisms or mutation in genes encoding for cannabinoid receptor or enzyme responsible for their catabolism, respectively. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials are testing EC agonists/antagonists in the achievement of symptomatic relief from a number of GI symptoms. Despite this evidence, there is a lack of supportive RCTs and relevant data in human beings, and hence, the possible therapeutic application of these compounds is raising ethical, political and economic concerns. More recently, the identification of several EC-like compounds able to modulate ECS function without the typical central side effects of cannabino-mimetics has paved the way for emerging peripherally acting drugs. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms linking the ECS to GI disorders and describes the most recent advances in the manipulation of the ECS in the treatment of GI diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Division of Neurogastroenterology & Motility, Great Ormond Street Hospital and University of College (UCL), London, UK
| | - Alessandra D'Alessandro
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Osvaldo Borrelli
- Division of Neurogastroenterology & Motility, Great Ormond Street Hospital and University of College (UCL), London, UK
| | - Stefano Gigli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosario Cuomo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology 'Vittorio Erspamer', La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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160
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Włodarczyk M, Sobolewska-Włodarczyk A, Cygankiewicz AI, Jacenik D, Krajewska WM, Stec-Michalska K, Piechota-Polańczyk A, Wiśniewska-Jarosińska M, Fichna J. G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) expresses differently in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2017; 52:711-715. [PMID: 28272905 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2017.1298834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the levels of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) expression in colonic tissue of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and healthy controls, and its potential implication in IBD treatment. METHODS Fifty patients were enrolled in our prospective study: n = 21 with Crohn's disease (CD) and n = 16 with ulcerative colitis (UC); 19 women and 18 men. Control consisted of 13 non-IBD patients. In each subject, two biopsies were taken from different colonic locations. In IBD patients, biopsies both from endoscopically inflamed and non-inflamed areas were drawn and the development of inflammation confirmed in histopathological examination. GPR55 mRNA and protein expression were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS GPR55 expression at mRNA and protein level was detected in all samples tested. The level of GPR55 mRNA expression in non-inflamed colonic areas was comparable in all analyzed groups (p = .2438). However, in the inflamed tissues GPR55 mRNA expression was statistically significantly (p < .0001) higher (6.9 fold) in CD patients compared to UC. Moreover, CD patients manifested higher (12.5 fold) GPR55 mRNA expression in inflamed compared with non-inflamed colonic tissues (p < .0001). Although no significant differences were stated, GPR55 protein level tends to decrease in IBD as compared to control. CONCLUSIONS Different patterns of GPR55 expression at mRNA level were observed in IBD patients. We speculate that GPR55 is crucial for the mucosal inflammatory processes in IBD, particularly in CD and its expression may affect disease severity, and response to treatment. The GPR55 receptors may become an attractive target for novel therapeutic strategies in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Włodarczyk
- a Department of Biochemistry , Medical University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland.,b Department of General and Colorectal Surgery , Medical University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
| | - Aleksandra Sobolewska-Włodarczyk
- a Department of Biochemistry , Medical University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland.,c Department of Gastroenterology , Medical University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
| | - Adam I Cygankiewicz
- d Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection , University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
| | - Damian Jacenik
- d Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection , University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
| | - Wanda M Krajewska
- d Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection , University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
| | | | | | | | - Jakub Fichna
- a Department of Biochemistry , Medical University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
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161
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Pacher P, Steffens S, Haskó G, Schindler TH, Kunos G. Cardiovascular effects of marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Nat Rev Cardiol 2017; 15:151-166. [DOI: 10.1038/nrcardio.2017.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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162
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Alcigir ME, Dogan HO, Atalay Vural S, Yilmaz FM. Neuroprotective activity of cannabinoid receptor-2 against oxidative stress and apoptosis in rat pups having experimentally-induced congenital hypothyroidism. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:1334-1347. [PMID: 28799288 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this study, it was aimed to show the cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) role, which is a part of neuroprotective endocannabinoidal system, against increasing nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS, eNOS) levels and the apoptotic activity (caspase-3, caspase-9, and DNA in situ fragmentation) within the postnatal critical period in pups of pregnant rats with artificially induced maternal thyroid hormone (TH) deficiency. Each of the three groups established comprised one male and two female rats, and they were coupled. Their pups were used. In the first two groups, the mothers were treated with 0.025% MMI during the critical period of the pregnancy. In the third group, as the control group, the mothers and pups were not treated. Euthanasia was applied to the pups in Group I on Day 10, and to the pups in Groups II and III on Day 21. In the biochemical analyses, total T4 levels of both mothers and pups in Group I and II were found to be lower than those of the control group. Histopathologically, karyopyknosis in migrating neurons and demyelinization were observed in both groups. Caspase-3 and -9 expressions and TUNEL reactions showed parallelism to these findings. eNOS and iNOS activities were also increased in Groups I and II. CB2 receptor activity was observed in the fore and mid brain in Group I, and in the whole brain in Group II. In conclusion, apoptosis was triggered via oxidative stress in hypothyroid pups. Accordingly, neuroprotective activity of CB2 receptors were motivated spontaneously to resist to CNS lesions during the first 3 weeks of postnatal period. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 1334-1347, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Eray Alcigir
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Diskapi-Ankara, 06110, Turkey
| | - Halef Okan Dogan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, 58140, Turkey
| | - Sevil Atalay Vural
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Diskapi-Ankara, 06110, Turkey
| | - Fatma Meric Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Yildirim Bayezit University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
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163
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Pepcan-12 (RVD-hemopressin) is a CB2 receptor positive allosteric modulator constitutively secreted by adrenals and in liver upon tissue damage. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9560. [PMID: 28842619 PMCID: PMC5573408 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09808-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pepcan-12 (RVD-hemopressin; RVDPVNFKLLSH) is the major peptide of a family of endogenous peptide endocannabinoids (pepcans) shown to act as negative allosteric modulators (NAM) of cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Noradrenergic neurons have been identified to be a specific site of pepcan production. However, it remains unknown whether pepcans occur in the periphery and interact with peripheral CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Here, it is shown that pepcan-12 acts as a potent (Ki value ~50 nM) hCB2 receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM). It significantly potentiated the effects of CB2 receptor agonists, including the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), for [35S]GTPγS binding and cAMP inhibition (5–10 fold). In mice, the putative precursor pepcan-23 (SALSDLHAHKLRVDPVNFKLLSH) was identified with pepcan-12 in brain, liver and kidney. Pepcan-12 was increased upon endotoxemia and ischemia reperfusion damage where CB2 receptors play a protective role. The adrenals are a major endocrine site of production/secretion of constitutive pepcan-12, as shown by its marked loss after adrenalectomy. However, upon I/R damage pepcan-12 was strongly increased in the liver (from ~100 pmol/g to ~500 pmol/g) independent of adrenals. The wide occurrence of this endogenous hormone-like CB2 receptor PAM, with unforeseen opposite allosteric effects on cannabinoid receptors, suggests its potential role in peripheral pathophysiological processes.
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164
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Yeliseev A, Gawrisch K. Expression and NMR Structural Studies of Isotopically Labeled Cannabinoid Receptor Type II. Methods Enzymol 2017; 593:387-403. [PMID: 28750812 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2017.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2) is an integral membrane protein with seven transmembrane helices that belongs to the large superfamily of rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors. The CB2 is a part of the endocannabinoid system that plays a vital role in regulation of immune response, inflammation, pain, and other metabolic processes. Information about the structure and function of CB2 in cell membranes is essential for development of specific pharmaceuticals that target CB2 signaling. Methodology for recombinant expression, stable isotope labeling, purification, reconstitution into liposomes, and NMR characterization of functionally active CB2 is presented. Uniformly 13C-, 15N-labeled CB2 protein is expressed by fermentation of Escherichia coli in a medium of defined composition under controlled aeration, pH, and temperature and purified by tandem affinity chromatography. The receptor reconstituted into lipid bilayers is suitable for structural studies by solid-state NMR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Yeliseev
- Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, NIAAA, NIH, Bethesda, MD, Unites States.
| | - Klaus Gawrisch
- Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics, NIAAA, NIH, Bethesda, MD, Unites States.
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165
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Patsenker E, Chicca A, Petrucci V, Moghadamrad S, de Gottardi A, Hampe J, Gertsch J, Semmo N, Stickel F. 4-O'-methylhonokiol protects from alcohol/carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice. J Mol Med (Berl) 2017; 95:1077-1089. [PMID: 28689299 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-017-1556-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and related mortality. The endocannabinoid system contributes to the development of chronic liver diseases, where cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) has been shown to have a protecting role. Thus, here, we investigated how CB2 agonism by 4'-O-methylhonokiol (MHK), a biphenyl from Magnolia grandiflora, affects chronic alcohol-induced liver fibrosis and damage in mice. A combination of alcohol (10% vol/vol) and CCl4 (1 ml/kg) was applied to C57BL/6 mice for 5 weeks. MHK (5 mg/kg) was administered daily, and liver damage assessed by serum AST and ALT levels, histology, gene, and protein expression. Endocannabinoids (ECs) and related lipid derivatives were measured by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in liver tissues. In vitro, MHK was studied in TGFβ1-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC). MHK treatment alleviated hepatic fibrosis, paralleled by induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, -3, -9, and -13, and downregulation of CB1 mRNA. Necrotic lesions and hepatic inflammation were moderately improved, while IL-10 mRNA increased and IFNγ, Mcl-1, JNK1, and RIPK1 normalized by MHK. Hepatic anandamide (AEA) and related N-acetylethanolamines (NAEs) were elevated in MHK group, whereas fatty acid synthase and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 expression reduced. In vitro, MHK prevented HSC activation and induced apoptosis via induction of bak1 and bcl-2. To conclude, MHK revealed hepatoprotective effects during alcohol-induced liver damage through the induction of MMPs, AEA, and NAEs and prevention of HSC activation, indicating MHK as a potent therapeutic for liver fibrosis and ALD. KEY MESSAGES Methylhonokiol improves liver damage and survival. Methylhonokiol reduces hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammation. Methylhonokiol prevents myofibroblast activation and induces apoptosis. Methylhonokiol upregulates endocannabinoids and related N-acylethanolamines. Methylhonokiol contributes to lipid hydrolysis via PPARα/γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Patsenker
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Sternwartstr. 14, 8097, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical Research, Department of Hepatology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Petrucci
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sheida Moghadamrad
- Department of Clinical Research, Department of Hepatology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea de Gottardi
- Department of Clinical Research, Department of Hepatology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Department of Hepatology, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Hampe
- Medical Department 1, University Hospital Dresden, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nasser Semmo
- Department of Clinical Research, Department of Hepatology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Department of Hepatology, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Felix Stickel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Sternwartstr. 14, 8097, Zurich, Switzerland
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166
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Freitas HR, Isaac AR, Malcher-Lopes R, Diaz BL, Trevenzoli IH, De Melo Reis RA. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and endocannabinoids in health and disease. Nutr Neurosci 2017; 21:695-714. [PMID: 28686542 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2017.1347373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are lipid derivatives of omega-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) or of omega-6 (arachidonic acid, ARA) synthesized from membrane phospholipids and used as a precursor for endocannabinoids (ECs). They mediate significant effects in the fine-tune adjustment of body homeostasis. Phyto- and synthetic cannabinoids also rule the daily life of billions worldwide, as they are involved in obesity, depression and drug addiction. Consequently, there is growing interest to reveal novel active compounds in this field. Cloning of cannabinoid receptors in the 90s and the identification of the endogenous mediators arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonyglycerol (2-AG), led to the characterization of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), together with their metabolizing enzymes and membrane transporters. Today, the ECS is known to be involved in diverse functions such as appetite control, food intake, energy balance, neuroprotection, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, mood disorders, emesis, modulation of pain, inflammatory responses, as well as in cancer therapy. Western diet as well as restriction of micronutrients and fatty acids, such as DHA, could be related to altered production of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g. eicosanoids) and ECs, contributing to the progression of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, depression or impairing conditions, such as Alzheimer' s disease. Here we review how diets based in PUFAs might be linked to ECS and to the maintenance of central and peripheral metabolism, brain plasticity, memory and learning, blood flow, and genesis of neural cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hércules Rezende Freitas
- a Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária , Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21941-902 , Brazil
| | - Alinny Rosendo Isaac
- a Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária , Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21941-902 , Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Lourenço Diaz
- c Laboratory of Inflammation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária , Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21941-902 , Brazil
| | - Isis Hara Trevenzoli
- d Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária , Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21941-902 , Brazil
| | - Ricardo Augusto De Melo Reis
- a Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária , Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21941-902 , Brazil
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167
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Fernández-Ruiz J, Gómez-Ruiz M, García C, Hernández M, Ramos JA. Modeling Neurodegenerative Disorders for Developing Cannabinoid-Based Neuroprotective Therapies. Methods Enzymol 2017; 593:175-198. [PMID: 28750802 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2017.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The increase in lifespan during the last 50 years, mainly in developed countries, has originated a progressive elevation in the incidence of chronic neurodegenerative disorders, for which aging is the key risk factor. This fact will definitively become the major biomedical challenge during the present century, in part because the expectation of a persisting elevation in the population older than 65 years over the whole population and, on the other hand, because the current lack of efficacious therapies to control these disorders despite years of intense research. This chapter will address this question and will stress the urgency of developing better neuroprotective and neurorepair strategies that may delay/arrest the progression of these disorders, reviewing the major needs to solve the causes proposed for the permanent failures experienced in recent years, e.g., to develop multitarget strategies, to use more predictive experimental models, and to identify early disease biomarkers. This chapter will propose the cannabinoids and their classic (e.g., endocannabinoid receptors and enzymes) and nonclassic (e.g., peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, transcription factors) targets as a useful strategy for developing novel therapies for these disorders, based on their broad-spectrum neuroprotective profile, their activity as an endogenous protective system, the location of the endocannabinoid targets in cell substrates critical for neuronal survival, and their ability to serve for preservation and rescue, but also for repair and/or replacement, of neurons and glial cells against cytotoxic insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Gómez-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariluz Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Ramos
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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168
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Ho WSV, Kelly MEM. Cannabinoids in the Cardiovascular System. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 80:329-366. [PMID: 28826540 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are known to modulate cardiovascular functions including heart rate, vascular tone, and blood pressure in humans and animal models. Essential components of the endocannabinoid system, namely, the production, degradation, and signaling pathways of endocannabinoids have been described not only in the central and peripheral nervous system but also in myocardium, vasculature, platelets, and immune cells. The mechanisms of cardiovascular responses to endocannabinoids are often complex and may involve cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors or non-CB1/2 receptor targets. Preclinical and some clinical studies have suggested that targeting the endocannabinoid system can improve cardiovascular functions in a number of pathophysiological conditions, including hypertension, metabolic syndrome, sepsis, and atherosclerosis. In this chapter, we summarize the local and systemic cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids and highlight our current knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of endocannabinoid signaling and modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing S V Ho
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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169
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Ruggiero RN, Rossignoli MT, De Ross JB, Hallak JEC, Leite JP, Bueno-Junior LS. Cannabinoids and Vanilloids in Schizophrenia: Neurophysiological Evidence and Directions for Basic Research. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:399. [PMID: 28680405 PMCID: PMC5478733 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of our knowledge of the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia comes from behavioral measures in rodents, like prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle and open-field locomotion, which are commonly used along with neurochemical approaches or drug challenge designs. Such methods continue to map fundamental mechanisms of sensorimotor gating, hyperlocomotion, social interaction, and underlying monoaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic disturbances. These strategies will require, however, a greater use of neurophysiological tools to better inform clinical research. In this sense, electrophysiology and viral vector-based circuit dissection, like optogenetics, can further elucidate how exogenous cannabinoids worsen (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) or ameliorate (e.g., cannabidiol, CBD) schizophrenia symptoms, like hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive deficits. Also, recent studies point to a complex endocannabinoid-endovanilloid interplay, including the influence of anandamide (endogenous CB1 and TRPV1 agonist) on cognitive variables, such as aversive memory extinction. In fact, growing interest has been devoted to TRPV1 receptors as promising therapeutic targets. Here, these issues are reviewed with an emphasis on the neurophysiological evidence. First, we contextualize imaging and electrographic findings in humans. Then, we present a comprehensive review on rodent electrophysiology. Finally, we discuss how basic research will benefit from further combining psychopharmacological and neurophysiological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael N Ruggiero
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus T Rossignoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jana B De Ross
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Joao P Leite
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lezio S Bueno-Junior
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
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170
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Russo EB, Marcu J. Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 80:67-134. [PMID: 28826544 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The golden age of cannabis pharmacology began in the 1960s as Raphael Mechoulam and his colleagues in Israel isolated and synthesized cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, and other phytocannabinoids. Initially, THC garnered most research interest with sporadic attention to cannabidiol, which has only rekindled in the last 15 years through a demonstration of its remarkably versatile pharmacology and synergy with THC. Gradually a cognizance of the potential of other phytocannabinoids has developed. Contemporaneous assessment of cannabis pharmacology must be even far more inclusive. Medical and recreational consumers alike have long believed in unique attributes of certain cannabis chemovars despite their similarity in cannabinoid profiles. This has focused additional research on the pharmacological contributions of mono- and sesquiterpenoids to the effects of cannabis flower preparations. Investigation reveals these aromatic compounds to contribute modulatory and therapeutic roles in the cannabis entourage far beyond expectations considering their modest concentrations in the plant. Synergistic relationships of the terpenoids to cannabinoids will be highlighted and include many complementary roles to boost therapeutic efficacy in treatment of pain, psychiatric disorders, cancer, and numerous other areas. Additional parts of the cannabis plant provide a wide and distinct variety of other compounds of pharmacological interest, including the triterpenoid friedelin from the roots, canniprene from the fan leaves, cannabisin from seed coats, and cannflavin A from seed sprouts. This chapter will explore the unique attributes of these agents and demonstrate how cannabis may yet fulfil its potential as Mechoulam's professed "pharmacological treasure trove."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jahan Marcu
- Americans for Safe Access, Patient Focused Certification, Washington, DC, United States
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171
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Niaz K, Khan F, Maqbool F, Momtaz S, Ismail Hassan F, Nobakht-Haghighi N, Rahimifard M, Abdollahi M. Endo-cannabinoids system and the toxicity of cannabinoids with a biotechnological approach. EXCLI JOURNAL 2017; 16:688-711. [PMID: 28827985 PMCID: PMC5547394 DOI: 10.17179/excli2017-257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids have shown diverse and critical effects on the body systems, which alter the physiological functions. Synthetic cannabinoids are comparatively innovative misuse drugs with respect to their nature of synthesis. Synthetic cannabinoids therapy in healthy, chain smokers, and alcoholic individuals cause damage to the immune and nervous system, eventually leading to intoxication throughout the body. Relevant studies were retrieved using major electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The extensive use of Cannabis Sativa L. (C. Sativa) and its derivatives/analogues such as the nonpsychoactive dimethyl heptyl homolog (CBG-DMH), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) amongst juveniles and adults have been enhanced in recent years. Cannabinoids play a crucial role in the induction of respiratory, reproductive, immune and carcinogenic effects; however, potential data about mutagenic and developmental effects are still insufficient. The possible toxicity associated with the prolong use of cannabinoids acts as a tumor promoter in animal models and humans. Particular synthetic cannabinoids and analogues have low affinity for CB1 or CB2 receptors, while some synthetic members like Δ9-THC have high affinity towards these receptors. Cannabinoids and their derivatives have a direct or indirect association with acute and long-term toxicity. To reduce/attenuate cannabinoids toxicity, pharmaceutical biotechnology and cloning methods have opened a new window to develop cannabinoids encoding the gene tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase. Plant revolution and regeneration hindered genetic engineering in C. Sativa. The genetic culture suspension of C. Sativa can be transmuted by the use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to overcome its toxicity. The main aim of the present review was to collect evidence of the endo-cannabinoid system (ECS), cannabinoids toxicity, and the potential biotechnological approach of cannabinoids synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Niaz
- International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IC-TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fazlullah Khan
- International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IC-TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faheem Maqbool
- International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IC-TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Momtaz
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Fatima Ismail Hassan
- International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IC-TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Nobakht-Haghighi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Mahban Rahimifard
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IC-TUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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172
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Zhang HY, Gao M, Shen H, Bi GH, Yang HJ, Liu QR, Wu J, Gardner EL, Bonci A, Xi ZX. Expression of functional cannabinoid CB 2 receptor in VTA dopamine neurons in rats. Addict Biol 2017; 22:752-765. [PMID: 26833913 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We have recently reported the expression of functional cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2 Rs) in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in mice. However, little is known whether CB2 Rs are similarly expressed in rat brain because significant species differences in CB2 R structures and expression are found. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical assays detected CB2 gene and receptors in DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which was up-regulated in cocaine self-administration rats. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that activation of CB2 Rs by JWH133 inhibited VTA DA neuronal firing in single dissociated neurons. Systemic administration of JWH133 failed to alter, while local administration of JWH133 into the nucleus accumbens inhibited cocaine-enhanced extracellular DA and i.v. cocaine self-administration. This effect was blocked by AM630, a selective CB2 R antagonist. These data suggest that CB2 Rs are expressed in VTA DA neurons and functionally modulate DA neuronal activities and cocaine self-administration behavior in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ying Zhang
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
- Synaptic Plasticity Section; National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Ming Gao
- Divisions of Neurology and Neurobiology; Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center; Phoenix AZ 85013 USA
| | - Hui Shen
- Synaptic Plasticity Section; National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Hong-Ju Yang
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Qing-Rong Liu
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Jie Wu
- Divisions of Neurology and Neurobiology; Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center; Phoenix AZ 85013 USA
| | - Eliot L. Gardner
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
| | - Antonello Bonci
- Synaptic Plasticity Section; National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Neuroscience Institute; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD 21205 USA
- Department of Psychiatry; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Intramural Research Program; Baltimore MD 21224 USA
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173
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Mechoulam R. Cannabis - the Israeli perspective. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 27:181-7. [PMID: 26426888 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2015-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Short overviews are presented on the historical uses of cannabis in the Middle East and on the more recent scientific and medical research on phytocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, with emphasis on research contributions from Israel. These are followed by examples of research projects and clinical trials with cannabinoids and by a short report on the regulation of medical marijuana in Israel, which at present is administered to over 22,000 patients.
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174
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Hommoss G, Pyo SM, Müller RH. Mucoadhesive tetrahydrocannabinol-loaded NLC - Formulation optimization and long-term physicochemical stability. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2017; 117:408-417. [PMID: 28433786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is used to treat pain in cancer patients. On the market there are mainly oral formulations. Especially to treat the problematic breakthrough pain in cancer, an easy applicable formulation with fast onset is desired. This formulation was developed as an aqueous nasal spray using nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). The NLC were prepared with cetyl palmitate, having good miscibility with the oily THC and yielding particles with 1year physical long-term stability. To make the particles mucoadhesive, small particles with diameters of about 200nm were produced and additionally their surface positively charged using a cationic stabilizer. Optimal NLC suspensions contained 1% particles (lipid:THC ratio 7:1) stabilized with 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), and 2% particles with a mixture of 0.05% CPC, and 0.05% Tween® 80. The particle size remained unchanged during spraying using commercial spray bottle, and PARI BOY. A strong interaction with negatively charged mucin was shown by a sharp decrease of the positive NLC zeta potential and fast charge reversal in the mucin solution test. The solid matrix of the NLC had a stabilizing effect on THC. 91% THC remained after 6months storage at 4°C, and 79% under stress conditions at 40°C. By adding additional chemical stabilizers, and producing under protective conditions, a commercial formulation for patient seems feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghaith Hommoss
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology & NutriCosmetics, Kelchstr. 31, 12169 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sung Min Pyo
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology & NutriCosmetics, Kelchstr. 31, 12169 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Rainer H Müller
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology & NutriCosmetics, Kelchstr. 31, 12169 Berlin, Germany
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175
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Marino S, Idris AI. Emerging therapeutic targets in cancer induced bone disease: A focus on the peripheral type 2 cannabinoid receptor. Pharmacol Res 2017; 119:391-403. [PMID: 28274851 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal complications are a common cause of morbidity in patients with primary bone cancer and bone metastases. The type 2 cannabinoid (Cnr2) receptor is implicated in cancer, bone metabolism and pain perception. Emerging data have uncovered the role of Cnr2 in the regulation of tumour-bone cell interactions and suggest that agents that target Cnr2 in the skeleton have potential efficacy in the reduction of skeletal complications associated with cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of findings relating to the role of Cnr2 receptor in the regulation of skeletal tumour growth, osteolysis and bone pain, and highlights the many unanswered questions and unmet needs. This review argues that development and testing of peripherally-acting, tumour-, Cnr2-selective ligands in preclinical models of metastatic cancer will pave the way for future research that will advance our knowledge about the basic mechanism(s) by which the endocannabinoid system regulate cancer metastasis, stimulate the development of a safer cannabis-based therapy for the treatment of cancer and provide policy makers with powerful tools to assess the science and therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based therapy. Thus, offering the prospect of identifying selective Cnr2 ligands, as novel, alternative to cannabis herbal extracts for the treatment of advanced cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Marino
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK.
| | - Aymen I Idris
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK.
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176
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Chen DJ, Gao M, Gao FF, Su QX, Wu J. Brain cannabinoid receptor 2: expression, function and modulation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2017; 38:312-316. [PMID: 28065934 PMCID: PMC5342669 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2016.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (marijuana) is a fibrous flowering plant that produces an abundant variety of molecules, some with psychoactive effects. At least 4% of the world's adult population uses cannabis annually, making it one of the most frequently used illicit drugs in the world. The psychoactive effects of cannabis are mediated primarily through cannabinoid receptor (CBR) subtypes. The prevailing view is that CB1Rs are mainly expressed in the central neurons, whereas CB2Rs are predominantly expressed in peripheral immune cells. However, this traditional view has been challenged by emerging strong evidence that shows CB2Rs are moderately expressed and function in specific brain areas. New evidence has demonstrated that brain CB2Rs modulate animal drug-seeking behaviors, suggesting that these receptors may exist in brain regions that regulate drug addiction. Recently, we further confirmed that functional CB2Rs are expressed in mouse ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons and that the activation of VTA CB2Rs reduces neuronal excitability and cocaine-seeking behavior. In addition, CB2R-mediated modulation of hippocampal CA3 neuronal excitability and network synchronization has been reported. Here, we briefly summarize recent lines of evidence showing how CB2Rs modulate function and pathophysiology in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-jie Chen
- Department of Neurology, Yunfu People's Hospital, Yunfu 527300, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013–4409, USA
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013–4409, USA
| | - Fen-fei Gao
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013–4409, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Quan-xi Su
- Department of Neurology, Yunfu People's Hospital, Yunfu 527300, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Neurology, Yunfu People's Hospital, Yunfu 527300, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013–4409, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- E-mail
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177
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Varga ZV, Matyas C, Erdelyi K, Cinar R, Nieri D, Chicca A, Nemeth BT, Paloczi J, Lajtos T, Corey L, Hasko G, Gao B, Kunos G, Gertsch J, Pacher P. β-Caryophyllene protects against alcoholic steatohepatitis by attenuating inflammation and metabolic dysregulation in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:320-334. [PMID: 28107775 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS β-Caryophyllene (BCP) is a plant-derived FDA approved food additive with anti-inflammatory properties. Some of its beneficial effects in vivo are reported to involve activation of cannabinoid CB2 receptors that are predominantly expressed in immune cells. Here, we evaluated the translational potential of BCP using a well-established model of chronic and binge alcohol-induced liver injury. METHODS In this study, we investigated the effects of BCP on liver injury induced by chronic plus binge alcohol feeding in mice in vivo by using biochemical assays, real-time PCR and histology analyses. Serum and hepatic BCP levels were also determined by GC/MS. RESULTS Chronic treatment with BCP alleviated the chronic and binge alcohol-induced liver injury and inflammation by attenuating the pro-inflammatory phenotypic `M1` switch of Kupffer cells and by decreasing the expression of vascular adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule 1, E-Selectin and P-Selectin, as well as the neutrophil infiltration. It also beneficially influenced hepatic metabolic dysregulation (steatosis, protein hyperacetylation and PPAR-α signalling). These protective effects of BCP against alcohol-induced liver injury were attenuated in CB2 receptor knockout mice, indicating that the beneficial effects of this natural product in liver injury involve activation of these receptors. Following acute or chronic administration, BCP was detectable both in the serum and liver tissue homogenates but not in the brain. CONCLUSIONS Given the safety of BCP in humans, this food additive has a high translational potential in treating or preventing hepatic injury associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and steatosis. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Inventing New Therapies Without Reinventing the Wheel: The Power of Drug Repurposing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.2/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan V Varga
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Csaba Matyas
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katalin Erdelyi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Resat Cinar
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daniela Nieri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Center of Competence in Research TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Center of Competence in Research TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Balazs Tamas Nemeth
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Janos Paloczi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tamas Lajtos
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lukas Corey
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gyorgy Hasko
- Departments of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - George Kunos
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Center of Competence in Research TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institutes of Health/NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
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178
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Gyires K, Zádori ZS. Role of Cannabinoids in Gastrointestinal Mucosal Defense and Inflammation. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 14:935-951. [PMID: 26935536 PMCID: PMC5333598 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160303110150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulating the activity of the endocannabinoid system influences various gastrointestinal physiological and pathophysiological processes, and cannabinoid receptors as well as regulatory enzymes responsible for the synthesis or degradation of endocannabinoids representing potential targets to reduce the development of gastrointestinal mucosal lesions, hemorrhage and inflammation. Direct activation of CB1 receptors by plant-derived, endogenous or synthetic cannabinoids effectively reduces both gastric acid secretion and gastric motor activity, and decreases the formation of gastric mucosal lesions induced by stress, pylorus ligation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or alcohol, partly by peripheral, partly by central mechanisms. Similarly, indirect activation of cannabinoid receptors through elevation of endocannabinoid levels by globally acting or peripherally restricted inhibitors of their metabolizing enzymes (FAAH, MAGL) or by inhibitors of their cellular uptake reduces the gastric mucosal lesions induced by NSAIDs in a CB1 receptor-dependent fashion. Dual inhibition of FAAH and cyclooxygenase enzymes induces protection against both NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage and intestinal inflammation. Moreover, in intestinal inflammation direct or indirect activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors exerts also multiple beneficial effects. Namely, activation of both CB receptors was shown to ameliorate intestinal inflammation in various murine colitis models, to decrease visceral hypersensitivity and abdominal pain, as well as to reduce colitis-associated hypermotility and diarrhea. In addition, CB1 receptors suppress secretory processes and also modulate intestinal epithelial barrier functions. Thus, experimental data suggest that the endocannabinoid system represents a promising target in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, and this assumption is also confirmed by preliminary clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Gyires
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4., 1089, Budapest, Hungary
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179
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Gertsch J. Cannabimimetic phytochemicals in the diet - an evolutionary link to food selection and metabolic stress adaptation? Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:1464-1483. [PMID: 27891602 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a major lipid signalling network that plays important pro-homeostatic (allostatic) roles not only in the nervous system but also in peripheral organs. There is increasing evidence that there is a dietary component in the modulation of the ECS. Cannabinoid receptors in hominids co-evolved with diet, and the ECS constitutes a feedback loop for food selection and energy metabolism. Here, it is postulated that the mismatch of ancient lipid genes of hunter-gatherers and pastoralists with the high-carbohydrate diet introduced by agriculture could be compensated for via dietary modulation of the ECS. In addition to the fatty acid precursors of endocannabinoids, the potential role of dietary cannabimimetic phytochemicals in agriculturist nutrition is discussed. Dietary secondary metabolites from vegetables and spices able to enhance the activity of cannabinoid-type 2 (CB2 ) receptors may provide adaptive metabolic advantages and counteract inflammation. In contrast, chronic CB1 receptor activation in hedonic obese individuals may enhance pathophysiological processes related to hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, hepatorenal inflammation and cardiometabolic risk. Food able to modulate the CB1 /CB2 receptor activation ratio may thus play a role in the nutrition transition of Western high-calorie diets. In this review, the interplay between diet and the ECS is highlighted from an evolutionary perspective. The emerging potential of cannabimimetic food as a nutraceutical strategy is critically discussed. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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180
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Fernández-Trapero M, Espejo-Porras F, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Coates JR, Pérez-Díaz C, de Lago E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Upregulation of CB 2 receptors in reactive astrocytes in canine degenerative myelopathy, a disease model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:551-558. [PMID: 28069688 PMCID: PMC5451172 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.028373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting of the CB2 receptor results in neuroprotection in the SOD1G93A mutant mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The neuroprotective effects of CB2 receptors are facilitated by their upregulation in the spinal cord of the mutant mice. Here, we investigated whether similar CB2 receptor upregulation, as well as parallel changes in other endocannabinoid elements, is evident in the spinal cord of dogs with degenerative myelopathy (DM), caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1). We used well-characterized post-mortem spinal cords from unaffected and DM-affected dogs. Tissues were used first to confirm the loss of motor neurons using Nissl staining, which was accompanied by glial reactivity (elevated GFAP and Iba-1 immunoreactivity). Next, we investigated possible differences in the expression of endocannabinoid genes measured by qPCR between DM-affected and control dogs. We found no changes in expression of the CB1 receptor (confirmed with CB1 receptor immunostaining) or NAPE-PLD, DAGL, FAAH and MAGL enzymes. In contrast, CB2 receptor levels were significantly elevated in DM-affected dogs determined by qPCR and western blotting, which was confirmed in the grey matter using CB2 receptor immunostaining. Using double-labelling immunofluorescence, CB2 receptor immunolabelling colocalized with GFAP but not Iba-1, indicating upregulation of CB2 receptors on astrocytes in DM-affected dogs. Our results demonstrate a marked upregulation of CB2 receptors in the spinal cord in canine DM, which is concentrated in activated astrocytes. Such receptors could be used as a potential target to enhance the neuroprotective effects exerted by these glial cells. Editors' choice: CB2 receptors are upregulated in activated astrocytes recruited at the damaged spinal cord in dogs with degenerative myelopathy, a canine model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernández-Trapero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid 28040, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid 28040, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid 28040, Spain.,Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Francisco Espejo-Porras
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid 28040, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid 28040, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid 28040, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid 28040, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Joan R Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Carmen Pérez-Díaz
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid 28040, Spain .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid 28040, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid 28040, Spain .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid 28040, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid 28040, Spain
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181
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Soethoudt M, Grether U, Fingerle J, Grim TW, Fezza F, de Petrocellis L, Ullmer C, Rothenhäusler B, Perret C, van Gils N, Finlay D, MacDonald C, Chicca A, Gens MD, Stuart J, de Vries H, Mastrangelo N, Xia L, Alachouzos G, Baggelaar MP, Martella A, Mock ED, Deng H, Heitman LH, Connor M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Lichtman AH, Maccarrone M, Pacher P, Glass M, van der Stelt M. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptor ligand profiling reveals biased signalling and off-target activity. Nat Commun 2017; 8:13958. [PMID: 28045021 PMCID: PMC5216056 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R) represents a promising therapeutic target for various forms of tissue injury and inflammatory diseases. Although numerous compounds have been developed and widely used to target CB2R, their selectivity, molecular mode of action and pharmacokinetic properties have been poorly characterized. Here we report the most extensive characterization of the molecular pharmacology of the most widely used CB2R ligands to date. In a collaborative effort between multiple academic and industry laboratories, we identify marked differences in the ability of certain agonists to activate distinct signalling pathways and to cause off-target effects. We reach a consensus that HU910, HU308 and JWH133 are the recommended selective CB2R agonists to study the role of CB2R in biological and disease processes. We believe that our unique approach would be highly suitable for the characterization of other therapeutic targets in drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Soethoudt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Fingerle
- Department of Biochemistry, NMI, University Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, Reutlingen 72770, Germany
| | - Travis W. Grim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 1220 East Broad Street, PO Box 980613, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0613, USA
| | - Filomena Fezza
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, via del Fosso del Fiorano 65, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Luciano de Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, C.N.R., Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Benno Rothenhäusler
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Camille Perret
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Noortje van Gils
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - David Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Christa MacDonald
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Marianela Dalghi Gens
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Jordyn Stuart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Henk de Vries
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolina Mastrangelo
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Lizi Xia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Georgios Alachouzos
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Marc P. Baggelaar
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Martella
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Elliot D. Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Hui Deng
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Connor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, C.N.R., Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 1220 East Broad Street, PO Box 980613, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0613, USA
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, via del Fosso del Fiorano 65, Rome 00143, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute of Health/NIAAA, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
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Matthews AT, Lee JH, Borazjani A, Mangum LC, Hou X, Ross MK. Oxyradical stress increases the biosynthesis of 2-arachidonoylglycerol: involvement of NADPH oxidase. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 311:C960-C974. [PMID: 27784678 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00251.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
NADPH oxidase (Nox)-derived oxyradicals contribute to atherosclerosis by oxidizing low-density lipoproteins (LDL), leading to their phagocytosis by vascular macrophages. Endocannabinoids, such as 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), might be an important link between oxidative stress and atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that 2-AG biosynthesis in macrophages is enhanced following ligation of oxidized LDL by scavenger receptors via a signal transduction pathway involving Nox-derived ROS that activates diacylglycerol lipase-β (DAGL-β), the 2-AG biosynthetic enzyme. To test this idea, we challenged macrophage cell lines and murine primary macrophages with a xanthine oxidase system or with nonphysiological and physiological Nox stimulants [phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and arachidonic acid (AA)]. Each stressor increased cellular superoxide levels and enhanced 2-AG biosynthetic activity in a Nox-dependent manner. Levels of cytosolic phospholipase A2-dependent AA metabolites (eicosanoids) in primary macrophages were also dependent on Nox-mediated ROS. In addition, 2-AG levels in DAGL-β-overexpressing COS7 cells were attenuated by inhibitors of Nox and DAGL-β. Furthermore, ROS induced by menadione (a redox cycling agent) or PMA could be partially attenuated by the cannabinoid 1/2 receptor agonist (WIN 55,212-2). Finally, cells that overexpress Nox2 components (Phox-COS7) synthesized larger amounts of 2-AG compared with the parental COS7 cells. Together, the results suggest a positive correlation between heightened oxygen radical flux and 2-AG biosynthesis in macrophage cell lines and primary macrophages. Because of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects associated with 2-AG, the increased levels of this bioactive lipid might be an adaptive response to oxidative stress. Thus oxyradical stress may be counteracted by the enhanced endocannabinoid tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anberitha T Matthews
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi; and
| | - Jung Hwa Lee
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi; and
| | - Abdolsamad Borazjani
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi; and
| | - Lee C Mangum
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi; and
| | - Xiang Hou
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi; and.,Institute of Food Safety, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Matthew K Ross
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi; and
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183
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Lee Y, Jo J, Chung HY, Pothoulakis C, Im E. Endocannabinoids in the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 311:G655-G666. [PMID: 27538961 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00294.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system mainly consists of endogenously produced cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). This system also includes enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids and molecules required for the uptake and transport of endocannabinoids. In addition, endocannabinoid-related lipid mediators and other putative endocannabinoid receptors, such as transient receptor potential channels and other GPCRs, have been identified. Accumulating evidence indicates that the endocannabinoid system is a key modulator of gastrointestinal physiology, influencing satiety, emesis, immune function, mucosal integrity, motility, secretion, and visceral sensation. In light of therapeutic benefits of herbal and synthetic cannabinoids, the vast potential of the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases has been demonstrated. This review focuses on the role of the endocannabinoid system in gut homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of intestinal disorders associated with intestinal motility, inflammation, and cancer. Finally, links between gut microorganisms and the endocannabinoid system are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunna Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea; and
| | - Jeongbin Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea; and
| | - Hae Young Chung
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea; and
| | - Charalabos Pothoulakis
- Section of Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eunok Im
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea; and
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184
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Ligresti A, De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V. From Phytocannabinoids to Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological and Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1593-659. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from having been used and misused for at least four millennia for, among others, recreational and medicinal purposes, the cannabis plant and its most peculiar chemical components, the plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), have the merit to have led humanity to discover one of the most intriguing and pleiotropic endogenous signaling systems, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This review article aims to describe and critically discuss, in the most comprehensive possible manner, the multifaceted aspects of 1) the pharmacology and potential impact on mammalian physiology of all major phytocannabinoids, and not only of the most famous one Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and 2) the adaptive pro-homeostatic physiological, or maladaptive pathological, roles of the ECS in mammalian cells, tissues, and organs. In doing so, we have respected the chronological order of the milestones of the millennial route from medicinal/recreational cannabis to the ECS and beyond, as it is now clear that some of the early steps in this long path, which were originally neglected, are becoming important again. The emerging picture is rather complex, but still supports the belief that more important discoveries on human physiology, and new therapies, might come in the future from new knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
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185
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N-Oleoylethanolamine Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines and Adhesion Molecules in TNF-α-induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells by Activating CB2 and PPAR-α. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2016; 68:280-291. [DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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186
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Bisogno T, Oddi S, Piccoli A, Fazio D, Maccarrone M. Type-2 cannabinoid receptors in neurodegeneration. Pharmacol Res 2016; 111:721-730. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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187
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Selective activation of CB2 receptor improves efferocytosis in cultured macrophages. Life Sci 2016; 161:10-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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188
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Richardson KA, Hester AK, McLemore GL. Prenatal cannabis exposure - The "first hit" to the endocannabinoid system. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 58:5-14. [PMID: 27567698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As more states and countries legalize medical and/or adult recreational marijuana use, the incidences of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) will likely increase. While young people increasingly view marijuana as innocuous, marijuana preparations have been growing in potency in recent years, potentially creating global clinical, public health, and workforce concerns. Unlike fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, there is no phenotypic syndrome associated with PCE. There is also no preponderance of evidence that PCE causes lifelong cognitive, behavioral, or functional abnormalities, and/or susceptibility to subsequent addiction. However, there is compelling circumstantial evidence, based on the principles of teratology and fetal malprogramming, suggesting that pregnant women should refrain from smoking marijuana. The usage of marijuana during pregnancy perturbs the fetal endogenous cannabinoid signaling system (ECSS), which is present and active from the early embryonic stage, modulating neurodevelopment and continuing this role into adulthood. The ECSS is present in virtually every brain structure and organ system, and there is also evidence that this system is important in the regulation of cardiovascular processes. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) undergird a broad spectrum of processes, including the early stages of fetal neurodevelopment and uterine implantation. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical in cannabis, enters maternal circulation, and readily crosses the placental membrane. THC binds to CB receptors of the fetal ECSS, altering neurodevelopment and possibly rewiring ECSS circuitry. In this review, we discuss the Double-Hit Hypothesis as it relates to PCE. We contend that PCE, similar to a neurodevelopmental teratogen, delivers the first hit to the ECSS, which is compromised in such a way that a second hit (i.e., postnatal stressors) will precipitate the emergence of a specific phenotype. In summary, we conclude that perturbations of the intrauterine milieu via the introduction of exogenous CBs alter the fetal ECSS, predisposing the offspring to abnormalities in cognition and altered emotionality. Based on recent experimental evidence that we will review here, we argue that young women who become pregnant should immediately take a "pregnant pause" from using marijuana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberlei A Richardson
- Howard University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, 520 W Street, NW, Suite 3408, Washington, DC 20059, United States.
| | - Allison K Hester
- Howard University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, 520 W Street, NW, Suite 3408, Washington, DC 20059, United States.
| | - Gabrielle L McLemore
- Morgan State University, Department of Biology-SCMMS, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, United States.
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189
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Gertsch J. Editorial: Lung macrophages high on cannabinoids: jamming PAMs and taming TAMs? J Leukoc Biol 2016; 99:518-20. [PMID: 27034462 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.3ce0915-409rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Center of Competence in Research TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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190
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Osman NA, Ligresti A, Klein CD, Allarà M, Rabbito A, Di Marzo V, Abouzid KA, Abadi AH. Discovery of novel Tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene and pyrrole based scaffolds as potent and selective CB2 receptor ligands: The structural elements controlling binding affinity, selectivity and functionality. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 122:619-634. [PMID: 27448919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CB2-based therapeutics show strong potential in the treatment of diverse diseases such as inflammation, multiple sclerosis, pain, immune-related disorders, osteoporosis and cancer, without eliciting the typical neurobehavioral side effects of CB1 ligands. For this reason, research activities are currently directed towards the development of CB2 selective ligands. Herein, the synthesis of novel heterocyclic-based CB2 selective compounds is reported. A set of 2,5-dialkyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamides, 5-subtituted-2-(acylamino)/(2-sulphonylamino)-thiophene-3-carboxylates and 2-(acylamino)/(2-sulphonylamino)-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxylates were synthesized. Biological results revealed compounds with remarkably high CB2 binding affinity and CB2/CB1 subtype selectivity. Compound 19a and 19b from the pyrrole series exhibited the highest CB2 receptor affinity (Ki = 7.59 and 6.15 nM, respectively), as well as the highest CB2/CB1 subtype selectivity (∼70 and ∼200-fold, respectively). In addition, compound 6b from the tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene series presented the most potent and selective CB2 ligand in this series (Ki = 2.15 nM and CB2 subtype selectivity of almost 500-fold over CB1). Compound 6b showed a full agonism, while compounds 19a and 19b acted as inverse agonists when tested in an adenylate cyclase assay. The present findings thus pave the way to the design and optimization of heterocyclic-based scaffolds with lipophilic carboxamide and/or retroamide substituent that can be exploited as potential CB2 receptor activity modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A Osman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Christian D Klein
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marco Allarà
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rabbito
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Khaled A Abouzid
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Ashraf H Abadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
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191
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Beyond Cannabis: Plants and the Endocannabinoid System. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:594-605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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192
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Bow EW, Rimoldi JM. The Structure-Function Relationships of Classical Cannabinoids: CB1/CB2 Modulation. PERSPECTIVES IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2016; 8:17-39. [PMID: 27398024 PMCID: PMC4927043 DOI: 10.4137/pmc.s32171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoids are members of a deceptively simple class of terpenophenolic secondary metabolites isolated from Cannabis sativa highlighted by (-)-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), eliciting distinct pharmacological effects mediated largely by cannabinoid receptor (CB1 or CB2) signaling. Since the initial discovery of THC and related cannabinoids, synthetic and semisynthetic classical cannabinoid analogs have been evaluated to help define receptor binding modes and structure-CB1/CB2 functional activity relationships. This perspective will examine the classical cannabinoids, with particular emphasis on the structure-activity relationship of five regions: C3 side chain, phenolic hydroxyl, aromatic A-ring, pyran B-ring, and cyclohexenyl C-ring. Cumulative structure-activity relationship studies to date have helped define the critical structural elements required for potency and selectivity toward CB1 and CB2 and, more importantly, ushered the discovery and development of contemporary nonclassical cannabinoid modulators with enhanced physicochemical and pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W. Bow
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - John M. Rimoldi
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
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193
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Malek N, Kostrzewa M, Makuch W, Pajak A, Kucharczyk M, Piscitelli F, Przewlocka B, Di Marzo V, Starowicz K. The multiplicity of spinal AA-5-HT anti-nociceptive action in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Pharmacol Res 2016; 111:251-263. [PMID: 27326920 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable evidence to support the role of anandamide (AEA), an endogenous ligand of cannabinoid receptors, in neuropathic pain modulation. AEA also produces effects mediated by other biological targets, of which the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) has been the most investigated. Both, inhibition of AEA breakdown by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and blockage of TRPV1 have been shown to produce anti-nociceptive effects. Recent research suggests the usefulness of dual-action compounds, which may afford greater anti-allodynic efficacy. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of N-arachidonoyl-serotonin (AA-5-HT), a blocker of FAAH and TRPV1, in a rat model of neuropathic pain after intrathecal administration. We found that treatment with AA-5-HT increased the pain threshold to mechanical and thermal stimuli, with highest effect at the dose of 500nM, which was most strongly attenuated by AM-630, CB2 antagonist, administration. The single action blockers PF-3845 (1000nM, for FAAH) and I-RTX (1nM, for TRPV1) showed lower efficacy than AA-5-HT. Moreover AA-5-HT (500nM) elevated AEA and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) levels. Among the possible targets of these mediators, only the mRNA levels of CB2, GPR18 and GPR55, which are believed to be novel cannabinoid receptors, were upregulated in the spinal cord and/or DRG of CCI rats. It was previously reported that AA-5-HT acts in CB1 and TRPV1-dependent manner after systemic administration, but here for the first time we show that AA-5-HT action at the spinal level involves CB2, with potential contributions from GRP18 and/or GPR55 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Malek
- Laboratory of Pain Pathophysiology, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Kostrzewa
- Laboratory of Pain Pathophysiology, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Wioletta Makuch
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Pajak
- Laboratory of Pain Pathophysiology, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Mateusz Kucharczyk
- Laboratory of Pain Pathophysiology, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular ChemistryC.N.R., Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy.
| | - Barbara Przewlocka
- Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular ChemistryC.N.R., Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy.
| | - Katarzyna Starowicz
- Laboratory of Pain Pathophysiology, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12 Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
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194
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Rock EM, Boulet N, Limebeer CL, Mechoulam R, Parker LA. Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor agonism reduces lithium chloride-induced vomiting in Suncus murinus and nausea-induced conditioned gaping in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 786:94-99. [PMID: 27263826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the potential anti-emetic and anti-nausea properties of targeting the cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor. We investigated the effect of the selective CB2 agonist, HU-308, on lithium chloride- (LiCl) induced vomiting in Suncus murinus (S. murinus) and conditioned gaping (nausea-induced behaviour) in rats. Additionally, we determined whether these effects could be prevented by pretreatment with AM630 (a selective CB2 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist). In S. murinus, HU-308 (2.5, 5mg/kg, i.p.) reduced, but did not completely block, LiCl-induced vomiting; an effect that was prevented with AM630. In rats, HU-308 (5mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed, but did not completely block, LiCl-induced conditioned gaping to a flavour; an effect that was prevented by AM630. These findings are the first to demonstrate the ability of a selective CB2 receptor agonist to reduce nausea in animal models, indicating that targeting the CB2 receptor may be an effective strategy, devoid of psychoactive effects, for managing toxin-induced nausea and vomiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Rock
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Nathalie Boulet
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl L Limebeer
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Institute of Drug Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Linda A Parker
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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195
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Hess C, Schoeder CT, Pillaiyar T, Madea B, Müller CE. Pharmacological evaluation of synthetic cannabinoids identified as constituents of spice. Forensic Toxicol 2016; 34:329-343. [PMID: 27429655 PMCID: PMC4929166 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0320-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many synthetic cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists have appeared on the market as constituents of herbal incense mixtures known as "spice". Contrary to the declared use, they are perorally consumed as a replacement for marijuana to get "high". In many cases, detailed information on the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of the synthetic compounds found in spice preparations is lacking. We have now evaluated a large series of heterocyclic compounds, 1,3-disubstituted indole and 2-azaindole derivatives known or assumed to be CB1 receptor agonists, many of which have previously been identified in forensic samples. The mainly observed structural variations to circumvent restriction by law were bioisosteric exchanges of functional groups in known CB1 agonists. We analyzed the structure-activity relationships of compounds at human CB1 and CB2 receptors based on affinities obtained in radioligand binding studies, and determined their efficacy in cAMP accumulation assays. Moreover, we investigated the activities of the compounds at the orphan G protein-coupled receptors GPR18 and GPR55 both of which are known to interact with cannabinoids. Most of the investigated compounds behaved as potent full agonists of CB1 and CB2 receptors with affinities in the low nanomolar to subnanomolar concentration range. Some compounds were moderately potent GPR55 antagonists, while none interacted with GPR18. Most derivatives were predicted to cross the blood-brain barrier as determined by bioinformatics tools. These data are useful for assessing synthetic cannabinoids and will be helpful for predicting pharmacological properties of novel compounds that appear on the illicit drug market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Hess
- Department Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111 Bonn, Germany
| | - Clara T Schoeder
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany.,Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thanigaimalai Pillaiyar
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Burkhard Madea
- Department Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christa E Müller
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany.,Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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196
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Abstract
Marijuana has been utilized as a medicinal plant to treat a variety of conditions for nearly five millennia. Over the past few years, there has been an unprecedented interest in using cannabis extracts to treat epilepsy, spurred on by a few refractory pediatric cases featured in the media that had an almost miraculous response to cannabidiol-enriched marijuana extracts. This review attempts to answer the most important questions a clinician may have regarding the use of marijuana in epilepsy. First, we review the preclinical and human evidences for the anticonvulsant properties of the different cannabinoids, mainly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Then, we explore the safety data from animal and human studies. Lastly, we attempt to reconcile the controversy regarding physicians' and patients' opinions about whether the available evidence is sufficient to recommend the use of marijuana to treat epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Detyniecki
- Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Yale University, 15 York Street, LCI 7, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA,
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197
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Lipina C, Hundal HS. Modulation of cellular redox homeostasis by the endocannabinoid system. Open Biol 2016; 6:150276. [PMID: 27248801 PMCID: PMC4852457 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.150276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) constitute two key cellular signalling systems that participate in the modulation of diverse cellular functions. Importantly, growing evidence suggests that cross-talk between these two prominent signalling systems acts to modulate functionality of the ECS as well as redox homeostasis in different cell types. Herein, we review and discuss evidence pertaining to ECS-induced regulation of ROS generating and scavenging mechanisms, as well as highlighting emerging work that supports redox modulation of ECS function. Functionally, the studies outlined reveal that interactions between the ECS and ROS signalling systems can be both stimulatory and inhibitory in nature, depending on cell stimulus, the source of ROS species and cell context. Importantly, such cross-talk may act to maintain cell function, whereas abnormalities in either system may propagate and undermine the stability of both systems, thereby contributing to various pathologies associated with their dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lipina
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Harinder S Hundal
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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198
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Bertini S, Chicca A, Arena C, Chicca S, Saccomanni G, Gertsch J, Manera C, Macchia M. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of new biphenylic derivatives as CB2 receptor ligands. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 116:252-266. [PMID: 27078864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.03.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting type-2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) is considered a feasible strategy to develop new drugs for the treatment of diseases like neuropathic pain, chronic inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Such drugs are devoid of the undesired central side effects that are typically mediated by the CB1 receptor. In this work we synthesized 18 biphenylic carboxamides as new CB2-selective ligands and evaluated their pharmacological profiles. The functional activity of these compounds is strongly influenced by the nature of the substituent at position 4' and 5 of the biphenyl scaffold. Position 5 seems to be responsible for the agonist or inverse agonist behaviour independently of the substituent in position 4', with the exception of the methoxyl group which transforms both full agonists and inverse agonists into neutral antagonists. This study provides a novel complete toolbox of CB2 functional modulators that derive from the same chemical scaffold. Such probes may be useful to investigate the biological role of CB2 receptors in cellular assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bertini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Arena
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Saccomanni
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Clementina Manera
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Macchia
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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199
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Mukhopadhyay P, Baggelaar M, Erdelyi K, Cao Z, Cinar R, Fezza F, Ignatowska‐Janlowska B, Wilkerson J, van Gils N, Hansen T, Ruben M, Soethoudt M, Heitman L, Kunos G, Maccarrone M, Lichtman A, Pacher P, Van der Stelt M. The novel, orally available and peripherally restricted selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist LEI-101 prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:446-58. [PMID: 26398481 PMCID: PMC4728411 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Here, we have characterized 3-cyclopropyl-1-(4-(6-((1,1-dioxidothiomorpholino)methyl)-5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)benzyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione hydrochloride (LEI-101) as a novel, peripherally restricted cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist, using both in vitro and in vivo models. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the effects of LEI-101 on binding and functional activity. We assessed its in vitro and in vivo selectivity. Efficacy of LEI-101 was determined in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. KEY RESULTS LEI-101 behaved as a partial agonist at CB2 receptors using β-arrestin and GTPγS assays and was ~100-fold selective in CB2 /CB1 receptor-binding assays. It did not display any activity on endocannabinoid hydrolases and nor did it react with serine hydrolases in an activity-based protein profiling assay. In mice, LEI-101 had excellent oral bioavailability reaching high concentrations in the kidney and liver with minimal penetration into the brain. LEI-101 up to a dose of 60 mg·kg(-1) (p.o.) did not exert any CNS-mediated effects in the tetrad assay, in mice. LEI-101 (p.o. or i.p.) at 3 or 10 mg·kg(-1) dose-dependently prevented kidney dysfunction and/or morphological damage induced by cisplatin in mice. These protective effects were associated with improved renal histopathology, attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney. These effects were absent in CB2 receptor knockout mice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These results indicate that LEI-101 is a selective, largely peripherally restricted, orally available CB2 receptor agonist with therapeutic potential in diseases that are associated with inflammation and/or oxidative stress, including kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Baggelaar
- Department of Bio‐organic SynthesisLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Filomena Fezza
- Department Experimental Medicine & SurgeryTor Vergata University of RomeRomeItaly
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia FoundationRomeItaly
| | | | | | - Noortje van Gils
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Thomas Hansen
- Department of Bio‐organic SynthesisLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Marc Ruben
- Department of Bio‐organic SynthesisLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
- Present address: Mercachem Inc.NijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Laura Heitman
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia FoundationRomeItaly
- Department of MedicineCampus Bio‐Medico University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Aron Lichtman
- Department Experimental Medicine & SurgeryTor Vergata University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Pál Pacher
- National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA
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200
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Benyó Z, Ruisanchez É, Leszl-Ishiguro M, Sándor P, Pacher P. Endocannabinoids in cerebrovascular regulation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H785-801. [PMID: 26825517 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00571.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cerebral blood flow is tightly regulated by myogenic, endothelial, metabolic, and neural mechanisms under physiological conditions, and a large body of recent evidence indicates that inflammatory pathways have a major influence on the cerebral blood perfusion in certain central nervous system disorders, like hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, and vascular dementia. All major cell types involved in cerebrovascular control pathways (i.e., smooth muscle, endothelium, neurons, astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, and leukocytes) are capable of synthesizing endocannabinoids and/or express some or several of their target proteins [i.e., the cannabinoid 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) receptors and the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel]. Therefore, the endocannabinoid system may importantly modulate the regulation of cerebral circulation under physiological and pathophysiological conditions in a very complex manner. Experimental data accumulated since the late 1990s indicate that the direct effect of cannabinoids on cerebral vessels is vasodilation mediated, at least in part, by CB1 receptors. Cannabinoid-induced cerebrovascular relaxation involves both a direct inhibition of smooth muscle contractility and a release of vasodilator mediator(s) from the endothelium. However, under stress conditions (e.g., in conscious restrained animals or during hypoxia and hypercapnia), cannabinoid receptor activation was shown to induce a reduction of the cerebral blood flow, probably via inhibition of the electrical and/or metabolic activity of neurons. Finally, in certain cerebrovascular pathologies (e.g., subarachnoid hemorrhage, as well as traumatic and ischemic brain injury), activation of CB2 (and probably yet unidentified non-CB1/non-CB2) receptors appear to improve the blood perfusion of the brain via attenuating vascular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Benyó
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Éva Ruisanchez
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Miriam Leszl-Ishiguro
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Péter Sándor
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Pál Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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