Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Agonist Attenuates Acute Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema by Preventing Neutrophil Migration after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats

Cannabinoid Receptor mRNA Expression in Central and Peripheral Tissues in a Rodent Model of Peritonitis

Introduction: Our laboratory investigates changes in the respiratory pattern during systemic inflammation in various rodent models. The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) regulates cytokine production and mitigates inflammation. Inflammation not only affects cannabinoid (CB) 1 and CB2 receptor gene expression (Cnr1 and Cnr2), but also increases the predictability of the ventilatory pattern. Objectives: Our primary objective was to track ventilatory pattern variability and transcription of Cnr1 and Cnr2 mRNA, and of Il1b, Il6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnfa) mRNAs at multiple time points in central and peripheral tissues during systemic inflammation induced by peritonitis. Methods: In male Sprague Dawley rats (n=24), we caused peritonitis by implanting a fibrin clot containing either 0 or 25×106 Escherichia coli intraperitoneally. We recorded breathing with whole-animal plethysmography at baseline and 1 h before euthanasia. We euthanized the rats at 3, 6, or 12 h after inoculation and harvested the pons, medulla, lung, and heart for gene expression analysis. Results: With peritonitis, Cnr1 mRNA more than Cnr2 mRNA was correlated to Il1b, Il6, and Tnfa mRNAs in medulla, pons, and lung and changed oppositely in the pons, medulla, and lung. These changes were associated with increased predictability of ventilatory pattern. Specifically, nonlinear complexity index correlated with increased Cnr1 mRNA in the pons and medulla, and coefficient of variation for cycle duration correlated with Cnr1 and Cnr2 mRNAs in the lung. Conclusion: The mRNAs for ECS receptors varied with time during the central and peripheral inflammatory response to peritonitis. These changes occurred in the brainstem, which contains the network that generates breathing pattern and thus, may participate in ventilatory pattern changes during systemic inflammation.

Cannabinoid Type-2 Receptor Agonist, JWH133 May Be a Possible Candidate for Targeting Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity in COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a deadly disease affecting millions due to the non-availability of drugs and vaccines. The majority of COVID-19 drugs have been repurposed based on antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antibiotic potential. The pathogenesis and advanced complications with infection involve the immune-inflammatory cascade. Therefore, a therapeutic strategy could reduce infectivity, inflammation, and immune modulation. In recent years, modulating the endocannabinoid system, particularly activation of the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor is a promising therapeutic target for modulation of immune-inflammatory responses. JWH133, a selective, full functional agonist of the CB2 receptor, has been extensively studied for its potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. JWH133 modulates numerous signaling pathways and inhibits inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, prostanoids, and eicosanoids. In this study, we propose that JWH133 could be a promising candidate for targeting infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19, due to its pharmacological and molecular mechanisms in numerous preclinical efficacy and safety studies, along with its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, organoprotective, and antiviral properties. Thus, JWH133 should be investigated in preclinical and clinical studies for its potential as an agent or adjuvant with other agents for its effect on viremia, infectivity, immune modulation, resolution of inflammation, reduction in severity, and progression of complications in COVID-19. JWH133 is devoid of psychotropic effects due to CB2 receptor selectivity, has negligible toxicity, good bioavailability and druggable properties, including pharmacokinetic and physicochemical effects. We believe that JWH133 could be a promising drug and may inspire further studies for an evidence-based approach against COVID-19.

Cannabinoids and Inflammations of the Gut-Lung-Skin Barrier

Recent studies have identified great similarities and interferences between the epithelial layers of the digestive tract, the airways and the cutaneous layer. The relationship between these structures seems to implicate signaling pathways, cellular components and metabolic features, and has led to the definition of a gut-lung-skin barrier. Inflammation seems to involve common features in these tissues; therefore, analyzing the similarities and differences in the modulation of its biomarkers can yield significant data promoting a better understanding of the particularities of specific signaling pathways and cellular effects. Cannabinoids are well known for a wide array of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. This paper aims to explore the effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids, including the components of the endocannabinoid system, in relation to the inflammation of the gut-lung-skin barrier epithelia. Recent advancements in the use of cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory substances in various disorders of the gut, lungs and skin are detailed. Some studies have reported mixed or controversial results, and these have also been addressed in our paper.

Neuroprotective Strategies in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (aSAH)

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a disease with high mortality and morbidity. Since treating vasospasm has not inevitably led to an improvement in outcome, the actual emphasis is on finding neuroprotective therapies in the early phase following aSAH to prevent secondary brain injury in the later phase of disease. Within the early phase, neuroinflammation, thromboinflammation, disturbances in brain metabolism and early neuroprotective therapies directed against delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) came into focus. Herein, the role of neuroinflammation, thromboinflammation and metabolism in aSAH is depicted. Potential neuroprotective strategies regarding neuroinflammation target microglia activation, metalloproteases, autophagy and the pathway via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), NF-κB and finally the release of cytokines like TNFα or IL-1. Following the link to thromboinflammation, potential neuroprotective therapies try to target microthrombus formation, platelets and platelet receptors as well as clot clearance and immune cell infiltration. Potential neuroprotective strategies regarding metabolism try to re-balance the mismatch of energy need and supply following aSAH, for example, in restoring fuel to the TCA cycle or bypassing distinct energy pathways. Overall, this review addresses current neuroprotective strategies in aSAH, hopefully leading to future translational therapy options to prevent secondary brain injury.

Blood-brain barrier permeability imaging as a predictor for delayed cerebral ischaemia following subarachnoid haemorrhage. A narrative review

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to the myriad of complications contributing to early brain injury and delayed cerebral ischaemia. There is increasing interest in the exploration of the association between blood-brain barrier integrity and risks of delayed cerebral ischaemia and poor outcomes. Despite recent advances in cerebral imaging, radiographic imaging of blood-brain barrier disruption, as a biomarker for outcome prediction, has not been adopted in clinical practice.

METHODS

We performed a narrative review by searching for articles describing molecular changes or radiological identification of changes in BBB permeability following subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) on MEDLINE. Preclinical studies were analysed if reported structural changes and clinical studies were included if they investigated for radiological markers of BBB disruption and its correlation with delayed cerebral ischaemia.

RESULTS

There is ample preclinical evidence to suggest that there are structural changes in BBB permeability following SAH. The available clinical literature has demonstrated correlations between permeability imaging and outcomes following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH).

CONCLUSION

Radiological biomarkers offer a potential non-invasive prognostication tool and may also allow early identifications of patients who may be at risk of DCI.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps may be a Potential Target for Treating Early Brain Injury in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Neuroinflammation is closely associated with poor prognosis in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are important regulators of sterile inflammation, in SAH. In this study, markers of NET formation, quantified by the level of citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), were significantly increased after SAH and correlated with SAH severity. CitH3 peaked at 12 h in peripheral blood and at 24 h in the brain. Administration of the peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) selective antagonist GSK484 substantially attenuated SAH-induced brain edema and neuronal injury. Moreover, the benefit of NET inhibition was also confirmed by DNAse I treatment and neutrophil depletion. Mechanistically, NETs markedly exacerbated microglial inflammation in vitro. NET formation aggravated neuroinflammation by promoting microglial activation and increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while inhibiting NETs demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the levels of these proinflammatory factors. Moreover, neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE), a severe nonneurological complication after SAH, is associated with a high level of NET formation. However, GSK484 effectively inhibited the formation of NETs in the lungs of NPE mice, thereby preventing the diffusion of neutrophilic infiltration and attenuating the swelling of the alveolar interstitium. In conclusion, NETs promoted neuroinflammation after SAH, while pharmacological inhibition of PAD4-NETs could reduce the inflammatory damage caused by SAH. These results supported the idea that NETs might be potential therapeutic targets for SAH.

PKA-Dependent Membrane Surface Recruitment of CI-AMPARs Is Crucial for BCP-Mediated Protection Against Post-acute Ischemic Stroke Cognitive Impairment

Post-acute ischemic stroke cognitive impairment frequently occurs and seriously affects patients daily activities. Recruitment of GluA2-containing Ca²⁺-impermeable AMPA receptors (CI-AMPARs) to hippocampal synaptic membrane surfaces was shown to trigger synaptic plasticity. Currently, the effect of CI-AMPAR trafficking on acute ischemic stroke remains poorly understood. β-Caryophyllene (BCP) has been shown to ameliorate cognitive impairment. However, the mechanism has not been characterized. In this study, a 60-min temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established to simulate the pathology of acute ischemic stroke. BCP reduced neurologic deficits, cerebral infarct volume, and pathological damage in MCAO mice and caused CI-AMPARs to translocate to synaptic membranes in the hippocampus; surface expression of CI-AMPARs was also decreased in MCAO mice. Furthermore, this study also showed that BCP treatment significantly activated the cAMP/PKA pathway, which is consistent with the synaptic membrane expression of CI-AMPARs. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, the PKA inhibitor H-89 was used to study the role of BCP in MCAO mice. Interestingly, H-89 treatment significantly disrupted the BCP-mediated facilitation of CI-AMPAR translocation to the synaptic membrane surface and substantially attenuated BCP-induced protection against acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, inhibition the cAMP/PKA pathway not only reduced BCP-induced inhibition of AMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in the hippocampal CA1 region but also decreased the effect of BCP-mediated protection against post-acute ischemic stroke cognitive impairment. Taken together, these data indicate that PKA-dependent synaptic membrane surface recruitment of CI-AMPARs is crucial for the neuroprotective effect of BCP against acute ischemic stroke and protection against post-acute ischemic stroke cognitive impairment.

Adjuvant Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Agonist Modulates the Polarization of Microglia Towards a Non-Inflammatory Phenotype in Experimental Pneumococcal Meningitis

Background

Microglia initiates and sustains the inflammatory reaction that drives the pathogenesis of pneumococcal meningitis. The expression of the G-protein cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) in the brain is low, but is upregulated in glial cells during infection. Its activation down-regulates pro-inflammatory processes, driving microglia towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. CB2 agonists are therefore therapeutic candidates in inflammatory conditions like pneumococcal meningitis. We evaluated the effects of JWH-133, a specific CB2 agonist on microglial cells, inflammation, and damage driven by S. pneumoniae in vitro and in experimental pneumococcal meningitis.

Materials/methods

Primary mixed glial cultures were stimulated with live or heat-inactivated S. pneumoniae, or lipopolysaccharide and treated with JWH-133 or vehicle. Nitric oxide and cytokines levels were measured in the supernatant. In vivo, pneumococcal meningitis was induced by intracisternal injection of live S. pneumoniae in 11 days old Wistar rats. Animals were treated with antibiotics (Ceftriaxone, 100 mg/kg, s.c. bid) and JWH-133 (1 mg/kg, i.p. daily) or vehicle (10% Ethanol in saline, 100 µl/25g body weight) at 18 h after infection. Brains were harvested at 24 and 42 h post infection (hpi) for histological assessment of hippocampal apoptosis and cortical damage and determination of cyto/chemokines in tissue homogenates. Microglia were characterized using Iba-1 immunostaining. Inflammation in brain homogenates was determined using membrane-based antibody arrays.

Results

In vitro, nitric oxide and cytokines levels were significantly lowered by JWH-133 treatment. In vivo, clinical parameters were not affected by the treatment. JWH-133 significantly lowered microglia activation assessed by quantification of cell process length and endpoints per microglia. Animals treated with JWH-133 demonstrated significantly lower parenchymal levels of chemokines (CINC-1, CINC-2α/β, and MIP-3α), TIMP-1, and IL-6 at 24 hpi, and CINC-1, MIP-1α, and IL-1α at 42 hpi. Quantitative analysis of brain damage did not reveal an effect of JWH-133.

Conclusions

JWH-133 attenuates microglial activation and downregulates the concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators in pneumococcal infection in vitro and in vivo. However, we didn't observe a reduction in cortical or hippocampal injury. This data provides evidence that inhibition of microglia by adjuvant CB2 agonists therapy effectively downmodulates neuroinflammation but does not reduce brain damage in experimental pneumococcal meningitis.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema following acute stroke: The progress and perspective

Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) following acute stroke is an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with clinical characteristics that include acute onset, apparent pulmonary interstitial fluid infiltration and rapid resolution. The pathological process of NPE centers on sympathetic stimulation and fulminant release of catecholamines, which cause contraction of resistance vessels. Elevated systemic resistance forces fluid into pulmonary circulation, while pulmonary circulation overload induces pulmonary capillary pressure that elevates, and in turn damages the alveolar capillary barrier. Damage to the alveolar capillary barrier leads to pulmonary ventilation disorder, blood perfusion disorder and oxygenation disorder. Eventually, NPE will cause post-stroke patients' prognosis to further deteriorate. At present, we lack specific biological diagnostic indicators and a meticulously unified diagnostic criterion, and this results in a situation in which many patients are not recognized quickly and/or diagnosed accurately. There are no drugs that are effective against NPE. Therefore, understanding how to diagnose NPE early by identifying the risk factors and how to apply appropriate treatment to avoid a deteriorating prognosis are important scientific goals. We will elaborate the progress of NPE after acute stroke in terms of its pathophysiological mechanisms, etiology, epidemiology, clinical diagnosis and early prediction, comprehensive treatment strategies, and novel drug development. We also propose our own thinking and prospects regarding NPE.

Targeting the endocannabinoid system: a predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine-directed approach to the management of brain pathologies

Cannabis-inspired medical products are garnering increasing attention from the scientific community, general public, and health policy makers. A plethora of scientific literature demonstrates intricate engagement of the endocannabinoid system with human immunology, psychology, developmental processes, neuronal plasticity, signal transduction, and metabolic regulation. Despite the therapeutic potential, the adverse psychoactive effects and historical stigma, cannabinoids have limited widespread clinical application. Therefore, it is plausible to weigh carefully the beneficial effects of cannabinoids against the potential adverse impacts for every individual. This is where the concept of "personalized medicine" as a promising approach for disease prediction and prevention may take into the account. The goal of this review is to provide an outline of the endocannabinoid system, including endocannabinoid metabolizing pathways, and will progress to a more in-depth discussion of the therapeutic interventions by endocannabinoids in various neurological disorders.

Anti-inflammatory effects of lenabasum, a cannabinoid receptor type 2 agonist, on macrophages from cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Lenabasum is an oral synthetic cannabinoid receptor type 2 agonist previously shown to reduce the production of key airway pro-inflammatory cytokines known to play a role in cystic fibrosis (CF). In a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-control phase 2 study, lenabasum lowered the rate of pulmonary exacerbation among patients with CF. The present study was undertaken to investigate anti-inflammatory mechanisms of lenabasum exhibits in CF macrophages.

METHODS

We used monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from healthy donors (n = 15), MDMs with CFTR inhibited with C-172 (n = 5) and MDMs from patients with CF (n = 4). Monocytes were differentiated to macrophages and polarized into classically activated (M1) macrophages by LPS or alternatively activated (M2) macrophages by IL-13 in presence or absence of lenabasum.

RESULTS

Lenabasum had no effect on differentiation, polarization and function of macrophages from healthy individuals. However, in CF macrophages lenabasum downregulated macrophage polarization into the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. An improvement in phagocytic activity was also observed following lenabasum treatment. Although lenabasum did not restore the impaired polarization of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage, it reduced the levels of IL-13 and enhanced the endocytic function of CF MDMs. The effects of lenabasum on MDMs with CFTR inhibited by C-172 were not as obvious.

CONCLUSION

In CF macrophages lenabasum modulates macrophage polarization and function in vitro in a way that would reduce inflammation in vivo. Further studies are warranted to determine the link between activating the CBR2 receptor and CFTR.

Mice Missing Cnr1 and Cnr2 Show Implantation Defects

Cannabinoid/endocannabinoid signaling is primarily mediated by cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1; encoded by Cnr1) and/or type 2 (CB2; encoded by Cnr2). Here, we show that Cnr1-/-Cnr2-/- mice are subfertile as a result of compromised implantation. Upon implantation, the epithelium is smooth and adhered to the blastocyst trophectoderm within the implantation chamber (crypt) in wild-type mice, whereas the epithelium in Cnr1-/-Cnr2-/- mice is ruffled, which compromises appropriate blastocyst-uterine interactions. The suboptimal implantation leads to higher incidence of pregnancy failure in Cnr1-/-Cnr2-/- mice. Histological analysis revealed heightened edema around the implantation chamber in these deleted females. With the use of a reporter mouse line, we observed that CB2 is present on endothelial cells of uterine blood vessels, and its absence leads to blood vessel leakage during implantation. These results suggest that appropriately regulated uterine edema is important to optimal implantation.

Relationship between G proteins coupled receptors and tight junctions

Tight junctions (TJs) are sites of cell-cell adhesion, constituted by a cytoplasmic plaque of molecules linked to integral proteins that form a network of strands around epithelial and endothelial cells at the uppermost portion of the lateral membrane. TJs maintain plasma membrane polarity and form channels and barriers that regulate the transit of ions and molecules through the paracellular pathway. This structure that regulates traffic between the external milieu and the organism is affected in numerous pathological conditions and constitutes an important target for therapeutic intervention. Here, we describe how a wide array of G protein-coupled receptors that are activated by diverse stimuli including light, ions, hormones, peptides, lipids, nucleotides and proteases, signal through heterotrimeric G proteins, arrestins and kinases to regulate TJs present in the blood-brain barrier, the blood-retinal barrier, renal tubular cells, keratinocytes, lung and colon, and the slit diaphragm of the glomerulus.

Could cardiac biomarkers predict neurogenic pulmonary edema in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage?

BACKGROUND

Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the acute onset of pulmonary edema after a significant central nervous system (CNS) insult. NPE occurs as a result of release of catecholamines into the blood immediately after aneurysm rupture. The aim of this study is to investigate the connection between the value of cardiac biomarkers on admission and incidence of NPE in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

A total of 262 SAH patients (162 women, 100 men) were prospectively included in the study. Clinical characteristics, electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, serum cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers were measured on admission and on the day of development of NPE. These data were analyzed in order to predict the development NPE.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients (7.25%) developed NPE. Comparison revealed that patients who subsequently developed NPE, sustained more severe SAH. Cardiac damage was more severe in these patients, as represented by significantly higher mean values of all examined cardiac biomarkers (P = 0.000), except for troponin I value that was significantly lower (P = 0.000). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that elevated troponin I (OR, 4.980; 95% CI, 1.27-19.49; P = 0.021) and white blood cell count (OR, 22.195; 95% CI, 3.99-123.50; P = 0.000) are predictors of NPE.

CONCLUSIONS

Significantly higher values of cardiac biomarkers were observed in SAH patients complicated with NPE. Elevated values of cardiac biomarkers appear to play an active role in prediction of NPE, although white blood cell count may be involved in the prediction of NPE. There is an influence of SAH therapy on predictors of NPE.

Impact of Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Endocannabinoids in the Lungs

Since the identification of cannabinoid receptors in the 1990s, a research field has been dedicated to exploring the role of the cannabinoid system in immunity and the inflammatory response in human tissues and animal models. Although the cannabinoid system is present and crucial in many human tissues, studying the impact of cannabinoids on the lungs is particularly relevant because of their contact with exogenous cannabinoids in the context of marijuana consumption. In the past two decades, the scientific community has gathered a large body of evidence supporting that the activation of the cannabinoid system alleviates pain and reduces inflammation. In the context of lung inflammation, exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids have shown therapeutic potential because of their inhibitory effects on immune cell recruitment and functions. On the other hand, cannabinoids were shown to be deleterious to lung function and to impact respiratory pathogen clearance. In this review, we present the existing data on the regulation of lung immunity and inflammation by phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids and endocannabinoids.