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Bortolato M, Braccagni G, Pederson CA, Floris G, Fite PJ. "Weeding out" violence? Translational perspectives on the neuropsychobiological links between cannabis and aggression. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2024; 78:101948. [PMID: 38828012 PMCID: PMC11141739 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2024.101948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent shifts in societal attitudes towards cannabis have led to a dramatic increase in consumption rates in many Western countries, particularly among young people. This trend has shed light on a significant link between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and pathological reactive aggression, a condition involving disproportionate aggressive and violent reactions to minor provocations. The discourse on the connection between cannabis use and aggression is frequently enmeshed in political and legal discussions, leading to a polarized understanding of the causative relationship between cannabis use and aggression. However, integrative analyses from both human and animal research indicate a complex, bidirectional interplay between cannabis misuse and pathological aggression. On the one hand, emerging research reveals a shared genetic and environmental predisposition for both cannabis use and aggression, suggesting a common underlying biological mechanism. On the other hand, there is evidence that cannabis consumption can lead to violent behaviors while also being used as a self-medication strategy to mitigate the negative emotions associated with pathological reactive aggression. This suggests that the coexistence of pathological aggression and CUD may result from overlapping vulnerabilities, potentially creating a self-perpetuating cycle where each condition exacerbates the other, escalating into externalizing and violent behaviors. This article aims to synthesize existing research on the intricate connections between these issues and propose a theoretical model to explain the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning this complex relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Giulia Braccagni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Casey A. Pederson
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paula J. Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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Dionne O, Abolghasemi A, Corbin F, Çaku A. Implication of the endocannabidiome and metabolic pathways in fragile X syndrome pathophysiology. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115962. [PMID: 38763080 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) results from the silencing of the FMR1 gene and is the most prevalent inherited cause of intellectual disability and the most frequent monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder. It is well established that Fragile X individuals are subjected to a wide array of comorbidities, ranging from cognitive, behavioural, and medical origin. Furthermore, recent studies have also described metabolic impairments in FXS individuals. However, the molecular mechanisms linking FMRP deficiency to improper metabolism are still misunderstood. The endocannabinoidome (eCBome) is a lipid-based signalling system that regulates several functions across the body, ranging from cognition, behaviour and metabolism. Alterations in the eCBome have been described in FXS animal models and linked to neuronal hyperexcitability, a core deficit of the disease. However, the potential link between dysregulation of the eCBome and altered metabolism observed in FXS remains unexplored. As such, this review aims to overcome this issue by describing the most recent finding related to eCBome and metabolic dysfunctions in the context of FXS. A better comprehension of this association will help deepen our understanding of FXS pathophysiology and pave the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Dionne
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada.
| | - Armita Abolghasemi
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - François Corbin
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Artuela Çaku
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
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Han Y, Dong Q, Peng J, Li B, Sun C, Ma C. Laminar Distribution of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 in the Prefrontal Cortex of Nonhuman Primates. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1-12. [PMID: 38062346 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03828-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis is an annual herb of the genus Cannabis, with a history of medical use going back thousands of years. However, its abuse causes many side-effects, including confusion of consciousness, alienation, and mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. Research conducted on rodents suggests that there are two types of cannabinoid receptors-cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R). CB1R is found mostly in the central nervous system, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and alterations in its expression in the PFC have been strongly linked to mental disorders. Within the layers of the PFC, Brodmann area 46 is associated with the processing of complex cognitive information. However, it remains unclear whether CB1R is expressed in the PFC 46 area of non-human primate. In this work, we applied western blotting along with immunofluorescent histochemical staining to investigate the distribution pattern of CB1R in the PFC of nonhuman primate, Our findings reveal that CB1R is highly expressed in the monkey PFC, especially in area 46. Furthermore, CB1R exhibits a layered distribution pattern within area 46 of the PFC, with the inner granular layer displaying the highest expression levels. Additionally, CB1R+PV+ cells are widely distributed in lay II-VI of area 46, with layer IV showing notable prevalence. In conclusion, CB1R is distributed in the PV interneurons in area 46 of the prefrontal cortex, particularly in layer IV, suggesting that cannabis may modulate PFC activities via regulating interneuron in the PFC. And cannabis-induced side effects may be caused by abnormal expression of CB1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Han
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Qianyu Dong
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Jiyun Peng
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Baoming Li
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Chong Sun
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Chaolin Ma
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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Chowdhury KU, Holden ME, Wiley MT, Suppiramaniam V, Reed MN. Effects of Cannabis on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission: The Interplay between Cannabinoids and Glutamate. Cells 2024; 13:1130. [PMID: 38994982 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been a significant increase in the consumption of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes in recent years, and its use can have long-term consequences on cognitive functions, including memory. Here, we review the immediate and long-term effects of cannabis and its derivatives on glutamatergic neurotransmission, with a focus on both the presynaptic and postsynaptic alterations. Several factors can influence cannabinoid-mediated changes in glutamatergic neurotransmission, including dosage, sex, age, and frequency of use. Acute exposure to cannabis typically inhibits glutamate release, whereas chronic use tends to increase glutamate release. Conversely, the postsynaptic alterations are more complicated than the presynaptic effects, as cannabis can affect the glutamate receptor expression and the downstream signaling of glutamate. All these effects ultimately influence cognitive functions, particularly memory. This review will cover the current research on glutamate-cannabis interactions, as well as the future directions of research needed to understand cannabis-related health effects and neurological and psychological aspects of cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawsar U Chowdhury
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
| | | | - Miles T Wiley
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Vishnu Suppiramaniam
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Miranda N Reed
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Echeverria-Villalobos M, Guevara Y, Mitchell J, Ryskamp D, Conner J, Bush M, Periel L, Uribe A, Weaver TE. Potential perioperative cardiovascular outcomes in cannabis/cannabinoid users. A call for caution. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1343549. [PMID: 38978789 PMCID: PMC11228818 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1343549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabis is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances. Its components act through several pathways, producing a myriad of side effects, of which cardiovascular events are the most life-threatening. However, only a limited number of studies address cannabis's perioperative impact on patients during noncardiac surgery. Methods Studies were identified by searching the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases using relevant keyword combinations pertinent to the topic. Results Current evidence shows that cannabis use may cause several cardiovascular events, including abnormalities in cardiac rhythm, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cerebrovascular events. Additionally, cannabis interacts with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, decreasing their efficacy. Finally, the interplay of cannabis with inhalational and intravenous anesthetic agents may lead to adverse perioperative cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusions The use of cannabis can trigger cardiovascular events that may depend on factors such as the duration of consumption, the route of administration of the drug, and the dose consumed, which places these patients at risk of drug-drug interactions with anesthetic agents. However, large prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to further elucidate gaps in the body of knowledge regarding which patient population has a greater risk of perioperative complications after cannabis consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yosira Guevara
- Department of Anesthesiology, St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Brighton, MA, United States
| | - Justin Mitchell
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David Ryskamp
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Joshua Conner
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Margo Bush
- University of Toledo, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Luis Periel
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York, NW, United States
| | - Alberto Uribe
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Tristan E. Weaver
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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Heal DJ, Gosden J, Smith SL. A critical assessment of the abuse, dependence and associated safety risks of naturally occurring and synthetic cannabinoids. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1322434. [PMID: 38915848 PMCID: PMC11194422 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1322434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Various countries and US States have legalized cannabis, and the use of the psychoactive1 and non-psychoactive cannabinoids is steadily increasing. In this review, we have collated evidence from published non-clinical and clinical sources to evaluate the abuse, dependence and associated safety risks of the individual cannabinoids present in cannabis. As context, we also evaluated various synthetic cannabinoids. The evidence shows that delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and other psychoactive cannabinoids in cannabis have moderate reinforcing effects. Although they rapidly induce pharmacological tolerance, the withdrawal syndrome produced by the psychoactive cannabinoids in cannabis is of moderate severity and lasts from 2 to 6 days. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that non-psychoactive cannabinoids do not produce intoxicating, cognitive or rewarding properties in humans. There has been much speculation whether cannabidiol (CBD) influences the psychoactive and potentially harmful effects of Δ9-THC. Although most non-clinical and clinical investigations have shown that CBD does not attenuate the CNS effects of Δ9-THC or synthetic psychoactive cannabinoids, there is sufficient uncertainty to warrant further research. Based on the analysis, our assessment is cannabis has moderate levels of abuse and dependence risk. While the risks and harms are substantially lower than those posed by many illegal and legal substances of abuse, including tobacco and alcohol, they are far from negligible. In contrast, potent synthetic cannabinoid (CB1/CB2) receptor agonists are more reinforcing and highly intoxicating and pose a substantial risk for abuse and harm. 1 "Psychoactive" is defined as a substance that when taken or administered affects mental processes, e.g., perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Heal
- DevelRx Limited, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Rein JL, Mackie K, Kleyman TR, Satlin LM. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 activation causes a water diuresis by inducing an acute central diabetes insipidus in mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F917-F930. [PMID: 38634131 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00320.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid consumption are increasing worldwide. Cannabis contains numerous phytocannabinoids that act on the G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 expressed throughout the body, including the kidney. Essentially every organ, including the kidney, produces endocannabinoids, which are endogenous ligands to these receptors. Cannabinoids acutely increase urine output in rodents and humans, thus potentially influencing total body water and electrolyte homeostasis. As the kidney collecting duct (CD) regulates total body water, acid/base, and electrolyte balance through specific functions of principal cells (PCs) and intercalated cells (ICs), we examined the cell-specific immunolocalization of CB1R in the mouse CD. Antibodies against either the C-terminus or N-terminus of CB1R consistently labeled aquaporin 2 (AQP2)-negative cells in the cortical and medullary CD and thus presumably ICs. Given the well-established role of ICs in urinary acidification, we used a clearance approach in mice that were acid loaded with 280 mM NH4Cl for 7 days and nonacid-loaded mice treated with the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) or a vehicle control. Although WIN had no effect on urinary acidification, these WIN-treated mice had less apical + subapical AQP2 expression in PCs compared with controls and developed acute diabetes insipidus associated with the excretion of large volumes of dilute urine. Mice maximally concentrated their urine when WIN and 1-desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin [desmopressin (DDAVP)] were coadministered, consistent with central rather than nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Although ICs express CB1R, the physiological role of CB1R in this cell type remains to be determined.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The CB1R agonist WIN55,212-2 induces central diabetes insipidus in mice. This research integrates existing knowledge regarding the diuretic effects of cannabinoids and the influence of CB1R on vasopressin secretion while adding new mechanistic insights about total body water homeostasis. Our findings provide a deeper understanding about the potential clinical impact of cannabinoids on human physiology and may help identify targets for novel therapeutics to treat water and electrolyte disorders such as hyponatremia and volume overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Rein
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
- Barbara T. Murphy Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Medicine, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Thomas R Kleyman
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Lisa M Satlin
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
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Sobieraj J, Strzelecka K, Sobczak M, Oledzka E. How Biodegradable Polymers Can be Effective Drug Delivery Systems for Cannabinoids? Prospectives and Challenges. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4607-4649. [PMID: 38799700 PMCID: PMC11128233 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s458907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are compounds found in and derived from the Cannabis plants that have become increasingly recognised as significant modulating factors of physiological mechanisms and inflammatory reactions of the organism, thus inevitably affecting maintenance of homeostasis. Medical Cannabis popularity has surged since its legal regulation growing around the world. Numerous promising discoveries bring more data on cannabinoids' pharmacological characteristics and therapeutic applications. Given the current surge in interest in the medical use of cannabinoids, there is an urgent need for an effective method of their administration. Surpassing low bioavailability, low water solubility, and instability became an important milestone in the advancement of cannabinoids in pharmaceutical applications. The numerous uses of cannabinoids in clinical practice remain restricted by limited administration alternatives, but there is hope when biodegradable polymers are taken into account. The primary objective of this review is to highlight the wide range of indications for which cannabinoids may be used, as well as the polymeric carriers that enhance their effectiveness. The current review described a wide range of therapeutic applications of cannabinoids, including pain management, neurological and sleep disorders, anxiety, and cancer treatment. The use of these compounds was further examined in the area of dermatology and cosmetology. Finally, with the use of biodegradable polymer-based drug delivery systems (DDSs), it was demonstrated that cannabinoids can be delivered specifically to the intended site while also improving the drug's physicochemical properties, emphasizing their utility. Nevertheless, additional clinical trials on novel cannabinoids' formulations are required, as their full spectrum therapeutical potential is yet to be unravelled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Sobieraj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Strzelecka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Marcin Sobczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Ewa Oledzka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
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Jana A, Nath A, Sen P, Kundu S, Alghamdi BS, Abujamel TS, Saboor M, Woon-Khiong C, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Alam MZ, Ashraf GM. Unraveling the Endocannabinoid System: Exploring Its Therapeutic Potential in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuromolecular Med 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38744725 PMCID: PMC11093854 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-024-08781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The salient features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompass persistent difficulties in social communication, as well as the presence of restricted and repetitive facets of behavior, hobbies, or pursuits, which are often accompanied with cognitive limitations. Over the past few decades, a sizable number of studies have been conducted to enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD. Preclinical rat models have proven to be extremely valuable in simulating and analyzing the roles of a wide range of established environmental and genetic factors. Recent research has also demonstrated the significant involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric diseases, including ASD. In fact, the ECS has the potential to regulate a multitude of metabolic and cellular pathways associated with autism, including the immune system. Moreover, the ECS has emerged as a promising target for intervention with high predictive validity. Particularly noteworthy are resent preclinical studies in rodents, which describe the onset of ASD-like symptoms after various genetic or pharmacological interventions targeting the ECS, providing encouraging evidence for further exploration in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Jana
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Arnab Nath
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Palash Sen
- School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Swikriti Kundu
- Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Bolpur, West Bengal, 731235, India
| | - Badrah S Alghamdi
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki S Abujamel
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Saboor
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chan Woon-Khiong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway, Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Research & Development, Funogen, Athens, Greece
- Department of Research & Development, AFNP Med, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Mohammad Zubair Alam
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Corli G, Roda E, Tirri M, Bilel S, De Luca F, Strano-Rossi S, Gaudio RM, De-Giorgio F, Fattore L, Locatelli CA, Marti M. Sex-specific behavioural, metabolic, and immunohistochemical changes after repeated administration of the synthetic cannabinoid AKB48 in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1361-1382. [PMID: 38148741 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE AKB48 is a synthetic cannabinoid illegally sold for its psychoactive cannabis-like effects that have been associated with acute intoxication and whose effects are poorly known. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using a behavioural, neurochemical, and immunohistochemical approach, we investigated the pharmaco-toxicological effects, pharmacokinetics, and neuroplasticity at cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the cerebellum and cortex induced by repeated AKB48 administration in male and female mice. KEY RESULTS The effects of AKB48 varied significantly depending on sex and treatment duration. The first injection impaired sensorimotor responses and reduced body temperature, analgesia, and breath rate to a greater extent in females than in males; the second injection induced stronger effects in males while the third injection of AKB48 induced weaker responses in both sexes, suggesting emergence of tolerance. The CB1 receptor antagonist NESS-0327 prevented the effects induced by repeated AKB48, confirming a CB1 receptor-mediated action. Blood AKB48 levels were higher in females than in males and repeated administration caused a progressive rise of AKB48 levels in both sexes, suggesting an inhibitory effect on cytochrome activity. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher expression of CB1 receptors in the cerebellum and cortex of females, and a rapid CB1 receptor down-regulation in cerebellar and cortical areas following repeated AKB48 injections, with neuroadaptation occurring generally more rapidly in females than in males. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We have shown for the first time that AKB48 effects significantly vary with prolonged use and that sex affects the pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic responses to repeated administration, suggesting a sex-tailored approach in managing AKB48-induced intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Roda
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio De Luca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sabina Strano-Rossi
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Gaudio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- National Research Council, CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlo Alessandro Locatelli
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Rome, Italy
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Weizman L, Sharon H, Dayan L, Espaniol J, Brill S, Nahman-Averbuch H, Hendler T, Jacob G. Oral Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Increases Parasympathetic Activity and Supraspinal Conditioned Pain Modulation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain Male Patients: A Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. CNS Drugs 2024; 38:375-385. [PMID: 38597988 PMCID: PMC11026292 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-024-01085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disordered autonomic nervous system regulation and supraspinal pain inhibition have been repeatedly described in chronic pain. We aimed to explore the effects of δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an emerging treatment option, on autonomic nervous system and central pain modulation measures in patients with chronic pain. METHODS Twelve male patients with chronic radicular neuropathic pain participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled, single-administration trial. Low/high frequency (LF/HF) heart rate variability (HRV) ratio and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) response were measured and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at baseline and after sublingual administration of either 0.2 mg/kg oral THC or placebo. RESULTS THC significantly reduced the LF/HF ratio compared with placebo (interaction effect F(1,11) = 20.5; p < 0.005) and significantly improved CPM responses (interaction effect F(1,9) = 5.2; p = 0.048). The THC-induced reduction in LF/HF ratio correlated with increased functional connectivity between the rostral ventrolateral medulla and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [T(10) = 6.4, cluster p-FDR < 0.005]. CONCLUSIONS THC shifts the autonomic balance towards increased parasympathetic tone and improves inhibitory pain mechanisms in chronic pain. The increase in vagal tone correlates with connectivity changes in higher-order regulatory brain regions, suggesting THC exerts top-down effects. These changes may reflect a normalizing effect of THC on multiple domains of supraspinal pain dysregulation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER NCT02560545.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libat Weizman
- Sagol Brain Institute, Wohl Institute for Advanced Imaging, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Haggai Sharon
- Sagol Brain Institute, Wohl Institute for Advanced Imaging, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Dayan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Joumana Espaniol
- Department of Internal Medicine F, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Recanati Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Silviu Brill
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadas Nahman-Averbuch
- Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Talma Hendler
- Sagol Brain Institute, Wohl Institute for Advanced Imaging, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Giris Jacob
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Department of Internal Medicine F, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Recanati Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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12
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Sparkes E, Timmerman A, Markham JW, Boyd R, Gordon R, Walker KA, Kevin RC, Hibbs DE, Banister SD, Cairns EA, Stove C, Ametovski A. Synthesis and Functional Evaluation of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists Related to ADB-HEXINACA. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1787-1812. [PMID: 38597712 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
ADB-HEXINACA has been recently reported as a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA), one of the largest classes of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). This compound marks the entry of the n-hexyl tail group into the SCRA landscape, which has continued in the market with recent, newly detected SCRAs. As such, a proactive characterization campaign was undertaken, including the synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of ADB-HEXINACA and a library of 41 closely related analogues. Two in vitro functional assays were employed to assess activity at CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, measuring Gβγ-coupled agonism through a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay (MPA) and β-arrestin 2 (βarr2) recruitment via a live cell-based nanoluciferase complementation reporter assay. ADB-HEXINACA was a potent and efficacious CB1 agonist (CB1 MPA pEC50 = 7.87 ± 0.12 M; Emax = 124 ± 5%; βarr2 pEC50 = 8.27 ± 0.14 M; Emax = 793 ± 42.5), as were most compounds assessed. Isolation of the heterocyclic core and alkyl tails allowed for the comprehensive characterization of structure-activity relationships in this compound class, which were rationalized in silico via induced fit docking experiments. Overall, most compounds assessed are possibly emerging NPSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Sparkes
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Axelle Timmerman
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jack W Markham
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Rebecca Gordon
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Katelyn A Walker
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Richard C Kevin
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - David E Hibbs
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adam Ametovski
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
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13
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Burdinski D, Kodibagkar A, Potter K, Schuster R, Evins AE, Ghosh S, Gilman J. Impact of year-long cannabis use for medical symptoms on brain activation during cognitive processes. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.29.24306516. [PMID: 38746368 PMCID: PMC11092687 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.29.24306516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Importance Cannabis is increasingly being used to treat medical symptoms, but the effects of cannabis use on brain function in those using cannabis for these symptoms is not known. Objective To test whether brain activation during working memory, reward, and inhibitory control tasks, areas of cognition impacted by cannabis, showed increases following one year of cannabis use for medical symptoms. Design This observational cohort study took place from July 2017 to July 2020 and is reported on in 2024. Setting Participants were from the greater Boston area. Participants Participants were recruited as part of a clinical trial based on seeking medical cannabis cards for anxiety, depression, pain, or sleep disorders, and were between 18 and 65 years. Exclusion criteria were daily cannabis use and cannabis use disorder at baseline. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes were whole brain functional activation during tasks involving working memory, reward and inhibitory control at baseline and after one year of cannabis use. Results Imaging was collected in participants before and one year after obtaining medical cannabis cards; 57 at baseline (38 female [66.7%]; mean [SD] age, 38.0 [14.6] years) at baseline, and 54 at one-year (37 female [68.5%]; mean [SD] age, 38.7 [14.3] years). Imaging was also collected in 32 healthy control participants (22 female [68.8%]; mean [SD] age, 33.8 [11.8] years) at baseline. In all groups and at both time points, functional imaging revealed canonical activations of the probed cognitive processes. No statistically significant difference in brain activation between the two timepoints (baseline and one-year) in those with medical cannabis cards and no association of changes in cannabis use frequency with brain activation were found. Conclusions and Relevance Findings suggest that adults do not show significant neural effects in the areas of cognition of working memory, reward, and inhibitory control after one year of cannabis use for medical symptoms. The results warrant further studies that probe effects of cannabis at higher doses, with greater frequency, in younger age groups, and with larger, more diverse cohorts. Trial Registration NCT03224468, https://clinicaltrials.gov/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Burdinski
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Alisha Kodibagkar
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA
- University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kevin Potter
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Randi Schuster
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - A Eden Evins
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Satrajit Ghosh
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jodi Gilman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital
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14
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Durydivka O, Palivec P, Gazdarica M, Mackie K, Blahos J, Kuchar M. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC) driven activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 results in biased intracellular signaling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9181. [PMID: 38649680 PMCID: PMC11035541 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58845-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Cannabis sativa plant has been used for centuries as a recreational drug and more recently in the treatment of patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders. In many instances, treatment goals include relief from posttraumatic disorders, anxiety, or to support treatment of chronic pain. Ligands acting on cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) are also potential targets for the treatment of other health conditions. Using an evidence-based approach, pharmacological investigation of CB1R agonists is timely, with the aim to provide chronically ill patients relief using well-defined and characterized compounds from cannabis. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), currently available over the counter in many countries to adults and even children, is of great interests to policy makers, legal administrators, and healthcare regulators, as well as pharmacologists. Herein, we studied the pharmacodynamics of HHC epimers, which activate CB1R. We compared their key CB1R-mediated signaling pathway activities and compared them to the pathways activated by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). We provide evidence that activation of CB1R by HHC ligands is only broadly comparable to those mediated by Δ9-THC, and that both HHC epimers have unique properties. Together with the greater chemical stability of HHC compared to Δ9-THC, these molecules have a potential to become a part of modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleh Durydivka
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 3, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Palivec
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 3, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Gazdarica
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Gill Center for Molecular Bioscience, Indiana University, 1101 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Jaroslav Blahos
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technicka 3, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Psychedelic Research Center, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, Czech Republic.
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15
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Xue T, Ma RH, Xu C, Sun B, Yan DF, Liu XM, Gao D, Li ZH, Gao Y, Wang CZ. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the anxiety-like behavior induced by dual-frequency 2.65/0.8 GHz electromagnetic radiation in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1366855. [PMID: 38685914 PMCID: PMC11057378 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1366855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
As wireless communication devices gain popularity, concerns about the potential risks of environmental exposure to complex frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on mental health have become a public health issue. Historically, EMR research has predominantly focused on single- frequency electromagnetic waves, neglecting the study of multi-frequency electromagnetic waves, which more accurately represent everyday life. To address these concerns, our study compared the emotional effects of single-frequency and dual-frequency EMR while exploring potential molecular mechanisms and intervention targets. Our results revealed that single-frequency EMR at 2.65 or 0.8 GHz did not induce anxiety-like behavior in mice. However, exposure to dual-frequency EMR at 2.65/0.8 GHz significantly led to anxiety-like behavior in mice. Further analysis of mouse sera revealed substantial increases in corticosterone and corticotrophin releasing hormone levels following exposure to 2.65/0.8 GHz EMR. Transcriptome sequencing indicated a significant decrease in the expression of Cnr1, encoding cannabinoid receptor 1 Type (CB1R), in the cerebral. This finding was consistently verified through western blot analysis, revealing a substantial reduction in CB1R content. Additionally, a significant decrease in the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol was observed in the cerebral cortex. Remarkably, administering the cannabinoid receptor agonist Win55-212-2 significantly alleviated the anxiety-like behavior, and the cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251 effectively counteracted the anti-anxiety effects of Win55-212-2. In summary, our research confirmed that dual-frequency EMR is more likely to induce anxiety-like behavior in mice than single-frequency EMR, with implications for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the endocannabinoid system. Furthermore, our findings suggest that Win55-212-2 may represent a novel avenue for researching and developing anti-EMR drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Xue
- Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Beijing Institute of Radiation and Medicine, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Rui-Han Ma
- Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Beijing Institute of Radiation and Medicine, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Chou Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The 983rd Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, Tianjin, China
- Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Beijing Institute of Radiation and Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Fei Yan
- Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Beijing Institute of Radiation and Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Man Liu
- Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Beijing Institute of Radiation and Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dawen Gao
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Li
- Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Beijing Institute of Radiation and Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Zhen Wang
- Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Beijing Institute of Radiation and Medicine, Beijing, China
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16
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Buchalska B, Kamińska K, Owe-Larsson M, Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska A. Cannabinoids in the treatment of glioblastoma. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:223-234. [PMID: 38457018 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary malignant tumor of the nervous system. While the treatment of other neoplasms is increasingly more efficacious the median survival rate of GBM patients remains low and equals about 14 months. Due to this fact, there are intensive efforts to find drugs that would help combat GBM. Nowadays cannabinoids are becoming more and more important in the field of cancer and not only because of their properties of antiemetic drugs during chemotherapy. These compounds may have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Studies indicate GBM has disturbances in the endocannabinoid system-changes in cannabinoid metabolism as well as in the cannabinoid receptor expression. The GBM cells show expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1R and CB2R), which mediate various actions of cannabinoids. Through these receptors, cannabinoids inhibit the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells, along with changing their morphology. Cannabinoids also induce an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in the tumor. Hence the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM may be beneficial to the patients. So far, studies focusing on using cannabinoids in GBM therapy are mainly preclinical and involve cell lines and mice. The results are promising and show cannabinoids inhibit GBM growth. Several clinical studies are also being carried out. The preliminary results show good tolerance of cannabinoids and prolonged survival after administration of these drugs. In this review, we describe the impact of cannabinoids on GBM and glioma cells in vitro and in animal studies. We also provide overview of clinical trials on using cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Buchalska
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland.
| | - Maja Owe-Larsson
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska
- Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, Warsaw, 02097, Poland
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17
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Rosado‐Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap for the expression of canonical and extended endocannabinoid system receptors and metabolic enzymes in peripheral organs of preclinical animal models. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15947. [PMID: 38408761 PMCID: PMC10896677 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system have not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were no receptors with identical expression patterns among mice (three males and two females), rats (six females), and rhesus macaques (four males). Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. J. Rosado‐Franco
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. L. Ellison
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - C. J. White
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - A. S. Price
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - C. F. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesJohns Hopkins University Bayview CampusBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - R. E. Williams
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - L. B. Fridman
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - E. M. Weerts
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - D. W. Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative PathobiologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University‐Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Division of Clinical PharmacologyJohns Hopkins University‐School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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18
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Petgrave M, Ramgoolam SD, Ganesan A. Deciphering the Molecular Association of Human CRIP1a with an Agonist-Bound Cannabinoid Receptor 1. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:499-517. [PMID: 38159053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a class A G-protein-coupled receptor that plays important roles in several physiological and pathophysiological processes. Therefore, targeted regulation of CB1 activity is a potential therapeutic strategy for several diseases, including neurological disorders. Apart from cannabinoid ligands, CB1 signaling can also be regulated by different CB1-associated proteins. In particular, the cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a) associates with an activated CB1 receptor and alters the G-protein selectivity, thereby reducing the agonist-mediated signal transduction of the CB1 receptor. Experimental evidence suggests that two peptides corresponding to the distal and central C-terminal segments of CB1 could interact with CRIP1a. However, our knowledge of the molecular basis of CB1-CRIP1a recognition is still limited. In this work, we use an extensive combination of computational methods to build the first comprehensive atomistic model human CB1-CRIP1a complex. Our model provides novel structural insights into the interactions of CRIP1a with a membrane-embedded, complete, agonist-bound CB1 receptor in humans. Our results highlight the key residues that stabilize the CB1-CRIP1a complex, which will be useful to guide in vitro mutagenesis experiments. Furthermore, our human CB1-CRIP1a complex presents a model system for structure-based drug design to target this physiologically important complex for modulating CB1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Petgrave
- ArGan'sLab, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Shubham Devesh Ramgoolam
- ArGan'sLab, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Aravindhan Ganesan
- ArGan'sLab, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
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19
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Nordengen K, Morland C. From Synaptic Physiology to Synaptic Pathology: The Enigma of α-Synuclein. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:986. [PMID: 38256059 PMCID: PMC10815905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) has gained significant attention due to its involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease. However, its normal function in the human brain is equally fascinating. The α-syn protein is highly dynamic and can adapt to various conformational stages, which differ in their interaction with synaptic elements, their propensity to drive pathological aggregation, and their toxicity. This review will delve into the multifaceted role of α-syn in different types of synapses, shedding light on contributions to neurotransmission and overall brain function. We describe the physiological role of α-syn at central synapses, including the bidirectional interaction between α-syn and neurotransmitter systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Nordengen
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilie Morland
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 1068 Oslo, Norway
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20
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Marusak HA, Evanski J, Desai S, Rabinak CA. Impact of Childhood Trauma Exposure, Genetic Variation in Endocannabinoid Signaling, and Anxiety on Frontolimbic Pathways in Children. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:1079-1089. [PMID: 35944262 PMCID: PMC10714120 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays a key role in modulating brain development, including myelination processes. Recent studies link a common variant (C385A, rs324420) in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene to higher circulating eCB levels, lower anxiety, and altered frontolimbic development. Frontolimbic pathways, which demonstrate a protracted maturational course across childhood and adolescence, are associated with anxiety, and are vulnerable to environmental stressors such as trauma exposure. Here, we examined the impact of trauma exposure, FAAH genotype, and anxiety on frontolimbic white matter microstructure in children. Materials and Methods: We leveraged baseline data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study (n=9969; mean±standard deviation age=9.92±0.62 years; 47.1% female). Saliva samples were used for genotyping, and caregivers reported on their child's anxiety symptoms and trauma exposure. Fractional anisotropy (FA), a nonspecific measure of white matter integrity, was estimated for frontolimbic tracts. Results: Thirty-six percent of youth experienced one or more potentially traumatic events according to DSM-5 Criterion A (64% controls), and 45% were FAAH A-allele carriers (55% noncarriers). Relative to controls, trauma-exposed youth demonstrated higher anxiety and higher FA of the left uncinate. The FAAH A-allele (vs. CC) was associated with lower FA in the left fornix and left parahippocampal cingulum, and there was an indirect effect of FAAH genotype on anxiety through FA of the left fornix. Moreover, genotype moderated the association between FA of the left cingulum and anxiety. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate distinct effects of trauma exposure and the FAAH C385A variant on frontolimbic pathways and subsequent anxiety risk in preadolescent children. This line of work may provide important insights into neurodevelopmental mechanisms leading to anxiety risk, and potential targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary A. Marusak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Translational Neuroscience Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Julia Evanski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shreya Desai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Christine A. Rabinak
- Translational Neuroscience Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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21
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Tascon I, Côté C, Garneau B, Desharnais B, Gosselin V, Mireault P. Postmortem redistribution of cannabinoids: Statistical analysis of a novel dataset and meta-analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 353:111873. [PMID: 37944415 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of human postmortem concentrations of Δ9-THC (THC) and its metabolites, 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) and 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), is routinely performed in forensic toxicology laboratories. However, the literature on cannabinoids postmortem redistribution (PMR) is scarce and highlights their complex postmortem changes. This study aims to investigate the postmortem behavior of THC and its metabolites in order to provide practitioners with potential indicators of PMR. To do so, antemortem and postmortem cases positive for cannabinoids were compiled in a database. Its analysis shows significantly higher THC concentrations in postmortem blood than in antemortem blood. Antemortem and postmortem blood also present significantly different profiles for their THC to THCCOOH ratios. Whereas antemortem blood generally shows THCCOOH concentrations higher or equal to THC, several postmortem cases show the opposite, with THC concentrations higher than THCCOOH. While occurrence of postmortem redistribution (PMR) is difficult to measure directly, an evaluation was performed using the central to peripheral (C/P) blood concentrations ratio as a proxy. With a C/P significantly lower than 1.0 for THC and significantly higher than 1.0 for THCCOOH, the PMR hypothesis is supported for both compounds, with redistribution towards peripheral blood for THC and towards central blood for THCCOOH. On the other hand, 11-OH-THC does not show a C/P significantly different than 1.0, suggesting the absence of PMR. Influence of body mass index, conservation state and postmortem interval on C/P was statistically analyzed and no significant impact was observed. To compare and contrast C/P observed in the database with those published in the literature, a meta-analysis was performed using a median of median (MM) model. THC PMR towards peripheral blood is supported by a global estimate of 0.81 (CI95%: 0.51 to 1.2). Redistribution towards femoral blood appears to be stronger than towards iliac blood; indeed, the median estimate of C/P decreases to 0.64 (CI95%: 0.40 to 1.1) when studies with iliac blood were removed from the meta-analysis. THCCOOH PMR towards central blood is supported by a C/P median estimate of 1.3 (CI95%: 0.97 to 1.6). THC PMR can be suspected when these indicators are observed (i) high THC blood concentration (>50 ng/mL), (ii) THC C/P lower than 1.0 (iii) blood THC/THCCOOH concentration ratios greater than 1.0 and (iv) non-detectability of THCCOOH in urine. In postmortem samples, many factors may contribute to the overestimation of THC concentration, therefore a careful interpretation is required, relying on both central and peripheral blood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Tascon
- Université de Lausanne, École des sciences criminelles, Bâtiment Batochime, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale, Department of Toxicology, 1701 Parthenais Street, Montréal, Québec H2K 3S7, Canada
| | - Cynthia Côté
- Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale, Department of Toxicology, 1701 Parthenais Street, Montréal, Québec H2K 3S7, Canada.
| | - Béatrice Garneau
- Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale, Department of Toxicology, 1701 Parthenais Street, Montréal, Québec H2K 3S7, Canada
| | - Brigitte Desharnais
- Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale, Department of Toxicology, 1701 Parthenais Street, Montréal, Québec H2K 3S7, Canada
| | - Véronique Gosselin
- Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale, Department of Toxicology, 1701 Parthenais Street, Montréal, Québec H2K 3S7, Canada
| | - Pascal Mireault
- Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale, Department of Toxicology, 1701 Parthenais Street, Montréal, Québec H2K 3S7, Canada
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22
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Scott JC. Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Neurocognitive and Brain Development. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:655-676. [PMID: 37879830 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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23
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Haider A, Wang L, Gobbi L, Li Y, Chaudhary A, Zhou X, Chen J, Zhao C, Rong J, Xiao Z, Hou L, Elghazawy NH, Sippl W, Davenport AT, Daunais JB, Ahmed H, Crowe R, Honer M, Rominger A, Grether U, Liang SH, Ametamey SM. Evaluation of [ 18F]RoSMA-18-d 6 as a CB2 PET Radioligand in Nonhuman Primates. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3752-3760. [PMID: 37788055 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) has been implicated in a variety of central and peripheral inflammatory diseases, prompting significant interest in the development of CB2-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic agents. A validated positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for imaging CB2 in the living human brain as well as in peripheral tissues is currently lacking. As part of our research program, we have recently identified the trisubstituted pyridine, [18F]RoSMA-18-d6, which proved to be highly suitable for in vitro and in vivo mapping of CB2 in rodents. The aim of this study was to assess the performance characteristics of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 in nonhuman primates (NHPs) to pave the way for clinical translation. [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 was synthesized from the respective tosylate precursor according to previously reported procedures. In vitro autoradiograms with NHP spleen tissue sections revealed a high binding of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 to the CB2-rich NHP spleen, which was significantly blocked by coincubation with the commercially available CB2 ligand, GW405833 (10 μM). In contrast, no specific binding was observed by in vitro autoradiography with NHP brain sections, which was in agreement with the notion of a CB2-deficient healthy mammalian brain. In vitro findings were corroborated by PET imaging experiments in NHPs, where [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 uptake in the spleen was dose-dependently attenuated with 1 and 5 mg/kg GW405833, while no specific brain signal was observed. Remarkably, we observed tracer uptake and retention in the NHP spinal cord, which was reduced by GW405833 blockade, pointing toward a potential utility of [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 in probing CB2-expressing cells in the bone marrow. If these observations are substantiated in NHP models of enhanced leukocyte proliferation in the bone marrow, [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 may serve as a valuable marker for hematopoietic activity in various pathologies. In conclusion, [18F]RoSMA-18-d6 proved to be a suitable PET radioligand for imaging CB2 in NHPs, supporting its translation to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Haider
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Luca Gobbi
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yinlong Li
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ahmad Chaudhary
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Chunyu Zhao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jian Rong
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Zhiwei Xiao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Lu Hou
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Nehal H Elghazawy
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - April T Davenport
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States
| | - James B Daunais
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States
| | - Hazem Ahmed
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ron Crowe
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Michael Honer
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Steven H Liang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Simon M Ametamey
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ETH, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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24
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Denson RK, Brooks J, Pinna G, Crane NA. Effects of Cannabidiol in Adolescent and Young Adult Depressive and Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Research. ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY 2023; 13:176-194. [PMID: 38919887 PMCID: PMC11198978 DOI: 10.2174/0122106766233339230919143924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Adolescents and young adults may use cannabidiol (CBD) products in an attempt to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, despite little research examining this use. This systematic review evaluated preclinical and clinical research on the effects of CBD on depressive and anxiety disorders in adolescence and young adulthood. To provide context, we discuss CBD's mechanism of action and neurodevelopmental effects. Methods PubMed was searched for articles published through June 2022. Preclinical or clinical CBD administration studies with N > 1 that examined depressive and/or anxiety disorders were eligible. Results Initially, 224 publications were identified. After excluding duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, 6 preclinical (depression: n≈133; anxiety: n≈161) and 4 clinical (anxiety: n=113) articles remained. Due to the low number of studies, results were synthesized qualitatively. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence were used to rate each study's evidence. The preclinical effects of CBD on depression-like behavior appear to differ by sex, early life stress, and duration of use. Despite no evidence that CBD exerts anxiolytic effects in preclinical adolescent models, CBD may reduce anxiety symptoms in human adolescents and young adults with anxiety disorders. Conclusions The existing evidence suggests that CBD may reduce symptoms of anxiety in adolescents and young adults. However, the evidence is sparse and limited by variations in samples and CBD dosing duration. Further research is needed to understand the potential benefits and/or harms of CBD for depression and anxiety disorders in this population. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Brooks
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Graziano Pinna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago
- UI Center on Depression and Resilience (UICDR), University of Illinois at Chicago
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, University of Illinois at Chicago
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Natania A. Crane
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago
- UI Center on Depression and Resilience (UICDR), University of Illinois at Chicago
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25
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Low ZXB, Lee XR, Soga T, Goh BH, Alex D, Kumari Y. Cannabinoids: Emerging sleep modulator. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115102. [PMID: 37406510 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is an essential biological phase of our daily life cycle and is necessary for maintaining homeostasis, alertness, metabolism, cognition, and other key functions across the animal kingdom. Dysfunctional sleep leads to deleterious effects on health, mood, and cognition, including memory deficits and an increased risk of diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders. Sleep is regulated by several brain neuronal circuits, neuromodulators, and neurotransmitters, where cannabinoids have been increasingly found to play a part in its modulation. Cannabinoids, a group of lipid metabolites, are regulatory molecules that bind mainly to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). Much evidence supports the role of cannabinoid receptors in the modulation of sleep, where their alteration exhibits sleep-promoting effects, including an increase in non-rapid-eye movement sleep and a reduction in sleep latency. However, the pharmacological alteration of CB1 receptors is associated with adverse psychotropic effects, which are not exhibited in CB2 receptor alteration. Hence, selective alteration of CB2 receptors is also of clinical importance, where it could potentially be used in treating sleep disorders. Thus, it is crucial to understand the neurobiological basis of cannabinoids in sleep physiology. In this review article, the alteration of the endocannabinoid system by various cannabinoids and their respective effects on the sleep-wake cycle are discussed based on recent findings. The mechanisms of the cannabinoid receptors on sleep and wakefulness are also explored for their clinical implications and potential therapeutic use on sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xuen Brandon Low
- Neurological Disorder and Aging Research Group (NDA), Neuroscience Research Strength (NRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Xin Ru Lee
- Neurological Disorder and Aging Research Group (NDA), Neuroscience Research Strength (NRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tomoko Soga
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bey Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Deepa Alex
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yatinesh Kumari
- Neurological Disorder and Aging Research Group (NDA), Neuroscience Research Strength (NRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia.
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26
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Maccarrone M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Grether U, Howlett AC, Hua T, Makriyannis A, Piomelli D, Ueda N, van der Stelt M. Goods and Bads of the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target: Lessons Learned after 30 Years. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:885-958. [PMID: 37164640 PMCID: PMC10441647 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the world population). In recent years, there has been a marked transformation in society regarding the risk perception of cannabis, driven by its legalization and medical use in many states in the United States and worldwide. Compelling research evidence and the Food and Drug Administration cannabis-derived cannabidiol approval for severe childhood epilepsy have confirmed the large therapeutic potential of cannabidiol itself, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). Of note, our body has a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS)-made of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters-that is also regulated by phytocannabinoids. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered 30 years ago was anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine); since then, distinct elements of the ECS have been the target of drug design programs aimed at curing (or at least slowing down) a number of human diseases, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Here a critical review of our knowledge of the goods and bads of the ECS as a therapeutic target is presented to define the benefits of ECS-active phytocannabinoids and ECS-oriented synthetic drugs for human health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endocannabinoid system plays important roles virtually everywhere in our body and is either involved in mediating key processes of central and peripheral diseases or represents a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of the components of this complex system, and in particular of key receptors (like cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2) and metabolic enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), will advance our understanding of endocannabinoid signaling and activity at molecular, cellular, and system levels, providing new opportunities to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Uwe Grether
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Tian Hua
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
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27
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Li Y, Zhi W, Qi B, Wang L, Hu X. Update on neurobiological mechanisms of fear: illuminating the direction of mechanism exploration and treatment development of trauma and fear-related disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1216524. [PMID: 37600761 PMCID: PMC10433239 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1216524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear refers to an adaptive response in the face of danger, and the formed fear memory acts as a warning when the individual faces a dangerous situation again, which is of great significance to the survival of humans and animals. Excessive fear response caused by abnormal fear memory can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. Fear memory has been studied for a long time, which is of a certain guiding effect on the treatment of fear-related disorders. With continuous technological innovations, the study of fear has gradually shifted from the level of brain regions to deeper neural (micro) circuits between brain regions and even within single brain regions, as well as molecular mechanisms. This article briefly outlines the basic knowledge of fear memory and reviews the neurobiological mechanisms of fear extinction and relapse, which aims to provide new insights for future basic research on fear emotions and new ideas for treating trauma and fear-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- College of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Weijia Zhi
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Qi
- College of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjun Hu
- College of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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28
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Piscura MK, Henderson-Redmond AN, Barnes RC, Mitra S, Guindon J, Morgan DJ. Mechanisms of cannabinoid tolerance. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 214:115665. [PMID: 37348821 PMCID: PMC10528043 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis has been used recreationally and medically for centuries, yet research into understanding the mechanisms of its therapeutic effects has only recently garnered more attention. There is evidence to support the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain, muscle spasticity, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, improving weight gain in HIV-related cachexia, emesis, sleep disorders, managing symptoms in Tourette syndrome, and patient-reported muscle spasticity from multiple sclerosis. However, tolerance and the risk for cannabis use disorder are two significant disadvantages for cannabinoid-based therapies in humans. Recent work has revealed prominent sex differences in the acute response and tolerance to cannabinoids in both humans and animal models. This review will discuss evidence demonstrating cannabinoid tolerance in rodents, non-human primates, and humans and our current understanding of the neuroadaptations occurring at the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) that are responsible tolerance. CB1R expression is downregulated in tolerant animals and humans while there is strong evidence of CB1R desensitization in cannabinoid tolerant rodent models. Throughout the review, critical knowledge gaps are indicated and discussed, such as the lack of a neuroimaging probe to assess CB1R desensitization in humans. The review discusses the intracellular signaling pathways that are responsible for mediating CB1R desensitization and downregulation including the action of G protein-coupled receptor kinases, β-arrestin2 recruitment, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, protein kinase A, and the intracellular trafficking of CB1R. Finally, the review discusses approaches to reduce cannabinoid tolerance in humans based on our current understanding of the neuroadaptations and mechanisms responsible for this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Piscura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
| | | | - Robert C Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Swarup Mitra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Josée Guindon
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Daniel J Morgan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
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29
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Premoli M, Fyke W, Bellocchio L, Lemaire V, Wolley-Roberts M, Bontempi B, Pietropaolo S. Early Administration of the Phytocannabinoid Cannabidivarin Prevents the Neurobehavioral Abnormalities Associated with the Fmr1-KO Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:1927. [PMID: 37566006 PMCID: PMC10416983 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids, including the non-addictive cannabis component cannabidivarin (CBDV), have been reported to hold therapeutic potential in several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Nonetheless, the therapeutic value of phytocannabinoids for treating Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a major NDD, remains unexplored. Here, we characterized the neurobehavioral effects of CBDV at doses of 20 or 100 mg/kg in the Fmr1-knockout (Fmr1-KO) mouse model of FXS using two temporally different intraperitoneal regimens: subchronic 10-day delivery during adulthood (Study 1: rescue treatment) or chronic 5-week delivery at adolescence (Study 2: preventive treatment). Behavioral tests assessing FXS-like abnormalities included anxiety, locomotor, cognitive, social and sensory alterations. Expression of inflammatory and plasticity markers was investigated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. When administered during adulthood (Study 1), the effects of CBDV were marginal, rescuing at the lower dose only the acoustic hyper-responsiveness of Fmr1-KO mice and at both doses their altered hippocampal expression of neurotrophins. When administered during adolescence (Study 2), CBDV at both doses prevented the cognitive, social and acoustic alterations of adult Fmr1-KO mice and modified the expression of several inflammatory brain markers in both wild-type littermates and mutants. These findings warrant the therapeutic potential of CBDV for preventing neurobehavioral alterations associated with FXS, highlighting the relevance of its early administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Premoli
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - William Fyke
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- Graduate Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Group Endocannabinoids and Neuroadaptation, University of Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Valerie Lemaire
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Bruno Bontempi
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
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30
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Rosado-Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap For The Expression Of Canonical and Extended Endocannabinoid System Receptors and Proteins in Peripheral Organs of Preclinical Animal Models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.10.544455. [PMID: 37333264 PMCID: PMC10274867 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.10.544455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system has not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were only five receptors (CB2, GPR18, GPR55, TRPV2, and FAAH) that had identical expression patterns in mice, rats, and rhesus macaques. Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has profound implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Rosado-Franco
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A L Ellison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C J White
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A S Price
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C F Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bayview Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - R E Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L B Fridman
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - E M Weerts
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Williams
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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31
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Singh A, Smith PF, Zheng Y. Targeting the Limbic System: Insights into Its Involvement in Tinnitus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9889. [PMID: 37373034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is originally derived from the Latin verb tinnire, which means "to ring". Tinnitus, a complex disorder, is a result of sentient cognizance of a sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. It is reported in children, adults, and older populations. Patients suffering from tinnitus often present with hearing loss, anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption in addition to a hissing and ringing in the ear. Surgical interventions and many other forms of treatment have been only partially effective due to heterogeneity in tinnitus patients and a lack of understanding of the mechanisms of tinnitus. Although researchers across the globe have made significant progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of tinnitus over the past few decades, tinnitus is still deemed to be a scientific enigma. This review summarises the role of the limbic system in tinnitus development and provides insight into the development of potential target-specific tinnitus therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yiwen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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32
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Rodríguez-Manzo G, Canseco-Alba A. The endogenous cannabinoid system modulates male sexual behavior expression. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1198077. [PMID: 37324524 PMCID: PMC10264596 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1198077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key neuromodulatory role in the brain. Main features of endocannabinoids (eCBs) are that they are produced on demand, in response to enhanced neuronal activity, act as retrograde messengers, and participate in the induction of brain plasticity processes. Sexual activity is a motivated behavior and therefore, the mesolimbic dopaminergic system (MSL) plays a central role in the control of its appetitive component (drive to engage in copulation). In turn, copulation activates mesolimbic dopamine neurons and repeated copulation produces the continuous activation of the MSL system. Sustained sexual activity leads to the achievement of sexual satiety, which main outcome is the transient transformation of sexually active male rats into sexually inhibited animals. Thus, 24 h after copulation to satiety, the sexually satiated males exhibit a decreased sexual motivation and do not respond to the presence of a sexually receptive female with sexual activity. Interestingly, blockade of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) during the copulation to satiety process, interferes with both the appearance of the long-lasting sexual inhibition and the decrease in sexual motivation in the sexually satiated males. This effect is reproduced when blocking CB1R at the ventral tegmental area evidencing the involvement of MSL eCBs in the induction of this sexual inhibitory state. Here we review the available evidence regarding the effects of cannabinoids, including exogenously administered eCBs, on male rodent sexual behavior of both sexually competent animals and rat sub populations spontaneously showing copulatory deficits, considered useful to model some human male sexual dysfunctions. We also include the effects of cannabis preparations on human male sexual activity. Finally, we review the role played by the ECS in the control of male sexual behavior expression with the aid of the sexual satiety phenomenon. Sexual satiety appears as a suitable model for the study of the relationship between eCB signaling, MSL synaptic plasticity and the modulation of male sexual motivation under physiological conditions that might be useful for the understanding of MSL functioning, eCB-mediated plasticity and their relationship with motivational processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Rodríguez-Manzo
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav-Sede Sur), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana Canseco-Alba
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Formación Reticular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Bai X, Batallé G, Martínez-Martel I, Pol O. Hydrogen Sulfide Interacting with Cannabinoid 2 Receptors during Sciatic Nerve Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1179. [PMID: 37371911 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors make opioids more effective in inhibiting nociception during inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We examined whether the analgesic, anxiolytic and/or antidepressant actions of the cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) agonist, JWH-133, might be improved by pretreatment with H2S donors, DADS and GYY4137 in mice with sciatic nerve injury-provoked neuropathy (CCI). The reversion of the antinociceptive effects of these treatments with the CB2R antagonist, AM630, and the regulatory actions of H2S in the phosphorylation of NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IKBα) and in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), CB2R, Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) levels in prefrontal cortex (PFC), ventral hippocampus (vHIP) and periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), were examined. Data showed that the analgesic effects of JWH-133, systemically and locally administered, were improved by the DADS or GYY4137 pretreatment. The co-treatment of GYY4137 with JWH-133 also stopped anxiodepressive-like activities that concur with neuropathy. Our data likewise showed that both H2S donors normalized the inflammatory (p-IKBα), neurotrophic (BDNF) variations caused by CCI, increased the expression of CB2R and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway in PFC, v-HIP and/or PAG of animals with neuropathic pain. In addition, the blockade of the analgesia produced by high doses of DADS and GYY4137 with AM630 indicated the contribution of the endocannabinoid system in the effects of H2S during neuropathic pain, thus supporting the positive interaction between H2S and CB2R. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential use of CB2R agonists combined with H2S donors as a possible treatment for peripheral nerve injury-caused neuropathic pain and the associated emotional disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bai
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Batallé
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Martínez-Martel
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Avendaño-Lopez SS, Ariza-Salamanca DF, Rodriguez-Giraldo M, Calderon-Ospina CA, González-Reyes RE, Nava-Mesa MO. Role of Calcium Modulation in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109067. [PMID: 37240413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease and the most frequent cause of progressive dementia in senior adults. It is characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment secondary to cholinergic dysfunction and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated neurotoxicity. Intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, extracellular plaques composed of amyloid-β (Aβ), and selective neurodegeneration are the anatomopathological hallmarks of this disease. The dysregulation of calcium may be present in all the stages of AD, and it is associated with other pathophysiological mechanisms, such as mitochondrial failure, oxidative stress, and chronic neuroinflammation. Although the cytosolic calcium alterations in AD are not completely elucidated, some calcium-permeable channels, transporters, pumps, and receptors have been shown to be involved at the neuronal and glial levels. In particular, the relationship between glutamatergic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activity and amyloidosis has been widely documented. Other pathophysiological mechanisms involved in calcium dyshomeostasis include the activation of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, transient receptor potential channels, and ryanodine receptors, among many others. This review aims to update the calcium-dysregulation mechanisms in AD and discuss targets and molecules with therapeutic potential based on their modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Sara Sofia Avendaño-Lopez
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Daniel Felipe Ariza-Salamanca
- Medical and Health Sciences Education Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Mateo Rodriguez-Giraldo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carlos A Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas Aplicadas (UR Biomed), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo E González-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Mauricio O Nava-Mesa
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
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35
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Lim J, Lee HL, Nguyen J, Shin J, Getze S, Quach C, Squire E, Jung KM, Mahler SV, Mackie K, Piomelli D, Luderer U. Adolescent exposure to low-dose Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol depletes the ovarian reserve in female mice. Toxicol Sci 2023; 193:31-47. [PMID: 36912754 PMCID: PMC10176244 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use by adolescents is widespread, but its effects on the ovaries remain largely unknown. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exerts its pharmacological effects by activating, and in some conditions hijacking, cannabinoid receptors (CBRs). We hypothesized that adolescent exposure to THC affects ovarian function in adulthood. Peripubertal female C57BL/6N mice were given THC (5 mg/kg) or its vehicle, once daily by intraperitoneal injection. Some mice received THC from postnatal day (PND) 30-33 and their ovaries were harvested PND34; other mice received THC from PND30-43, and their ovaries were harvested PND70. Adolescent treatment with THC depleted ovarian primordial follicle numbers by 50% at PND70, 4 weeks after the last dose. The treatment produced primordial follicle activation, which persisted until PND70. THC administration also caused DNA damage in primary follicles and increased PUMA protein expression in oocytes of primordial and primary follicles. Both CB1R and CB2R were expressed in oocytes and theca cells of ovarian follicles. Enzymes involved in the formation (N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D) or deactivation (fatty acid amide hydrolase) of the endocannabinoid anandamide were expressed in granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and interstitial cells. Levels of mRNA for CBR1 were significantly increased in ovaries after adolescent THC exposure, and upregulation persisted for at least 4 weeks. Our results support that adolescent exposure to THC may cause aberrant activation of the ovarian endocannabinoid system in female mice, resulting in substantial loss of ovarian reserve in adulthood. Relevance of these findings to women who frequently used cannabis during adolescence warrants investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhwan Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Hye-Lim Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Julie Nguyen
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Joyce Shin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Samantha Getze
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Caitlin Quach
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Erica Squire
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Ulrike Luderer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
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Grabon W, Rheims S, Smith J, Bodennec J, Belmeguenai A, Bezin L. CB2 receptor in the CNS: from immune and neuronal modulation to behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105226. [PMID: 37164044 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite low levels of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) expression in the central nervous system in human and rodents, a growing body of evidence shows CB2R involvement in many processes at the behavioral level, through both immune and neuronal modulations. Recent in vitro and in vivo evidence have highlighted the complex role of CB2R under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Under neuroinflammatory states, its activation seems to protect the brain and its functions, making it a promising target in a wide range of neurological disorders. Here, we provide a complete and updated overview of CB2R function in the central nervous system of rodents, spanning from modulation of immune function in microglia but also in other cell types, to behavior and neuronal activity, in both physiological and neuroinflammatory contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Grabon
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France.
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France; Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon - France
| | - Jonathon Smith
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France
| | - Jacques Bodennec
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France
| | - Amor Belmeguenai
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France
| | - Laurent Bezin
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France.
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Chen C. Inhibiting degradation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108394. [PMID: 36966972 PMCID: PMC10123871 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipid signaling mediators that participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannabinoid and is a full agonist of G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), which are targets of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. While 2-AG has been well recognized as a retrograde messenger modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity at both inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic synapses in the brain, growing evidence suggests that 2-AG also functions as an endogenous terminator of neuroinflammation in response to harmful insults, thus maintaining brain homeostasis. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the key enzyme that degrades 2-AG in the brain. The immediate metabolite of 2-AG is arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes. Several lines of evidence indicate that pharmacological or genetic inactivation of MAGL, which boosts 2-AG levels and reduces its hydrolytic metabolites, resolves neuroinflammation, mitigates neuropathology, and improves synaptic and cognitive functions in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced neurodegenerative disease. Thus, it has been proposed that MAGL is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. As the main enzyme hydrolyzing 2-AG, several MAGL inhibitors have been identified and developed. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which inactivation of MAGL produces neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases remains limited. A recent finding that inhibition of 2-AG metabolism in astrocytes, but not in neurons, protects the brain from TBI-induced neuropathology might shed some light on this unsolved issue. This review provides an overview of MAGL as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and discusses possible mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of restraining degradation of 2-AG in the brain.
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Kitdumrongthum S, Trachootham D. An Individuality of Response to Cannabinoids: Challenges in Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis Products. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062791. [PMID: 36985763 PMCID: PMC10058560 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since legalization, cannabis/marijuana has been gaining considerable attention as a functional ingredient in food. ∆-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids are key bioactive compounds with health benefits. The oral consumption of cannabis transports much less hazardous chemicals than smoking. Nevertheless, the response to cannabis is biphasically dose-dependent (hormesis; a low-dose stimulation and a high-dose inhibition) with wide individuality in responses. Thus, the exact same dose and preparation of cannabis may be beneficial for some but toxic to others. The purpose of this review is to highlight the concept of individual variations in response to cannabinoids, which leads to the challenge of establishing standard safe doses of cannabis products for the general population. The mechanisms of actions, acute and chronic toxicities, and factors affecting responses to cannabis products are updated. Based on the literature review, we found that the response to cannabis products depends on exposure factors (delivery route, duration, frequency, and interactions with food and drugs), individual factors (age, sex), and susceptibility factors (genetic polymorphisms of cannabinoid receptor gene, N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing enzymes, THC-metabolizing enzymes, and epigenetic regulations). Owing to the individuality of responses, the safest way to use cannabis-containing food products is to start low, go slow, and stay low.
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Iden JA, Raphael-Mizrahi B, Awida Z, Naim A, Zyc D, Liron T, Kasher M, Livshits G, Vered M, Gabet Y. The Anti-Tumorigenic Role of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 in Colon Cancer: A Study in Mice and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044060. [PMID: 36835468 PMCID: PMC9961974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, particularly cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2 in mice and CNR2 in humans), has controversial pathophysiological implications in colon cancer. Here, we investigate the role of CB2 in potentiating the immune response in colon cancer in mice and determine the influence of CNR2 variants in humans. Comparing wild-type (WT) mice to CB2 knockout (CB2-/-) mice, we performed a spontaneous cancer study in aging mice and subsequently used the AOM/DSS model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer and a model for hereditary colon cancer (ApcMin/+). Additionally, we analyzed genomic data in a large human population to determine the relationship between CNR2 variants and colon cancer incidence. Aging CB2-/- mice exhibited a higher incidence of spontaneous precancerous lesions in the colon compared to WT controls. The AOM/DSS-treated CB2-/- and ApcMin/+CB2-/- mice experienced aggravated tumorigenesis and enhanced splenic populations of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells along with abated anti-tumor CD8+ T cells. Importantly, corroborative genomic data reveal a significant association between non-synonymous variants of CNR2 and the incidence of colon cancer in humans. Taken together, the results suggest that endogenous CB2 activation suppresses colon tumorigenesis by shifting the balance towards anti-tumor immune cells in mice and thus portray the prognostic value of CNR2 variants for colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ana Iden
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Bitya Raphael-Mizrahi
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Zamzam Awida
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Aaron Naim
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dan Zyc
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tamar Liron
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Melody Kasher
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Department of Morphological Studies, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Gregory Livshits
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Department of Morphological Studies, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Marilena Vered
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Institute of Pathology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Yankel Gabet
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Correspondence:
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Cannabinoids Transmogrify Cancer Metabolic Phenotype via Epigenetic Reprogramming and a Novel CBD Biased G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling Platform. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041030. [PMID: 36831374 PMCID: PMC9954791 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of epigenetic reprogramming predicts long-term functional health effects. This reprogramming can be activated by exogenous or endogenous insults, leading to altered healthy and different disease states. The exogenous or endogenous changes that involve developing a roadmap of epigenetic networking, such as drug components on epigenetic imprinting and restoring epigenome patterns laid down during embryonic development, are paramount to establishing youthful cell type and health. This epigenetic landscape is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. The initiation and progression of cancer are considered to involve epigenetic abnormalities and genetic alterations. Cancer epigenetics have shown extensive reprogramming of every component of the epigenetic machinery in cancer development, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, non-coding RNAs, and microRNA expression. Endocannabinoids are natural lipid molecules whose levels are regulated by specific biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. They bind to and activate two primary cannabinoid receptors, type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), and together with their metabolizing enzymes, form the endocannabinoid system. This review focuses on the role of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 signaling in activating numerous receptor tyrosine kinases and Toll-like receptors in the induction of epigenetic landscape alterations in cancer cells, which might transmogrify cancer metabolism and epigenetic reprogramming to a metastatic phenotype. Strategies applied from conception could represent an innovative epigenetic target for preventing and treating human cancer. Here, we describe novel cannabinoid-biased G protein-coupled receptor signaling platforms (GPCR), highlighting putative future perspectives in this field.
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Effects of Cannabidiol on Innate Immunity: Experimental Evidence and Clinical Relevance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043125. [PMID: 36834537 PMCID: PMC9964491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main non-psychotropic cannabinoid derived from cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., fam. Cannabaceae). CBD has received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. However, CBD also has prominent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects; evidence exists that it could be beneficial in chronic inflammation, and even in acute inflammatory conditions, such as those due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this work, we review available evidence concerning CBD's effects on the modulation of innate immunity. Despite the lack so far of clinical studies, extensive preclinical evidence in different models, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, and even ex vivo experiments on cells from human healthy subjects, shows that CBD exerts a wide range of inhibitory effects by decreasing cytokine production and tissue infiltration, and acting on a variety of other inflammation-related functions in several innate immune cells. Clinical studies are now warranted to establish the therapeutic role of CBD in diseases with a strong inflammatory component, such as multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases, cancer, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.
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Kim HJJ, Zagzoog A, Black T, Baccetto SL, Laprairie RB. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain region-specific endocannabinoid system modulation by estradiol across the rodent estrus cycle. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 195:27-45. [PMID: 36707154 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Neurological crosstalk between the endocannabinoid and estrogen systems has been a growing topic of discussion over the last decade. Although the main estrogenic ligand, estradiol (E2), influences endocannabinoid signaling in both male and female animals, the latter experiences significant and rhythmic fluctuations in E2 as well as other sex hormones. This is referred to as the menstrual cycle in women and the estrus cycle in rodents such as mice and rats. Consisting of 4 distinct hormone-driven phases, the rodent estrus cycle modulates both endocannabinoid and exogenous cannabinoid signaling resulting in unique behavioral outcomes based on the cycle phase. For example, cannabinoid receptor agonist-induced antinociception is greatest during proestrus and estrus, when circulating and brain levels of E2 are high, as compared to metestrus and diestrus when E2 concentrations are low. Pain processing occurs throughout the cerebral cortex and amygdala of the forebrain; periaqueductal grey of the midbrain; and medulla and spine of the hindbrain. As a result, past molecular investigations on these endocannabinoid-estrogen system interactions have focused on these specific brain regions. Here, we will bridge regional molecular trends with neurophysiological evidence of how plasma membrane estrogen receptor (ER) activation by E2 leads to postsynaptic endocannabinoid synthesis, retrograde signaling, and alterations in inhibitory neurotransmission. These signaling pathways depend on ER heterodimers, current knowledge of which will also be detailed in this review. Overall, the aim of this review article is to systematically summarize how the cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids change in expression and function in specific brain regions throughout the estrus cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Ji J Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Tallan Black
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Sarah L Baccetto
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Peng H, Li H, Wei Y, Zhang R, Chang X, Meng L, Wang K, He Q, Duan T. Effects of prenatal exposure to THC on hippocampal neural development in offspring. Toxicol Lett 2023; 374:48-56. [PMID: 36529297 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is a worldwide issue with the development of legalization. Prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, is related to affect fetal nervous system development. In our present study, we administered THC to pregnant mice from gestational day 5.5-12.5. Differences in neuronal cell composition and organization between the two groups were found by staining sections of the offspring hippocampus at PND21. In addition, RNA-seq of hippocampal tissue also suggested differences in gene expression due to THC treatment, especially significant enrichment to neurogenesis and neural differentiation. Subsequently, the effect of THC treatment on the proliferation and differentiation capacity of neural stem cells (NSCs) was confirmed. Based on the RNA-seq results, we selected the differentially expressed transcription factor MEF2C for validation. The effect of THC treatment on NSCs differentiation was found to be regulated by knocking down the expression of MEF2C in NSCs. Considering that THC is an agonist of cannabinoid receptor (CB1R), the differentiation outcome of NSC after THC treatment was significantly rescued, by pretreating with the CB1R inhibitor Rimonabant. Notably, pretreatment with Rimonabant restored the expression of MEF2C. Taken together, the present results suggested that THC regulated the MEF2C pathway through CB1R and had an impact on hippocampal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Peng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Wei
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruonan Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinwen Chang
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Meng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qizhi He
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tao Duan
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Endocannabinoid System: Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16020148. [PMID: 37017445 PMCID: PMC9966761 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCB) has been studied to identify the molecular structures present in Cannabis sativa. eCB consists of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands, and the associated enzymatic apparatus responsible for maintaining energy homeostasis and cognitive processes. Several physiological effects of cannabinoids are exerted through interactions with various receptors, such as CB1 and CB2 receptors, vanilloid receptors, and the recently discovered G-protein-coupled receptors (GPR55, GPR3, GPR6, GPR12, and GPR19). Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidoylglycerol (2-AG), two small lipids derived from arachidonic acid, showed high-affinity binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. eCB plays a critical role in chronic pain and mood disorders and has been extensively studied because of its wide therapeutic potential and because it is a promising target for the development of new drugs. Phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids have shown varied affinities for eCB and are relevant to the treatment of several neurological diseases. This review provides a description of eCB components and discusses how phytocannabinoids and other exogenous compounds may regulate the eCB balance. Furthermore, we show the hypo- or hyperfunctionality of eCB in the body and how eCB is related to chronic pain and mood disorders, even with integrative and complementary health practices (ICHP) harmonizing the eCB.
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Grabon W, Bodennec J, Rheims S, Belmeguenai A, Bezin L. Update on the controversial identity of cells expressing cnr2 gene in the nervous system. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:760-770. [PMID: 36604187 PMCID: PMC9928557 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R), mainly expressed by leukocytes, has long been limited to its peripheral immunomodulatory role. However, the use of CB2R-specific ligands and the availability of CB2R-Knock Out mice revealed that it could play a functional role in the CNS not only under physiological but also under pathological conditions. A direct effect on the nervous system emerged when CB2R mRNA was detected in neural tissues. However, accurate mapping of CB2R protein expression in the nervous system is still lacking, partly because of the lack of specificity of antibodies available. This review examines the regions and cells of the nervous system where CB2R protein is most likely present by cross-referencing mRNA and protein data published to date. Of the many antibodies developed to target CB2R, only a few have partially passed specificity tests and detected CB2R in the CNS. Efforts must be continued to support the development of more specific and better validated antibodies in each of the species in which CB2R protein is sought or needs to be quantified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Grabon
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
| | - Jacques Bodennec
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
| | - Amor Belmeguenai
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
| | - Laurent Bezin
- Lyon Neuroscience Research CenterTIGER TeamBronFrance,Lyon 1 UniversityCNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028VilleurbanneFrance,Epilepsy Institute IDEEBronFrance
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Zhou H, Shan M, Qin LP, Cheng G. Reliable prediction of cannabinoid receptor 2 ligand by machine learning based on combined fingerprints. Comput Biol Med 2023; 152:106379. [PMID: 36502694 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors, as part of the family of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are involved in various physiological functions. Its subtype cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2), mainly distributed in the periphery, is a crucial therapeutic target for anti-epileptic, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, and bone metabolism regulation, and it regulates these physiological functions without psychiatric side effects. Recently machine learning methods for predicting biophysics properties have attracted much attention. Successful application of machine learning usually highly depends on the appropriate representation of the compounds. In this study, we comprehensively evaluate the performance of the descriptor-based models (including XGBoost, Random Forest, and KNN) and two graph-based models (D-MPNN, MolMap) for the prediction of the CB2 regulators, and found that XGBoost offers outstanding performance for both regression tasks and classification tasks. 13 different molecular fingerprints and 12 descriptors, as well as their combination were further screened; AvalonFP + AtomPairFP + RDkitFP + MorganFP and AtomPairFP + MorganFP + AvalonFP were the optimum combinations for regression task (R2 increase to 0.667) and classification task (AUC-ROC increase to 0.933), respectively. Specifically, the best XGBoost regression model with optimum features achieves better performance than Mizera's QSAR model on the same dataset developed by Mizera (R2 0.664 versus 0.62). It also achieves optimal performance with an AUC-ROC of 0.917 on the external validation set. By comparison, MolMap and D-MPNN only provide 0.912 and 0.898. The Shapley additive explanation method was used to interpret the models, and features importance were shown for both regression and classification task. The XGBoost model equipped with essential molecular fingerprints combination in this paper may provide valuable clues to designing novel CB2 ligands and developing models for other properties prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyi Shan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Ping Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gang Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China.
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Khara LS, Ali DW. The endocannabinoid system's involvement in motor development relies on cannabinoid receptors, TRP channels, and Sonic Hedgehog signaling. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15565. [PMID: 36636759 PMCID: PMC9837476 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCS) plays critical roles in locomotor function and motor development; however, the roles of non-canonical cannabinoid receptor systems such as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in conjunction with the eCS in sensorimotor development remains enigmatic. To investigate the involvement of canonical and non-canonical cannabinoid receptors, TRP channels, and the SHH pathway in the development of sensorimotor function in zebrafish, we treated developing animals with pharmacological inhibitors of the CB1R, CB2R, TRPA1/TRPV1/TRPM8, and a smoothened (SMO) agonist, along with inhibitors of the eCS catabolic enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) during the first ~24 h of zebrafish embryogenesis. Locomotor function was examined by assessing touch-evoked escape swimming at 2 days post-fertilization. We report that FAAH inhibition had no effect on swimming while MAGL inhibition using JZL 184 reduced swimming distance and the dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitor JZL 195 impaired swimming distance and mean swimming velocity. The CB1R antagonist AM 251 prevented locomotor deficits caused by eCS perturbation but the CB2R antagonist AM 630 did not. Inhibition of TRPA1/TRPV1/TRPM8 using AMG 9090 rescued the locomotor reductions caused by FAAH/MAGL inhibition, but not by MAGL inhibition alone. The SMO agonist purmorphamine attenuated the effects of JZL 184 and JZL 195 on swimming distance, but not mean velocity. Together, these findings provide one of the first investigations examining the interactions between the eCS and its non-canonical receptor systems in vertebrate motor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakhan S. Khara
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Declan W. Ali
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- The Neuroscience and Mental Health InstituteUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
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Scott JC. Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Neurocognitive and Brain Development. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2023; 32:21-42. [PMID: 36410904 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Gómez-Cañas M, Rodríguez-Cueto C, Satta V, Hernández-Fisac I, Navarro E, Fernández-Ruiz J. Endocannabinoid-Binding Receptors as Drug Targets. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2576:67-94. [PMID: 36152178 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2728-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis plant has been used from ancient times with therapeutic purposes for treating human pathologies, but the identification of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic properties of the phytocannabinoids, the active compounds in this plant, occurred in the last years of the past century. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, seminal studies demonstrated the existence of cannabinoid receptors and other elements of the so-called endocannabinoid system. These G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a key element in the functions assigned to endocannabinoids and appear to serve as promising pharmacological targets. They include CB1, CB2, and GPR55, but also non-GPCRs can be activated by endocannabinoids, like ionotropic receptor TRPV1 and even nuclear receptors of the PPAR family. Their activation, inhibition, or simply modulation have been associated with numerous physiological effects at both central and peripheral levels, which may have therapeutic value in different human pathologies, then providing a solid experimental explanation for both the ancient medicinal uses of Cannabis plant and the recent advances in the development of cannabinoid-based specific therapies. This chapter will review the scientific knowledge generated in the last years around the research on the different endocannabinoid-binding receptors and their signaling mechanisms. Our intention is that this knowledge may help readers to understand the relevance of these receptors in health and disease conditions, as well as it may serve as the theoretical basis for the different experimental protocols to investigate these receptors and their signaling mechanisms that will be described in the following chapters.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gómez-Cañas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Satta
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Hernández-Fisac
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Navarro
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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Xiao J, Zhou Y, Sun L, Wang H. Role of integrating cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1152167. [PMID: 37122621 PMCID: PMC10130673 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1152167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic events, which can result in long-term neurological impairments or even cell death, are among the most significant causes of brain injury during neurodevelopment. The complexity of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic pathophysiology and cellular pathways make it difficult to treat brain damage; hence, the development of new neuroprotective medicines is of great interest. Recently, numerous neuroprotective medicines have been developed to treat brain injuries and improve long-term outcomes based on comprehensive knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie neuronal plasticity following hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury. In this context, understanding of the medicinal potential of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system has recently increased. The endocannabinoid system plays a vital neuromodulatory role in numerous brain regions, ensuring appropriate control of neuronal activity. Its natural neuroprotection against adult brain injury or acute brain injury also clearly demonstrate the role of endocannabinoid signalling in modulating neuronal activity in the adult brain. The goal of this review is to examine how cannabinoid-derived compounds can be used to treat neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury and to assess the critical function of the endocannabinoid system and its potential for use as a new neuroprotective treatment for neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Xindu District People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Luqiang Sun
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Paediatrics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Haichuan Wang,
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