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Hussein S, Soliman NA, Dahmy SIE, Khamis T, Sameh R, Mostafa FM. Effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) on histopathological changes and gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model in male rats: the role of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 161:337-343. [PMID: 38296878 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02262-w] [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] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The third most prevalent malignancy to cause mortality is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is activated by binding to the transmembrane receptor Patched-1 (PTCH-1), which depresses the transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). This study was performed to examine the preventative and therapeutic effects of cannabidiol in adult rats exposed to diethyl nitrosamine (DENA)-induced HCC.A total of 50 male rats were divided into five groups of 10 rats each. Group I was the control group. Group II received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of DENA for 14 weeks. Group III included rats that received cannabidiol (CBD) orally (3-30 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and DENA injections for 14 weeks. Group IV rats received oral CBD for 2 weeks before 14 weeks of DENA injections. Group V included rats that received CBD orally for 2 weeks after their last injection of DENA. Measurements were made for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). Following total RNA extraction, Smo, Hhip, Ptch-1, and Gli-1 expressions were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A histopathological analysis of liver tissues was performed.The liver enzymes, oxidant-antioxidant state, morphological, and molecular parameters of the adult male rat model of DENA-induced HCC showed a beneficial improvement after CBD administration. In conclusion, by focusing on the Hh signaling system, administration of CBD showed a beneficial improvement in the liver enzymes, oxidant-antioxidant status, morphological, and molecular parameters in the DENA-induced HCC in adult male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Hussein
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Nabil A Soliman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Samih I El Dahmy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Tarek Khamis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Reham Sameh
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Fatma M Mostafa
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt
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Bachari A, Nassar N, Schanknecht E, Telukutla S, Piva TJ, Mantri N. Rationalizing a prospective coupling effect of cannabinoids with the current pharmacotherapy for melanoma treatment. WIREs Mech Dis 2024; 16:e1633. [PMID: 37920964 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1633] [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] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the leading fatal forms of cancer, yet from a treatment perspective, we have minimal control over its reoccurrence and resistance to current pharmacotherapies. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has recently been accepted as a multifaceted homeostatic regulator, influencing various physiological processes across different biological compartments, including the skin. This review presents an overview of the pathophysiology of melanoma, current pharmacotherapy used for treatment, and the challenges associated with the different pharmacological approaches. Furthermore, it highlights the utility of cannabinoids as an additive remedy for melanoma by restoring the balance between downregulated immunomodulatory pathways and elevated inflammatory cytokines during chronic skin conditions as one of the suggested critical approaches in treating this immunogenic tumor. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Bachari
- The Pangenomics Lab, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nazim Nassar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ellen Schanknecht
- The Pangenomics Lab, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Terrence Jerald Piva
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nitin Mantri
- The Pangenomics Lab, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Lachowicz J, Szopa A, Ignatiuk K, Świąder K, Serefko A. Zebrafish as an Animal Model in Cannabinoid Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10455. [PMID: 37445631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310455] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are active substances present in plants of the Cannabis genus. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have approved several medicinal products containing natural cannabinoids or their synthetic derivatives for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, anorexia in AIDS patients, and the alleviation of symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. In fact, cannabinoids constitute a broad group of molecules with a possible therapeutic potential that could be used in the management of much more diseases than mentioned above; therefore, multiple preclinical and clinical studies on cannabinoids have been carried out in recent years. Danio rerio (zebrafish) is an animal model that has gained more attention lately due to its numerous advantages, including easy and fast reproduction, the significant similarity of the zebrafish genome to the human one, simplicity of genetic modifications, and body transparency during the early stages of development. A number of studies have confirmed the usefulness of this model in toxicological research, experiments related to the impact of early life exposure to xenobiotics, modeling various diseases, and screening tests to detect active substances with promising biological activity. The present paper focuses on the current knowledge of the endocannabinoid system in the zebrafish model, and it summarizes the results and observations from studies investigating the pharmacological effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids that were carried out in Danio rerio. The presented data support the notion that the zebrafish model is a suitable animal model for use in cannabinoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Lachowicz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ignatiuk
- Scientific Circle, Department of Clincal Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Świąder
- Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Song Q, Zhang W, Shi D, Zhang Z, Zhao Q, Wang M, Huang M, Meng J, Cui W, Luo X. Overexpression of cannabinoid receptor 2 is associated with human breast cancer proliferation, apoptosis, chemosensitivity and prognosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Cancer Med 2023; 12:13538-13550. [PMID: 37220224 PMCID: PMC10315729 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6037] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is mainly involved in the immune system. However, although CB2 has been reported to play an anti-tumor function in breast cancer (BC), its specific mechanism in BC remains unclear. METHODS We examined the expression and prognostic significance of CB2 in BC tissues by qPCR, second-generation sequencing, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We assessed the impacts of overexpression and a specific agonist of CB2 on the growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance of BC cells in vitro and in vivo using CCK-8, flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence, tumor xenografts, western blot, and colony formation assays. RESULTS CB2 expression was significantly lower in BC compared with paracancerous tissues. It was also highly expressed in benign tumors and ductal carcinoma in situ, and its expression was correlated with prognosis in BC patients. CB2 overexpression and treatment of BC cells with a CB2 agonist inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis, and these actions were achieved by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, CB2 expression was increased in MDA-MB-231 cell treated with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and docetaxel, and sensitivity to these anti-tumor drugs was increased in BC cells overexpressing CB2. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal that CB2 mediates BC via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. CB2 could be a novel target for the diagnosis and treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Song
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Wenjin Zhang
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Dan Shi
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Zhiliang Zhang
- Department of Breast SurgeryChongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Qiurong Zhao
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- Department of Breast SurgeryChongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Man Huang
- Department of Breast SurgeryChongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Juanjuan Meng
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
| | - Xiaohe Luo
- Department of Central LaboratoryChongqing University Three Gorges HospitalChongqing UniversityWanzhou, ChongqingChina
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Zhang M, Xu T, Tong D, Li S, Yu X, Liu B, Jiang L, Liu K. Research advances in endometriosis-related signaling pathways: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114909. [PMID: 37210898 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is characterized by the existence of endometrial mucosa outside the uterine cavity, which causesinfertility, persistent aches, and a decline in women's quality of life. Both hormone therapies and nonhormone therapies, such as NSAIDs, are ineffective, generic categories of EM drugs. Endometriosis is a benign gynecological condition, yet it shares a number of features with cancer cells, including immune evasion, survival, adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. Several endometriosis-related signaling pathways are comprehensively reviewed in this article, including E2, NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, YAP, Wnt/β-catenin, Rho/ROCK, TGF-β, VEGF, NO, iron, cytokines and chemokines. To find and develop novel medications for the treatment of EM, it is essential to implicitly determine the molecular pathways that are disordered during EM development. Additionally, research on the shared pathways between EM and tumors can provide hypotheses or suggestions for endometriosis therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tongtong Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deming Tong
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Siman Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Boya Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Kuiran Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Almeida CF, Teixeira N, Valente MJ, Vinggaard AM, Correia-da-Silva G, Amaral C. Cannabidiol as a Promising Adjuvant Therapy for Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Tumors: Unveiling Its Benefits with Aromatase Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092517. [PMID: 37173983 PMCID: PMC10177097 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092517] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most diagnosed subtype, with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) being one of the therapeutic drug types used in the clinic. However, endocrine resistance may develop after prolonged treatment, and different approaches, such as combining endocrine and targeted therapies, have been applied. Recently, we demonstrated that cannabidiol (CBD) induces anti-tumor actions in ER+ breast cancer cells by targeting aromatase and ERs. Considering this, we studied, in vitro, whether CBD when combined with AIs could improve their effectiveness. METHODS MCF-7aro cells were used and the effects on cell viability and on the modulation of specific targets were investigated. RESULTS CBD when combined with anastrozole (Ana) and letrozole (Let) caused no beneficial effect in comparison to the isolated AIs. In contrast, when combined with the AI exemestane (Exe), CBD potentiated its pro-cell death effects, abolished its estrogen-like effect, impaired ERα activation, and prevented its oncogenic role on the androgen receptor (AR). Moreover, this combination inhibited ERK1/2 activation, promoting apoptosis. The study of the hormonal microenvironment suggests that this combination should not be applied in early stages of ER+ breast tumors. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to Ana and Let, this study highlights the potential benefits of combining CBD with Exe to improve breast cancer treatment and opens up the possibility of new therapeutic approaches comprising the use of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferreira Almeida
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Valente
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Boyacıoğlu Ö, Korkusuz P. Cannabinoids as Prospective Anti-Cancer Drugs: Mechanism of Action in Healthy and Cancer Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1410:145-169. [PMID: 36396926 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids modulate many physiological and pathological processes by binding classical cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) or 2 (CB2) or non-cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids are known to exert antiproliferative, apoptotic, anti-migratory and anti-invasive effect on cancer cells by inducing or inhibiting various signaling cascades. In this chapter, we specifically emphasize the latest research works about the alterations in endocannabinoid system (ECS) components in malignancies and cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, autophagy, and death by cannabinoid administration, emphasizing their mechanism of action, and give a future perspective for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Boyacıoğlu
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Atılım University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petek Korkusuz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Disorders of cancer metabolism: The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:113993. [PMID: 36379120 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal energy metabolism, as one of the important hallmarks of cancer, was induced by multiple carcinogenic factors and tumor-specific microenvironments. It comprises aerobic glycolysis, de novo lipid biosynthesis, and glutamine-dependent anaplerosis. Considering that metabolic reprogramming provides various nutrients for tumor survival and development, it has been considered a potential target for cancer therapy. Cannabinoids have been shown to exhibit a variety of anticancer activities by unclear mechanisms. This paper first reviews the recent progress of related signaling pathways (reactive oxygen species (ROS), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α), and p53) mediating the reprogramming of cancer metabolism (including glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism). Then we comprehensively explore the latest discoveries and possible mechanisms of the anticancer effects of cannabinoids through the regulation of the above-mentioned related signaling pathways, to provide new targets and insights for cancer prevention and treatment.
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Bockmann EC, Brito R, Madeira LF, da Silva Sampaio L, de Melo Reis RA, França GR, Calaza KDC. The Role of Cannabinoids in CNS Development: Focus on Proliferation and Cell Death. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2022; 43:1469-1485. [PMID: 35925507 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01263-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The active principles of Cannabis sativa are potential treatments for several diseases, such as pain, seizures and anorexia. With the increase in the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, a more careful assessment of the possible impacts on embryonic development becomes necessary. Surveys indicate that approximately 3.9% of pregnant women use cannabis in a recreational and/or medicinal manner. However, although the literature has already described the presence of endocannabinoid system components since the early stages of CNS development, many of their physiological effects during this stage have not yet been established. Moreover, it is still uncertain how the endocannabinoid system can be altered in terms of cell proliferation and cell fate, neural migration, neural differentiation, synaptogenesis and particularly cell death. In relation to cell death in the CNS, knowledge about the effects of cannabinoids is scarce. Thus, the present work aims to review the role of the endocannabinoid system in different aspects of CNS development and discuss possible side effects or even opportunities for treating some conditions in the development of this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Cosendey Bockmann
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Brito
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucianne Fragel Madeira
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luzia da Silva Sampaio
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Augusto de Melo Reis
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Rapozeiro França
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Karin da Costa Calaza
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Razlog R, Kruger CA, Abrahamse H. Enhancement of Conventional and Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Cervical Cancer with Cannabidiol. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221092706. [PMID: 35481367 PMCID: PMC9087227 DOI: 10.1177/15347354221092706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Conventional treatments include surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy, however these are invasive and may cause severe side effects. Furthermore, approximately 70% of late-stage CC patients experience metastasis, due to treatment resistance and limitations. Thus, there is a dire need to investigate alternative therapeutic combination therapies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative CC treatment modality that has been clinically proven to treat primary CC, as well as to limit secondary metastasis. Since PDT is a non-invasive localized treatment, with fewer side effects and lessened resistance to dose repeats, it is considered far more advantageous. However, more clinical trials are required to refine its delivery and dosing, as well as improve its ability to activate specific immune responses to eradicate secondary CC spread. Cannabidiol (CBD) isolates have been shown to exert in vitro CC anticancer effects, causing apoptosis post treatment, as well as inducing specific immune responses, which obstruct tumor invasion and angiogenesis, and so hinder CC metastatic spread. This review paper discusses the current conventional and alternative PDT treatment modalities for CC, as well as their limitations over the last 10 years. It has a particular focus on the combinative administration of CBD with these treatments in order to prevent CC secondary migration and so possibly encourage future research studies to focus on this synergistic effect to eradicate CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Razlog
- Department of Complementary Medicine,
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg,
South Africa
| | - Cherie Ann Kruger
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of
Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South
Africa
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of
Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South
Africa
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11
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N-Acyl Dopamines Induce Apoptosis in Endometrial Stromal Cells from Patients with Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910648. [PMID: 34638988 PMCID: PMC8509064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is characterized by the formation and development of endometrial tissues outside the uterus, based on an imbalance between proliferation and cell death, leading to the uncontrolled growth of ectopic foci. The potential target for the regulation of these processes is the endocannabinoid system, which was found to be involved in the migration, proliferation, and survival of tumor cells. In this paper, we investigated the effect of endocannabinoid-like compounds from the N-acyl dopamine (NADA) family on the viability of stromal cells from ectopic and eutopic endometrium of patients with ovarian endometriosis. N-arachidonoyldopamine, N-docosahexaenoyldopamine, and N-oleoyldopamine have been shown to have a five-times-more-selective cytotoxic effect on endometrioid stromal cells. To study the mechanisms of the toxic effect, inhibitory analysis, measurements of caspase-3/9 activity, reactive oxygen species, and the mitochondrial membrane potential were performed. It was found that NADA induced apoptosis via an intrinsic pathway through the CB1 receptor and downstream serine palmitoyltransferase, NO synthase activation, increased ROS production, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The higher selectivity of NADA for endometriotic stromal cells and the current lack of effective drug treatment can be considered positive factors for further research of these compounds as possible therapeutic agents against endometriosis.
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12
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Rodríguez-Cueto C, García-Toscano L, Santos-García I, Gómez-Almería M, Gonzalo-Consuegra C, Espejo-Porras F, Fernández-Ruiz J, de Lago E. Targeting the CB 2 receptor and other endocannabinoid elements to delay disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1373-1387. [PMID: 33486755 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids form a singular group of plant-derived compounds, endogenous lipids and synthetic derivatives with multiple therapeutic effects exerted by targeting different elements of the endocannabinoid system. One of their therapeutic applications is the preservation of neuronal integrity exerted by attenuating the multiple neurotoxic events that kill neurons in neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we will address the potential of cannabinoids as neuroprotective agents in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by muscle denervation, atrophy and paralysis, and progressive deterioration in upper and/or lower motor neurons. The emphasis will be paid on the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2 ) receptor, whose activation limits glial reactivity, but the potential of additional endocannabinoid-related targets will be also addressed. The evidence accumulated so far at the preclinical level supports the need to soon move towards the patients and initiate clinical trials to confirm the potential of cannabinoid-based medicines as disease modifiers in ALS. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cueto
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-Toscano
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Santos-García
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Almería
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Gonzalo-Consuegra
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Espejo-Porras
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva de Lago
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Area 1 - Neurociencias y Organos de los Sentidos, IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
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Lah TT, Novak M, Pena Almidon MA, Marinelli O, Žvar Baškovič B, Majc B, Mlinar M, Bošnjak R, Breznik B, Zomer R, Nabissi M. Cannabigerol Is a Potential Therapeutic Agent in a Novel Combined Therapy for Glioblastoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020340. [PMID: 33562819 PMCID: PMC7914500 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Among primary brain tumours, glioblastoma is the most aggressive. As early relapses are unavoidable despite standard-of-care treatment, the cannabinoids delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) alone or in combination have been suggested as a combined treatment strategy for glioblastomas. However, the known psychoactive effects of THC hamper its medical applications in these patients with potential cognitive impairment due to the progression of the disease. Therefore, nontoxic cannabigerol (CBG), being recently shown to exhibit anti-tumour properties in some carcinomas, is assayed here for the first time in glioblastoma with the aim to replace THC. We indeed found CBG to effectively impair the relevant hallmarks of glioblastoma progression, with comparable killing effects to THC and in addition inhibiting the invasion of glioblastoma cells. Moreover, CBG can destroy therapy-resistant glioblastoma stem cells, which are the root of cancer development and extremely resistant to various other treatments of this lethal cancer. CBG should present a new yet unexplored adjuvant treatment strategy of glioblastoma. Abstract Glioblastoma is the most aggressive cancer among primary brain tumours. As with other cancers, the incidence of glioblastoma is increasing; despite modern therapies, the overall mean survival of patients post-diagnosis averages around 16 months, a figure that has not changed in many years. Cannabigerol (CBG) has only recently been reported to prevent the progression of certain carcinomas and has not yet been studied in glioblastoma. Here, we have compared the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-invasive effects of the purified natural cannabinoid CBG together with CBD and THC on established differentiated glioblastoma tumour cells and glioblastoma stem cells. CBG and THC reduced the viability of both types of cells to a similar extent, whereas combining CBD with CBG was more efficient than with THC. CBD and CBG, both alone and in combination, induced caspase-dependent cell apoptosis, and there was no additive THC effect. Of note, CBG inhibited glioblastoma invasion in a similar manner to CBD and the chemotherapeutic temozolomide. We have demonstrated that THC has little added value in combined-cannabinoid glioblastoma treatment, suggesting that this psychotropic cannabinoid should be replaced with CBG in future clinical studies of glioblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara T. Lah
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.N.); (B.Ž.B.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-41-651-629
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.N.); (B.Ž.B.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (B.B.)
| | - Milagros A. Pena Almidon
- School of Pharmacy, Experimental Medicine Section, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.A.P.A.); (O.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Oliviero Marinelli
- School of Pharmacy, Experimental Medicine Section, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.A.P.A.); (O.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Barbara Žvar Baškovič
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.N.); (B.Ž.B.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (B.B.)
| | - Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.N.); (B.Ž.B.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (B.B.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Mlinar
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.N.); (B.Ž.B.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (B.B.)
| | - Roman Bošnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.N.); (B.Ž.B.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (B.B.)
| | - Roby Zomer
- MGC Pharmaceuticals d.o.o., 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Massimo Nabissi
- School of Pharmacy, Experimental Medicine Section, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.A.P.A.); (O.M.); (M.N.)
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Schoeman R, Beukes N, Frost C. Cannabinoid Combination Induces Cytoplasmic Vacuolation in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204682. [PMID: 33066359 PMCID: PMC7587381 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the synergistic anti-cancer potential of cannabinoid combinations across the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines. Cannabinoids were combined and their synergistic interactions were evaluated using median effect analysis. The most promising cannabinoid combination (C6) consisted of tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD), and displayed favorable dose reduction indices and limited cytotoxicity against the non-cancerous breast cell line, MCF-10A. C6 exerted its effects in the MCF-7 cell line by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase, followed by the induction of apoptosis. Morphological observations indicated the induction of cytoplasmic vacuolation, with further investigation suggesting that the vacuole membrane was derived from the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, lipid accumulation, increased lysosome size, and significant increases in the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) expression were also observed. The selectivity and ability of cannabinoids to halt cancer cell proliferation via pathways resembling apoptosis, autophagy, and paraptosis shows promise for cannabinoid use in standardized breast cancer treatment.
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