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Maya-López M, Monsalvo-Maraver LA, Delgado-Arzate AL, Olivera-Pérez CI, El-Hafidi M, Silva-Palacios A, Medina-Campos O, Pedraza-Chaverri J, Aschner M, Tinkov AA, Túnez I, Retana-Márquez S, Zazueta C, Santamaría A. Anandamide and WIN 55212-2 Afford Protection in Rat Brain Mitochondria in a Toxic Model Induced by 3-Nitropropionic Acid: an In Vitro Study. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03967-2. [PMID: 38307967 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03967-2] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders. In contrast, the regulation of the endocannabinoid system has been shown to promote neuroprotection in different neurotoxic paradigms. The existence of an active form of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) in mitochondrial membranes (mitCB1R), which might exert its effects through the same signaling mechanisms as the cell membrane CB1R, has been shown to regulate mitochondrial activity. Although there is evidence suggesting that some cannabinoids may induce protective effects on isolated mitochondria, substantial evidence on the role of cannabinoids in mitochondria remains to be explored. In this work, we developed a toxic model of mitochondrial dysfunction induced by exposure of brain mitochondria to the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). Mitochondria were also pre-incubated with the endogenous agonist anandamide (AEA) and the synthetic CB1R agonist WIN 55212-2 to evaluate their protective effects. Mitochondrial reduction capacity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and mitochondrial swelling were assessed as toxic markers. While 3-NP decreased the mitochondrial reduction capacity and augmented mitochondrial ROS formation and swelling, both AEA and WIN 55212-2 ameliorated these toxic effects. To explore the possible involvement of mitCB1R activation on the protective effects of AEA and WIN 55212-2, mitochondria were also pre-incubated in the presence of the selective CB1R antagonist AM281, which completely reverted the protective effects of the cannabinoids to levels similar to those evoked by 3-NP. These results show partial protective effects of cannabinoids, suggesting that mitCB1R activation may be involved in the recovery of compromised mitochondrial activity, related to reduction of ROS formation and further prevention of mitochondrial swelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Maya-López
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, 09310, Mexico City, Mexico.
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | | | | | - Mohammed El-Hafidi
- Departamento de Biomedicina Cardiovascular, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, SSA, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Silva-Palacios
- Departamento de Biomedicina Cardiovascular, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, SSA, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Omar Medina-Campos
- Laboratorio F-315, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Laboratorio F-315, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119435, Russia
- Department of Human Ecology and Bioelementology, and Department of Medical Elementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, 117198, Russia
| | - Isaac Túnez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas Maimónides de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Red Española de Excelencia en Estimulación Cerebral (REDESTIM), 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Departamento de Biología de La Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09310, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cecilia Zazueta
- Departamento de Biomedicina Cardiovascular, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, SSA, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Abel Santamaría
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Paredes-Ruiz KJ, Chavira-Ramos K, Galvan-Arzate S, Rangel-López E, Karasu Ç, Túnez I, Skalny AV, Ke T, Aschner M, Orozco-Morales M, Colín-González AL, Santamaría A. Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibition Prevents Short-Term Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Damage in Rat Brain Synaptosomal/Mitochondrial Fractions and Cortical Slices: Role of Cannabinoid Receptors. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:514-525. [PMID: 37458923 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00661-4] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of enzymes responsible for endocannabinoid hydrolysis represents an invaluable emerging tool for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the enzyme responsible for degrading 2-arachydonoylglycerol (2-AG), the most abundant endocannabinoid in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we tested the effects of the selective MAGL inhibitor JZL184 on the 3-nitropropinic acid (3-NP)-induced short-term loss of mitochondrial reductive capacity/viability and oxidative damage in rat brain synaptosomal/mitochondrial fractions and cortical slices. In synaptosomes, while 3-NP decreased mitochondrial function and increased lipid peroxidation, JZL184 attenuated both markers. The protective effects evoked by JZL184 on the 3-NP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction were primarily mediated by activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R), as evidenced by their inhibition by the selective CB2R inverse agonist JTE907. The cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) also participated in this effect in a lesser extent, as evidenced by the CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist AM281. In contrast, activation of CB1R, but not CB2R, was responsible for the protective effects of JZL184 on the 3-NP-iduced lipid peroxidation. Protective effects of JZL184 were confirmed in other toxic models involving excitotoxicity and oxidative damage as internal controls. In cortical slices, JZL184 ameliorated the 3-NP-induced loss of mitochondrial function, the increase in lipid peroxidation, and the inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase (mitochondrial complex II) activity, and these effects were independent on CB1R and CB2R, as evidenced by the lack of effects of AM281 and JTE907, respectively. Our novel results provide experimental evidence that the differential protective effects exerted by JZL184 on the early toxic effects induced by 3-NP in brain synaptosomes and cortical slices involve MAGL inhibition, and possibly the subsequent accumulation of 2-AG. These effects involve pro-energetic and redox modulatory mechanisms that may be either dependent or independent of cannabinoid receptors' activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Jaqueline Paredes-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, S.S.A, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karla Chavira-Ramos
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, S.S.A, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sonia Galvan-Arzate
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto Nacional de Neurología Y Neurocirugía, S.S.A, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edgar Rangel-López
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, S.S.A, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Çimen Karasu
- Cellular Stress Response and Signal Transduction Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Gazi University, 06500, Beşevler, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Isaac Túnez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Maimonides de Córdoba (IMIBIC); Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad de Córdoba Red Española de Excelencia en Estimulación Cerebral (REDESTIM), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Peoples' Friendship, University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Tao Ke
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 11354, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 11354, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mario Orozco-Morales
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, S.S.A, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Abel Santamaría
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, S.S.A, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Demartini C, Francavilla M, Zanaboni AM, Facchetti S, De Icco R, Martinelli D, Allena M, Greco R, Tassorelli C. Biomarkers of Migraine: An Integrated Evaluation of Preclinical and Clinical Findings. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065334. [PMID: 36982428 PMCID: PMC10049673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, numerous efforts have been made to identify reliable biomarkers useful in migraine diagnosis and progression or associated with the response to a specific treatment. The purpose of this review is to summarize the alleged diagnostic and therapeutic migraine biomarkers found in biofluids and to discuss their role in the pathogenesis of the disease. We included the most informative data from clinical or preclinical studies, with a particular emphasis on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cytokines, endocannabinoids, and other biomolecules, the majority of which are related to the inflammatory aspects and mechanisms of migraine, as well as other actors that play a role in the disease. The potential issues affecting biomarker analysis are also discussed, such as how to deal with bias and confounding data. CGRP and other biological factors associated with the trigeminovascular system may offer intriguing and novel precision medicine opportunities, although the biological stability of the samples used, as well as the effects of the confounding role of age, gender, diet, and metabolic factors should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Demartini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Miriam Francavilla
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Zanaboni
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Facchetti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto De Icco
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Martinelli
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Allena
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosaria Greco
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0382)-380255
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Translational Neurovascular Research, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Therapeutic Molecular Insights into the Active Engagement of Cannabinoids in the Therapy of Parkinson's Disease: A Novel and Futuristic Approach. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:85-102. [PMID: 36567416 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00619-y] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder which is characterised mostly by loss of dopaminergic nerve cells throughout the nigral area mainly as a consequence of oxidative stress. Muscle stiffness, disorganised bodily responses, disturbed sleep, weariness, amnesia, and voice impairment are all symptoms of dopaminergic neuron degeneration and existing symptomatic treatments are important to arrest additional neuronal death. Some cannabinoids have recently been demonstrated as robust antioxidants that might protect the nerve cells from degeneration even when cannabinoid receptors are not triggered. Cannabinoids are likely to have property to slow or presumably cease the steady deterioration of the brain's dopaminergic systems, a condition for which there is now no treatment. The use of cannabinoids in combination with currently available drugs has the potential to introduce a radically new paradigm for treatment of Parkinson's disease, making it immensely useful in the treatment of such a debilitating illness.
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Beggiato S, Ieraci A, Zuccarini M, Di Iorio P, Schwarcz R, Ferraro L. Alterations in rat prefrontal cortex kynurenic acid levels are involved in the enduring cognitive dysfunctions induced by tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during the adolescence. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:996406. [PMID: 36483135 PMCID: PMC9722723 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.996406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis abuse during adolescence is a risk factor for cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders later in life. To date, the possible causal relationship between cannabinoids, kynurenic acid (KYNA; i.e., a neuroactive metabolite of tryptophan degradation) and cognition has not been investigated in adolescence. Early exposure to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; i.e., the main psychotropic component of cannabis) causes enduring cognitive deficits, which critically involve impaired glutamatergic function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In addition, prenatal cannabis exposure results in enduring increases in PFC KYNA levels. Based on these findings, the effects of chronic THC exposure in rats, during another critical period of neurodevelopment particularly sensitive to perturbation by exogenous stimuli, such as adolescence, have been investigated. METHODS Male Wistar rats were chronically treated with vehicle or ascending intraperitoneal (i.p.) doses of THC starting on postnatal day (PND) 35 until PND 45. In adulthood (PND 75), cognitive assessment (Y-maze) and extracellular KYNA/glutamate levels were measured in the PFC by in vivo microdialysis, before and after a challenge with KYN (5 mg/kg i.p., the biological precursor of KYNA). By using the selective, brain-penetrable KAT II inhibitor PF-04859989, we then examined whether blockade of KYNA neosynthesis prevents the cognitive impairment. RESULTS Compared to vehicle-treated controls, extracellular basal KYNA levels were higher in the PFC of adult rats chronically exposed to THC in adolescence (p < 0.01). No changes were observed in extracellular glutamate levels. Following a challenge with KYN, extracellular KYNA levels similarly increased in both groups (i.e., vehicle- and THC-treated; p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Chronic adolescent THC exposure negatively affected short-term memory (reduced spontaneous alternation), in adult animals (p < 0.001), while PF-04859989 (30 mg/kg i.p.) restored the cognitive impairment (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION We propose that the observed alterations in PFC KYNA signaling might be involved in the cognitive dysfunction induced by the exposure to THC during the adolescence. In the translational realm, these experiments raise the prospect of prevention of KYNA neosynthesis as a possible novel approach to counteract some of the detrimental long-term effects of adolescence cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ieraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Science, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Zuccarini
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Di Iorio
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for the Technology of Advanced Therapies (LTTA Centre), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Zádor F, Joca S, Nagy-Grócz G, Dvorácskó S, Szűcs E, Tömböly C, Benyhe S, Vécsei L. Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Potential Links between the Endocannabinoid System and the Kynurenine Pathway in Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115903. [PMID: 34072767 PMCID: PMC8199129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use/abuse is one of the main causes of depressive symptoms. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids in particular gained significant popularity in the past years. There is an increasing amount of clinical data associating such compounds with the inflammatory component of depression, indicated by the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are also well-known to regulate the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway (KP), which is responsible for metabolizing tryptophan, a precursor in serotonin synthesis. Enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels may over-activate the KP, leading to tryptophan depletion and reduced serotonin levels, which can subsequently precipitate depressive symptoms. Therefore, such mechanism might represent a possible link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the KP in depression, via the inflammatory and dysregulated serotonergic component of the disorder. This review will summarize the data regarding those natural and synthetic cannabinoids that increase pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the data on such cytokines associated with KP activation will be further reviewed accordingly. The interaction of the ECS and the KP has been postulated and demonstrated in some studies previously. This review will further contribute to this yet less explored connection and propose the KP to be the missing link between cannabinoid-induced inflammation and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Gábor Nagy-Grócz
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-351
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Chavira-Ramos K, Orozco-Morales M, Karasu Ç, Tinkov AA, Aschner M, Santamaría A, Colín-González AL. URB597 Prevents the Short-Term Excitotoxic Cell Damage in Rat Cortical Slices: Role of Cannabinoid 1 Receptors. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:146-155. [PMID: 33141426 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00301-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid-based therapies constitute an emerging tool for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, requiring characterization at the experimental level. The effects of URB597, an inhibitor of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), were tested against the quinolinic acid (QUIN)-induced early toxic effects in rat cortical slices, and compared with those effects exerted by the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA). URB597 prevented the QUIN-induced loss of mitochondrial function/cell viability and lipid peroxidation, while reduced necrosis, and to a lesser extent, apoptosis. The protective effects of URB597 were mediated by activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1r), as evidenced by their inhibition by the selective CB1r antagonist AM281. Similar effects were observed when testing AEA against QUIN toxicity. Our findings demonstrate the neuroprotective properties of URB597 during the early stages of excitotoxic damage to cortical tissue, suggesting that these properties are mediated by FAAH inhibition, and might be linked to the protective effects of AEA, or the combination of endocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Chavira-Ramos
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, S.S.A., 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mario Orozco-Morales
- Laboratorio de Medicina Personalizada, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, S.S.A., 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Çimen Karasu
- Cellular Stress Response and Signal Transduction Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Gazi University, Beşevler, 06500, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 11354, USA
| | - Abel Santamaría
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, S.S.A., 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Ana Laura Colín-González
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, S.S.A., 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
- Banco de Tumores, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, S.S.A., 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
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Prenatal THC exposure raises kynurenic acid levels in the prefrontal cortex of adult rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 100:109883. [PMID: 32032697 PMCID: PMC7260707 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis remains one of the most widely used illicit drugs during pregnancy. The main psychoactive component of marijuana (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) is correlated with untoward physiological effects in the offspring. Neurobehavioral and cognitive impairments have been reported in longitudinal studies on children and adolescents prenatally exposed to marijuana, and a link to psychiatric disorders has been proposed. Interestingly, the deleterious effects of prenatal cannabis use are similar to those observed in adult rats prenatally exposed to (L)-kynurenine, the direct bioprecursor of the neuroactive metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA). We therefore investigated whether alterations in KYNA levels in the rat brain might play a role in the long-term consequences of prenatal cannabinoid exposure. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated daily with THC [5 mg/kg, p.o.] from gestational day (GD)5 through GD20. Using in vivo microdialysis in the medial prefrontal cortex, adult animals were then used to determine the extracellular levels of KYNA and glutamate. Compared to controls, extracellular basal KYNA levels were higher, and basal glutamate levels were lower, in prenatally THC-exposed rats. These rats also showed abnormal short-term memory. Following an additional acute challenge with a low dose of kynurenine (5 mg/kg i.p.) in adulthood, the increase in extracellular KYNA levels in the mPFC was more pronounced in in prenatally THC-exposed rats. These effects could be causally related to the cognitive dysfunction seen in prenatally THC-exposed rats. In the translational realm, these experiments raise the prospect of prevention of KYNA neosynthesis as a promising novel approach to combat some of the detrimental long-term effects of prenatal cannabis use.
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9
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Zádor F, Nagy-Grócz G, Dvorácskó S, Bohár Z, Cseh EK, Zádori D, Párdutz Á, Szűcs E, Tömböly C, Borsodi A, Benyhe S, Vécsei L. Long-term systemic administration of kynurenic acid brain region specifically elevates the abundance of functional CB 1 receptors in rats. Neurochem Int 2020; 138:104752. [PMID: 32445659 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is one of the most significant metabolite of the kynurenine pathway both in terms of functional and potential therapeutic value. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, but it can also activate the G-protein coupled receptor 35 (GPR35), which shares several structural and functional properties with cannabinoid receptors. Previously our group demonstrated that systemic chronic KYNA treatment altered opioid receptor G-protein activity. Opioid receptors also overlap in many features with cannabinoid receptors. Thus, our aim was to examine the direct in vitro and systemic, chronic in vivo effect of KYNA on type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) binding and G-protein activity. Based on competition and [35S]GTPγS G-protein binding assays in rat brain, KYNA alone did not show significant binding towards the CB1R, nor did it alter CB1R ligand binding and agonist activity in vitro. When rats were chronically treated with KYNA (single daily, i.p., 128 mg/kg for 9 days), the KYNA plasma and cerebrospinal fluid levels significantly increased compared to vehicle treated group. Furthermore, in G-protein binding assays, in the whole brain the amount of G-proteins in basal and in maximum activity coupled to the CB1R also increased due to the treatment. At the same time, the overall stimulatory properties of the receptor remained unaltered in vehicle and KYNA treated samples. Similar observations were made in rat hippocampus, but not in the cortex and brainstem. In saturation binding assays the density of CB1Rs in rat whole brain and hippocampus were also significantly enhanced after the same treatment, without significantly affecting ligand binding affinity. Thus, KYNA indirectly and brain region specifically increases the abundance of functional CB1Rs, without modifying the overall binding and activity of the receptor. Supposedly, this can be a compensatory mechanism on the part of the endocannabinoid system induced by the long-term KYNA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Nagy-Grócz
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, University of Szeged, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 31, H-6726, Hungary; Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Hungary; Department of Medical Chemistry University of Szeged, Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Bohár
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725, Hungary; MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6725, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Edina Katalin Cseh
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725, Hungary
| | - Dénes Zádori
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725, Hungary
| | - Árpád Párdutz
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725, Hungary
| | - Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Hungary; Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 10, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Anna Borsodi
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Hungary
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725, Hungary; MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6725, Szeged, Hungary
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Role of the kynurenine pathway and the endocannabinoid system as modulators of inflammation and personality traits. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 110:104434. [PMID: 31525567 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kynurenine pathway metabolites and endocannabinoids both exert potent regulatory effects on the immune system, but the relationship between these molecules is unknown. The role of these immunobiological mediators in emotionality and personality traits is not previously characterized. METHODS Interleukin-6 (IL-6), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and picolinic acid (PIC) were measured in the plasma of physically healthy individuals who had history of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders (n = 96) or who had no history of any psychiatric disorder (n = 56) by DSM-5 Criteria. Dimensional assessments of personality were performed using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). RESULTS Plasma IL-6 levels were significantly associated with plasma 2-AG levels and plasma PIC levels across all subjects. PIC levels were also negatively associated with 2-AG levels across all subjects, independent of IL-6 levels. In our analysis of the biological determinants of personality factors, we identified significant associations between IL-6 and novelty seeking assessment, and between PIC and neuroticism assessment. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence of a biological link between metabolites of the kynurenine pathway, the endocannabinoid system and IL-6 and suggest that these factors may influence personality traits.
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Kynurenines and the Endocannabinoid System in Schizophrenia: Common Points and Potential Interactions. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24203709. [PMID: 31619006 PMCID: PMC6832375 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia, which affects around 1% of the world’s population, has been described as a complex set of symptoms triggered by multiple factors. However, the exact background mechanisms remain to be explored, whereas therapeutic agents with excellent effectivity and safety profiles have yet to be developed. Kynurenines and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) play significant roles in both the development and manifestation of schizophrenia, which have been extensively studied and reviewed previously. Accordingly, kynurenines and the ECS share multiple features and mechanisms in schizophrenia, which have yet to be reviewed. Thus, the present study focuses on the main common points and potential interactions between kynurenines and the ECS in schizophrenia, which include (i) the regulation of glutamatergic/dopaminergic/γ-aminobutyric acidergic neurotransmission, (ii) their presence in astrocytes, and (iii) their role in inflammatory mechanisms. Additionally, promising pharmaceutical approaches involving the kynurenine pathway and the ECS will be reviewed herein.
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Interactions between the Kynurenine and the Endocannabinoid System with Special Emphasis on Migraine. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081617. [PMID: 28758944 PMCID: PMC5578009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Both the kynurenine and the endocannabinoid systems are involved in several neurological disorders, such as migraine and there are increasing number of reports demonstrating that there are interactions of two systems. Although their cooperation has not yet been implicated in migraine, there are reports suggesting this possibility. Additionally, the individual role of the endocannabinoid and kynurenine system in migraine is reviewed here first, focusing on endocannabinoids, kynurenine metabolites, in particular kynurenic acid. Finally, the function of NMDA and cannabinoid receptors in the trigeminal system-which has a crucial role in the pathomechanisms of migraine-will also be discussed. The interaction of the endocannabinoid and kynurenine system has been demonstrated to be therapeutically relevant in a number of pathological conditions, such as cannabis addiction, psychosis, schizophrenia and epilepsy. Accordingly, the cross-talk of these two systems may imply potential mechanisms related to migraine, and may offer new approaches to manage the treatment of this neurological disorder.
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