1
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Rock EM, Limebeer CL, Smoum R, Mechoulam R, Parker LA. Effect of oleoyl glycine and oleoyl alanine on lithium chloride induced nausea in rats and vomiting in shrews. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:377-383. [PMID: 34676441 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The fatty acid amide oleoyl glycine (OlGly) and its more stable methylated form oleoyl alanine (OlAla) reduce naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal (MWD)-induced conditioned gaping (nausea) responses in rats. In addition, OlGly has been shown to reduce lithium chloride (LiCl)-induced conditioned gaping in rats and vomiting in Suncus murinus (house musk shrews). OBJECTIVES Here, we compared the potential of these fatty acid amides to maintain their anti-nausea/anti-emetic effect over a delay. The following experiments examined the potential of a wider dose range of OlGly and OlAla to interfere with (1) LiCl-induced conditioned gaping in rats and (2) LiCl-induced vomiting in shrews, when administered 20 or 70 min prior to illness. RESULTS OlAla (1, 5, 20 mg/kg) reduced LiCl-induced conditioned gaping, with OlGly only effective at the high dose (20 mg/kg), with no effect of pretreatment delay time. At the high dose of 20 mg/kg, OlGly increased passive drips during conditioning suggesting a sedative effect. In shrews, both OlGly and OlAla (1, 5 mg/kg) suppressed LiCl-induced vomiting, with no effect of pretreatment delay. OlAla more effectively suppressed vomiting, with OlAla (5 mg/kg) also increasing the latency to the first vomiting reaction. CONCLUSIONS OlAla was more effective than OlGly in reducing both LiCl-induced gaping in rats and LiCl-induced vomiting in shrews. These findings provide further evidence that these fatty acid amides may be useful treatments for nausea and vomiting, with OlAla demonstrating superior efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Rock
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Cheryl L Limebeer
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Reem Smoum
- Institute of Drug Research, Medical Facility, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Institute of Drug Research, Medical Facility, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Linda A Parker
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G2W1, Canada.
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2
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On the Biomedical Properties of Endocannabinoid Degradation and Reuptake Inhibitors: Pre-clinical and Clinical Evidence. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:2072-2097. [PMID: 34741755 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00424-z] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of endogenous cannabinoids; components involved in their synthesis, transport, and degradation; and an expansive variety of cannabinoid receptors. Hypofunction or deregulation of the ECS is related to pathological conditions. Consequently, endogenous enhancement of endocannabinoid levels and/or regulation of their metabolism represent promising therapeutic approaches. Several major strategies have been suggested for the modulation of the ECS: (1) blocking endocannabinoids degradation, (2) inhibition of endocannabinoid cellular uptake, and (3) pharmacological modulation of cannabinoid receptors as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we focused in this review on degradation/reuptake inhibitors over cannabinoid receptor modulators in order to provide an updated synopsis of contemporary evidence advancing mechanisms of endocannabinoids as pharmacological tools with therapeutic properties for the treatment of several disorders. For this purpose, we revisited the available literature and reported the latest advances regarding the biomedical properties of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We also highlighted anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol reuptake inhibitors with promising results in pre-clinical studies using in vitro and animal models as an outlook for future research in clinical trials.
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3
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Zanfirescu A, Ungurianu A, Mihai DP, Radulescu D, Nitulescu GM. Targeting Monoacylglycerol Lipase in Pursuit of Therapies for Neurological and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules 2021; 26:5668. [PMID: 34577139 PMCID: PMC8468992 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological and neurodegenerative diseases are debilitating conditions, and frequently lack an effective treatment. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol), a neuroprotective endocannabinoid intimately linked to the generation of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules. Consequently, synthesizing selective MAGL inhibitors has become a focus point in drug design and development. The purpose of this review was to summarize the diverse synthetic scaffolds of MAGL inhibitors concerning their potency, mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications, focusing on the results of studies published in the past five years. The main irreversible inhibitors identified were derivatives of hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol carbamates, glycol carbamates, azetidone triazole ureas and benzisothiazolinone, whereas the most promising reversible inhibitors were derivatives of salicylketoxime, piperidine, pyrrolidone and azetidinyl amides. We reviewed the results of in-depth chemical, mechanistic and computational studies on MAGL inhibitors, in addition to the results of in vitro findings concerning selectivity and potency of inhibitors, using the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) as an indicator of their effect on MAGL. Further, for highlighting the potential usefulness of highly selective and effective inhibitors, we examined the preclinical in vivo reports regarding the promising therapeutic applications of MAGL pharmacological inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anca Ungurianu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (A.Z.); (D.P.M.); (D.R.); (G.M.N.)
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League AF, Gorman BL, Hermes DJ, Johnson CT, Jacobs IR, Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Poklis JL, Niphakis MJ, Cravatt BF, Lichtman AH, Ignatowska-Jankowska BM, Fitting S. Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitor MJN110 Reduces Neuronal Hyperexcitability, Restores Dendritic Arborization Complexity, and Regulates Reward-Related Behavior in Presence of HIV-1 Tat. Front Neurol 2021; 12:651272. [PMID: 34484091 PMCID: PMC8415271 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.651272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
While current therapeutic strategies for people living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) suppress virus replication peripherally, viral proteins such as transactivator of transcription (Tat) enter the central nervous system early upon infection and contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions even alongside antiretroviral treatment. As demand grows for supplemental strategies to combat virus-associated pathology presenting frequently as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), the present study aimed to characterize the potential utility of inhibiting monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) activity to increase inhibitory activity at cannabinoid receptor-type 1 receptors through upregulation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and downregulation of its degradation into proinflammatory metabolite arachidonic acid (AA). The MAGL inhibitor MJN110 significantly reduced intracellular calcium and increased dendritic branching complexity in Tat-treated primary frontal cortex neuron cultures. Chronic MJN110 administration in vivo increased 2-AG levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatum across Tat(+) and Tat(–) groups and restored PFC N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) levels in Tat(+) subjects. While Tat expression significantly increased rate of reward-related behavioral task acquisition in a novel discriminative stimulus learning and cognitive flexibility assay, MJN110 altered reversal acquisition specifically in Tat(+) mice to rates indistinguishable from Tat(–) controls. Collectively, our results suggest a neuroprotective role of MAGL inhibition in reducing neuronal hyperexcitability, restoring dendritic arborization complexity, and mitigating neurocognitive alterations driven by viral proteins associated with latent HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis F League
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Benjamin L Gorman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Douglas J Hermes
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Clare T Johnson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ian R Jacobs
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Barkha J Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Micah J Niphakis
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin F Cravatt
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | | | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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5
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Deplano A, Karlsson J, Moraca F, Svensson M, Cristiano C, Morgillo CM, Fowler CJ, Russo R, Catalanotti B, Onnis V. Design, synthesis and in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of flurbiprofen amides as new fatty acid amide hydrolase/cyclooxygenase-2 dual inhibitory potential analgesic agents. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:940-953. [PMID: 33896320 PMCID: PMC8079065 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1875459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Compounds combining dual inhibitory action against FAAH and cyclooxygenase (COX) may be potentially useful analgesics. Here, we describe a novel flurbiprofen analogue, N-(3-bromopyridin-2-yl)-2-(2-fluoro-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl)propanamide (Flu-AM4). The compound is a competitive, reversible inhibitor of FAAH with a Ki value of 13 nM and which inhibits COX activity in a substrate-selective manner. Molecular modelling suggested that Flu-AM4 optimally fits a hydrophobic pocket in the ACB region of FAAH, and binds to COX-2 similarly to flurbiprofen. In vivo studies indicated that at a dose of 10 mg/kg, Flu-AM4 was active in models of prolonged (formalin) and neuropathic (chronic constriction injury) pain and reduced the spinal expression of iNOS, COX-2, and NFκB in the neuropathic model. Thus, the present study identifies Flu-AM4 as a dual-action FAAH/substrate-selective COX inhibitor with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in animal pain models. These findings underscore the potential usefulness of such dual-action compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Deplano
- Unit of Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Jessica Karlsson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Federica Moraca
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Net4Science srl, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mona Svensson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Claudia Cristiano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Marco Morgillo
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Roberto Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Catalanotti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Onnis
- Unit of Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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6
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Tyukhtenko S, Ma X, Rajarshi G, Karageorgos I, Anderson KW, Hudgens JW, Guo JJ, Nasr ML, Zvonok N, Vemuri K, Wagner G, Makriyannis A. Conformational gating, dynamics and allostery in human monoacylglycerol lipase. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18531. [PMID: 33116203 PMCID: PMC7595040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75497-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of human Monoacylglycerol Lipase (hMGL) offers a novel approach for treating neurological diseases. The design of inhibitors, targeting active-inactive conformational transitions of the enzyme, can be aided by understanding the interplay between structure and dynamics. Here, we report the effects of mutations within the catalytic triad on structure, conformational gating and dynamics of hMGL by combining kinetics, NMR, and HDX-MS data with metadynamics simulations. We found that point mutations alter delicate conformational equilibria between active and inactive states. HDX-MS reveals regions of the hMGL that become substantially more dynamic upon substitution of catalytic acid Asp-239 by alanine. These regions, located far from the catalytic triad, include not only loops but also rigid α-helixes and β-strands, suggesting their involvement in allosteric regulation as channels for long-range signal transmission. The results identify the existence of a preorganized global communication network comprising of tertiary (residue-residue contacts) and quaternary (rigid-body contacts) networks that mediate robust, rapid intraprotein signal transmission. Catalytic Asp-239 controls hMGL allosteric communications and may be considered as an essential residue for the integration and transmission of information to enzymes' remote regions, in addition to its well-known role to facilitate Ser-122 activation. Our findings may assist in the identification of new druggable sites in hMGL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy Tyukhtenko
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA.
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA
| | - Girija Rajarshi
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA
| | - Ioannis Karageorgos
- BioProcess Measurements Group, Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Kyle W Anderson
- BioProcess Measurements Group, Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Hudgens
- BioProcess Measurements Group, Biomolecular Measurement Division, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Jason J Guo
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA.,Barnett Institute for Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA
| | - Mahmoud L Nasr
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nikolai Zvonok
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA
| | - Kiran Vemuri
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA
| | - Gerhard Wagner
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA.
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7
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Rock EM, Ayoub SM, Limebeer CL, Gene A, Wills KL, DeVuono MV, Smoum R, Di Marzo V, Lichtman AH, Mechoulam R, Parker LA. Acute naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal elicits nausea-like somatic behaviors in rats in a manner suppressed by N-oleoylglycine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:375-384. [PMID: 31712968 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05373-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Acute naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal (MWD) produces a conditioned place aversion (CPA) in rats even after one or two exposures to high-dose (20 mg/kg, sc) morphine followed 24-h later by naloxone (1 mg/kg, sc). However, the somatic withdrawal reactions produced by acute naloxone-precipitated MWD in rats have not been investigated. A recently discovered fatty acid amide, N-oleoylglycine (OlGly), which has been suggested to act as a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor and as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist, was previously shown to interfere with a naloxone-precipitated MWD-induced CPA in rats. OBJECTIVES The aims of these studies were to examine the somatic withdrawal responses produced by acute naloxone-precipitated MWD and determine whether OlGly can also interfere with these responses. RESULTS Here, we report that following two exposures to morphine (20 mg/kg, sc) each followed by naloxone (1 mg/kg, sc) 24 h later, rats display nausea-like somatic reactions of lying flattened on belly, abdominal contractions and diarrhea, and display increased mouthing movements and loss of body weight. OlGly (5 mg/kg, ip) interfered with naloxone-precipitated MWD-induced abdominal contractions, lying on belly, diarrhea and mouthing movements in male Sprague-Dawley rats, by both a cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and a PPARα mechanism of action. Since these withdrawal reactions are symptomatic of nausea, we evaluated the potential of OlGly to interfere with lithium chloride (LiCl)-induced and MWD-induced conditioned gaping in rats, a selective measure of nausea; the suppression of MWD-induced gaping reactions by OlGly was both CB1 and PPARα mediated. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the aversive effects of acute naloxone-precipitated MWD reflect nausea, which is suppressed by OlGly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Rock
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Samantha M Ayoub
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Cheryl L Limebeer
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Alexia Gene
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Kiri L Wills
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Marieka V DeVuono
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Reem Smoum
- Institute for Drug Research, Medical Faculty, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Consiglio Nazionale delle Richerche, Pozzuli, Naples, Italy.,Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome/Endocannabinoid Axis in Metabolomic Health, University of Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Institute for Drug Research, Medical Faculty, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Linda A Parker
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Anti-cholinergics mecamylamine and scopolamine alleviate motion sickness-induced gastrointestinal symptoms through both peripheral and central actions. Neuropharmacology 2019; 146:252-263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Brain permeant and impermeant inhibitors of fatty-acid amide hydrolase suppress the development and maintenance of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain without producing tolerance or physical dependence in vivo and synergize with paclitaxel to reduce tumor cell line viability in vitro. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:267-282. [PMID: 30739035 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors suppresses pathological pain but also produces unwanted side effects, including tolerance and physical dependence. Inhibition of fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the major enzyme catalyzing the degradation of anandamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid, and other fatty-acid amides, suppresses pain without unwanted side effects typical of direct CB1 agonists. However, FAAH inhibitors have failed to show efficacy in several clinical trials suggesting that the right partnership of FAAH inhibition and pathology has yet to be identified. We compared efficacy of chronic treatments with a centrally penetrant FAAH inhibitor (URB597), a peripherally restricted FAAH inhibitor (URB937) and an orthosteric pan-cannabinoid agonist (WIN55,212-2) in suppressing neuropathic pain induced by the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel. Each FAAH inhibitor suppressed the development of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain and reduced the maintenance of already established allodynia with sustained efficacy. Tolerance developed to the anti-allodynic efficacy of WIN55,212-2, but not to that of URB597 or URB937, in each dosing paradigm. Challenge with the CB1 antagonist rimonabant precipitated CB1-dependent withdrawal in paclitaxel-treated mice receiving WIN55,212-2 but not URB597 or URB937. When dosing with either URB597 or URB937 was restricted to the development of neuropathy, paclitaxel-induced allodynia emerged following termination of drug delivery. These observations suggest that both FAAH inhibitors were anti-allodynic rather than curative. Moreover, neither URB597 nor URB937 impeded the ability of paclitaxel to reduce breast (4T1) or ovarian (HeyA8) tumor cell line viability. In fact, URB597 and URB937 alone reduced 4T1 tumor cell line viability, albeit with low potency, and the dose matrix of each combination with paclitaxel was synergistic in reducing 4T1 and HeyA8 tumor cell line viability according to Bliss, Highest Single Agent (HSA) and Loewe additivity models. Both FAAH inhibitors synergized with paclitaxel to reduce 4T1 and HeyA8 tumor cell line viability without reducing viability of non-tumor HEK293 cells. Neither FAAH inhibitor reduced viability of non-tumor HEK293 cells in either the presence or absence of paclitaxel, suggesting that nonspecific cytotoxic effects were not produced by the same treatments. Our results suggest that FAAH inhibitors reduce paclitaxel-induced allodynia without the occurrence of CB1-dependence in vivo and may, in fact, enhance the anti-tumor actions of paclitaxel in vitro.
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10
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Therapeutic Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids: Still an Open Issue? Clin Ther 2018; 40:1457-1466. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Di Marzo V. New approaches and challenges to targeting the endocannabinoid system. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:623-639. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Uranga JA, Vera G, Abalo R. Cannabinoid pharmacology and therapy in gut disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:134-147. [PMID: 30076849 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sp. and their products (marijuana, hashish…), in addition to their recreational, industrial and other uses, have a long history for their use as a remedy for symptoms related with gastrointestinal diseases. After many reports suggesting these beneficial effects, it was not surprising to discover that the gastrointestinal tract expresses endogenous cannabinoids, their receptors, and enzymes for their synthesis and degradation, comprising the so-called endocannabinoid system. This system participates in the control of tissue homeostasis and important intestinal functions like motor and sensory activity, nausea, emesis, the maintenance of the epithelial barrier integrity, and the correct cellular microenvironment. Thus, different cannabinoid-related pharmacological agents may be useful to treat the main digestive pathologies. To name a few examples, in irritable bowel syndrome they may normalize dysmotility and reduce pain, in inflammatory bowel disease they may decrease inflammation, and in colorectal cancer, apart from alleviating some symptoms, they may play a role in the regulation of the cell niche. This review summarizes the main recent findings on the role of cannabinoid receptors, their synthetic or natural ligands and their metabolizing enzymes in normal gastrointestinal function and in disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer and gastrointestinal chemotherapy-induced adverse effects (nausea/vomiting, constipation, diarrhea).
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Uranga
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, CIAL (CSIC), Spain; Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL), Spain
| | - G Vera
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, CIAL (CSIC), Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica, IQM (CSIC), Spain; Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL), Spain
| | - R Abalo
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, CIAL (CSIC), Spain; Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica, IQM (CSIC), Spain; Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor (i+DOL), Spain.
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Nausea-Induced 5-HT Release in the Interoceptive Insular Cortex and Regulation by Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL) Inhibition and Cannabidiol. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0256-18. [PMID: 30073198 PMCID: PMC6071201 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0256-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the rat conditioned gaping model of nausea, the interoceptive insular cortex (IIC) has been identified as a critical site for the regulation of lithium chloride (LiCl)-induced nausea. Indirect evidence supports a model where serotonin (5-HT) acts on postsynaptic 5-HT3 receptors and its release is suppressed by elevating 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibition to suppress nausea. Here, we directly test the hypothesis that systemic LiCl elevates 5-HT in the IIC, and this is prevented by pretreatments that reduce 5-HT release. Using male Sprague Dawley rats, LiCl (but not saline), elevated 5-HT selectively in the IIC, for 20 min after LiCl administration (127.2 mg/kg, i.p.). Systemic pretreatment with the MAGL inhibitor, MJN110, prevented the LiCl-induced elevation of 5-HT in the IIC. Systemic cannabidiol (CBD), which reduces LiCl-induced nausea by acting at 5-HT1A somatodendritic autoreceptors, also prevented LiCl-induced elevation of 5-HT in the IIC. Since 5-HT3 receptor agonists delivered to the IIC produce nausea, we tested and confirmed the hypothesis that the intra-IIC administration of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron, but not MJN110, would prevent LiCl-induced conditioned gaping reactions produced by intra-IIC administration of the 5-HT3 receptor agonist, m-chlorophenylbiguanide (mCPBG). Finally, we demonstrate that exposure to a LiCl-paired flavor (but not a saline-paired flavor) produces elevated 5-HT release in the IIC, while rats display conditioned gaping reactions. These results confirm that LiCl-induced nausea is triggered by elevated 5-HT release in the IIC and is attenuated by treatments that reduce 5-HT availability in this region.
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Enhanced endocannabinoid tone as a potential target of pharmacotherapy. Life Sci 2018; 204:20-45. [PMID: 29729263 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is up-regulated in numerous pathophysiological states such as inflammatory, neurodegenerative, gastrointestinal, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, pain, and cancer. It has been suggested that this phenomenon primarily serves an autoprotective role in inhibiting disease progression and/or diminishing signs and symptoms. Accordingly, enhancement of endogenous endocannabinoid tone by inhibition of endocannabinoid degradation represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of many diseases. Importantly, this allows for the avoidance of unwanted psychotropic side effects that accompany exogenously administered cannabinoids. The effects of endocannabinoid metabolic pathway modulation are complex, as endocannabinoids can exert their actions directly or via numerous metabolites. The two main strategies for blocking endocannabinoid degradation are inhibition of endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes and inhibition of endocannabinoid cellular uptake. To date, the most investigated compounds are inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme that degrades the endocannabinoid anandamide. However, application of FAAH inhibitors (and consequently other endocannabinoid degradation inhibitors) in medicine became questionable due to a lack of therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials and serious adverse effects evoked by one specific compound. In this paper, we discuss multiple pathways of endocannabinoid metabolism, changes in endocannabinoid levels across numerous human diseases and corresponding experimental models, pharmacological strategies for enhancing endocannabinoid tone and potential therapeutic applications including multi-target drugs with additional targets outside of the endocannabinoid system (cyclooxygenase-2, cholinesterase, TRPV1, and PGF2α-EA receptors), and currently used medicines or medicinal herbs that additionally enhance endocannabinoid levels. Ultimately, further clinical and preclinical studies are warranted to develop medicines for enhancing endocannabinoid tone.
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Effects of Distal Mutations on the Structure, Dynamics and Catalysis of Human Monoacylglycerol Lipase. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1719. [PMID: 29379013 PMCID: PMC5789057 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-19135-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An understanding of how conformational dynamics modulates function and catalysis of human monoacylglycerol lipase (hMGL), an important pharmaceutical target, can facilitate the development of novel ligands with potential therapeutic value. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of an allosteric, regulatory hMGL site comprised of residues Trp-289 and Leu-232 that reside over 18 Å away from the catalytic triad. These residues were identified as critical mediators of long-range communication and as important contributors to the integrity of the hMGL structure. Nonconservative replacements of Trp-289 or Leu-232 triggered concerted motions of structurally distinct regions with a significant conformational shift toward inactive states and dramatic loss in catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Using a multimethod approach, we show that the dynamically relevant Trp-289 and Leu-232 residues serve as communication hubs within an allosteric protein network that controls signal propagation to the active site, and thus, regulates active-inactive interconversion of hMGL. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of allosteric regulation of lipase activity, in general, and may provide alternative drug design possibilities.
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Leonard MZ, Alapafuja SO, Ji L, Shukla VG, Liu Y, Nikas SP, Makriyannis A, Bergman J, Kangas BD. Cannabinoid CB 1 Discrimination: Effects of Endocannabinoids and Catabolic Enzyme Inhibitors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 363:314-323. [PMID: 28947487 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.244392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of the endocannabinoid system has provided new avenues of drug discovery and development toward the management of pain and other behavioral maladies. Exogenous cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor agonists such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol are increasingly used for their medicinal actions; however, their utility is constrained by concern regarding abuse-related subjective effects. This has led to growing interest in the clinical benefit of indirectly enhancing the activity of the highly labile endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine [AEA (or anandamide)] and/or 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) via catabolic enzyme inhibition. The present studies were conducted to determine whether such actions can lead to CB1 agonist-like subjective effects, as reflected in CB1-related discriminative stimulus effects in laboratory subjects. Squirrel monkeys (n = 8) that discriminated the CB1 full agonist AM4054 (0.01 mg/kg) from vehicle were used to study, first, the inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) or monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) alone or in combination [FAAH (URB597, AM4303); MGL (AM4301); FAAH/MGL (JZL195, AM4302)] and, second, the ability of the endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG to produce CB1 agonist-like effects when administered alone or after enzyme inhibition. Results indicate that CB1-related discriminative stimulus effects were produced by combined, but not selective, inhibition of FAAH and MGL, and that these effects were nonsurmountably antagonized by low doses of rimonabant. Additionally, FAAH or MGL inhibition revealed CB1-like subjective effects produced by AEA but not by 2-AG. Taken together, the present data suggest that therapeutic effects of combined, but not selective, enhancement of AEA or 2-AG activity via enzyme inhibition may be accompanied by CB1 receptor-mediated subjective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Z Leonard
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B., B.D.K.); McLean Hospital, Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Belmont, Massachusetts (M.Z.L., J.B., B.D.K.); MakScientific LLC, Burlington, Massachusetts (S.O.A.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (L.J., V.G.S., Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Shakiru O Alapafuja
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B., B.D.K.); McLean Hospital, Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Belmont, Massachusetts (M.Z.L., J.B., B.D.K.); MakScientific LLC, Burlington, Massachusetts (S.O.A.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (L.J., V.G.S., Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Lipin Ji
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B., B.D.K.); McLean Hospital, Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Belmont, Massachusetts (M.Z.L., J.B., B.D.K.); MakScientific LLC, Burlington, Massachusetts (S.O.A.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (L.J., V.G.S., Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Vidyanand G Shukla
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B., B.D.K.); McLean Hospital, Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Belmont, Massachusetts (M.Z.L., J.B., B.D.K.); MakScientific LLC, Burlington, Massachusetts (S.O.A.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (L.J., V.G.S., Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Yingpeng Liu
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B., B.D.K.); McLean Hospital, Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Belmont, Massachusetts (M.Z.L., J.B., B.D.K.); MakScientific LLC, Burlington, Massachusetts (S.O.A.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (L.J., V.G.S., Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Spyros P Nikas
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B., B.D.K.); McLean Hospital, Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Belmont, Massachusetts (M.Z.L., J.B., B.D.K.); MakScientific LLC, Burlington, Massachusetts (S.O.A.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (L.J., V.G.S., Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B., B.D.K.); McLean Hospital, Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Belmont, Massachusetts (M.Z.L., J.B., B.D.K.); MakScientific LLC, Burlington, Massachusetts (S.O.A.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (L.J., V.G.S., Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Jack Bergman
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B., B.D.K.); McLean Hospital, Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Belmont, Massachusetts (M.Z.L., J.B., B.D.K.); MakScientific LLC, Burlington, Massachusetts (S.O.A.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (L.J., V.G.S., Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Brian D Kangas
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts (J.B., B.D.K.); McLean Hospital, Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Belmont, Massachusetts (M.Z.L., J.B., B.D.K.); MakScientific LLC, Burlington, Massachusetts (S.O.A.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (L.J., V.G.S., Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
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Rock EM, Parker LA. Cannabinoids As Potential Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:221. [PMID: 27507945 PMCID: PMC4960260 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the advent of classic anti-emetics, chemotherapy-induced nausea is still problematic, with vomiting being somewhat better managed in the clinic. If post-treatment nausea and vomiting are not properly controlled, anticipatory nausea—a conditioned response to the contextual cues associated with illness-inducing chemotherapy—can develop. Once it develops, anticipatory nausea is refractive to current anti-emetics, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options. One of the first documented medicinal uses of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) was for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and recent evidence is accumulating to suggest a role for the endocannabinoid system in modulating CINV. Here, we review studies assessing the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and manipulations of the endocannabinoid system in human patients and pre-clinical animal models of nausea and vomiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Rock
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Guelph Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Linda A Parker
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Guelph Guelph, ON, Canada
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