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Laprairie RB, Bagher AM, Kelly MEM, Dupré DJ, Denovan-Wright EM. Type 1 cannabinoid receptor ligands display functional selectivity in a cell culture model of striatal medium spiny projection neurons. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:24845-62. [PMID: 25037227 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.557025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) activity has been touted as a potential means of treating addiction, anxiety, depression, and neurodegeneration. Different agonists of CB1 are known to evoke varied responses in vivo. Functional selectivity is the ligand-specific activation of certain signal transduction pathways at a receptor that can signal through multiple pathways. To understand cannabinoid-specific functional selectivity, different groups have examined the effect of individual cannabinoids on various signaling pathways in heterologous expression systems. In the current study, we compared the functional selectivity of six cannabinoids, including two endocannabinoids (2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA)), two synthetic cannabinoids (WIN55,212-2 and CP55,940), and two phytocannabinoids (cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) on arrestin2-, Gα(i/o)-, Gβγ-, Gα(s)-, and Gα(q)-mediated intracellular signaling in the mouse STHdh(Q7/Q7) cell culture model of striatal medium spiny projection neurons that endogenously express CB1. In this system, 2-AG, THC, and CP55,940 were more potent mediators of arrestin2 recruitment than other cannabinoids tested. 2-AG, AEA, and WIN55,212-2, enhanced Gα(i/o) and Gβγ signaling, with 2-AG and AEA treatment leading to increased total CB1 levels. 2-AG, AEA, THC, and WIN55,212-2 also activated Gα(q)-dependent pathways. CP55,940 and CBD both signaled through Gα(s). CP55,940, but not CBD, activated downstream Gα(s) pathways via CB1 targets. THC and CP55,940 promoted CB1 internalization and decreased CB1 protein levels over an 18-h period. These data demonstrate that individual cannabinoids display functional selectivity at CB1 leading to activation of distinct signaling pathways. To effectively match cannabinoids with therapeutic goals, these compounds must be screened for their signaling bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Laprairie
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Amina M Bagher
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Melanie E M Kelly
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Denis J Dupré
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Eileen M Denovan-Wright
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
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202
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Davis MP. Cannabinoids in pain management: CB1, CB2 and non-classic receptor ligands. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2014; 23:1123-40. [PMID: 24836296 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2014.918603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Commercially available cannabinoids are subject to psychotomimetic and addiction (cannabinomimetic) adverse effects largely through activation of the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1r). The available commercial cannabinoids have a narrow therapeutic index. Recently developed peripherally restricted cannabinoids, regionally administered cannabinoids, bifunctional cannabinoid ligands and cannabinoid enzyme inhibitors, endocannabinoids, which do not interact with classic cannabinoid receptors (CB1r and CB2r), cannabinoid receptor antagonists and selective CB1r agonists hold promise as analgesics. AREAS COVERED This author provides a review of the current investigational cannabinoids currently in development for pain management. The author also provides their perspective on the future of the field. EXPERT OPINION Regional and peripherally restricted cannabinoids will reduce cannabinomimetic side effects. Spinal cannabinoids may increase the therapeutic index by limiting the dose necessary for response and minimize drugs exposure to supraspinal sites where cannabinomimetic side effects originate. Cannabinoid bifunctional ligands should be further explored. The combination of a CB2r agonist with a transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV-1) antagonist may improve the therapeutic index of the CB2r agonist. Enzyme inhibitors plus TRPV-1 blockers should be further explored. The development of analgesic tolerance with enzyme inhibitors and the pronociceptive effects of prostamides limit the benefits to cannabinoid hydrolyzing enzyme inhibitors. Most clinically productive development of cannabinoids over the next 5 years will be in the area of selective CB2r agonists. These agents will be tested in various inflammatory, osteoarthritis and neuropathic pains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellar P Davis
- The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology , 9500 Euclid Avenue R35, Cleveland, OH 44195 , USA +1 216 445 4622 ; +1 216 636 3179 ;
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203
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Chemin J, Cazade M, Lory P. Modulation of T-type calcium channels by bioactive lipids. Pflugers Arch 2014; 466:689-700. [PMID: 24531745 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-014-1467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
T-type calcium channels (T-channels/CaV3) have unique biophysical properties allowing a calcium influx at resting membrane potential of most cells. T-channels are ubiquitously expressed in many tissues and contribute to low-threshold spikes and burst firing in central neurons as well as to pacemaker activities in cardiac cells. They also emerged as potential targets to treat cancer and hypertension. Regulation of these channels appears complex, and several studies have indicated that CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3 currents are directly inhibited by multiple endogenous lipids independently of membrane receptors or intracellular pathways. These bioactive lipids include arachidonic acid and ω3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids; the endocannabinoid anandamide and other N-acylethanolamides; the lipoamino-acids and lipo-neurotransmitters; the P450 epoxygenase metabolite 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid; as well as similar molecules with 18-22 carbons in the alkyl chain. In this review, we summarize evidence for direct effects of these signaling molecules, the molecular mechanisms underlying the current inhibition, and the involved chemical features. The impact of this modulation in physiology and pathophysiology is discussed with a special emphasis on pain aspects and vasodilation. Overall, these data clearly indicate that T-current inhibition is an important mechanism by which bioactive lipids mediate their physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Chemin
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5203, 141, rue de la Cardonille, 34094, Montpellier cedex 05, France,
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204
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Quintans JSS, Antoniolli AR, Almeida JRGS, Santana-Filho VJ, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Natural products evaluated in neuropathic pain models - a systematic review. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2013; 114:442-50. [PMID: 24252102 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, are a common problem that poses a major challenge to health-care providers due to its complex natural history, unclear aetiology and poor response towards therapy. Despite the large number of drugs available, the adherence is limited by the large range of side effects and pharmacological ineffectiveness. Thus, the search for new chemical entities that can act as promising molecules to treat chronic pain conditions has emerged. The natural products remain as the most promising sources of new chemical entities with applicability for the medical approach. Hence, we performed a systematic review analysing pre-clinical studies shown to be promising in a possible applicability in neuropathic pain. The search terms neuropathic pain, phytotherapy and medicinal plants were used to retrieve English language articles in LILACS, PUBMED and EMBASE published until 10 April 2013. From a total of 1529 articles surveyed, 28 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria established. The main chemical compounds studied were flavonoids (28%), terpenes (17%), alkaloids (14%), phenols (10%), carotenoids (10%) and others (21%). The mostly described animal models for the study of neuropathic pain included were chronic constriction injury (CCI - 32%), partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL - 28%), streptozotocin - induced diabetic (28%), alcoholic neuropathy (3.5%), sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA - 3.5%) and neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel (3.5%). The opioids, serotonergic and cannabinoid systems are suggested as the most promising targets for the natural products described. Therefore, the data reviewed here suggest that these compounds are possible candidates for the treatment of chronic painful conditions, such as neuropathic pain.
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205
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206
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Maione S, Costa B, Di Marzo V. Endocannabinoids: a unique opportunity to develop multitarget analgesics. Pain 2013; 154 Suppl 1:S87-S93. [PMID: 23623250 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
After 4 millennia of more or less documented history of cannabis use, the identification of cannabinoids, and of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol in particular, occurred only during the early 1960s, and the cloning of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as the discovery of endocannabinoids and their metabolic enzymes, in the 1990s. Despite this initial relatively slow progress of cannabinoid research, the turn of the century marked an incredible acceleration in discoveries on the "endocannabinoid signaling system," its role in physiological and pathological conditions, and pain in particular, its pharmacological targeting with selective agonists, antagonists, and inhibitors of metabolism, and its previously unsuspected complexity. The way researchers look at this system has thus rapidly evolved towards the idea of the "endocannabinoidome," that is, a complex system including also several endocannabinoid-like mediators and their often redundant metabolic enzymes and "promiscuous" molecular targets. These peculiar complications of endocannabinoid signaling have not discouraged efforts aiming at its pharmacological manipulation, which, nevertheless, now seems to require the development of multitarget drugs, or the re-visitation of naturally occurring compounds with more than one mechanism of action. In fact, these molecules, as compared to "magic bullets," seem to offer the advantage of modulating the "endocannabinoidome" in a safer and more therapeutically efficacious way. This approach has provided so far promising preclinical results potentially useful for the future efficacious and safe treatment of chronic pain and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabatino Maione
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Department of Experimental Medicine - Division of Pharmacology 'L. Donatelli', Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry - C.N.R., Pozzuoli, Italy
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207
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Starowicz K, Di Marzo V. Non-psychotropic analgesic drugs from the endocannabinoid system: "magic bullet" or "multiple-target" strategies? Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 716:41-53. [PMID: 23500197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The exploitation of preparations of Cannabis sativa to combat pain seems to date back to time immemorial, although their psychotropic effects, which are at the bases of their recreational use and limit their therapeutic use, are at least as ancient. Indeed, it has always been different to tease apart the unwanted central effects from the therapeutic benefits of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychotropic component of cannabis. The discovery of the cannabinoid receptors and of their endogenous ligands, the endocannabinoids, which, unlike THC, play a pro-homeostatic function in a tissue- and time-selective manner, offered the opportunity to develop new analgesics from synthetic inhibitors of endocannabinoid inactivation. The advantages of this approach over direct activation of cannabinoid receptors as a therapeutic strategy against neuropathic and inflammatory pain are discussed here along with its potential complications. These latter have been such that clinical success has been achieved so far more rapidly with naturally occurring THC or endocannabinoid structural analogues acting at a plethora of cannabinoid-related and -unrelated molecular targets, than with selective inhibitors of endocannabinoid enzymatic hydrolysis, thus leading to revisit the potential usefulness of "multi-target" versus "magic bullet" compounds as new analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starowicz
- Department of Pain Pharmacolgy, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna str, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
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208
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Dudášová A, Keir SD, Parsons ME, Molleman A, Page CP. The effects of cannabidiol on the antigen-induced contraction of airways smooth muscle in the guinea-pig. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2013; 26:373-9. [PMID: 23428645 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
(-)-Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects in the airways, but its psychoactive effects preclude its therapeutic use for the treatment of airways diseases. In the present study we have investigated the effects of (-)-cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis for its actions on bronchial smooth muscle in vitro and in vivo. Guinea-pig bronchial smooth muscle contractions induced by exogenously applied spasmogens were measured isometrically. In addition, contractile responses of bronchial smooth muscle from ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs were investigated in the absence or presence of (-)-cannabidiol. Furthermore, the effect of (-)-cannabidiol against ovalbumin-induced airway obstruction was investigated in vivo in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs. (-)-Cannabidiol did not influence the bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by carbachol, histamine or neurokinin A. In contrast, (-)-cannabidiol inhibited anandamide- and virodhamine-induced responses of isolated bronchi. A fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride reversed the inhibitory effect of (-)-cannabidiol on anandamide-induced contractions. In addition, (-)-cannabidiol inhibited the contractile response of bronchi obtained from allergic guinea-pigs induced by ovalbumin. In vivo, (-)-cannabidiol reduced ovalbumin-induced airway obstruction. In conclusion, our results suggest that cannabidiol can influence antigen-induced airway smooth muscle tone suggesting that this molecule may have beneficial effects in the treatment of obstructive airway disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dudášová
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, CP Snow Building, Hatfield, UK
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209
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Abstract
Cannabis is a complex plant, with major compounds such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, which have opposing effects. The discovery of its compounds has led to the further discovery of an important neurotransmitter system called the endocannabinoid system. This system is widely distributed in the brain and in the body, and is considered to be responsible for numerous significant functions. There has been a recent and consistent worldwide increase in cannabis potency, with increasing associated health concerns. A number of epidemiological research projects have shown links between dose-related cannabis use and an increased risk of development of an enduring psychotic illness. However, it is also known that not everyone who uses cannabis is affected adversely in the same way. What makes someone more susceptible to its negative effects is not yet known, however there are some emerging vulnerability factors, ranging from certain genes to personality characteristics. In this article we first provide an overview of the biochemical basis of cannabis research by examining the different effects of the two main compounds of the plant and the endocannabinoid system, and then go on to review available information on the possible factors explaining variation of its effects upon different individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerrin Atakan
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, DeCrespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
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210
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Karmaus PWF, Wagner JG, Harkema JR, Kaminski NE, Kaplan BLF. Cannabidiol (CBD) enhances lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammation in C57BL/6 mice. J Immunotoxicol 2012; 10:321-8. [PMID: 23173851 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2012.741628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a plant-derived cannabinoid that has been predominantly characterized as anti-inflammatory. However, it is clear that immune effects of cannabinoids can vary with cannabinoid concentration, or type or magnitude of immune stimulus. The present studies demonstrate that oral administration of CBD enhanced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammation in C57BL/6 mice. The enhanced inflammatory cell infiltrate as observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was comprised mainly of neutrophils, with some monocytes. Concomitantly, CBD enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA production, including tumor necrosis factor-α (Tnfa), interleukins (IL)-5 and -23 (Il6, Il23), and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (Gcsf). These results demonstrate that the CBD-mediated enhancement of LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation is mediated at the level of transcription of a variety of pro-inflammatory genes. The significance of these studies is that CBD is part of a therapeutic currently in use for spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis patients, and therefore it is important to further understand mechanisms by which CBD alters immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peer W F Karmaus
- Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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211
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a common and very prevalent disorder affecting the citizens of both developed and developing countries. The approved and licensed drugs for neuropathic pain are reported to have associated side effects. Traditional plant treatments have been used throughout the world for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Among the many medications and other alternative medicines, several herbs are known to cure and control neuropathic pain with no side effects. The present paper discusses the plants with neuropathic pain and related beneficial effects originating from different parts of world that are of current interest.
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212
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Piscitelli F, Di Marzo V. "Redundancy" of endocannabinoid inactivation: new challenges and opportunities for pain control. ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:356-63. [PMID: 22860203 DOI: 10.1021/cn300015x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Redundancy of metabolic pathways and molecular targets is a typical feature of all lipid mediators, and endocannabinoids, which were originally defined as endogenous agonists at cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors, are no exception. In particular, the two most studied endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, are inactivated through alternative biochemical routes, including hydrolysis and oxidation, and more than one enzyme might be used even for the same type of inactivating reaction. These enzymes also recognize as substrates other concurrent lipid mediators, whereas, in turn, endocannabinoids might interact with noncannabinoid receptors with subcellular distribution and ultimate biological actions either similar to or completely different from those of cannabinoid receptors. Even splicing variants of endocannabinoid hydrolyzing enzymes, such as FAAH-1, might play distinct roles in endocannabinoid inactivation. Finally, the products of endocannabinoid catabolism may have their own targets, with biological roles different from those of cannabinoid receptors. These peculiarities of endocannabinoid signaling have complicated the use of inhibitors of its inactivation mechanisms as a safer and more efficacious alternative to the direct targeting of cannabinoid receptors for the treatment of several pathological conditions, including pain. However, new strategies, including the rediscovery of "dirty drugs", and the use of certain natural products (including non-THC cannabis constituents), are emerging that might allow us to make a virtue of necessity and exploit endocannabinoid redundancy to develop new analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
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213
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Xiong W, Cui T, Cheng K, Yang F, Chen SR, Willenbring D, Guan Y, Pan HL, Ren K, Xu Y, Zhang L. Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 209:1121-34. [PMID: 22585736 PMCID: PMC3371734 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20120242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Systemic and intrathecal administration of derivatives of a nonpsychoactive component of marijuana significantly suppresses chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain, without causing analgesic tolerance, in several rodent models. Certain types of nonpsychoactive cannabinoids can potentiate glycine receptors (GlyRs), an important target for nociceptive regulation at the spinal level. However, little is known about the potential and mechanism of glycinergic cannabinoids for chronic pain treatment. We report that systemic and intrathecal administration of cannabidiol (CBD), a major nonpsychoactive component of marijuana, and its modified derivatives significantly suppress chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain without causing apparent analgesic tolerance in rodents. The cannabinoids significantly potentiate glycine currents in dorsal horn neurons in rat spinal cord slices. The analgesic potency of 11 structurally similar cannabinoids is positively correlated with cannabinoid potentiation of the α3 GlyRs. In contrast, the cannabinoid analgesia is neither correlated with their binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors nor with their psychoactive side effects. NMR analysis reveals a direct interaction between CBD and S296 in the third transmembrane domain of purified α3 GlyR. The cannabinoid-induced analgesic effect is absent in mice lacking the α3 GlyRs. Our findings suggest that the α3 GlyRs mediate glycinergic cannabinoid-induced suppression of chronic pain. These cannabinoids may represent a novel class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic pain and other diseases involving GlyR dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiong
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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214
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Kleiner D, Ditrói K. [The potential use of cannabidiol in the therapy of metabolic syndrome]. Orv Hetil 2012; 153:499-504. [PMID: 22430005 DOI: 10.1556/oh.2012.29308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol, a cannabinoid and serotonin receptor antagonist, may alleviate hyperphagia without the side effects of rimonabant (for example depression and reduced insulin sensitivity). Similar to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists, it may also help the differentation of adipocytes. Cannabidiol has an immunomodulating effect, as well, that helps lessen the progression of atherosclerosis induced by high glucose level. It may also be effective in fighting ischaemic diseases, the most harmful complications of metabolic syndrome. However, it can only be administered as an adjuvant therapy because of its low binding potency, and its inhibiting effect of cytochrome P450 enzymes should also be considered. Nevertheless, it may be beneficially used in adjuvant therapy because of its few side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dénes Kleiner
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Gyógyszerésztudományi Kar Farmakognóziai Intézet Budapest Üllői út 26. 1085.
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215
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Karl T, Cheng D, Garner B, Arnold JC. The therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system for Alzheimer's disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:407-20. [PMID: 22448595 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.671812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dementia currently affects over 35 million people worldwide. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, treatments for AD do not stop or reverse the progression of the disease and they are accompanied by side effects. AREAS COVERED The main features of AD pathology, treatment options currently available, the endocannabinoid system and its functionality in general and its role in AD pathology in detail will be outlined. A particular focus will be on the therapeutic potential of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol. EXPERT OPINION Based on the complex pathology of AD, a preventative, multimodal drug approach targeting a combination of pathological AD symptoms appears ideal. Importantly, cannabinoids show anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antioxidant properties and have immunosuppressive effects. Thus, the cannabinoid system should be a prime target for AD therapy. The cannabinoid receptor 2 appears to be a promising candidate but its role in AD has to be investigated cautiously. Furthermore, the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol is of particular interest as it lacks the psychoactive and cognition-impairing properties of other cannabinoids. In conclusion, future research should focus on the evaluation of the effects of manipulations to the endocannabinoid system in established animal models for AD, combined with early-phase studies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
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216
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Schicho R, Storr M. Topical and systemic cannabidiol improves trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis in mice. Pharmacology 2012; 89:149-55. [PMID: 22414698 DOI: 10.1159/000336871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Compounds of Cannabis sativa are known to exert anti-inflammatory properties, some of them without inducing psychotropic side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) is such a side effect-free phytocannabinoid that improves chemically induced colitis in rodents when given intraperitoneally. Here, we tested the possibility whether rectal and oral application of CBD would also ameliorate colonic inflammation, as these routes of application may represent a more appropriate way for delivering drugs in human colitis. METHODS Colitis was induced in CD1 mice by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Individual groups were either treated with CBD intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg), orally (20 mg/kg) or intrarectally (20 mg/kg). Colitis was evaluated by macroscopic scoring, histopathology and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. RESULTS Intraperitoneal treatment of mice with CBD led to improvement of colonic inflammation. Intrarectal treatment with CBD also led to a significant improvement of disease parameters and to a decrease in MPO activity while oral treatment, using the same dose as per rectum, had no ameliorating effect on colitis. CONCLUSION The data of this study indicate that in addition to intraperitoneal application, intrarectal delivery of cannabinoids may represent a useful therapeutic administration route for the treatment of colonic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Schicho
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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217
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Andrade P, Visser-Vandewalle V, Del Rosario JS, Daemen MA, Buurman WA, Steinbusch HW, Hoogland G. The thalidomide analgesic effect is associated with differential TNF-α receptor expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord as studied in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Brain Res 2012; 1450:24-32. [PMID: 22425187 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is well recognized as a key player in nociceptive signaling. Yet, therapeutic capitalization of this knowledge requires a better understanding of how TNF receptors (TNFR) contribute to pain. To address this question, we studied TNFR expression in the chronic sciatic nerve constriction (CCI) model of neuropathic pain. CCI and sham operated rats received two subcutaneous injections (one immediately after surgery, the other on postoperative day 5) containing either saline, GABA-reuptake inhibitor (NO-711), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), ZVAD or thalidomide. Mechanical (using von Frey filaments) and thermal hypersensitivity (Hargreaves test) were assessed preoperatively and weekly during the first four postoperative weeks. Spinal cord dorsal horn samples were collected from animals that were sacrificed at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after surgery, and analyzed for TNFR1 and TNFR2 mRNA levels by qPCR and protein levels by Western blot. Compared to saline, all applied drug treatments resulted in a faster recovery from mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, yet in a potency order of thalidomide>ZVAD=IGF-1>NO-711. CCI resulted in increased TNFR1 and TNFR2 mRNA and protein levels in the ipsilateral dorsal horn. Thalidomide was the only treatment that attenuated these increases. Finally, animals that showed a poor behavioral recovery were characterized by a significantly higher TNFR1/TNFR2 mRNA ratio. These data show that differential expression of TNFR in the dorsal horn is associated with recovery from pain in this model and suggest that the analgesic effects of thalidomide may act via this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Andrade
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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De Petrocellis L, Orlando P, Moriello AS, Aviello G, Stott C, Izzo AA, Di Marzo V. Cannabinoid actions at TRPV channels: effects on TRPV3 and TRPV4 and their potential relevance to gastrointestinal inflammation. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2012; 204:255-66. [PMID: 21726418 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2011.02338.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Plant cannabinoids, like Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), activate/desensitize thermosensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels of vanilloid type-1 or -2 (TRPV1 or TRPV2). We investigated whether cannabinoids also activate/desensitize two other 'thermo-TRP's', the TRP channels of vanilloid type-3 or -4 (TRPV3 or TRPV4), and if the TRPV-inactive cannabichromene (CBC) modifies the expression of TRPV1-4 channels in the gastrointestinal tract. METHODS TRP activity was assessed by evaluating elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) in rat recombinant TRPV3- and TRPV4-expressing HEK-293 cells. TRP channel mRNA expression was measured by quantitative RT-PCR in the jejunum and ileum of mice treated with vehicle or the pro-inflammatory agent croton oil. RESULTS (i) CBD and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) stimulated TRPV3-mediated [Ca(2+)](i) with high efficacy (50-70% of the effect of ionomycin) and potency (EC(50∼) 3.7 μm), whereas cannabigerovarin (CBGV) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) were significantly more efficacious at desensitizing this channel to the action of carvacrol than at activating it; (ii) cannabidivarin and THCV stimulated TRPV4-mediated [Ca(2+)](i) with moderate-high efficacy (30-60% of the effect of ionomycin) and potency (EC(50) 0.9-6.4 μm), whereas CBGA, CBGV, cannabinol and cannabigerol were significantly more efficacious at desensitizing this channel to the action of 4-α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD) than at activating it; (iii) CBC reduced TRPV1β, TRPV3 and TRPV4 mRNA in the jejunum, and TRPV3 and TRPV4 mRNA in the ileum of croton oil-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS Cannabinoids can affect both the activity and the expression of TRPV1-4 channels, with various potential therapeutic applications, including in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- L De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Cybernetics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
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De Petrocellis L, Ligresti A, Moriello AS, Allarà M, Bisogno T, Petrosino S, Stott CG, Di Marzo V. Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1479-94. [PMID: 21175579 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01166.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 610] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interact with transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and enzymes of the endocannabinoid system. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of 11 pure cannabinoids and botanical extracts [botanical drug substance (BDS)] from Cannabis varieties selected to contain a more abundant cannabinoid, on TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPM8, TRPA1, human recombinant diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα), rat brain fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), COS cell monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), human recombinant N-acylethanolamine acid amide hydrolase (NAAA) and anandamide cellular uptake (ACU) by RBL-2H3 cells, were studied using fluorescence-based calcium assays in transfected cells and radiolabelled substrate-based enzymatic assays. Cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), the acids (CBDA, CBGA, THCA) and propyl homologues (CBDV, CBGV, THCV) of CBD, cannabigerol (CBG) and THC, and tetrahydrocannabivarin acid (THCVA) were also tested. KEY RESULTS CBD, CBG, CBGV and THCV stimulated and desensitized human TRPV1. CBC, CBD and CBN were potent rat TRPA1 agonists and desensitizers, but THCV-BDS was the most potent compound at this target. CBG-BDS and THCV-BDS were the most potent rat TRPM8 antagonists. All non-acid cannabinoids, except CBC and CBN, potently activated and desensitized rat TRPV2. CBDV and all the acids inhibited DAGLα. Some BDS, but not the pure compounds, inhibited MAGL. CBD was the only compound to inhibit FAAH, whereas the BDS of CBC > CBG > CBGV inhibited NAAA. CBC = CBG > CBD inhibited ACU, as did the BDS of THCVA, CBGV, CBDA and THCA, but the latter extracts were more potent inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results are relevant to the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of cannabinoids and Cannabis extracts.
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Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1344-64. [PMID: 21749363 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 827] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been the primary focus of cannabis research since 1964, when Raphael Mechoulam isolated and synthesized it. More recently, the synergistic contributions of cannabidiol to cannabis pharmacology and analgesia have been scientifically demonstrated. Other phytocannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabigerol and cannabichromene, exert additional effects of therapeutic interest. Innovative conventional plant breeding has yielded cannabis chemotypes expressing high titres of each component for future study. This review will explore another echelon of phytotherapeutic agents, the cannabis terpenoids: limonene, myrcene, α-pinene, linalool, β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, nerolidol and phytol. Terpenoids share a precursor with phytocannabinoids, and are all flavour and fragrance components common to human diets that have been designated Generally Recognized as Safe by the US Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies. Terpenoids are quite potent, and affect animal and even human behaviour when inhaled from ambient air at serum levels in the single digits ng·mL(-1) . They display unique therapeutic effects that may contribute meaningfully to the entourage effects of cannabis-based medicinal extracts. Particular focus will be placed on phytocannabinoid-terpenoid interactions that could produce synergy with respect to treatment of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Scientific evidence is presented for non-cannabinoid plant components as putative antidotes to intoxicating effects of THC that could increase its therapeutic index. Methods for investigating entourage effects in future experiments will be proposed. Phytocannabinoid-terpenoid synergy, if proven, increases the likelihood that an extensive pipeline of new therapeutic products is possible from this venerable plant. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7.
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Ribeiro A, Ferraz-de-Paula V, Pinheiro ML, Vitoretti LB, Mariano-Souza DP, Quinteiro-Filho WM, Akamine AT, Almeida VI, Quevedo J, Dal-Pizzol F, Hallak JE, Zuardi AW, Crippa JA, Palermo-Neto J. Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic plant-derived cannabinoid, decreases inflammation in a murine model of acute lung injury: role for the adenosine A(2A) receptor. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 678:78-85. [PMID: 22265864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute lung injury is an inflammatory condition for which treatment is mainly supportive because effective therapies have not been developed. Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic cannabinoid component of marijuana (Cannabis sativa), has potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we investigated the possible anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol in a murine model of acute lung injury. Analysis of total inflammatory cells and differential in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was used to characterize leukocyte migration into the lungs; myeloperoxidase activity of lung tissue and albumin concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were analyzed by colorimetric assays; cytokine/chemokine production in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also analyzed by Cytometric Bead Arrays and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A single dose of cannabidiol (20mg/kg) administered prior to the induction of LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced acute lung injury decreases leukocyte (specifically neutrophil) migration into the lungs, albumin concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, myeloperoxidase activity in the lung tissue, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF and IL-6) and chemokines (MCP-1 and MIP-2) 1, 2, and 4days after the induction of LPS-induced acute lung injury. Additionally, adenosine A(2A) receptor is involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol on LPS-induced acute lung injury because ZM241385 (4-(2-[7-Amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol) (a highly selective antagonist of adenosine A(2A) receptor) abrogated all of the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol previously described. Thus, we show that cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory effects in a murine model of acute lung injury and that this effect is most likely associated with an increase in the extracellular adenosine offer and signaling through adenosine A(2A) receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Ribeiro
- Neuroimmunomodulation Research Group, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 - CEP 05508-270, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Xu C, Xu W, Xu H, Xiong W, Gao Y, Li G, Liu S, Xie J, Tu G, Peng H, Qiu S, Liang S. Role of puerarin in the signalling of neuropathic pain mediated by P2X3 receptor of dorsal root ganglion neurons. Brain Res Bull 2011; 87:37-43. [PMID: 22044944 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Revised: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tissue injury or inflammation of the nervous system may result in chronic neuropathic pain characterized by sensitivity to painful stimuli. P2X(3) receptors play a crucial role in facilitating pain transmission. Puerarin is an active compound of a traditional Chinese medicine Ge-gen, and Ge-gen soup has anti-inflammatory effects. The present research investigated the role of puerarin in the signalling of chronic neuropathic pain mediated by P2X(3) receptors of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model was adopted. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control group (Ctrl), sham group (Sham), puerarin-treated control group (Ctrl+PUE), chronic constriction injury (CCI) group and puerarin-treated CCI group (CCI+PUE). Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured by the von-Frey test and the Hargreaves' test respectively. The stain values of P2X(3) protein and mRNA in L4/L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blot and in situ hybridization. At day 4-7 after the operation of CCI rats, MWT and TWL in group CCI and CCI+PUE were lower than those in group Ctrl, Sham and Ctrl+PUE, while there was no difference among group Ctrl, Sham and Ctrl+PUE. At day 7-10 after operation, MWT and TWL in group CCI+PUE was higher than those in group CCI, but there was no significant difference between group CCI+PUE and group Ctrl (p>0.05). At day 14 after operation, the stain values of P2X(3) proteins and mRNAs in L4/L5 DRG of group CCI were higher than those in group Ctrl, Sham, Ctrl+PUE and CCI+PUE, while the stain values of P2X(3) proteins and mRNAs in group CCI+PUE were significantly decreased compared with those in group CCI. Therefore, puerarin may alleviate neuropathic pain mediated by P2X(3) receptors in dorsal root ganglion neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changshui Xu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
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Nagakura Y, Takahashi M, Noto T, Sekizawa T, Oe T, Yoshimi E, Tamaki K, Shimizu Y. Different pathophysiology underlying animal models of fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain: comparison of reserpine-induced myalgia and chronic constriction injury rats. Behav Brain Res 2011; 226:242-9. [PMID: 21945299 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Revised: 09/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The reserpine-induced myalgia (RIM) rat manifests fibromyalgia-like chronic pain symptoms. The present study explored the pathophysiology underlying the pain symptoms in the RIM rat and the chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat, an animal model of neuropathic pain as a reference. Nerve tissue samples were collected from the nociception-tested animals for pathological examinations. Additionally, the therapeutic efficacy of a sodium channel blocker mexiletine was assessed in both rats. A slight vacuolization in the substantia nigra (SN) occurred in some of the RIM rats without any other histopathological changes in the brain or peripheral neurons. All the RIM rats, with or without vacuolization, showed hypersensitivity to tactile, muscle pressure, and cold stimuli. In the CCI rat, neurodegenerative changes were apparent in the sciatic nerve and the spinal cord only. CCI rats displayed muscle hyperalgesia in addition to tactile and cold allodynia. Pharmacotherapy with mexiletine did not attenuate the pain in the RIM rat, although it was effective in the CCI rat. Taken together, it is not likely that pain symptoms in RIM rats are caused by degenerative changes at the level of primary afferents and spinal cord, as is the case for CCI rats. The significance of the vacuolization in the SN is less clear at present because of the minor extent of the change and the lack of correlation with nociceptive sensitivity. The pain symptoms in RIM rats could be associated with dysfunction of biogenic amines-mediated CNS pain control even without apparent pathologies in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukinori Nagakura
- Department of Pain Research, Pharmacology Research Labs, Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan.
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Andrade P, Visser-Vandewalle V, Hoffmann C, Steinbusch HWM, Daemen MA, Hoogland G. Role of TNF-alpha during central sensitization in preclinical studies. Neurol Sci 2011; 32:757-71. [PMID: 21559854 PMCID: PMC3171667 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-011-0599-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a principal mediator in pro-inflammatory processes that involve necrosis, apoptosis and proliferation. Experimental and clinical evidence demonstrate that peripheral nerve injury results in activation and morphological changes of microglial cells in the spinal cord. These adjustments occur in order to initiate an inflammatory cascade in response to the damage. Between the agents involved in this reaction, TNF-α is recognized as a key player in this process as it not only modulates lesion formation, but also because it is suggested to induce nociceptive signals. Nowadays, even though the function of TNF-α in inflammation and pain production seems to be generally accepted, diverse sources of literature point to different pathways and outcomes. In this review, we systematically searched and reviewed original articles from the past 10 years on animal models of peripheral nervous injury describing TNF-α expression in neural tissue and pain behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Andrade
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Box 38, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in amelioration of experimental autoimmune hepatitis following activation of TRPV1 receptors by cannabidiol. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18281. [PMID: 21483776 PMCID: PMC3069975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are getting increased attention as
one of the main regulatory cells of the immune system. They are induced at
sites of inflammation and can potently suppress T cell functions. In the
current study, we demonstrate how activation of TRPV1 vanilloid receptors
can trigger MDSCs, which in turn, can inhibit inflammation and
hepatitis. Methodology/Principal Findings Polyclonal activation of T cells, following injection of concanavalin A
(ConA), in C57BL/6 mice caused acute hepatitis, characterized by significant
increase in aspartate transaminase (AST), induction of inflammatory
cytokines, and infiltration of mononuclear cells in the liver, leading to
severe liver injury. Administration of cannabidiol (CBD), a natural
non-psychoactive cannabinoid, after ConA challenge, inhibited hepatitis in a
dose-dependent manner, along with all of the associated inflammation
markers. Phenotypic analysis of liver infiltrating cells showed that
CBD-mediated suppression of hepatitis was associated with increased
induction of arginase-expressing CD11b+Gr-1+
MDSCs. Purified CBD-induced MDSCs could effectively suppress T cell
proliferation in vitro in arginase-dependent manner. Furthermore, adoptive
transfer of purified MDSCs into naïve mice conferred significant
protection from ConA-induced hepatitis. CBD failed to induce MDSCs and
suppress hepatitis in the livers of vanilloid receptor-deficient mice
(TRPV1−/−) thereby suggesting that CBD primarily
acted via this receptor to induce MDSCs and suppress hepatitis. While MDSCs
induced by CBD in liver consisted of granulocytic and monocytic subsets at a
ratio of ∼2∶1, the monocytic MDSCs were more immunosuppressive
compared to granulocytic MDSCs. The ability of CBD to induce MDSCs and
suppress hepatitis was also demonstrable in Staphylococcal enterotoxin
B-induced liver injury. Conclusions/Significance This study demonstrates for the first time that MDSCs play a critical role in
attenuating acute inflammation in the liver, and that agents such as CBD,
which trigger MDSCs through activation of TRPV1 vanilloid receptors may
constitute a novel therapeutic modality to treat inflammatory diseases.
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Valsecchi AE, Franchi S, Panerai AE, Rossi A, Sacerdote P, Colleoni M. The soy isoflavone genistein reverses oxidative and inflammatory state, neuropathic pain, neurotrophic and vasculature deficits in diabetes mouse model. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 650:694-702. [PMID: 21050844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.10.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of diabetes complications remains a substantial challenge. The aim of this study was to explore the ability of the soy isoflavone genistein in attenuating the signs that follow diabetes onset: nociceptive hypersensitivity, oxidative and inflammatory state, nerve growth factor (NGF) decrease and vascular dysfunctions. Genistein (3 and 6 mg/kg) was administered to C57BL/6J streptozotocin diabetic mice from the 2nd till the 5th week after disease induction. The hind paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation (tactile allodynia) was evaluated by a von Frey filament. The oxidative stress was assessed measuring: reactive oxygen species by fluorimetric analysis, both the lipoperoxide content, as malondialdehyde, the antioxidant enzymatic activities spectrophotometrically and the glutathione content spectrofluorimetrically. Proinflammatory cytokines and NGF were measured in the sciatic nerve by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Aortic inducible (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein content was measured by western immunoblotting. Genistein relieved diabetic peripheral painful neuropathy, reverted the proinflammatory cytokine and reactive oxygen species overproduction, and restored the NGF content in diabetic sciatic nerve. Furthermore it restored the GSH content and the GSH and GSSG ratio, improved the antioxidant enzymes activities, decreased reactive oxygen species and lipoperoxide level in the brain and liver. Finally it restored the iNOS and eNOS content and the superoxide dismutase activity in thoracic aorta. Hyperglycaemia and weight decrease were not affected. Genistein is able to reverse a diabetes established condition of allodynia, oxidative stress and inflammation, ameliorates NGF content and the vascular dysfunction, thus suggesting its possible therapeutic use for diabetes complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Elisa Valsecchi
- Dipartimento di Farmacologia, Chemioterapia e Tossicologia medica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy
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DeLong GT, Wolf CE, Poklis A, Lichtman AH. Pharmacological evaluation of the natural constituent of Cannabis sativa, cannabichromene and its modulation by Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Drug Alcohol Depend 2010; 112:126-33. [PMID: 20619971 PMCID: PMC2967639 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/31/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to the numerous reports on the pharmacological effects of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the pharmacological activity of another substituent of Cannabis sativa, cannabichromene (CBC) remains comparatively unknown. In the present study, we investigated whether CBC elicits cannabinoid activity in the tetrad assay, which consists of the following four endpoints: hypomotility, antinociception, catalepsy, and hypothermia. Because cannabinoids are well documented to possess anti-inflammatory properties, we examined CBC, THC, and combination of both phytocannabinoids in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) paw edema assay. CBC elicited activity in the tetrad that was not blocked by the CB(1) receptor antagonist, rimonabant. Moreover, a behaviorally inactive dose of THC augmented the effects of CBC in the tetrad that was associated with an increase in THC brain concentrations. Both CBC and THC elicited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects in the LPS-induced paw edema model. The CB(2) receptor, SR144528 blocked the anti-edematous actions of THC, but not those produced by CBC. Isobolographic analysis revealed that the anti-edematous effects of these cannabinoids in combination were additive. Although CBC produced pharmacological effects, unlike THC, its underlying mechanism of action did not involve CB(1) or CB(2) receptors. In addition, there was evidence of a possible pharmacokinetic component in which CBC dose-dependently increased THC brain levels following an i.v. injection of 0.3mg/kg THC. In conclusion, CBC produced a subset of behavioral activity in the tetrad assay and reduced LPS-induced paw edema through a noncannabinoid receptor mechanism of action. These effects were augmented when CBC and THC were co-administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald T. DeLong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298 USA,Dr. DeLong is now at the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 USA
| | - Carl E. Wolf
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298 USA
| | - Alphonse Poklis
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298 USA
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298 USA
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Treatment with cannabidiol reverses oxidative stress parameters, cognitive impairment and mortality in rats submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture. Brain Res 2010; 1348:128-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2010] [Revised: 06/06/2010] [Accepted: 06/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Donzelli A, Braida D, Finardi A, Capurro V, Valsecchi AE, Colleoni M, Sala M. Neuroprotective Effects of Genistein in Mongolian Gerbils: Estrogen Receptor–β Involvement. J Pharmacol Sci 2010; 114:158-67. [DOI: 10.1254/jphs.10164fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Sciatic nerve transection increases gluthatione antioxidant system activity and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in the spinal cord. Brain Res Bull 2009; 80:422-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Revised: 08/02/2009] [Accepted: 08/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Rahn EJ, Hohmann AG. Cannabinoids as pharmacotherapies for neuropathic pain: from the bench to the bedside. Neurotherapeutics 2009; 6:713-37. [PMID: 19789075 PMCID: PMC2755639 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating form of chronic pain resulting from nerve injury, disease states, or toxic insults. Neuropathic pain is often refractory to conventional pharmacotherapies, necessitating validation of novel analgesics. Cannabinoids, drugs that share the same target as Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, have the potential to address this unmet need. Here, we review studies evaluating cannabinoids for neuropathic pain management in the clinical and preclinical literature. Neuropathic pain associated with nerve injury, diabetes, chemotherapeutic treatment, human immunodeficiency virus, multiple sclerosis, and herpes zoster infection is considered. In animals, cannabinoids attenuate neuropathic nociception produced by traumatic nerve injury, disease, and toxic insults. Effects of mixed cannabinoid CB(1)/CB(2) agonists, CB(2) selective agonists, and modulators of the endocannabinoid system (i.e., inhibitors of transport or degradation) are compared. Effects of genetic disruption of cannabinoid receptors or enzymes controlling endocannabinoid degradation on neuropathic nociception are described. Specific forms of allodynia and hyperalgesia modulated by cannabinoids are also considered. In humans, effects of smoked marijuana, synthetic Delta(9)-THC analogs (e.g., Marinol, Cesamet) and medicinal cannabis preparations containing both Delta(9)-THC and cannabidiol (e.g., Sativex, Cannador) in neuropathic pain states are reviewed. Clinical studies largely affirm that neuropathic pain patients derive benefits from cannabinoid treatment. Subjective (i.e., rating scales) and objective (i.e., stimulus-evoked) measures of pain and quality of life are considered. Finally, limitations of cannabinoid pharmacotherapies are discussed together with directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Rahn
- grid.213876.9000000041936738XNeuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, 30602-3013 Athens, GA
| | - Andrea G. Hohmann
- grid.213876.9000000041936738XNeuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, 30602-3013 Athens, GA
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232
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Non-psychotropic plant cannabinoids: new therapeutic opportunities from an ancient herb. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2009; 30:515-27. [PMID: 19729208 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2009.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 548] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2009] [Revised: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol binds cannabinoid (CB(1) and CB(2)) receptors, which are activated by endogenous compounds (endocannabinoids) and are involved in a wide range of physiopathological processes (e.g. modulation of neurotransmitter release, regulation of pain perception, and of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and liver functions). The well-known psychotropic effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, which are mediated by activation of brain CB(1) receptors, have greatly limited its clinical use. However, the plant Cannabis contains many cannabinoids with weak or no psychoactivity that, therapeutically, might be more promising than Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Here, we provide an overview of the recent pharmacological advances, novel mechanisms of action, and potential therapeutic applications of such non-psychotropic plant-derived cannabinoids. Special emphasis is given to cannabidiol, the possible applications of which have recently emerged in inflammation, diabetes, cancer, affective and neurodegenerative diseases, and to Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabivarin, a novel CB(1) antagonist which exerts potentially useful actions in the treatment of epilepsy and obesity.
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233
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Gautam R, Jachak SM. Recent developments in anti-inflammatory natural products. Med Res Rev 2009; 29:767-820. [DOI: 10.1002/med.20156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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234
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Cannabidiol, a safe and non-psychotropic ingredient of the marijuana plant Cannabis sativa, is protective in a murine model of colitis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2009; 87:1111-21. [PMID: 19690824 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-009-0512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Revised: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease affects millions of individuals; nevertheless, pharmacological treatment is disappointingly unsatisfactory. Cannabidiol, a safe and non-psychotropic ingredient of marijuana, exerts pharmacological effects (e.g., antioxidant) and mechanisms (e.g., inhibition of endocannabinoids enzymatic degradation) potentially beneficial for the inflamed gut. Thus, we investigated the effect of cannabidiol in a murine model of colitis. Colitis was induced in mice by intracolonic administration of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Inflammation was assessed both macroscopically and histologically. In the inflamed colon, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were evaluated by Western blot, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-10 by ELISA, and endocannabinoids by isotope dilution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells were used to evaluate the effect of cannabidiol on oxidative stress. Cannabidiol reduced colon injury, inducible iNOS (but not cyclooxygenase-2) expression, and interleukin-1beta, interleukin-10, and endocannabinoid changes associated with 2,4,6-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid administration. In Caco-2 cells, cannabidiol reduced reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, cannabidiol, a likely safe compound, prevents experimental colitis in mice.
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235
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Time-dependent vascular actions of cannabidiol in the rat aorta. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 612:61-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Revised: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 03/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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236
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Comelli F, Bettoni I, Colleoni M, Giagnoni G, Costa B. Beneficial effects of a Cannabis sativa
extract treatment on diabetes-induced neuropathy and oxidative stress. Phytother Res 2009; 23:1678-84. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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237
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Burstein SH, Zurier RB. Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and related analogs in inflammation. AAPS JOURNAL 2009; 11:109-19. [PMID: 19199042 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-009-9084-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review covers reports published in the last 5 years on the anti-inflammatory activities of all classes of cannabinoids, including phytocannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, synthetic analogs such as ajulemic acid and nabilone, the endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and related compounds, namely, the elmiric acids, and finally, noncannabinoid components of Cannabis that show anti-inflammatory action. It is intended to be an update on the topic of the involvement of cannabinoids in the process of inflammation. A possible mechanism for these actions is suggested involving increased production of eicosanoids that promote the resolution of inflammation. This differentiates these cannabinoids from cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors that suppress the synthesis of eicosanoids that promote the induction of the inflammatory process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumner H Burstein
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation St., Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.
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238
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Abstract
The treatment of pain, particularly neuropathic pain, is one of the therapeutic applications of cannabis and cannabinoids that is currently under investigation and that stimulates interest among clinicians and basic researchers. Animal pain models, including models of acute, antinociceptive, inflammatory and neuropathic pain, have demonstrated the antinociceptive efficacy of cannabinoids without causing serious alterations in animal behaviour. These data, together with the historic and current empiric use of cannabinoids, support the interest in the analysis of their effectiveness in treating neuropathic pain. The evaluation of controlled trials that focus on the effect of cannabinoids on neuropathic pain reveals that this class of drugs is able to significantly reduce pain perception. Nevertheless, this effect is generally weak and clinical relevance remains under evaluation. Moreover, there is a lack of controlled trials and, in particular, comparisons with other drugs generally used in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Despite the fact that further research is required to achieve a definitive assessment, current data obtained from basic research and from analysis of the available controlled trials indicate that cannabinoids can be accepted as a useful option in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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239
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Valsecchi AE, Franchi S, Panerai AE, Sacerdote P, Trovato AE, Colleoni M. Genistein, a natural phytoestrogen from soy, relieves neuropathic pain following chronic constriction sciatic nerve injury in mice: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. J Neurochem 2008; 107:230-40. [PMID: 18691380 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05614.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
There is great interest in soy isoflavones as alternatives to endogenous estrogens not only in hormonal pathologies, but also in inflammatory, neurodegenerative diseases, and pain. We investigated the effect of the isoflavone genistein on neuropathic pain. Genistein binds estrogen receptors (ER) with higher affinity for the ERbeta particularly expressed in neuronal and immune cells. Neuropathy was induced in mice by means of chronic sciatic nerve constriction, and the subcutaneous administration of genistein from the third day after the lesion reversed pain hypersensitivity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This effect may have been due to the activation of classical nuclear receptor and/or anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties of genistein. The fact that a specific ERbeta antagonist prevented both its anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic action, whereas a specific ERalpha antagonist was ineffective and a non-selective ER antagonist only reversed the anti-allodynic effect, suggests the involvement of ERbeta. Antioxidant effects are also involved as the anti-nociceptive dose reversed the increase in reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in injured paw tissues, and increased the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes. The phytoestrogen had immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities as it reduced peripheral and central nuclear factor-kappaB, nitric oxide system and pro-inflammatory cytokine over-activation. Taken together, our results suggest that genistein could ameliorate painful neuropathy by multiple mechanisms.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Antioxidants/pharmacology
- Antioxidants/therapeutic use
- Chronic Disease/drug therapy
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Ganglia, Spinal/drug effects
- Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism
- Ganglia, Spinal/physiopathology
- Genistein/pharmacology
- Genistein/therapeutic use
- Hyperalgesia/drug therapy
- Hyperalgesia/metabolism
- Hyperalgesia/physiopathology
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Inflammation/physiopathology
- Inflammation Mediators/antagonists & inhibitors
- Inflammation Mediators/metabolism
- Ligation
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Neurons, Afferent/drug effects
- Neurons, Afferent/metabolism
- Nociceptors/drug effects
- Nociceptors/metabolism
- Nociceptors/physiopathology
- Oxidative Stress/drug effects
- Oxidative Stress/physiology
- Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/drug therapy
- Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/metabolism
- Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/physiopathology
- Phytoestrogens/pharmacology
- Phytoestrogens/therapeutic use
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Plant Extracts/therapeutic use
- Receptors, Estrogen/drug effects
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Sciatic Neuropathy/drug therapy
- Sciatic Neuropathy/metabolism
- Sciatic Neuropathy/physiopathology
- Glycine max/chemistry
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Elisa Valsecchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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240
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Zuardi AW. Cannabidiol: from an inactive cannabinoid to a drug with wide spectrum of action. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2008; 30:271-80. [DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462008000300015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2008] [Accepted: 04/17/2008] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to describe the historical development of research on cannabidiol. METHOD: This review was carried out on reports drawn from Medline, Web of Science and SciELO. DISCUSSION: After the elucidation of the chemical structure of cannabidiol in 1963, the initial studies showed that cannabidiol was unable to mimic the effects of Cannabis. In the 1970's the number of publications on cannabidiol reached a first peak, having the research focused mainly on the interaction with delta9-THC and its antiepileptic and sedative effects. The following two decades showed lower degree of interest, and the potential therapeutic properties of cannabidiol investigated were mainly the anxiolytic, antipsychotic and on motor diseases effects. The last five years have shown a remarkable increase in publications on cannabidiol mainly stimulated by the discovery of its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects. These studies have suggested a wide range of possible therapeutic effects of cannabidiol on several conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory diseases, nausea and cancer. CONCLUSION: In the last 45 years it has been possible to demonstrate that CBD has a wide range of pharmacological effects, many of which being of great therapeutic interest, but still waiting to be confirmed by clinical trials.
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241
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de Filippis D, Iuvone T, d'amico A, Esposito G, Steardo L, Herman AG, Pelckmans PA, de Winter BY, de Man JG. Effect of cannabidiol on sepsis-induced motility disturbances in mice: involvement of CB receptors and fatty acid amide hydrolase. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2008; 20:919-27. [PMID: 18373655 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2008.01114.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis is an inflammatory condition that is associated with reduced propulsive gastrointestinal motility (ileus). A therapeutic option to treat sepsis is to promote intestinal propulsion preventing bacterial stasis, overgrowth and translocation. Recent evidence suggests that anti-oxidants improve sepsis-induced ileus. Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic component of Cannabis sativa, exerts strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects without binding to cannabinoid CB(1) or CB(2) receptors. Cannabidiol also regulates the activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) which is the main enzyme involved in endocannabinoid breakdown and which modulates gastrointestinal motility. Because of the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol in several pathologies, we investigated its effect on sepsis-induced ileus and on cannabinoid receptor and FAAH expression in the mouse intestine. Sepsis was induced by treating mice with lipopolysaccharides for 18 h. Sepsis led to a decrease in gastric emptying and intestinal transit. Cannabidiol further reduced gastrointestinal motility in septic mice but did not affect gastrointestinal motility in control mice. A low concentration of the CB(1) antagonist AM251 did not affect gastrointestinal motility in control mice but reversed the effect of cannabidiol in septic mice. Sepsis was associated with a selective upregulation of intestinal CB(1) receptors without affecting CB(2) receptor expression and with increased FAAH expression. The increase in FAAH expression was completely reversed by cannabidiol but not affected by AM251. Our results show that sepsis leads to an imbalance of the endocannabinoid system in the mouse intestine. Despite its proven anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, cannabidiol may be of limited use for the treatment of sepsis-induced ileus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D de Filippis
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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242
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Comelli F, Giagnoni G, Bettoni I, Colleoni M, Costa B. Antihyperalgesic effect of a Cannabis sativa extract in a rat model of neuropathic pain: mechanisms involved. Phytother Res 2008; 22:1017-24. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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243
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TRPV2 is activated by cannabidiol and mediates CGRP release in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. J Neurosci 2008; 28:6231-8. [PMID: 18550765 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0504-08.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential V2 (TRPV2) has been proposed to be a high-threshold thermosensor. However, further elucidation of the channel properties and physiological role of TRPV2 have been hindered by the lack of selective pharmacological tools as well as by the species-dependent differences in the activation of this channel. In the present study, we have used cell-based calcium mobilization and electrophysiological assays to identify and characterize several novel cannabinoid TRPV2 agonists. Among these, cannabidiol was found to be the most robust and potent (EC(50) = 3.7 microM), followed by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (EC(50) = 14 microM) and cannabinol (EC(50) = 77.7 microM). We also demonstrated that cannabidiol evoked a concentration-dependent release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in a cannabinoid receptor- and TRPV1-independent manner. Moreover, the cannabidiol-evoked CGRP release depended on extracellular calcium and was blocked by the nonselective TRP channel blocker, ruthenium red. We further provide evidence through the use of small interfering RNA knockdown and repetitive stimulation studies, to show that cannabidiol-evoked CGRP release is mediated, at least in part, by TRPV2. Together, these data suggest not only that TRPV2 may comprise a mechanism whereby cannabidiol exerts its clinically beneficial effects in vivo, but also that TRPV2 may constitute a viable, new drug target.
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244
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TRPV2 is activated by cannabidiol and mediates CGRP release in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. J Neurosci 2008. [PMID: 18550765 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0504‐08.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential V2 (TRPV2) has been proposed to be a high-threshold thermosensor. However, further elucidation of the channel properties and physiological role of TRPV2 have been hindered by the lack of selective pharmacological tools as well as by the species-dependent differences in the activation of this channel. In the present study, we have used cell-based calcium mobilization and electrophysiological assays to identify and characterize several novel cannabinoid TRPV2 agonists. Among these, cannabidiol was found to be the most robust and potent (EC(50) = 3.7 microM), followed by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (EC(50) = 14 microM) and cannabinol (EC(50) = 77.7 microM). We also demonstrated that cannabidiol evoked a concentration-dependent release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in a cannabinoid receptor- and TRPV1-independent manner. Moreover, the cannabidiol-evoked CGRP release depended on extracellular calcium and was blocked by the nonselective TRP channel blocker, ruthenium red. We further provide evidence through the use of small interfering RNA knockdown and repetitive stimulation studies, to show that cannabidiol-evoked CGRP release is mediated, at least in part, by TRPV2. Together, these data suggest not only that TRPV2 may comprise a mechanism whereby cannabidiol exerts its clinically beneficial effects in vivo, but also that TRPV2 may constitute a viable, new drug target.
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245
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Ross HR, Napier I, Connor M. Inhibition of recombinant human T-type calcium channels by Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:16124-34. [PMID: 18390906 PMCID: PMC3259625 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m707104200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2007] [Revised: 03/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most prevalent biologically active constituents of Cannabis sativa. THC is the prototypic cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist and is psychoactive and analgesic. CBD is also analgesic, but it is not a CB1 receptor agonist. Low voltage-activated T-type calcium channels, encoded by the Ca(V)3 gene family, regulate the excitability of many cells, including neurons involved in nociceptive processing. We examined the effects of THC and CBD on human Ca(V)3 channels stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and T-type channels in mouse sensory neurons using whole-cell, patch clamp recordings. At moderately hyperpolarized potentials, THC and CBD inhibited peak Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.2 currents with IC(50) values of approximately 1 mum but were less potent on Ca(V)3.3 channels. THC and CBD inhibited sensory neuron T-type channels by about 45% at 1 mum. However, in recordings made from a holding potential of -70 mV, 100 nm THC or CBD inhibited more than 50% of the peak Ca(V)3.1 current. THC and CBD produced a significant hyperpolarizing shift in the steady state inactivation potentials for each of the Ca(V)3 channels, which accounts for inhibition of channel currents. Additionally, THC caused a modest hyperpolarizing shift in the activation of Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.2. THC but not CBD slowed Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.2 deactivation and inactivation kinetics. Thus, THC and CBD inhibit Ca(V)3 channels at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. However, THC, but not CBD, may also increase the amount of calcium entry following T-type channel activation by stabilizing open states of the channel.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Non-Narcotic/chemistry
- Analgesics, Non-Narcotic/pharmacology
- Animals
- Calcium/metabolism
- Calcium Channels, T-Type/metabolism
- Cannabidiol/chemistry
- Cannabidiol/pharmacology
- Cannabis/chemistry
- Cell Line
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Dronabinol/chemistry
- Dronabinol/pharmacology
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Kinetics
- Membrane Potentials/drug effects
- Mice
- Neurons, Afferent/cytology
- Neurons, Afferent/physiology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Connor
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute, University of
Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065,
Australia
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246
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Cannabidiol, extracted from Cannabis sativa, selectively inhibits inflammatory hypermotility in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2008; 154:1001-8. [PMID: 18469842 DOI: 10.1038/bjp.2008.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabidiol is a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic compound that exerts a plethora of pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antitumour effects, with potential therapeutic interest. However, the actions of cannabidiol in the digestive tract are largely unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cannabidiol on intestinal motility in normal (control) mice and in mice with intestinal inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Motility in vivo was measured by evaluating the distribution of an orally administered fluorescent marker along the small intestine; intestinal inflammation was induced by the irritant croton oil; contractility in vitro was evaluated by stimulating the isolated ileum, in an organ bath, with ACh. KEY RESULTS In vivo, cannabidiol did not affect motility in control mice, but normalized croton oil-induced hypermotility. The inhibitory effect of cannabidiol was counteracted by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant, but not by the cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist SR144528 (N-[-1S-endo-1,3,3-trimethyl bicyclo [2.2.1] heptan-2-yl]-5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)-pyrazole-3-carboxamide), by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone or by the alpha2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine. Cannabidiol did not reduce motility in animals treated with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor N-arachidonoyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, whereas loperamide was still effective. In vitro, cannabidiol inhibited ACh-induced contractions in the isolated ileum from both control and croton oil-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Cannabidiol selectively reduces croton oil-induced hypermotility in mice in vivo and this effect involves cannabinoid CB1 receptors and FAAH. In view of its low toxicity in humans, cannabidiol may represent a good candidate to normalize motility in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
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247
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De Petrocellis L, Vellani V, Schiano-Moriello A, Marini P, Magherini PC, Orlando P, Di Marzo V. Plant-derived cannabinoids modulate the activity of transient receptor potential channels of ankyrin type-1 and melastatin type-8. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 325:1007-15. [PMID: 18354058 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.107.134809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), cannabidiol (CBD), and Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were previously shown to activate transient receptor potential channels of both vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1), respectively. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid anandamide is known to activate TRPV1 and was recently found to antagonize the menthol- and icilin-sensitive transient receptor potential channels of melastatin type 8 (TRPM8). In this study, we investigated the effects of six phytocannabinoids [i.e., CBD, THC, CBD acid, THC acid, cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG)] on TRPA1- and TRPM8-mediated increase in intracellular Ca2+ in either HEK-293 cells overexpressing the two channels or rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons. All of the compounds tested induced TRPA1-mediated Ca2+ elevation in HEK-293 cells with efficacy comparable with that of mustard oil isothiocyanates (MO), the most potent being CBC (EC(50) = 60 nM) and the least potent being CBG and CBD acid (EC(50) = 3.4-12.0 microM). CBC also activated MO-sensitive DRG neurons, although with lower potency (EC(50) = 34.3 microM). Furthermore, although none of the compounds tested activated TRPM8-mediated Ca2+ elevation in HEK-293 cells, they all, with the exception of CBC, antagonized this response when it was induced by either menthol or icilin. CBD, CBG, THC, and THC acid were equipotent (IC(50) = 70-160 nM), whereas CBD acid was the least potent compound (IC(50) = 0.9-1.6 microM). CBG inhibited Ca2+ elevation also in icilin-sensitive DRG neurons with potency (IC(50) = 4.5 microM) similar to that of anandamide (IC(50) = 10 microM). Our findings suggest that phytocannabinoids and cannabis extracts exert some of their pharmacological actions also by interacting with TRPA1 and TRPM8 channels, with potential implications for the treatment of pain and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
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248
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Campbell VA, Gowran A. Alzheimer's disease; taking the edge off with cannabinoids? Br J Pharmacol 2007; 152:655-62. [PMID: 17828287 PMCID: PMC2190031 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2007] [Revised: 07/03/2007] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative condition associated with cognitive decline. The pathological hallmarks of the disease are the deposition of beta-amyloid protein and hyperphosphorylation of tau, which evoke neuronal cell death and impair inter-neuronal communication. The disease is also associated with neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. In recent years the proclivity of cannabinoids to exert a neuroprotective influence has received substantial interest as a means to mitigate the symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions. In brains obtained from Alzheimer's patients alterations in components of the cannabinoid system have been reported, suggesting that the cannabinoid system either contributes to, or is altered by, the pathophysiology of the disease. Certain cannabinoids can protect neurons from the deleterious effects of beta-amyloid and are capable of reducing tau phosphorylation. The propensity of cannabinoids to reduce beta-amyloid-evoked oxidative stress and neurodegeneration, whilst stimulating neurotrophin expression neurogenesis, are interesting properties that may be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol can also inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity and limit amyloidogenesis which may improve cholinergic transmission and delay disease progression. Targeting cannabinoid receptors on microglia may reduce the neuroinflammation that is a feature of Alzheimer's disease, without causing psychoactive effects. Thus, cannabinoids offer a multi-faceted approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by providing neuroprotection and reducing neuroinflammation, whilst simultaneously supporting the brain's intrinsic repair mechanisms by augmenting neurotrophin expression and enhancing neurogenesis. The evidence supporting a potential role for the cannabinoid system as a therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease will be reviewed herewith.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Campbell
- Department of Physiology and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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McCarberg BH, Barkin RL. The Future of Cannabinoids as Analgesic Agents: A Pharmacologic, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Overview. Am J Ther 2007; 14:475-83. [PMID: 17890938 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0b013e3180a5e581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For thousands of years, physicians and their patients employed cannabis as a therapeutic agent. Despite this extensive historical usage, in the Western world, cannabis fell into disfavor among medical professionals because the technology available in the 1800s and early 1900s did not permit reliable, standardized preparations to be developed. However, since the discovery and cloning of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the 1990s, scientific interest in the area has burgeoned, and the complexities of this fascinating receptor system, and its endogenous ligands, have been actively explored. Recent studies reveal that cannabinoids have a rich pharmacology and may interact with a number of other receptor systems-as well as with other cannabinoids-to produce potential synergies. Cannabinoids-endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids-affect numerous bodily functions and have indicated efficacy of varying degrees in a number of serious medical conditions. Nevertheless, despite promising preclinical and early clinical data, particularly in the areas of inflammation and nociception, development challenges abound. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other CB1 receptor agonists can have an undesirable CNS impact, and, in many cases, dose optimization may not be realizable before onset of excessive side effects. In addition, complex botanically derived cannabinoid products must satisfy the demanding criteria of the U.S. Food and Drug Association's approval process. Recent agency guidance suggests that these obstacles are not insurmountable, although cannabis herbal material ("medical marijuana") may present fatal uncertainties of quality control and dosage standardization. Therefore, formulation, composition, and delivery system issues will affect the extent to which a particular cannabinoid product may have a desirable risk-benefit profile and acceptable abuse liability potential. Cannabinoid receptor agonists and/or molecules that affect the modulation of endocannabinoid synthesis, metabolism, and transport may, in the future, offer extremely valuable tools for the treatment of a number of currently intractable disorders. Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of this area.
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Esposito G, Scuderi C, Savani C, Steardo L, De Filippis D, Cottone P, Iuvone T, Cuomo V, Steardo L. Cannabidiol in vivo blunts beta-amyloid induced neuroinflammation by suppressing IL-1beta and iNOS expression. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 151:1272-9. [PMID: 17592514 PMCID: PMC2189818 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pharmacological inhibition of beta-amyloid (Abeta) induced reactive gliosis may represent a novel rationale to develop drugs able to blunt neuronal damage and slow the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychotropic natural cannabinoid, exerts in vitro a combination of neuroprotective effects in different models of Abeta neurotoxicity. The present study, performed in a mouse model of AD-related neuroinflammation, was aimed at confirming in vivo the previously reported antiinflammatory properties of CBD. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mice were inoculated with human Abeta (1-42) peptide into the right dorsal hippocampus, and treated daily with vehicle or CBD (2.5 or 10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) for 7 days. mRNA for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was assessed by in situ hybridization. Protein expression of GFAP, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-1beta was determined by immunofluorescence analysis. In addition, ELISA assay of IL-1beta level and the measurement of NO were performed in dissected and homogenized ipsilateral hippocampi, derived from vehicle and Abeta inoculated mice, in the absence or presence of CBD. KEY RESULTS In contrast to vehicle, CBD dose-dependently and significantly inhibited GFAP mRNA and protein expression in Abeta injected animals. Moreover, under the same experimental conditions, CBD impaired iNOS and IL-1beta protein expression, and the related NO and IL-1beta release. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The results of the present study confirm in vivo anti-inflammatory actions of CBD, emphasizing the importance of this compound as a novel promising pharmacological tool capable of attenuating Abeta evoked neuroinflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Esposito
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology ‘V Erspamer', University of Rome ‘La Sapienza' Rome, Italy
| | - C Scuderi
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology ‘V Erspamer', University of Rome ‘La Sapienza' Rome, Italy
| | - C Savani
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology ‘V Erspamer', University of Rome ‘La Sapienza' Rome, Italy
| | - L Steardo
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Second University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - D De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Italy
| | - P Cottone
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology ‘V Erspamer', University of Rome ‘La Sapienza' Rome, Italy
| | - T Iuvone
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Italy
| | - V Cuomo
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology ‘V Erspamer', University of Rome ‘La Sapienza' Rome, Italy
| | - L Steardo
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology ‘V Erspamer', University of Rome ‘La Sapienza' Rome, Italy
- Author for correspondence:
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