151
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Han L, Yang L, Liu B, Cheng X. Trans-caryophyllene suppresses tumor necrosis factor (TNFα)-induced inflammation in human chondrocytes. Eur Food Res Technol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00217-014-2302-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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152
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Tracking neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease: the role of positron emission tomography imaging. J Neuroinflammation 2014; 11:120. [PMID: 25005532 PMCID: PMC4099095 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-11-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been reconceptualized as a dynamic pathophysiological process, where the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) is thought to trigger a cascade of neurodegenerative events resulting in cognitive impairment and, eventually, dementia. In addition to Aβ pathology, various lines of research have implicated neuroinflammation as an important participant in AD pathophysiology. Currently, neuroinflammation can be measured in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET) with ligands targeting diverse biological processes such as microglial activation, reactive astrocytes and phospholipase A2 activity. In terms of therapeutic strategies, despite a strong rationale and epidemiological studies suggesting that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the prevalence of AD, clinical trials conducted to date have proven inconclusive. In this respect, it has been hypothesized that NSAIDs may only prove protective if administered early on in the disease course, prior to the accumulation of significant AD pathology. In order to test various hypotheses pertaining to the exact role of neuroinflammation in AD, studies in asymptomatic carriers of mutations deterministic for early-onset familial AD may prove of use. In this respect, PET ligands for neuroinflammation may act as surrogate markers of disease progression, allowing for the development of more integrative models of AD, as well as for the measuring of target engagement in the context of clinical trials using NSAIDs. In this review, we address the biological basis of neuroinflammatory changes in AD, underscore therapeutic strategies using anti-inflammatory compounds, and shed light on the possibility of tracking neuroinflammation in vivo using PET imaging ligands.
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153
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Ferretjans R, de Campos SM, Ribeiro-Santos R, Guimarães FC, de Oliveira K, Cardoso ACA, Araújo MS, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Martins-Filho OA, Teixeira AL, Salgado JV. Cognitive performance and peripheral endocannabinoid system receptor expression in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2014; 156:254-60. [PMID: 24853061 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric syndrome characterized by generalized cognitive deficits that are associated with functional impairment. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulates neurotransmission and neuronal plasticity and is important for cognitive functioning. Evidence points to the involvement of this neuromodulatory system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and that alteration of the ECS on peripheral lymphocytes could reflect central changes. The objective of this study was to compare levels of peripheral endocannabinoid receptor expression in patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects and find evidence of association between peripheral expression of those receptors and cognitive performance. Patients with stabilized schizophrenia (N=53) and controls (N=22) underwent clinical and cognitive evaluation, and assessment of cannabinoid receptor expression on the surface of peripheral immune cells (lymphocytes, natural killer cells and monocytes) by flow cytometry. Patients with schizophrenia had lower levels of cannabinoid receptor expression on total T lymphocytes, but after controlling for possible confounders this difference did not remain significant. In patients, increased cannabinoid receptor expression on lymphocytes and monocytes was significantly correlated with worst cognitive performance. These data provide additional evidence of the involvement of the ECS in the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ferretjans
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil; Hospital de Ensino Instituto Raul Soares, Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), MG, Brazil.
| | - Salvina Maria de Campos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil; Hospital de Ensino Instituto Raul Soares, Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael Ribeiro-Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil; Hospital de Ensino Instituto Raul Soares, Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Carneiro Guimarães
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil; Hospital de Ensino Instituto Raul Soares, Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), MG, Brazil
| | - Keliane de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil; Hospital de Ensino Instituto Raul Soares, Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Cecília Alves Cardoso
- Hospital de Ensino Instituto Raul Soares, Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), MG, Brazil; Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Antonio L Teixeira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil; Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil
| | - João V Salgado
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil; Hospital de Ensino Instituto Raul Soares, Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), MG, Brazil; Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil.
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154
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Pinna G, Loriga G, Lazzari P, Ruiu S, Falzoi M, Frau S, Pau A, Murineddu G, Asproni B, Pinna GA. Tricyclic pyrazoles. Part 6. Benzofuro[3,2-c]pyrazole: A versatile architecture for CB2 selective ligands. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 82:281-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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155
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Vendel E, de Lange ECM. Functions of the CB1 and CB 2 receptors in neuroprotection at the level of the blood-brain barrier. Neuromolecular Med 2014; 16:620-42. [PMID: 24929655 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-014-8314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid (CB) receptors are the main targets of the cannabinoids, which include plant cannabinoids, endocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids. Over the last few years, accumulated evidence has suggested a role of the CB receptors in neuroprotection. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an important brain structure that is essential for neuroprotection. A link between the CB receptors and the BBB is thus likely, but this possible connection has only recently gained attention. Cannabinoids and the BBB share the same mechanisms of neuroprotection and both protect against excitotoxicity (CB1), cell death (CB1), inflammation (CB2) and oxidative stress (possibly CB independent)-all processes that also damage the BBB. Several examples of CB-mediated protection of the BBB have been found, such as inhibition of leukocyte influx and induction of amyloid beta efflux across the BBB. Moreover, the CB receptors were shown to improve BBB integrity, particularly by restoring the tightness of the tight junctions. This review demonstrated that both CB receptors are able to restore the BBB and neuroprotection, but much uncertainty about the underlying signaling cascades still exists and further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée Vendel
- Division of Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333CC, PO Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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156
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CB2 receptor activation inhibits melanoma cell transmigration through the blood-brain barrier. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:8063-74. [PMID: 24815068 PMCID: PMC4057719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15058063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During parenchymal brain metastasis formation tumor cells need to migrate through cerebral endothelial cells, which form the morphological basis of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The mechanisms of extravasation of tumor cells are highly uncharacterized, but in some aspects recapitulate the diapedesis of leukocytes. Extravasation of leukocytes through the BBB is decreased by the activation of type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2); therefore, in the present study we sought to investigate the role of CB2 receptors in the interaction of melanoma cells with the brain endothelium. First, we identified the presence of CB1, CB2(A), GPR18 (transcriptional variant 1) and GPR55 receptors in brain endothelial cells, while melanoma cells expressed CB1, CB2(A), GPR18 (transcriptional variants 1 and 2), GPR55 and GPR119. We observed that activation of CB2 receptors with JWH-133 reduced the adhesion of melanoma cells to the layer of brain endothelial cells. JWH-133 decreased the transendothelial migration rate of melanoma cells as well. Our results suggest that changes induced in endothelial cells are critical in the mediation of the effect of CB2 agonists. Our data identify CB2 as a potential target in reducing the number of brain metastastes originating from melanoma.
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157
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Rodríguez-Cueto C, Benito C, Romero J, Hernández-Gálvez M, Gómez-Ruiz M, Fernández-Ruiz J. Endocannabinoid-hydrolysing enzymes in the post-mortem cerebellum of humans affected by hereditary autosomal dominant ataxias. Pathobiology 2014; 81:149-59. [PMID: 24642775 DOI: 10.1159/000358127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are characterized by a loss of balance and motor coordination due to degeneration of the cerebellum and its afferent and efferent connections. We recently found important changes in cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in the post-mortem cerebellum of patients affected by different SCAs. METHODS We wanted to further explore this issue by analysing the two major endocannabinoid-hydrolysing enzymes, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL), in the post-mortem cerebellum of SCA patients and control subjects. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for the FAAH and MAGL enzymes was found in the granular layer, in Purkinje cells, in neurons of the dentate nucleus and in areas of white matter in the cerebellum of patients at levels frequently notably higher than those in control subjects. Using double-labelling procedures, we found co-localization of FAAH and MAGL with calbindin, supporting the presence of these enzymes in Purkinje neurons. CONCLUSIONS Degradative endocannabinoid enzymes are significantly increased in the cerebellum of SCA patients, which would presumably lead to reduced endocannabinoid levels. The identification of these enzymes in Purkinje neurons suggests a relationship with the pathogenesis of SCAs and suggests that the endocannabinoid system could provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of disease progression in SCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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158
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1,2-Dihydro-2-oxopyridine-3-carboxamides: The C-5 substituent is responsible for functionality switch at CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 74:524-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.10.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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159
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Rodríguez-Cueto C, Benito C, Fernández-Ruiz J, Romero J, Hernández-Gálvez M, Gómez-Ruiz M. Changes in CB(1) and CB(2) receptors in the post-mortem cerebellum of humans affected by spinocerebellar ataxias. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:1472-89. [PMID: 23808969 PMCID: PMC3954486 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a family of chronic progressive neurodegenerative diseases, clinically and genetically heterogeneous, characterized by loss of balance and motor coordination due to degeneration of the cerebellum and its afferent and efferent connections. Unlike other motor disorders, the possible role of changes in the endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of SCAs has not been investigated. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The status of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 ) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2 ) receptors in the post-mortem cerebellum of SCA patients and controls was investigated using immunohistochemical procedures. KEY RESULTS Immunoreactivity for the CB1 receptor, and also for the CB2 receptor, was found in the granular layer, Purkinje cells, neurons of the dentate nucleus and areas of white matter in the cerebellum of SCA patients at levels notably higher than controls. Double-labelling procedures demonstrated co-localization of CB1 and, in particular, CB2 receptors with calbindin, supporting the presence of these receptors in Purkinje neurons. Both receptors also co-localized with Iba-1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the granular layer and white matter areas, indicating that they are present in microglia and astrocytes respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrate that CB1 and CB2 receptor levels are significantly altered in the cerebellum of SCA patients. Their identification in Purkinje neurons, which are the main cells affected in SCAs, as well as the changes they experienced, suggest that alterations in endocannabinoid receptors may be related to the pathogenesis of SCAs. Therefore, the endocannabinoid system could provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of SCAs and its progression. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Benito
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Fundación Hospital AlcorcónMadrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Romero
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Fundación Hospital AlcorcónMadrid, Spain
| | - Mariluz Hernández-Gálvez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad ComplutenseMadrid, Spain
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160
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Nanda KK, Henze DA, Della Penna K, Desai R, Leitl M, Lemaire W, White RB, Yeh S, Brouillette JN, Hartman GD, Bilodeau MT, Trotter BW. Benzimidazole CB2 agonists: Design, synthesis and SAR. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:1218-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.12.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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161
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Kono M, Matsumoto T, Imaeda T, Kawamura T, Fujimoto S, Kosugi Y, Odani T, Shimizu Y, Matsui H, Shimojo M, Kori M. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of piperazine ureas as fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:1468-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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162
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González-Naranjo P, Pérez-Macias N, Campillo NE, Pérez C, Arán VJ, Girón R, Sánchez-Robles E, Martín MI, Gómez-Cañas M, García-Arencibia M, Fernández-Ruiz J, Páez JA. Cannabinoid agonists showing BuChE inhibition as potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 73:56-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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163
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Cheng Y, Dong Z, Liu S. �-Caryophyllene Ameliorates the Alzheimer-Like Phenotype in APP/PS1 Mice through CB2 Receptor Activation and the PPARγ Pathway. Pharmacology 2014; 94:1-12. [DOI: 10.1159/000362689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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164
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Rom S, Zuluaga-Ramirez V, Dykstra H, Reichenbach NL, Pacher P, Persidsky Y. Selective activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 in leukocytes suppresses their engagement of the brain endothelium and protects the blood-brain barrier. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 183:1548-1558. [PMID: 24055259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is highly expressed in immune cells and stimulation decreases inflammatory responses. We tested the idea that selective CB2 activation in human monocytes suppresses their ability to engage the brain endothelium and migrate across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), preventing consequent injury. Intravital videomicroscopy was used to quantify adhesion of leukocytes to cortical vessels in lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation, after injection of ex vivo CB2-activated leukocytes into mice; CB2 agonists markedly decreased adhesion of ex vivo labeled cells in vivo. In an in vitro BBB model, CB2 activation in monocytes largely attenuated adhesion to and migration across monolayers of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells and diminished BBB damage. CB2 stimulation in monocytes down-regulated active forms of integrins, lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1), and very late antigen 4 (VLA-4). Cells treated with CB2 agonists exhibited increased phosphorylation levels of inhibitory sites of the actin-binding proteins cofilin and VASP, which are upstream regulators of conformational integrin changes. Up-regulated by relevant stimuli, Rac1 and RhoA were suppressed by CB2 agonists in monocytes. CB2 stimulation decreased formation of lamellipodia, which play a key role in monocyte migration. These results indicate that selective CB2 activation in leukocytes decreases key steps in monocyte-BBB engagement, thus suppressing inflammatory leukocyte responses and preventing neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slava Rom
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Viviana Zuluaga-Ramirez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Holly Dykstra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nancy L Reichenbach
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Pal Pacher
- Section on Oxidative Stress and Tissue Injury, Laboratory of Physiological Studies, National Institutes of Health/Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yuri Persidsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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165
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Lee KS, Asgar J, Zhang Y, Chung MK, Ro JY. The role of androgen receptor in transcriptional modulation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 gene in rat trigeminal ganglia. Neuroscience 2013; 254:395-403. [PMID: 24055403 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that anti-hyperalgesic effects of cannabinoid agonists under inflammatory condition are much greater in male than female, and that inflammatory cytokines upregulate cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) expression in male, but not female, trigeminal ganglia (TG) in a testosterone-dependent manner. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the testosterone-mediated regulation of peripheral CB1 expression. We hypothesized that testosterone upregulates CB1 through transcriptional modulation by androgen receptor (AR). Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, upregulated CB1 mRNA expression in TG of male rats. The cytokine-induced upregulation was prevented by the pretreatment with flutamide, a specific antagonist for AR, but not by ICI 182,780, a specific antagonist for estrogen receptor, suggesting that the effects of testosterone are not mediated by estradiol, a testosterone metabolite. The expression levels of AR and IL-1β receptors were comparable between male and female TG, suggesting that the male specific IL-1β effects on CB1 upregulation occurs downstream to these receptors. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed AR binding to the CB1 promoter in the rat TG. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay revealed that AR activated the CB1 gene in response to testosterone or dihydrotestosterone treatment. These experiments provided compelling evidence that testosterone regulates CB1 gene transcription in TG through AR following cytokine stimulation. These results should provide mechanistic bases for understanding cytokine-hormone-neuron interactions in peripheral cannabinoid systems, and have important clinical implications for pain patients in whom testosterone level is naturally low, gradually declining or pharmacologically compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Lee
- University of Maryland Dental School, Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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166
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Solbrig MV, Fan Y, Hazelton P. Prospects for cannabinoid therapies in viral encephalitis. Brain Res 2013; 1537:273-82. [PMID: 24021420 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are promising therapies to support neurogenesis and decelerate disease progression in neuroinflammatory and degenerative disorders. Whether neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids are sustainable during persistent viral infection of the CNS is not known. Using a rodent model of chronic viral encephalitis based on Borna Disease (BD) virus, in which 1 week treatment with the general cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 has been shown to be neuroprotective (Solbrig et al., 2010), we examine longer term (2 week treatment) effects of a general (CB1 and CB2) cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (1mg/kg ip twice per day) or a specific (CB2) cannabinoid receptor agonist HU-308 (5mg/kg ip once daily) on histopathology, measures of frontostriatal neurogenesis and gliogenesis, and viral load. We find that WIN and HU-308 differ in their ability to protect new BrdU(+) cells. The selective CB2 agonist HU increases BrdU(+) cells in prefrontal cortex (PFC), significantly increases BrdU(+) cells in striatum, differentially regulates polydendrocytes vs. microglia/macrophages, and reduces immune activation at a time WIN-treated rats appear tolerant to the anti-inflammatory effect of their cannabinoid treatment. WIN and HU had little direct viral effect in PFC and striatum, yet reduced viral signal in hippocampus. Thus, HU-308 action on CB2 receptors, receptors known to be renewed during microglia proliferation and action, is a nontolerizing mechanism of controlling CNS inflammation during viral encephalitis by reducing microglia activation, as well as partially limiting viral infection, and uses a nonpsychotropic cannabinoid agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylou V Solbrig
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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167
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Cannabinoids: well-suited candidates for the treatment of perinatal brain injury. Brain Sci 2013; 3:1043-59. [PMID: 24961520 PMCID: PMC4061885 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci3031043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal brain injury can be induced by a number of different damaging events occurring during or shortly after birth, including neonatal asphyxia, neonatal hypoxia-ischemia and stroke-induced focal ischemia. Typical manifestations of these conditions are the presence of glutamate excitoxicity, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, the combination of which can potentially result in apoptotic-necrotic cell death, generation of brain lesions and long-lasting functional impairment. In spite of the high incidence of perinatal brain injury, the number of clinical interventions available for the treatment of the affected newborn babies is extremely limited. Hence, there is a dramatic need to develop new effective therapies aimed to prevent acute brain damage and enhance the endogenous mechanisms of long-term brain repair. The endocannabinoid system is an endogenous neuromodulatory system involved in the control of multiple central and peripheral functions. An early responder to neuronal injury, the endocannabinoid system has been described as an endogenous neuroprotective system that once activated can prevent glutamate excitotoxicity, intracellular calcium accumulation, activation of cell death pathways, microglia activation, neurovascular reactivity and infiltration of circulating leukocytes across the blood-brain barrier. The modulation of the endocannabinoid system has proven to be an effective neuroprotective strategy to prevent and reduce neonatal brain injury in different animal models and species. Also, the beneficial role of the endocannabinoid system on the control of the endogenous repairing responses (neurogenesis and white matter restoration) to neonatal brain injury has been described in independent studies. This review addresses the particular effects of several drugs that modulate the activity of the endocannabinoid system on the progression of different manifestations of perinatal brain injury during both the acute and chronic recovery phases using rodent and non-rodent animal models, and will provide a complete description of the known mechanisms that mediate such effects.
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168
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Aghazadeh Tabrizi M, Baraldi PG, Saponaro G, Moorman AR, Romagnoli R, Preti D, Baraldi S, Ruggiero E, Tintori C, Tuccinardi T, Vincenzi F, Borea PA, Varani K. Discovery of 7-oxopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxamides as potent and selective CB(2) cannabinoid receptor inverse agonists. J Med Chem 2013; 56:4482-96. [PMID: 23697626 DOI: 10.1021/jm400182t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We recently described the medicinal chemistry of a new series of heteroaryl-4-oxopyridine/7-oxopyrimidines as CB2 receptor partial agonists, showing that the functionality of these ligands is controlled by the nature of the heteroaryl function condensed with the pyridine ring. We describe herein the design and synthesis of the 7-oxopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxamides, structural isomers of our previously reported pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines. All of the new compounds showed high affinity and selectivity for the CB2 receptor in the nanomolar range. In 3,5-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) assays, the novel series shows stimulatory effects on forskolin-induced cAMP production acting as inverse agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Aghazadeh Tabrizi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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169
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Rom S, Persidsky Y. Cannabinoid receptor 2: potential role in immunomodulation and neuroinflammation. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2013; 8:608-20. [PMID: 23471521 PMCID: PMC3663904 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-013-9445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
An accumulating body of evidence suggests that endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 (CB(1), CB(2)) play a significant role in physiologic and pathologic processes, including cognitive and immune functions. While the addictive properties of marijuana, an extract from the Cannabis plant, are well recognized, there is growing appreciation of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in multiple pathologic conditions involving chronic inflammation (inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, HIV-1 infection, stroke, Alzheimer's disease to name a few), mainly mediated by CB(2) activation. Development of CB(2) agonists as therapeutic agents has been hampered by the complexity of their intracellular signaling, relative paucity of highly selective compounds and insufficient data regarding end effects in the target cells and organs. This review attempts to summarize recent advances in studies of CB(2) activation in the setting of neuroinflammation, immunomodulation and HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slava Rom
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA (USA)
| | - Yuri Persidsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA (USA)
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170
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Vincenzi F, Targa M, Corciulo C, Tabrizi MA, Merighi S, Gessi S, Saponaro G, Baraldi PG, Borea PA, Varani K. Antinociceptive effects of the selective CB2 agonist MT178 in inflammatory and chronic rodent pain models. Pain 2013; 154:864-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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171
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Pryce CR, Klaus F. Translating the evidence for gene association with depression into mouse models of depression-relevant behaviour: current limitations and future potential. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1380-402. [PMID: 23680698 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Depression is characterised by high prevalence and complex, heterogeneous psychopathology. At the level of aetio-pathology, considerable research effort has been invested to identify specific gene polymorphisms associated with increased depression prevalence. Genome-wide association studies have not identified any risk polymorphisms, and candidate gene case-control studies have identified a small number of risk polymorphisms. It is increasingly recognised that interaction between genotype and environmental factors (G×E), notably stressful life events, is the more realistic unit of depression aetio-pathology, with G×E evidence described for a small number of risk polymorphisms. An important complementary approach has been to describe genes exhibiting brain region-specific expression changes in depression. Mouse models of depression informed by the human evidence allow for the study of causality, but to-date have also yielded limited insights into depression aetio-pathology. This review of the translational evidence integrates human and mouse research approaches and evidence. It also makes specific recommendations in terms of how future research in human and mouse should be designed in order to deliver evidence for depression aetio-pathology and thereby to inform the development of novel and improved antidepressant treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Pryce
- Preclinical Laboratory for Translational Research into Affective Disorders (PLaTRAD), Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, Zurich University Hospital for Psychiatry, August Forel-Strasse 7, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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172
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Pacher P, Kunos G. Modulating the endocannabinoid system in human health and disease--successes and failures. FEBS J 2013; 280:1918-43. [PMID: 23551849 PMCID: PMC3684164 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the endocannabinoid system, comprising the G-protein coupled cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors (CB1/2), their endogenous lipid ligands or endocannabinoids, and synthetic and metabolizing enzymes, has triggered an avalanche of experimental studies implicating the endocannabinoid system in a growing number of physiological/pathological functions. These studies have also suggested that modulating the activity of the endocannabinoid system holds therapeutic promise for a broad range of diseases, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders; obesity/metabolic syndrome; cachexia; chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; and tissue injury and pain, amongst others. However, clinical trials with globally acting CB1 antagonists in obesity/metabolic syndrome, and other studies with peripherally-restricted CB1/2 agonists and inhibitors of the endocannabinoid metabolizing enzyme in pain, have introduced unexpected complexities, suggesting that a better understanding of the pathophysiological role of the endocannabinoid system is required to devise clinically successful treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pál Pacher
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9413, USA.
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173
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Ramirez SH, Reichenbach NL, Fan S, Rom S, Merkel SF, Wang X, Ho WZ, Persidsky Y. Attenuation of HIV-1 replication in macrophages by cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists. J Leukoc Biol 2013; 93:801-10. [PMID: 23463725 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1012523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Infiltrating monocytes and macrophages play a crucial role in the progression of HIV-1 infection in the CNS. Previous studies showed that activation of the CB₂ can attenuate inflammatory responses and affect HIV-1 infectivity in T cells and microglia. Here, we report that CB₂ agonists can also act as immunomodulators on HIV-1-infected macrophages. First, our findings indicated the presence of elevated levels of CB₂ expression on monocytes/macrophages in perivascular cuffs of postmortem HIV-1 encephalitic cases. In vitro analysis by FACS of primary human monocytes revealed a step-wise increase in CB₂ surface expression in monocytes, MDMs, and HIV-1-infected MDMs. We next tested the notion that up-regulation of CB₂ may allow for the use of synthetic CB₂ agonist to limit HIV-1 infection. Two commercially available CB₂ agonists, JWH133 and GP1a, and a resorcinol-based CB₂ agonist, O-1966, were evaluated. Results from measurements of HIV-1 RT activity in the culture media of 7 day-infected cells showed a significant decrease in RT activity when the CB₂ agonist was present. Furthermore, CB₂ activation also partially inhibited the expression of HIV-1 pol. CB₂ agonists did not modulate surface expression of CXCR4 or CCR5 detected by FACS. We speculate that these findings indicate that prevention of viral entry is not a central mechanism for CB₂-mediated suppression in viral replication. However, CB₂ may affect the HIV-1 replication machinery. Results from a single-round infection with the pseudotyped virus revealed a marked decrease in HIV-1 LTR activation by the CB₂ ligands. Together, these results indicate that CB₂ may offer a means to limit HIV-1 infection in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Servio H Ramirez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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174
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Kono M, Matsumoto T, Kawamura T, Nishimura A, Kiyota Y, Oki H, Miyazaki J, Igaki S, Behnke CA, Shimojo M, Kori M. Synthesis, SAR study, and biological evaluation of a series of piperazine ureas as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:28-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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175
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Abstract
In recent years, a growing interest has been dedicated to the study of the endocannabinoid system. The isolation of Cannabis sativa main psychotropic compound, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has led to the discovery of an atypical neurotransmission system that modulates the release of other neurotransmitters and participates in many biological processes, including the cascade of inflammatory responses. In this context, cannabinoids have been studied for their possible therapeutic properties in neuroinflammatory diseases. In this review, historic and biochemical aspects of cannabinoids are discussed, as well as their function as modulators of inflammatory processes and therapeutic perspectives for neurodegenerative disorders, particularly, multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane M Saito
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Graduate Program in Neurosciences, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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176
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Merighi S, Gessi S, Varani K, Fazzi D, Mirandola P, Borea PA. Cannabinoid CB(2) receptor attenuates morphine-induced inflammatory responses in activated microglial cells. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:2371-85. [PMID: 22428664 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01948.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Among several pharmacological properties, analgesia is the most common feature shared by either opioid or cannabinoid systems. Cannabinoids and opioids are distinct drug classes that have been historically used separately or in combination to treat different pain states. In the present study, we characterized the signal transduction pathways mediated by cannabinoid CB(2) and µ-opioid receptors in quiescent and LPS-stimulated murine microglial cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the effects of µ-opioid and CB(2) receptor stimulation on phosphorylation of MAPKs and Akt and on IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and NO production in primary mouse microglial cells. KEY RESULTS Morphine enhanced release of the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and of NO via µ-opioid receptor in activated microglial cells. In contrast, CB(2) receptor stimulation attenuated morphine-induced microglial proinflammatory mediator increases, interfering with morphine action by acting on the Akt-ERK1/2 signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Because glial activation opposes opioid analgesia and enhances opioid tolerance and dependence, we suggest that CB(2) receptors, by inhibiting microglial activity, may be potential targets to increase clinical efficacy of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Merighi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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177
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Gembus V, Furman C, Millet R, Mansouri R, Chavatte P, Levacher V, Brière JF. Scaffold hopping strategy toward original pyrazolines as selective CB₂ receptor ligands. Eur J Med Chem 2012; 58:396-404. [PMID: 23151320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 10/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In line of a scaffold hopping strategy of pyrazole structures, especially known as potent CB(2) receptor antagonists, we exploited an original and convergent synthesis of a new class of C4-benzyl pyrazolines and derivatives from readily available hydrazones and enones (two or three steps). Making use of a mixture of resin supported reagents strategy an efficient domino process allowed the easy construction of various dihydropyrazoles in 63-83% yields. The obtained family of pyrazolines featured significant hCB(2)/hCB(1) selectivity in favor of hCB(2) receptors while more than 1000-3000 nM affinity was only measured for hCB(1) receptors. This is closely related to pyrazole SR144528 inverse agonist/antagonist, although a partial agonist behavior in the [(35)S]-GTPγS binding assay was mainly measured in our case pointing out a functional switch in action. Furthermore, this hCB(2) selectivity is unique within the pyrazoline CB ligands although the affinity ranging from 251 to 689 nM remains to be improved which give, however, an opportunity for further structure-activity relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gembus
- INSA de Rouen, Avenue de l'Université, 76800 St Etienne du Rouvray, France
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178
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Wu J, Bie B, Yang H, Xu JJ, Brown DL, Naguib M. Activation of the CB2 receptor system reverses amyloid-induced memory deficiency. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 34:791-804. [PMID: 22795792 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid type 2 (CB(2)) agonists are neuroprotective and appear to play modulatory roles in neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer's disease. We have studied the effect of 1-((3-benzyl-3-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-6-yl) carbonyl) piperidine (MDA7)-a novel selective CB(2) agonist that lacks psychoactivity-on ameliorating the neuroinflammatory process, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment induced by bilateral microinjection of amyloid-β (Aβ)(1-40) fibrils into the hippocampal CA1 area of rats. In rats injected with Aβ(1-40) fibrils, compared with the administration of intraperitoneal saline for 14 days, treatment with 15 mg/kg of intraperitoneal MDA7 daily for 14 days (1) ameliorated the expression of CD11b (microglia marker) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocyte marker), (2) decreased the secretion of interleukin-1β, (3) decreased the upsurge of CB(2) receptors, (4) promoted Aβ clearance, and (5) restored synaptic plasticity, cognition, and memory. Our findings suggest that MDA7 is an innovative therapeutic approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Wu
- Institute of Anesthesiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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179
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Baraldi PG, Saponaro G, Moorman AR, Romagnoli R, Preti D, Baraldi S, Ruggiero E, Varani K, Targa M, Vincenzi F, Borea PA, Aghazadeh Tabrizi M. 7-Oxo-[1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-ij]quinoline-6-carboxamides as Selective CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands: Structural Investigations around a Novel Class of Full Agonists. J Med Chem 2012; 55:6608-23. [DOI: 10.1021/jm300763w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pier Giovanni Baraldi
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Saponaro
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Allan R. Moorman
- Research and Development, King Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 4000 CentreGreen Way, Suite
300, Cary, North Carolina 27707, United States
| | - Romeo Romagnoli
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Baraldi
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Ruggiero
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Targa
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pier Andrea Borea
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mojgan Aghazadeh Tabrizi
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara
17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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180
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Merighi S, Gessi S, Varani K, Simioni C, Fazzi D, Mirandola P, Borea PA. Cannabinoid CB(2) receptors modulate ERK-1/2 kinase signalling and NO release in microglial cells stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:1773-1788. [PMID: 21951063 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01673.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists have potential utility as anti-inflammatory drugs in chronic immune inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we characterized the signal transduction pathways affected by CB(2) receptors in quiescent and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine microglia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the effects of the synthetic CB(2) receptor ligand, JWH-015, on phosphorylation of MAPKs and NO production. KEY RESULTS Stimulation of CB(2) receptors by JWH-015 activated JNK-1/2 and ERK-1/2 in quiescent murine microglial cells. Furthermore, CB(2) receptor activation increased p-ERK-1/2 at 15 min in LPS-stimulated microglia. Surprisingly, this was reduced after 30 min in the presence of both LPS and JWH-015. The NOS inhibitor L-NAME blocked the ability of JWH-015 to down-regulate the LPS-induced p-ERK increase, indicating that activation of CB(2) receptors reduced effects of LPS on ERK-1/2 phosphorylation through NO. JWH-015 increased LPS-induced NO release at 30 min, while at 4 h CB(2) receptor stimulation had an inhibitory effect. All the effects of JWH-015 were significantly blocked by the CB(2) receptor antagonist AM 630 and, as the inhibition of CB(2) receptor expression by siRNA abolished the effects of JWH-015, were shown to be mediated specifically by activation of CB(2) receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrate that CB(2) receptor stimulation activated the MAPK pathway, but the presence of a second stimulus blocked MAPK signal transduction, inhibiting pro-inflammatory LPS-induced production of NO. Therefore, CB(2) receptor agonists may promote anti-inflammatory therapeutic responses in activated microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Merighi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Debora Fazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Prisco Mirandola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Pier Andrea Borea
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section and Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, Ferrara, ItalyDepartment of Human Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Institute of Normal Human Anatomy, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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181
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Activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 attenuates leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions and blood-brain barrier dysfunction under inflammatory conditions. J Neurosci 2012; 32:4004-16. [PMID: 22442067 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4628-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that modulation of the receptor-mediated cannabinoid system during neuroinflammation can produce potent neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, in this context, little is known about how selective activation of the cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2R) affects the activated state of the brain endothelium and blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Using human brain tissues and primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs), we demonstrate that the CB2R is highly upregulated during inflammatory insult. We then examined whether the CB2R agonists could attenuate inflammatory responses at the BBB using a mouse model of LPS-induced encephalitis and highly selective CB2R agonists. Visualization by intravital microscopy revealed that administration of JWH133 [(6aR,10aR)-3-(1,1-dimethylbutyl)-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran] or a novel resorcinol-based compound, O-1966 (1-[4-(1,1-dimethyl-heptyl)-2,6-dimethoxy-phenyl]-3-methyl-cyclohexanol), greatly attenuated leukocyte adhesion in surface pial vessels and in deep ascending cortical postcapillary venules. BBB permeability assessments with small and large fluorescent tracers showed that CB2R agonists were effective at preventing barrier leakiness after LPS administration. To determine whether the effects by CB2R agonists on barrier protection are not only due to the CB2R modulation of immune cell function, we tested the agonists in vitro with barrier-forming primary BMVECs. Remarkably, the addition of CB2R agonist increased transendothelial electrical resistance and increased the amount of tight junction protein present in membrane fractions. Furthermore, CB2R agonists decreased the induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 surface expression in BMVECs exposed to various proinflammatory mediators. Together, these results suggest that pharmacological CB2R ligands offer a new strategy for BBB protection during neuroinflammation.
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182
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Latest advances in novel cannabinoid CB(2) ligands for drug abuse and their therapeutic potential. Future Med Chem 2012; 4:187-204. [PMID: 22300098 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.11.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of cannabinoid (CB) drug research is experiencing a challenge as the CB(1) antagonist Rimonabant, launched in 2006 as an anorectic/anti-obesity drug, was withdrawn from the European market due to the complications of suicide and depression as side effects. There is interest in developing CB(2) drugs without CB(1) psychotropic side effects for drug-abuse treatment and therapeutic medication. The CB(1) receptor was discovered predominantly in the brain, whereas the CB(2) is mainly expressed in peripheral cells and tissues, and is involved in immune signal transduction. Conversely, the CB(2) receptor was recently detected in the CNS, for example, in the microglial cells and the neurons. While the CB(2) neurons activity remains controversial, the CB(2) receptor is an attractive therapeutic target for neuropathic pain, immune system, cancer and osteoporosis without psychoactivity. This review addresses CB drug abuse and therapeutic potential with a focus on the most recent advances on new CB(2) ligands from the literature as well as patents.
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Pasquini S, Mugnaini C, Ligresti A, Tafi A, Brogi S, Falciani C, Pedani V, Pesco N, Guida F, Luongo L, Varani K, Borea PA, Maione S, Di Marzo V, Corelli F. Design, synthesis, and pharmacological characterization of indol-3-ylacetamides, indol-3-yloxoacetamides, and indol-3-ylcarboxamides: potent and selective CB2 cannabinoid receptor inverse agonists. J Med Chem 2012; 55:5391-402. [PMID: 22548457 DOI: 10.1021/jm3003334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In our search for new cannabinoid receptor modulators, we describe herein the design and synthesis of three sets of indole-based ligands characterized by an acetamide, oxalylamide, or carboxamide chain, respectively. Most of the compounds showed affinity for CB2 receptors in the nanomolar range, with K(i) values spanning 3 orders of magnitude (377-0.37 nM), and moderate to good selectivity over CB1 receptors. Their in vitro functional activity as inverse agonists was confirmed in vivo in the formalin test of acute peripheral and inflammatory pain in mice, in which compounds 10a and 11e proved to be able to reverse the effect of the CB2 selective agonist COR167.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Pasquini
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
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184
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Fernández-Ruiz J, Moreno-Martet M, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Palomo-Garo C, Gómez-Cañas M, Valdeolivas S, Guaza C, Romero J, Guzmán M, Mechoulam R, Ramos JA. Prospects for cannabinoid therapies in basal ganglia disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1365-78. [PMID: 21545415 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01365.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are promising medicines to slow down disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD), two of the most important disorders affecting the basal ganglia. Two pharmacological profiles have been proposed for cannabinoids being effective in these disorders. On the one hand, cannabinoids like Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabidiol protect nigral or striatal neurons in experimental models of both disorders, in which oxidative injury is a prominent cytotoxic mechanism. This effect could be exerted, at least in part, through mechanisms independent of CB(1) and CB(2) receptors and involving the control of endogenous antioxidant defences. On the other hand, the activation of CB(2) receptors leads to a slower progression of neurodegeneration in both disorders. This effect would be exerted by limiting the toxicity of microglial cells for neurons and, in particular, by reducing the generation of proinflammatory factors. It is important to mention that CB(2) receptors have been identified in the healthy brain, mainly in glial elements and, to a lesser extent, in certain subpopulations of neurons, and that they are dramatically up-regulated in response to damaging stimuli, which supports the idea that the cannabinoid system behaves as an endogenous neuroprotective system. This CB(2) receptor up-regulation has been found in many neurodegenerative disorders including HD and PD, which supports the beneficial effects found for CB(2) receptor agonists in both disorders. In conclusion, the evidence reported so far supports that those cannabinoids having antioxidant properties and/or capability to activate CB(2) receptors may represent promising therapeutic agents in HD and PD, thus deserving a prompt clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
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185
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Shohami E, Cohen-Yeshurun A, Magid L, Algali M, Mechoulam R. Endocannabinoids and traumatic brain injury. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1402-10. [PMID: 21418185 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01343.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents the leading cause of death in young individuals. It triggers the accumulation of harmful mediators, leading to secondary damage, yet protective mechanisms are also set in motion. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system consists of ligands, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), receptors (e.g. CB1, CB2), transporters and enzymes, which are responsible for the 'on-demand' synthesis and degradation of these lipid mediators. There is a large body of evidence showing that eCB are markedly increased in response to pathogenic events. This fact, as well as numerous studies on experimental models of brain toxicity, neuroinflammation and trauma supports the notion that the eCB are part of the brain's compensatory or repair mechanisms. These are mediated via CB receptors signalling pathways that are linked to neuronal survival and repair. The levels of 2-AG, the most highly abundant eCB, are significantly elevated after TBI and when administered to TBI mice, 2-AG decreases brain oedema, inflammation and infarct volume and improves clinical recovery. The role of CB1 in mediating these effects was demonstrated using selective antagonists or CB1 knockout mice. CB2 were shown in other models of brain insults to reduce white blood cell rolling and adhesion, to reduce infarct size and to improve motor function. This review is focused on the role the eCB system plays as a self-neuroprotective mechanism and its potential as a basis for the development of novel therapeutic modality for the treatment of CNS pathologies with special emphasis on TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Shohami
- The Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
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186
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Abstract
There are two well characterized cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), CB1-Rs and CB2-Rs, with other candidates, such as GPR55, PPARs and vanilloid TRPV1 (VR1) receptors, which are either activated by cannabinoids and/or endocannabinoids (eCBs). The neuronal and functional expression of CB2-Rs in the brain has been much less well characterized in comparison with the expression of the ubiquitous CB1-Rs. CB2-Rs were previously thought to be predominantly expressed in immune cells in the periphery and were traditionally referred to as peripheral CB2-Rs. We and others have now demonstrated the expression of CB2-Rs in neuronal, glial and endothelial cells in the brain, and this warrants a re-evaluation of the CNS effects of CB2-Rs. In the present review we summarize our current understanding of CNR2 genomic structure, its polymorphic nature, subtype specificity, from mice to human subjects, and its variants that confer vulnerabilities to neuropsychiatric disorders beyond neuro-immuno-cannabinoid activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel S Onaivi
- Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA.
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187
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Sánchez A, García-Merino A. Neuroprotective agents: Cannabinoids. Clin Immunol 2012; 142:57-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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188
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Grabiec U, Koch M, Kallendrusch S, Kraft R, Hill K, Merkwitz C, Ghadban C, Lutz B, Straiker A, Dehghani F. The endocannabinoid N-arachidonoyldopamine (NADA) exerts neuroprotective effects after excitotoxic neuronal damage via cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB(1)). Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:1797-807. [PMID: 22186081 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids exert numerous effects in the CNS under physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoyldopamine (NADA) may protect neurons in excitotoxically lesioned organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC). OHSC were excitotoxically lesioned by application of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA, 50 μM) for 4 h and subsequently treated with different NADA concentrations (0.1 pM-50 μM) alone or in combination with cannabinoid receptor antagonists. NADA protected dentate gyrus granule cells and caused a slight reduction in the number of microglial cells. The number of degenerated neurons significantly decreased between 100 pM and 10 μM NADA (p < 0.05). To identify the responsive receptor type of NADA mediated neuroprotection, we applied the cannabinoid (CB) receptor 1 (CB(1)) inverse agonist/antagonist AM251, CB(2) inverse agonist/antagonist AM630, abnormal-cannabidiol (abn-CBD)-sensitive receptor antagonist O-1918, transient receptor potential channel V1 (TRPV1) antagonist 6-iodonordihydrocapsaicin and A1 (TRPA1) antagonist HC-030031. Neuroprotective properties of low (1 nM) but not high (10 μM) NADA concentrations were solely blocked by AM251 and were absent in CB(1)(-/-) mice. AM630, O-1918, 6-iodonordihydrocapsaicin and HC-030031 showed no effects at all NADA concentrations applied. Our findings demonstrate that NADA protects dentate gyrus granule cells by acting via CB(1). NADA reduced the number of microglial cells at distinct concentrations. TRPV1 and TRPA1 were not involved in NADA mediated neuroprotection. Thus, our data implicate that NADA mediated activation of neuronal CB(1) may serve as a novel pharmacological target to mitigate symptoms of neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Grabiec
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Liebigstr. 13, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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189
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Onaivi ES. Commentary: Functional Neuronal CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors in the CNS. Curr Neuropharmacol 2011; 9:205-8. [PMID: 21886591 PMCID: PMC3137183 DOI: 10.2174/157015911795017416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 04/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are the constituents of the marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa). There are numerous cannabinoids and other natural compounds that have been reported in the cannabis plant. The recent progress in marijuana-cannabinoid research include the discovery of an endocannabinoid system with specific genes coding for cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) that are activated by smoking marijuana, and that the human body and brain makes its own marijuana-like substances called endocannabinoids that also activate CBRs. This new knowledge and progress about cannabinoids and endocannabinoids indicate that a balanced level of endocannabinoids is important for pregnancy and that the breast milk in animals and humans has endocannabinoids for the growth and development of the new born. There are two well characterized cannabinoid receptors termed CB1-Rs and CB2-Rs and these CBRs are perhaps the most abundant G-protein coupled receptors that are expressed at high levels in many regions of the mammalian brain. The expression of CB1-Rs in the brain and periphery and the identification of CB2-Rs in immune cells and during inflammation has been extensively studied and characterized. However, the expression of functional neuronal CB2-Rs in the CNS has been much less well established and characterized in comparison to the expression of abundant brain CB1-Rs and functional neuronal CB2-Rs has ignited debate and controversy. While the issue of the specificity of CB2-R antibodies remains, many recent studies have reported the discovery and functional characterization of functional neuronal CB2-Rs in the CNS beyond neuro-immuno cannabinoid activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Onaivi
- William Paterson University, Wayne NJ and Molecular Neurobiology Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, USA
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190
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Cosenza-Nashat MA, Bauman A, Zhao ML, Morgello S, Suh HS, Lee SC. Cannabinoid receptor expression in HIV encephalitis and HIV-associated neuropathologic comorbidities. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2011; 37:464-83. [PMID: 21450051 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2011.01177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Cannabinoids have been proposed for treating various neurodegenerative disorders and as adjunct therapy for HIV+ patients with neurologic sequelae. The expression of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) has been reported in neurodegenerative diseases and in simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis, yet the receptor expression in the central nervous system of HIV+ individuals is not known. METHODS An anti-CB1 antibody and two anti-CB2 antibodies were employed for immunohistochemistry in the cerebral cortex and white matter of HIV encephalitis (HIVE) and HIV-associated comorbidities, as well as control brains (HIV- and HIV+). RESULTS By quantitative image analysis, we observed that CB1 was increased in HIVE brains and those with comorbidities, while CB2 was significantly increased in the white matter of HIVE. Morphologically, CB1 was present in neurones, and both CB1 and CB2 were present in meningeal macrophages and subpial glia in all brains. In HIVE, CB1 was found in white matter microglia and perivascular cells, while CB2 was increased in microglia, astrocytes and perivascular macrophages. Double immunofluorescence with cell-specific markers and immunoblots on primary cultured microglia and astrocytes substantiated the glial localization of the cannabinoid receptors and specificity of the antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that cannabinoid receptor expression occurs in glia in HIVE brains, and this may have ramifications for the potential use of cannabinoid ligands in HIV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Cosenza-Nashat
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx Department of Pathology, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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191
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van der Stelt M, Cals J, Broeders-Josten S, Cottney J, van der Doelen AA, Hermkens M, de Kimpe V, King A, Klomp J, Oosterom J, Pols-de Rooij I, de Roos J, van Tilborg M, Boyce S, Baker J. Discovery and optimization of 1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)benzyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives as a novel class of selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonists. J Med Chem 2011; 54:7350-62. [PMID: 21923175 DOI: 10.1021/jm200916p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the identification and optimization of 1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)benzyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives as a novel chemotype with selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist activity. 1 is a potent and selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist (hCB2 pEC(50) = 8.6). The compound was found to be metabolically unstable, which resulted in low oral bioavailability in rat (F(po) = 4%) and possessed off-target activity at the hERG ion channel (pK(i) = 5.5). Systematic modification of physicochemical properties, such as lipophilicity and basicity, was used to optimize the pharmacokinetic profile and hERG affinity of this novel class of cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonists. This led to the identification of 44 as a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist (hCB2 pEC(50) = 8.0; hERG pK(i) < 4; F(po) = 100%), which was active in a rat spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, Oss, The Netherlands.
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192
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Hsieh GC, Pai M, Chandran P, Hooker BA, Zhu CZ, Salyers AK, Wensink EJ, Zhan C, Carroll WA, Dart MJ, Yao BB, Honore P, Meyer MD. Central and peripheral sites of action for CB₂ receptor mediated analgesic activity in chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain models in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162:428-40. [PMID: 20880025 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01046.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid CB₂ receptor activation by selective agonists has been shown to produce analgesic effects in preclinical models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. However, mechanisms underlying CB₂-mediated analgesic effects remain largely unknown. The present study was conducted to elucidate the CB₂ receptor expression in 'pain relevant' tissues and the potential sites of action of CB₂ agonism in rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Expression of cannabinoid receptor mRNA was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), spinal cords, paws and several brain regions of sham, chronic inflammatory pain (CFA) and neuropathic pain (spinal nerve ligation, SNL) rats. The sites of CB₂ mediated antinociception were evaluated in vivo following intra-DRG, intrathecal (i.t.) or intraplantar (i.paw) administration of potent CB₂-selective agonists A-836339 and AM1241. KEY RESULTS CB₂ receptor gene expression was significantly up-regulated in DRGs (SNL and CFA), spinal cords (SNL) or paws (CFA) ipsilateral to injury under inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions. Systemic A-836339 and AM1241 produced dose-dependent efficacy in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Local administration of CB₂ agonists also produced significant analgesic effects in SNL (intra-DRG and i.t.) and CFA (intra-DRG) pain models. In contrast to A-836339, i.paw administration of AM-1241 dose-relatedly reversed the CFA-induced thermal hyperalgesia, suggesting that different mechanisms may be contributing to its in vivo properties. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results demonstrate that both DRG and spinal cord are important sites contributing to CB₂ receptor-mediated analgesia and that the changes in CB₂ receptor expression play a crucial role for the sites of action in regulating pain perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gin C Hsieh
- Global Pharmaceutical Research & Development, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA.
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Persidsky Y, Ho W, Ramirez SH, Potula R, Abood ME, Unterwald E, Tuma R. HIV-1 infection and alcohol abuse: neurocognitive impairment, mechanisms of neurodegeneration and therapeutic interventions. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25 Suppl 1:S61-70. [PMID: 21397004 PMCID: PMC3098312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies indicate that alcohol dependence has an additive effect on cognitive deficits associated with HIV-1 infection. Findings in humans and animal models suggest that alcohol, similar to HIV-1, induces inflammatory processes in the brain leading to neurodegeneration. The causes of HIV-1-associated neurotoxicity are comparable to those mediating alcohol-induced neuronal injury. This review aims to present the mechanisms of the combined effects of HIV-1 and alcohol abuse in the brain and to discuss neuroprotective therapies. Oxidative stress, overproduction of pro-inflammatory factors, impairment of blood-brain barrier and glutamate associated neurotoxicity appear to play important roles in alcohol driven neurodegeneration. Diminution of neuroinflammation constitutes a logical approach for prevention of HIV-1 and alcohol mediated neurodegeneration. Agonists of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB₂) possess potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. We address multifaceted beneficial effects of CB₂ activation in the setting of HIV-1 brain infection and alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Persidsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
| | - Wenzhe Ho
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Servio H. Ramirez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Raghava Potula
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Mary E. Abood
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Ellen Unterwald
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Ronald Tuma
- Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
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Administration of 2-arachidonoylglycerol ameliorates both acute and chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Brain Res 2011; 1390:126-41. [PMID: 21406188 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2010] [Revised: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used model of multiple sclerosis (MS) and both conditions have been reported to exhibit reduced endocannabinoid activity. The purpose of this study was to address the effect of exogenously administered 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG), an endocannabinoid receptor ligand, on acute phase and chronic disability in EAE. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Acute and chronic EAE models were induced in susceptible mice and 2AG-treatment was applied for 14 days from day of disease induction. KEY RESULTS 2AG-treatment ameliorated acute phase of disease with delay of disease onset in both EAE models and reduced disease mortality and long-term (70 days post-induction) clinical disability in chronic EAE. Reduced axonal pathology in the chronic EAE- (p<0.0001) and increased activation and ramification of microglia in the 2AG-treated acute EAE- (p<0.05) model were noticed. The latter was accompanied by a 2- to 4-fold increase of the M2-macrophages in the perivascular infiltrations (p<0.001) of the 2AG-treated animals in the acute (day 22), although not the chronic (day 70), EAE model. Expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R) was increased in 2AG-treated animals of acute EAE vs. controls (p<0.05). In addition, ex vivo viability assays exhibited reduced proliferation of activated lymph node cells when extracted from 2AG-treated EAE animals, whereas a dose-dependent response of activated lymphocytes to 2AG-treatment in vitro was noticed. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our data indicate for the first time that 2AG treatment may provide direct (via CBRs) and immune (via M2 macrophages) mediated neuroprotection in EAE.
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195
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Petrosino S, Ménard B, Zsürger N, Di Marzo V, Chabry J. Alteration of the endocannabinoid system in mouse brain during prion disease. Neuroscience 2011; 177:292-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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196
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Is lipid signaling through cannabinoid 2 receptors part of a protective system? Prog Lipid Res 2011; 50:193-211. [PMID: 21295074 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian body has a highly developed immune system which guards against continuous invading protein attacks and aims at preventing, attenuating or repairing the inflicted damage. It is conceivable that through evolution analogous biological protective systems have been evolved against non-protein attacks. There is emerging evidence that lipid endocannabinoid signaling through cannabinoid 2 (CB₂) receptors may represent an example/part of such a protective system/armamentarium. Inflammation/tissue injury triggers rapid elevations in local endocannabinoid levels, which in turn regulate signaling responses in immune and other cells modulating their critical functions. Changes in endocannabinoid levels and/or CB₂ receptor expressions have been reported in almost all diseases affecting humans, ranging from cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, neurodegenerative, psychiatric, bone, skin, autoimmune, lung disorders to pain and cancer, and modulating CB₂ receptor activity holds tremendous therapeutic potential in these pathologies. While CB₂ receptor activation in general mediates immunosuppressive effects, which limit inflammation and associated tissue injury in large number of pathological conditions, in some disease states activation of the CB₂ receptor may enhance or even trigger tissue damage, which will also be discussed alongside the protective actions of the CB₂ receptor stimulation with endocannabinoids or synthetic agonists, and the possible biological mechanisms involved in these effects.
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197
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Malfitano AM, Ciaglia E, Gangemi G, Gazzerro P, Laezza C, Bifulco M. Update on the endocannabinoid system as an anticancer target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2011; 15:297-308. [PMID: 21244344 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.553606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) could offer an attractive antitumor target. Numerous findings suggest the involvement of this system (constituted mainly by cannabinoid receptors, endogenous compounds and the enzymes for their synthesis and degradation) in cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. AREAS COVERED This review covers literature from the past decade which highlights the potential of targeting the ECS for cancer treatment. In particular, the levels of endocannabinoids and the expression of their receptors in several types of cancer are discussed, along with the signaling pathways involved in the endocannabinoid antitumor effects. Furthermore, the beneficial and adverse effects of old and novel compounds in clinical use are discussed. EXPERT OPINION One direction that should be pursued in antitumor therapy is to select compounds with reduced psychoactivity. This is known to be connected to the CB1 receptor; thus, targeting the CB2 receptor is a popular objective. CB1 receptors could be maintained as a target to design new compounds, and mixed CB1-CB2 ligands could be effective if they are able to not cross the BBB. Furthermore, targeting the ECS with agents that activate cannabinoid receptors or inhibitors of endogenous degrading systems such as fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors may have relevant therapeutic impact on tumor growth. Additional studies into the downstream consequences of endocannabinoid treatment are required and may illuminate other potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Malfitano
- University of Salerno, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
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Zurolo E, Iyer A, Spliet W, Van Rijen P, Troost D, Gorter J, Aronica E. CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor expression during development and in epileptogenic developmental pathologies. Neuroscience 2010; 170:28-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2010] [Revised: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Brain CB₂ Receptors: Implications for Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:2517-2553. [PMID: 27713365 PMCID: PMC4033937 DOI: 10.3390/ph3082517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 08/04/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although previously thought of as the peripheral cannabinoid receptor, it is now accepted that the CB2 receptor is expressed in the central nervous system on microglia, astrocytes and subpopulations of neurons. Expression of the CB2 receptor in the brain is significantly lower than that of the CB1 receptor. Conflicting findings have been reported on the neurological effects of pharmacological agents targeting the CB2 receptor under normal conditions. Under inflammatory conditions, CB2 receptor expression in the brain is enhanced and CB2 receptor agonists exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects. These findings have prompted research into the CB2 receptor as a possible target for the treatment of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Neuroinflammatory alterations are also associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and polymorphisms in the CB2 gene have been reported in depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia. This review will examine the evidence to date for a role of brain CB2 receptors in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Horti AG, Gao Y, Ravert HT, Finley P, Valentine H, Wong DF, Endres CJ, Savonenko AV, Dannals RF. Synthesis and biodistribution of [11C]A-836339, a new potential radioligand for PET imaging of cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2). Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:5202-7. [PMID: 20554448 PMCID: PMC2903661 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently, A-836339 [2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid [3-(2-methoxyethyl)-4,5-dimethyl-3H-thiazol-(2Z)-ylidene]amide] (1) was reported to be a selective CB2 agonist with high binding affinity. Here we describe the radiosynthesis of [11C]A-836339 ([11C]1) via its desmethyl precursor as a candidate radioligand for imaging CB2 receptors with positron-emission tomography (PET). Whole body and the regional brain distribution of [11C]1 in control CD1 mice demonstrated that this radioligand exhibits specific uptake in the CB2-rich spleen and little specific in vivo binding in the control mouse brain. However, [11C]1 shows specific cerebral uptake in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model of neuroinflammation and in the brain areas with Abeta amyloid plaque deposition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (APPswe/PS1dE9 mice). These data establish a proof of principle that CB2 receptors binding in the neuroinflammation and related disorders can be measured in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Horti
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287-0816, USA.
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