Cannabinoid receptor 1 but not 2 mediates macrophage phagocytosis by G(α)i/o /RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway

Gastrodin Ameliorates Post-Stroke Depressive-Like Behaviors Through Cannabinoid-1 Receptor-Dependent PKA/RhoA Signaling Pathway

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a significant complication in stroke patients, increases long-term mortality, and exaggerates ischemia-induced brain injury. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and effective therapeutic targets related to PSD have remained elusive. Here, we employed an animal behavioral model of PSD by combining the use of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by spatial restraint stress to study the molecular underpinnings and potential therapies of PSD. Interestingly, we found that sub-chronic application of gastrodin (Gas), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb Gastrodia elata extraction, relieved depression-related behavioral deficits, increased the impaired expression of synaptic transmission-associated proteins, and restored the altered spine density in hippocampal CA1 of PSD animals. Furthermore, our results indicated that the anti-PSD effect of Gas was dependent on membrane cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) expression. The contents of phosphorated protein kinase A (p-PKA) and phosphorated Ras homolog gene family member A (p(ser188)-RhoA) were decreased in the hippocampus of PSD-mice, which was reversed by Gas treatment, and CB1R depletion caused a diminished efficacy of Gas on p-PKA and p-RhoA expression. In addition, the anti-PSD effect of Gas was partially blocked by PKA inhibition or RhoA activation, indicating that the anti-PSD effect of Gas is associated with the CB1R-mediated PKA/RhoA signaling pathway. Together, our findings revealed that Gas treatment possesses protective effects against the post-stroke depressive-like state; the CB1R-involved PKA/RhoA signaling pathway is critical in mediating Gas's anti-PSD potency, suggesting that Gas application may be beneficial in the prevention and adjunctive treatment of PSD.

Cannabis sativa extracts inhibit LDL oxidation and the formation of foam cells in vitro, acting as potential multi-step inhibitors of atherosclerosis development

Atherosclerotic disease is the leading cause of death world-wide. Our goal was to explore the effect of phytocannabinoids on the molecular mechanisms triggering the development of the atheromatous lesion. Three cannabis sativa extracts of different chemotypes were chemically characterized by UPLC-DAD. The capacity of the extracts to prevent the oxidation of LDL, the formation of foam cells and the activation of an inflammatory response by J774 cells, were monitored by UV-Vis spectrometry, confocal-microscopy and western blot. Three varieties of cannabis sativa, with high (E1), intermediate (E2) and low (E3) THC/CBD ratios were selected. The three cannabis extracts inhibited the oxidation of LDL by copper ions and the formation of foam cells by J774.1 cells challenged with oxLDL (ED50 5-12 μg mL-1). The effect of the cannabinoid extracts on the endocytic process was independent of the canonical cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, but related to the action of non-canonical receptors (TRPV1, TRPV4 and GPR55), involved in calcium signaling. Decreased levels of CD36 and OLR1 scavenger receptors were, at least partially, responsible for the diminished uptake of oxLDL induced by phytocannabinoids. The downregulation of CD36 and OLR1 could be explained by the observed inhibitory effect of the cannabis extracts on the activation of the NFκB pathway by oxLDL. Phytocannabinoids interfere with the main events leading to the development of the atheromatous plaque, opening new venues on atherosclerosis therapy.

SPMs exert anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects through positive allosteric modulation of the prostaglandin EP4 receptor

Inflammation is a protective response to pathogens and injury. To be effective it needs to be resolved by endogenous mechanisms in order to avoid prolonged and excessive inflammation, which can become chronic. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are a group of lipids derived from omega-3 fatty acids, which can induce the resolution of inflammation. How SPMs exert their anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects is, however, not clear. Here, we show that SPMs such as protectins, maresins, and D-series resolvins function as biased positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP4 through an intracellular binding site. They increase PGE2-induced Gs-mediated formation of cAMP and thereby promote anti-inflammatory signaling of EP4. In addition, SPMs endow the endogenous EP4 receptor on macrophages with the ability to couple to Gi-type G-proteins, which converts the EP4 receptor on macrophages from an anti-phagocytotic receptor to one increasing phagocytosis, a central mechanism of the pro-resolving activity of synthetic SPMs. In the absence of the EP4 receptor, SPMs lose their anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving activity in vitro and in vivo. Our findings reveal an unusual mechanism of allosteric receptor modulation by lipids and provide a mechanism by which synthetic SPMs exert pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory effects, which may facilitate approaches to treat inflammation.

Exploring the versatile roles of the endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids in modulating bacterial infections

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), initially identified for its role in maintaining homeostasis, particularly in regulating brain function, has evolved into a complex orchestrator influencing various physiological processes beyond its original association with the nervous system. Notably, an expanding body of evidence emphasizes the ECS's crucial involvement in regulating immune responses. While the specific role of the ECS in bacterial infections remains under ongoing investigation, compelling indications suggest its active participation in host-pathogen interactions. Incorporating the ECS into the framework of bacterial pathogen infections introduces a layer of complexity to our understanding of its functions. While some studies propose the potential of cannabinoids to modulate bacterial function and immune responses, the outcomes inherently hinge on the specific infection and cannabinoid under consideration. Moreover, the bidirectional relationship between the ECS and the gut microbiota underscores the intricate interplay among diverse physiological processes. The ECS extends its influence far beyond its initial discovery, emerging as a promising therapeutic target across a spectrum of medical conditions, encompassing bacterial infections, dysbiosis, and sepsis. This review comprehensively explores the complex roles of the ECS in the modulation of bacteria, the host's response to bacterial infections, and the dynamics of the microbiome. Special emphasis is placed on the roles of cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2, whose signaling intricately influences immune cell function in microbe-host interactions.

Selective inhibition of cannabinoid CB1 receptor-evoked signalling by the interacting protein GAP43

Cannabinoids exert pleiotropic effects on the brain by engaging the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R), a presynaptic metabotropic receptor that regulates key neuronal functions in a highly context-dependent manner. We have previously shown that CB1R interacts with growth-associated protein of 43 kDa (GAP43) and that this interaction inhibits CB1R function on hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission, thereby impairing the therapeutic effect of cannabinoids on epileptic seizures in vivo. However, the underlying molecular features of this interaction remain unexplored. Here, we conducted mechanistic experiments on HEK293T cells co-expressing CB1R and GAP43 and show that GAP43 modulates CB1R signalling in a strikingly selective manner. Specifically, GAP43 did not affect the archetypical agonist-evoked (i) CB1R/Gi/o protein-coupled signalling pathways, such as cAMP/PKA and ERK, or (ii) CB1R internalization and intracellular trafficking. In contrast, GAP43 blocked an alternative agonist-evoked CB1R-mediated activation of the cytoskeleton-associated ROCK signalling pathway, which relied on the GAP43-mediated impairment of CB1R/Gq/11 protein coupling. GAP43 also abrogated CB1R-mediated ROCK activation in mouse hippocampal neurons, and this process led in turn to a blockade of cannabinoid-evoked neurite collapse. An NMR-based characterization of the CB1R-GAP43 interaction supported that GAP43 binds directly and specifically through multiple amino acid stretches to the C-terminal domain of the receptor. Taken together, our findings unveil a CB1R-Gq/11-ROCK signalling axis that is selectively impaired by GAP43 and may ultimately control neurite outgrowth.

Differential Effects of D9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)- and Cannabidiol (CBD)-Based Cannabinoid Treatments on Macrophage Immune Function In Vitro and on Gastrointestinal Inflammation in a Murine Model

Phytocannabinoids possess a wide range of immune regulatory properties, mediated by the endocannabinoid system. Monocyte/macrophage innate immune cells express endocannabinoid receptors. Dysregulation of macrophage function is involved in the pathogenesis of different inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. In our research, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the phytocannabinoids D9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on macrophage activation. Macrophages from young and aged C57BL/6 mice were activated in vitro in the presence of pure cannabinoids or cannabis extracts. The phenotype of the cells, nitric oxide (NO•) secretion, and cytokine secretion were examined. In addition, these treatments were administered to murine colitis model. The clinical statuses of mice, levels of colon infiltrating macrophages, and inflammatory cytokines in the blood, were evaluated. We demonstrated inhibition of macrophage NO• and cytokine secretion and significant effects on expression of cell surface molecules. In the murine model, clinical scores were improved and macrophage colon infiltration reduced following treatment. We identified higher activity of cannabis extracts as compared with pure cannabinoids. Each treatment had a unique effect on cytokine composition. Overall, our results establish that the effects of cannabinoid treatments differ. A better understanding of the reciprocal relationship between cannabinoids and immunity is essential to design targeted treatment strategies.

Cannabinoid CB1 receptor gene inactivation in oligodendrocyte precursors disrupts oligodendrogenesis and myelination in mice

Cannabinoids are known to modulate oligodendrogenesis and developmental CNS myelination. However, the cell-autonomous action of these compounds on oligodendroglial cells in vivo, and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects have not yet been studied. Here, by using oligodendroglial precursor cell (OPC)-targeted genetic mouse models, we show that cannabinoid CB₁ receptors exert an essential role in modulating OPC differentiation at the critical periods of postnatal myelination. We found that selective genetic inactivation of CB₁ receptors in OPCs in vivo perturbs oligodendrogenesis and postnatal myelination by altering the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, leading to hypomyelination, and motor and cognitive alterations in young adult mice. Conversely, pharmacological CB₁ receptor activation, by inducing E3 ubiquitin ligase-dependent RhoA proteasomal degradation, promotes oligodendrocyte development and CNS myelination in OPCs, an effect that was not evident in OPC-specific CB₁ receptor-deficient mice. Moreover, pharmacological inactivation of ROCK in vivo overcomes the defects in oligodendrogenesis and CNS myelination, and behavioral alterations found in OPC-specific CB₁ receptor-deficient mice. Overall, this study supports a cell-autonomous role for CB₁ receptors in modulating oligodendrogenesis in vivo, which may have a profound impact on the scientific knowledge and therapeutic manipulation of CNS myelination by cannabinoids.

Identification of Regulatory Factors and Prognostic Markers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle atrophy, paralysis and even death. Immune disorder, redox imbalance, autophagy disorder, and iron homeostasis disorder have been shown to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of ALS. However, the exact pathogenic genes and the underlying mechanism of ALS remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to screen for pathogenic regulatory genes and prognostic markers in ALS using bioinformatics methods. We used Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and expression regulation network analysis to investigate the function of differentially expressed genes in the nerve tissue, lymphoid tissue, and whole blood of patients with ALS. Our results showed that the up-regulated genes were mainly involved in immune regulation and inflammation, and the down-regulated genes were mainly involved in energy metabolism and redox processes. Eleven up-regulated transcription factors (CEBPB, CEBPD, STAT5A, STAT6, RUNX1, REL, SMAD3, GABPB2, FOXO1, PAX6, and FOXJ1) and one down-regulated transcription factor (NOG) in the nerve tissue of patients with ALS likely play important regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of ALS. Based on construction and evaluation of the ALS biomarker screening model, cluster analysis of the identified characteristic genes, univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, and the random survival forest algorithm, we found that MAEA, TPST1, IFNGR2, and ALAS2 may be prognostic markers regarding the survival of ALS patients. High expression of MAEA, TPST1, and IFNGR2 and low expression of ALAS2 in ALS patients may be closely related to short survival of ALS patients. Taken together, our results indicate that immune disorders, inflammation, energy metabolism, and redox imbalance may be the important pathogenic factors of ALS. CEBPB, CEBPD, STAT5A, STAT6, RUNX1, REL, SMAD3, GABPB2, FOXO1, PAX6, FOXJ1, and NOG may be important regulatory factors linked to the pathogenesis of ALS. MAEA, TPST1, IFNGR2, and ALAS2 are potential important ALS prognostic markers. Our findings provide evidence on the pathogenesis of ALS, potential targets for the development of new drugs for ALS, and important markers for predicting ALS prognosis.

The Emerging Role of Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors in Cardiovascular Disorders: Insights Into Atherosclerosis: A Mini Review

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease accounts for one-third of global deaths. However, the mechanism of atherosclerosis is not fully understood. It is well-known that the Rho GTPase family, especially Rho A, plays a vital role in the development and progression of arteriosclerosis. Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Rho GEFs), which act upstream of Rho GTPases, are also involved in the atheromatous pathological process. Despite some research on the role of Rho GEFS in the regulation of atherosclerosis, the number of studies is small relative to studies on the essential function of Rho GEFs. Some studies have preliminarily revealed Rho GEF regulation of atherosclerosis by experiments in vivo and in vitro. Herein, we review the advances in research on the relationship and interaction between Rho GEFs and atheroma to provide a potential reference for further study of atherosclerosis.

Cannabinoid Signaling in Auditory Function and Development

Plants of the genus Cannabis have been used by humans for millennia for a variety of purposes. Perhaps most notable is the use of certain Cannabis strains for their psychoactive effects. More recently, several biologically active molecules within the plants of these Cannabis strains, called phytocannabinoids or simply cannabinoids, have been identified. Furthermore, within human cells, endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, as well as the receptors and secondary messengers that give rise to their neuromodulatory effects, have also been characterized. This endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of two primary ligands-anandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol; two primary receptors-cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2; and several enzymes involved in biosynthesis and degradation of endocannabinoid ligands including diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Here we briefly summarize cannabinoid signaling and review what has been discerned to date with regard to cannabinoid signaling in the auditory system and its roles in normal physiological function as well as pathological conditions. While much has been uncovered regarding cannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system, less attention has been paid to the auditory system specifically. Still, evidence is emerging to suggest that cannabinoid signaling is critical for the development, maturation, function, and survival of cochlear hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Furthermore, cannabinoid signaling can have profound effects on synaptic connectivity in CNS structures related to auditory processing. While clinical cases demonstrate that endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids impact auditory function, this review highlights several areas, such as SGN development, where more research is warranted.

Rosmarinic acid protects against ulcerative colitis by regulating macrophage polarization depending on heme oxygenase-1 in mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an unknown-cause inflammatory disease of colorectum. At present, there are no specific therapeutic drugs. We found that rosmarinic acid (RA) can significantly improve UC and further explored the relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms. Firstly, using F4/80 as marker for mouse macrophages, we found there were large numbers of macrophages infiltrating into colonic tissue of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice UC model. Meanwhile, RA markedly improved weight loss, diarrhea, hematochezia and colonic inflammation in mice with DSS treatment. Further, RA changed macrophage polarization in mouse colon, showing that classical activation (M1) phenotype decreased, alternative activation (M2) phenotype increased, and M1/M2 ratio reversed by Real-time PCR. In vitro, we cultured the peripheral blood macrophages (PBM) and found that RA inhibited PBM M1 polarization and favored M2 polarization directly. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mediated the anti-inflammatory effect of RA. RA induced HO-1 expression in PBM, and the HO-1 inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin, blunted the inhibitory effect of RA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) translocation and M1 polarization. In addition, blocking NF-κB signal has no effect on the role of RA. In conclusion, RA protects against UC by regulating macrophage polarization depending on HO-1. These data suggest that reversing macrophage polarization can be used as a strategy for UC treatment and RA is an effective drug to cure UC by regulating macrophage polarization.

Cracking the Cell Death Code

Cell death is an invariant feature throughout our life span, starting with extensive scheduled cell death during morphogenesis and continuing with death under homeostasis in adult tissues. Additionally, cells become victims of accidental, unscheduled death following injury and infection. Cell death in each of these occasions triggers specific and specialized responses in the living cells that surround them or are attracted to the dying/dead cells. These responses sculpt tissues during morphogenesis, replenish lost cells in homeostasis to maintain tissue/system function, and repair damaged tissues after injury. Wherein lies the information that sets in motion the cascade of effector responses culminating in remodeling, renewal, or repair? Here, we attempt to provide a framework for thinking about cell death in terms of the specific effector responses that accompanies various modalities of cell death. We also propose an integrated threefold "cell death code" consisting of information intrinsic to the dying/dead cell, the surroundings of the dying cell, and the identity of the responder.

Cannabinoid Receptor 1/miR-30b-5p Axis Governs Macrophage NLRP3 Expression and Inflammasome Activation in Liver Inflammatory Disease

Nod-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) has been regarded as an important initiator or promoter in multiple inflammatory diseases. However, the relationship between cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome and the corresponding molecular mechanism in liver inflammation remain unclear. Mouse liver injury models were induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) or methionine-choline-deficient and high fat (MCDHF) diet. Human liver tissues were obtained from patients with different chronic liver diseases. CB1 expression was increased in liver tissue and macrophages of CCl₄- and MCDHF-treated mice, positively correlated with NLRP3. CB1 agonist ACEA (Arachiodonyl-2’-Chloroethylamide) promoted NLRP3 expression and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. CB1 blockade with its antagonist AM281 reduced NLRP3 expression, inflammasome activation, and liver inflammation in CCl₄- and MCDHF-treated mice. MicroRNA-30b-5p (miR-30b-5p), screened by the intersection of bioinformatics databases and downregulated miRNAs in injured liver, negatively correlated with NLRP3 in mouse and human liver. miR-30b-5p was involved in CB1-mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages by directly targeting NLRP3. Importantly, administration of miR-30b-5p agomir targeted NLRP3 and attenuated liver inflammation in the injured liver. Altogether, CB1/miR-30b-5p axis modulates NLRP3 expression and NLPR3 inflammasome activation in macrophages during liver inflammation, which provides a potential target for liver disease.

Neutrophil Chemotaxis and NETosis in Murine Chronic Liver Injury via Cannabinoid Receptor 1/ Gαi/o/ ROS/ p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway

Neutrophils play an essential role in the control of inflammatory diseases. However, whether cannabinoid receptors (CBs) play a role in neutrophil chemotaxis and NETosis in sterile liver inflammation remains unknown. The expression of marker genes on neutrophils was characterized by FACS, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. The amount of neutrophils was significantly elevated from 7 days and reached the peak at 2 weeks in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-treated mouse liver. The mRNA expression of neutrophil marker Ly6G had positive correlation with CB1 and CB2 expression in injured liver. In vitro CBs were abundantly expressed in isolated neutrophils and CB1 agonist ACEA promoted the chemotaxis and cytoskeletal remodeling, which can be suppressed by CB1 antagonist AM281. Moreover, ACEA induced NETosis, myeloperoxidase release from lysosome and ROS burst, indicating neutrophil activation, via Gα_i/o. Conversely, CB2 agonist JWH133 had no effect on neutrophil function. ROS and p38 MAPK signaling pathways were involved in CB1-mediated neutrophil function, and ROS was upstream of p38 MAPK. CB1 blockade in vivo significantly attenuated neutrophil infiltration and liver inflammation in CCl₄-treated mice. Taken together, CB1 mediates neutrophil chemotaxis and NETosis via Gα_i/o/ROS/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in liver inflammation, which represents an effective therapeutic strategy for liver diseases.

Stearoylethanolamide interferes with retrograde endocannabinoid signalling and supports the blood-brain barrier integrity under acute systemic inflammation

Neuroinflammation plays a prominent role in the onset of demyelinating diseases, major depressive disorder and delayed neurodegeneration. An open question remains whether pharmacological suppression of inflammation can effectively reduce the progression of these states. Bioactive lipid mediators such as N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) have an anti-inflammatory activity and are of pharmacological interest due to their endogenous on-demand production and the existence of distinct biological targets in humans and animals. Here we demonstrate for the first time, that treatment with stearoylethanolamide (SEA), a prevailing endogenously formed NAE, is neuroprotective against LPS-induced neuroinflammation in C57BL/6 male mice. SEA restricted the spreading of peripheral inflammation to the brain, and averted the activation of resident microglia and leukocyte trafficking to the brain parenchyma. Treatment with SEA per se increased the neuronal expression of cannabinoid receptors CB_1/2 and brain levels of the most potent endogenous CB_1/2 agonist 2-arachidonoylglycerol in vivo. SEA enhanced the amplitude of synaptic vesicle release, supported the balanced signal-to-noise ratio in glutamate- and GABAergic neurotransmission and decreased the excitotoxic risk associated with higher extracellular glutamate levels under neuroinflammation. The interference of SEA with the endocannabinoid system and presynaptic neurotransmitter release may represent an intrinsic neuroprotective mechanism that is triggered by inflammation and glutamate excitotoxicity. Thus, our data allows to consider SEA for the preventive therapy of acute and late-onset neuroinflammation-associated synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration.

Both HuR and miR-29s regulate expression of CB1 involved in infiltration of bone marrow monocyte/macrophage in chronic liver injury

Bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages (BMMs) play a vital role in liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) mediates the recruitment of BMMs into the injured liver. In this study, we revealed the molecular mechanisms under CB1-mediated BMM infiltration. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ ) was employed to induce mouse liver injury. In vivo, human antigen R (HuR) was upregulated in macrophages of injured liver. HuR messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was positively correlated with CB1 and F4/80 mRNA expression. Furthermore, we detected the binding between HuR and CB1 mRNA in CCl₄ -treated livers. In vitro, HuR modulated arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA, CB1 agonist)-induced BMM migration by regulating CB1 expression. HuR promoted CB1 expression via binding to CB1 mRNA. ACEA promoted the association between HuR and CB1 mRNA via inducing HuR nucleoplasmic transport. In the cytoplasm, HuR competed with the miR-29 family to improve CB1 expression and BMM migration. In conclusion, our results prove that HuR regulates CB1 expression and influences ACEA-induced BMM migration by competing with miR-29 family.

Paradoxical effects of JZL184, an inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase, on bone remodelling in healthy and cancer-bearing mice

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated bone disease is a serious complication in bone sarcomas and metastatic carcinomas of breast and prostate origin. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is an enzyme of the endocannabinoid system, and is responsible for the degradation of the most abundant endocannabinoid in bone, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2AG).

METHODS

The effects of the verified MAGL inhibitor on bone remodelling were assessed in healthy mice and in mouse models of bone disease caused by prostate and breast cancers and osteosarcoma.

FINDINGS

JZL184 reduced osteolytic bone metastasis in mouse models of breast and prostate cancers, and inhibited skeletal tumour growth, metastasis and the formation of ectopic bone in models of osteosarcoma. Additionally, JZL184 suppressed cachexia and prolonged survival in mice injected with metastatic osteosarcoma and osteotropic cancer cells. Functional and histological analysis revealed that the osteoprotective action of JZL184 in cancer models is predominately due to inhibition of tumour growth and metastasis. In the absence of cancer, however, exposure to JZL184 exerts a paradoxical reduction of bone volume via an effect that is mediated by both Cnr1 and Cnr2 cannabinoid receptors.

INTERPRETATION

MAGL inhibitors such as JZL184, or its novel analogues, may be of value in the treatment of bone disease caused by primary bone cancer and bone metastasis, however, activation of the skeletal endocannabinoid system may limit their usefulness as osteoprotective agents.

Loss of Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors Induces Cortical Migration Malformations and Increases Seizure Susceptibility

Neuronal migration is a fundamental process of brain development, and its disruption underlies devastating neurodevelopmental disorders. The transcriptional programs governing this process are relatively well characterized. However, how environmental cues instruct neuronal migration remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the cannabinoid CB1 receptor is strictly required for appropriate pyramidal neuron migration in the developing cortex. Acute silencing of the CB1 receptor alters neuronal morphology and impairs radial migration. Consequently, CB1 siRNA-electroporated mice display cortical malformations mimicking subcortical band heterotopias and increased seizure susceptibility in adulthood. Importantly, rescuing the CB1 deficiency-induced radial migration arrest by knockdown of the GTPase protein RhoA restored the hyperexcitable neuronal network and seizure susceptibility. Our findings show that CB1 receptor/RhoA signaling regulates pyramidal neuron migration, and that deficient CB1 receptor signaling may contribute to cortical development malformations leading to refractory epilepsy independently of its canonical neuromodulatory role in the adult brain.

RhoA/MLC signaling pathway is involved in Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol-impaired placental angiogenesis

Cannabis is a widely used illicit drug and its abuse during pregnancy has been related to adverse reproductive outcomes. In addition, placental angiogenesis is considered to be responsible for the transport of nutrients critical for placental development and fetal growth. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major component of cannabis, on placental angiogenesis, involving endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, migration and tube formation. Here, we observe dramatic alterations in placental vascular network of cannabis users correlated with an impaired HUVE cell proliferation, migration and tube formation after treated with THC. Mechanistically, the activity of RhoA/MLC is involved in the THC-impaired EC migration and angiogenesis. To further analyze the role of cannabis in mice placental and embryonic development, we inject pregnant mice with THC daily. This treatment results in an altered placental microvasculature, accompanied by the decreased expression of CD31 and activity of RhoA/MLC. Taken together, these findings identify THC plays a pivotal role in impairing placental angiogenesis potentially via RhoA/MLC signaling nexus.

Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Participates in Liver Inflammation by Promoting M1 Macrophage Polarization via RhoA/NF-κB p65 and ERK1/2 Pathways, Respectively, in Mouse Liver Fibrogenesis

Macrophage M1/M2 polarization mediates tissue damage and inflammatory responses. Cannabinoid receptor (CB) 1 participated in liver fibrogenesis by affecting bone marrow (BM)-derived monocytes/macrophages (BMMs) activation. However, the knowledge of whether CB1 is involved in the polarization of BMMs remains limited. Here, we found M1 gene signatures (including CD86, MIP-1β, tumor necrosis factor, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase) and the amount of M1 macrophages (CD86⁺ cells, gated by F4/80) were significantly elevated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced mouse injured livers, while that of M2 type macrophages had little change by RT-qPCR and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Our preceding study confirmed CB1 was involved in CCl₄-induced liver fibrogenesis. Our results noted CB1 expression showed positive correlation with CD86. Blockade of CB1 by its antagonist or siRNA in vivo downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of M1 markers using RT-qPCR, western blot, and Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) assays, and reduced the proportion of M1 macrophages. Moreover, chimera mouse models, which received BM transplants from EGFP-transgenic mice or clodronate liposome injection mouse models, in which Kupffer cells were depleted, were performed to clarify the role of CB1 on the polarization of Kupffer cells and BMMs. We found that CB1 was especially involved in BMM polarization toward M1 phenotype but have no effect on that of Kupffer cells. The reason might due to the lower CB1 expression in Kupffer cells than that of BMMs. In vitro, we discovered CB1 was involved in the polarization of BMMs toward M1. Furthermore, CB1-induced M1 polarization was apparently impaired by PTX [G(α)_i/o protein inhibitor], Y27632 (ROCK inhibitor), and PD98059 [extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor], while SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and compound C (AMPK inhibitor) had no such effect. ACEA (CB1 agonist) activated G(α)_i/o coupled CB1, then enlarged GTP-bound Rho and phosphor-ERK1/2, independently. NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation is also a marker of M1 phenotype macrophages. We found that CB1 switched on NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation only depending on G(α)_i/o/RhoA signaling pathway.

Antihyperalgesic effect of CB1 receptor activation involves the modulation of P2X3 receptor in the primary afferent neuron

Cannabinoid system is a potential target for pain control. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB₁) activation play a role in the analgesic effect of cannabinoids once it is expressed in primary afferent neurons. This study investigates whether the anti-hyperalgesic effect of CB₁ receptor activation involves P2X₃ receptor in primary afferent neurons. Mechanical hyperalgesia was evaluated by electronic von Frey test. Cannabinoid effect was evaluated using anandamide or ACEA, a non-selective or a selective CB₁ receptor agonists, respectively; AM251, a CB₁ receptor antagonist, and antisense ODN for CB₁ receptor. Calcium imaging assay was performed to evaluated α,β-meATP-responsive cultured DRG neurons pretreated with ACEA. Anandamide or ACEA administered in peripheral tissue reduced the carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. The reduction in the carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia induced by ACEA was completely reversed by administration of AM251 as well as by the intrathecal treatment with antisense ODN for CB₁ receptor. Also, ACEA reduced the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by bradykinin and by α,β-meATP, a P2X₃ receptor non-selective agonist, but not by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and chemokine-induced chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1). Finally, CB₁ receptors are co-localized with P2X₃ receptors in DRG small-diameter neurons and the treatment with ACEA reduced the number of α,β-meATP-responsive cultured DRG neurons. Our data suggest that the analgesic effect of CB₁ receptor activation is mediated by a negative modulation of the P2X₃ receptor in the primary afferent neurons.

Differential Effects of p38, MAPK, PI3K or Rho Kinase Inhibitors on Bacterial Phagocytosis and Efferocytosis by Macrophages in COPD

Pulmonary inflammation and bacterial colonization are central to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Defects in macrophage phagocytosis of both bacteria and apoptotic cells contribute to the COPD phenotype. Small molecule inhibitors with anti-inflammatory activity against p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidyl-inositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and Rho kinase (ROCK) are being investigated as novel therapeutics in COPD. Concerns exist, however, about off-target effects. We investigated the effect of p38 MAPK inhibitors (VX745 and SCIO469), specific inhibitors of PI3K α (NVS-P13K-2), δ (NVS-P13K-3) or γ (NVS-P13K-5) and a ROCK inhibitor PF4950834 on macrophage phagocytosis, early intracellular killing of bacteria and efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. Alveolar macrophages (AM) obtained from broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) or monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from COPD patients (GOLD stage II/III) enrolled from a well characterized clinical cohort (MRC COPD-MAP consortium) or from healthy ex-smoker controls were studied. Both COPD AM and MDM exhibited lower levels of bacterial phagocytosis (using Streptococcus pneumoniae and non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae) and efferocytosis than healthy controls. None of the inhibitors altered bacterial internalization or early intracellular bacterial killing in AM or MDM. Conversely PF4950834, but not other inhibitors, enhanced efferocytosis in COPD AM and MDM. These results suggest none of these inhibitors are likely to exacerbate phagocytosis-related defects in COPD, while confirming ROCK inhibitors can enhance efferocytosis in COPD.

A Primary Cortical Input to Hippocampus Expresses a Pathway-Specific and Endocannabinoid-Dependent Form of Long-Term Potentiation

The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG), a key modulator of synaptic transmission in mammalian brain, is produced in dendritic spines and then crosses the synaptic junction to depress neurotransmitter release. Here we report that 2-AG-dependent retrograde signaling also mediates an enduring enhancement of glutamate release, as assessed with independent tests, in the lateral perforant path (LPP), one of two cortical inputs to the granule cells of the dentate gyrus. Induction of this form of long-term potentiation (LTP) involved two types of glutamate receptors, changes in postsynaptic calcium, and the postsynaptic enzyme that synthesizes 2-AG. Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy confirmed that CB₁ cannabinoid receptors are localized presynaptically to LPP terminals, while the inhibition or knockout of the receptors eliminated LPP-LTP. Suppressing the enzyme that degrades 2-AG dramatically enhanced LPP potentiation, while overexpressing it produced the opposite effect. Priming with a CB₁ agonist markedly reduced the threshold for LTP. Latrunculin A, which prevents actin polymerization, blocked LPP-LTP when applied extracellularly but had no effect when infused postsynaptically into granule cells, indicating that critical actin remodeling resides in the presynaptic compartment. Importantly, there was no evidence for the LPP form of potentiation in the Schaffer-commissural innervation of field CA1 or in the medial perforant path. Peripheral injections of compounds that block or enhance LPP-LTP had corresponding effects on the formation of long-term memory for cues conveyed to the dentate gyrus by the LPP. Together, these results indicate that the encoding of information carried by a principal hippocampal afferent involves an unusual, regionally differentiated form of plasticity.